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    Sports brand behind some of football’s most iconic shirts ends kit deals after filing for bankruptcy

    ICONIC sports brand Le Coq Sportif have filled for bankruptcy.The French manufacturer produced kits for several Premier League clubs and World Cup winning nations down the years.Diego Maradona won the World Cup in a shirt made by Le Coq SportifCredit: GettySeveral Premier League clubs wore the brand like Man CityCredit: PA:Press AssociationBut the company’s days appear to be numbered as they have been placed under judicial restructuring proceedings by the Paris Commercial Court.Parent company Airesis said: “Le Coq Sportif is relying on this procedure to respond to the challenges facing the brand while protecting its 330 employees and hundreds of indirect jobs.”The brand, who were behind Team France’s Paris 2024 Olympic sportswear, received an emergency £10.5million loan from the nation’s government in 2023.And they have also been locked in a legal battle with the French Rugby Federation over £4.5m in alleged unpaid sponsorship fees.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLe Coq Sportif currently manufacture kits for several football clubs across the world including French duo Nice and Troyes.Ineos-owned Swiss side Lausanne, Argentine pair Rosario and Talleres, Colombian outfit America de Cali and the South African national team are also at risk should they go bust.Closer to home, Prem sides like Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Everton, Leicester, Tottenham and Manchester City all previously had the iconic logo on their chest.Aston Villa were sponsored by them when they won the European Cup in 1982.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSItaly later that year and Argentina in 1986 won the World Cup wearing Le Coq Sportif shirts.Diego Maradona was part of that team and produced the infamous “Hand of God” goal in the jersey.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirt More

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    Ruben Amorim ‘damages big screen TV in Man Utd dressing room during furious outburst at flops after Brighton loss’

    MANCHESTER UNITED manager Ruben Amorim damaged a TV screen in the club dressing room during a furious dressing down of his players on Sunday, according to reports.The Athletic claim that Amorim unleashed his emotions in a physical and verbal showing of his frustration following the Red Devils’ 3-1 defeat to Brighton.Ruben Amorim reportedly damaged a TV in the Man Utd dressing room on SundayCredit: GettyAmad Diallo is pictured in the dressing room with a TV seen behind him in video taken on the day of the match vs BrightonCredit: The SunIt’s claimed that the TV used to show tactics prior to kick off was collateral damage during Amorim’s enraged outburst.The report suggests that players were shocked by the angry reaction with Amorim usually opting for a quiet approach in the immediate aftermath of a game.Amorim has always opted to stay silent after the final whistle and analyse the match the next day throughout his career.The Portuguese manager, 39, was clearly still reeling in his post-match press conference when he claimed that his side are the worst Man Utd team in history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “We are being the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United.“I know you want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and change that. So there you go, your headline.”In ten games in the Premier League we won two, I know that. Imagine this for a fan of Manchester United, imagine this for me.“You are getting a new coach who is losing more than the last coach. Imagine that. We need to survive this moment. I know that.”Most read in FootballUnited were dismantled by Brighton on SundayCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSUnited’s record at home this season is the club’s worst in the league in 131 years.They have not lost six games at Old Trafford in 12 opening league appearances since the 1893-94 season, when they lost seven.Reasons to be positive under Ruben AmorimAmorim’s side are 13th in the table after 22 matches and sit closer to the relegation zone (10 points) than they do the top four (12).Amorim also took aim at his side’s inability to show tactical discipline in the closing stage of games during his post-match reaction.He fumed: “I knew that it was going to be hard to put a completely new idea in the moment but when you lose games and don’t win three games in a row it becomes really hard.“So that’s why I’m telling we are going to suffer because I will continue to do the same.“To help my players is to give them the tools to play in this way but then without training is really hard. You can feel it in the end of the game, everybody was changing position and that is something I will not see again. We can lose but we have to maintain position.“I just want to help my players. If I want to show to the media or to the fans, I put two strikers. But I didn’t put two strikers because if I do it’s going to be more difficult for them to understand the way we play.“I am just here to try to help my players but we need to understand we are breaking all the bad records. It’s a proud thing we need to change.”Man Utd squad transfer verdictSunSport gives its verdict on what Man Utd stars should stay or go in the first phase of Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild:Andre Onana – StayDespite being guilty of some erratic performances, Andre Onana remains a world-class goalkeeper and United would struggle to find better in the market.The defence has begun to look more solid in recent weeks now Amorim has had time to coach the structure into the team, and hopefully, that will be converted into clean sheets going forward.Noussair Mazraoui – StayThe best signing from the summer window so far, Noussair Mazraoui has proven to be everything Man Utd needed and more.Versatile, reliable and passionate no matter whether he plays at wing-back or centre-back, it is a no-brainer to keep the Moroccan.Leny Yoro – StayAfter a pre-season injury, Leny Yoro has taken some time to bed in but he has shown some superb moments in a Man Utd shirt already like his lung-busting run to block a Liverpool shot in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month.At the age of 19 he will only get better and while too much expectation should not be thrust on him just yet, the early signs suggest he could be a mainstay in defence for years to come.Harry Maguire – GoThe last time we did this list Harry Maguire was one of our main defensive options to be sold, but since Amorim has come with the back three the England international has barely put a foot wrong.The issue with Maguire is that while he is perfectly suited to a back three, he will be 32 in the summer and has just one year left on his contract, so if a serious offer comes in he should regrettably be sold.Matthijs de Ligt – StayMatthijs de Ligt has been very hit or miss since arriving in the summer. Capable of heroic last-ditch tackles like he did at Arsenal and also capable of some very silly passages of play like his handball against Liverpool.In many ways, the Dutchman seems like a younger version of Maguire and given some more time to bed in he should improve even more.Lisandro Martinez – StayHas really started to grow into the Amorim system in recent games after a very sticky patch of form.He is one of the team’s best progressive passers in the build-up phase and has the dogged mentality this team will need to improve and claw its way up the table.Luke Shaw – GoIt’s been said that one of the best abilities is availability, and that rings incredibly true for Luke Shaw.World class on his day and is clearly still capable of finding those levels, as seen at less than full fitness with England at the Euros. But he is simply not available often enough to warrant keeping.Tyrell Malacia – GoTyrell Malacia is still recovering his match sharpness from his two-year injury layoff, so it is a bit harsh to make a verdict on him so soon.The current concern is that United will need to aggressively recruit specialist left wing-backs in the summer, and Malacia so far has not looked totally comfortable playing there.Manuel Ugarte – StayQuestion marks were being raised about him after his first few games. But under Amorim, Manuel Ugarte has once again become the lynchpin of his midfield.He knows the system inside out and is one of the Premier League’s most proficient ball winners. It would be madness to consider his sale next summer.Kobbie Mainoo – StayDespite reports that Chelsea and Bayern Munich want to sign the 19-year-old, Kobbie Mainoo should be one of the few genuinely untouchable stars at the club and his contract situation needs sorting ASAP.He has quality and aspects to his game not possessed by many other midfielders, and with improvements to the stars around him, he and Ugarte should be able to form an effective partnership for many years to come.Casemiro – GoCasemiro unfortunately seemed to lose his legs going into his second season at Man Utd. And with the 3-4-3 system demanding even more running from him, it is clear he simply does not fit the bill for what the club need going forward.It would also help the club’s financial goals to see him sold due to his massive £375,000-a-week wages being taken off the books.Bruno Fernandes – StayThe club captain, Bruno Fernandes has faced a lot of criticism since taking the armband for his erratic decisions and losing his temper.Yet he remains the best player in the squad by some distance and shows the mentality the squad needs to improve. Besides it’s not like United’s most famous captain of the Premier League era, Roy Keane, was exactly cool-headed.Antony – GoThere’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history, with games too often passing him by and lacking quality when he is involved.That being said, he has improved in a number of brief cameos when featuring as a wing-back under Amorim. But unless there is a plan for him to learn the position and become a specialist he should be moved on.Marcus Rashford – GoIt was not supposed to end like this. Once the darling of Old Trafford and Carrington, Marcus Rashford’s comments admitting he wanted a new challenge were probably the final nail in the coffin for his Man Utd future.There is a classy player in there if he can find the motivation to love his football again. A sale to a rival should be ruled out for fear of exactly that, while a sale overseas should be targeted and pushed by the club.Amad Diallo – StayHas taken a real liking to his role as either the right No.10 in the 3-4-3 or as the right wing-back.Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best players this season and was rewarded with a new deal as a result.Alejandro Garnacho – GoArguably the trickiest star on the list, Alejandro Garnacho has bags of raw talent to elevate him to being world-class. But recent off-field issues and poor form have doubt cast on his future.If, as reports suggest, a major bid of £60m from the likes of Napoli comes in there will be a tough decision to make. Though it may be the financial situation of the club which ultimately tips the scale.Joshua Zirkzee – GoJoshua Zirkzee has certainly been hit-and-miss at United so far. He has had some games and moments where he has looked very impressive, and others where he is simply not good enough.He has a very unique profile which makes him top drawer in the right system, it is just United will probably never play the right way for him to truly excel.Read our verdict on the full Man Utd squad here. More

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    Record-breaking Hollywood director joins board of Championship club as they target long-term stay in Premier League

    HOLLYWOOD director Joe Russo has invested in Championship side Sheffield United.New American owners COH Sports bought the club from Saudi Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad Al Saud last month.Joe Russo has invested in Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyThe club were recently taken over by an American consortiumCredit: AlamyRusso, 53, has now joined consortium and will have a place on the board at Brammal Lane.Alongside his brother Anthony, the duo have directed four Marvel films including Avengers: Endgame.The movie took £2.2billion at the box office worldwide and broke the record for highest-grossing film of all-time in 2019.Russo also directed Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is currently working on his third Avengers film, which is set to be released in 2026.Russo joins Sheffield United alongside Len Komoroski, who was a chief at basketball side the Cleveland Cavaliers, and real estate businessman Terry Ahern.Co-chairmen Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy welcomed the trio to the Blades, saying: “We are delighted to welcome Joe, Len and Terry to the board of directors of Sheffield United Football Club.”We want to see the Blades competing in the top-flight of English football consistently, not just on a one-off basis. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”An important element of this is ensuring Sheffield United has the highest quality team not just on the pitch but in the boardroom as well.”Each of Joe, Len and Terry bring outstanding capabilities and decades of experience to the table as we plan for the long-term, develop the brand and ensure we have the best infrastructure in place. Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirt”As prospective board members and investors we know all Blades fans will give them a warm welcome at Bramall Lane.”Russo has previously been spotted watching Wrexham alongside their Hollywood star owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Sheffield United are currently second in the Championship table, one point off league leaders Leeds. More

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    Man Utd to slash salaries of Bryan Robson and club legends in latest brutal Ratcliffe cuts after Sir Alex Ferguson axe

    MANCHESTER UNITED co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has club legends in his sights during another round of brutal pay cuts. United ambassadors – including greats Bryan Robson and Andy Cole – are set to see their salaries slashed. Bryan Robson is set to see his salary cut at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyIt comes as Sir Jim Ratcliffe increased his cost-cutting spree at the clubCredit: AlamyThe move comes just months after Sir Alex Ferguson was axed from his ambassador role with the club he managed for 26 years.Ratcliffe has previously cancelled senior staff’s private cars, scrapped the annual Christmas party, and reduced lunch privileges on match days.Job cuts at Old Trafford have also seen 250 personnel leave.Sir Alex was removed from his £2million-a-year ambassadorial position in October. READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe will still serve as a non-executive director and is welcome at matches.According to talkSPORT, more United legends acting as ambassadors have now seen their salaries slashed.Robson has been an official Global Ambassador for the Red Devils since 2011. The longest-serving captain in the club’s history, Robson’s role sees him promote United around the globe.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS1999 treble winners Cole and Dennis Irwin are among those to see their pay slashed.The fee for matchday ambassadorial duties can range from £500 to £1,000, per the report.Man Utd’s owners will have ‘very strong word’ with Ruben Amorim over ‘bizarre and ridiculous’ claim, says Carragher Many of the former stars rely on the cash having missed out on huge wages during their playing career.Ratcliffe – who is worth £23.5billion – has recently raised ticket prices despite on-field turmoil at United.SunSport exclusively revealed last month the Red Devils owner is slashing funding for a charity helping out former players.The club previously gave £40,000 a year to the Association of Former Manchester United Players, which fears it will fold without the cash.On the field, the Red Devils are languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League.Ex-United forward Andy Cole is among those who will be affectedCredit: GettySir 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 charityAnd new boss Ruben Amorim recently slammed his flops as “the worst team in Man Utd’s history.”Following a 3-1 home loss to Brighton, Amorim raged: “We are being the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United.”I know you want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and change that. So there you go, your headline.”In ten games in the Premier League we won two, I know that. Imagine this for a fan of Manchester United, imagine this for me.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You are getting a new coach who is losing more than the last coach. Imagine that. We need to survive this moment. I know that.”According to the talkSPORT report, United “declined to comment on contractual arrangements with their ambassadors and legends.” More

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    I’m a football agent – I offered Zinedine Zidane to Newcastle but manager said he was barely Championship level

    A FOOTBALL agent has revealed how he offered Zinedine Zidane to Newcastle – only for Toon to brand the Frenchman a barely Championship-level player.Barry Silkman is a former footballer who turned out for clubs including Manchester City, Brentford and Crystal Palace.Newcastle turned down a move for Zinedine Zidane in 1996Credit: GettyHe was offered to Toon by super agent Barry SilkmanCredit: PASilkman lifted the lid on the tale in his book, ‘The No-So Secret Football Agent’He went on to become one of the beautiful game’s top transfer gurus, facilitating moves for numerous big names.Silkman worked with aces including Jaap Stam, Micah Richards, Tomas Soucek and Yakubu during a glittering career.But he also came close to sealing one of the biggest transfers in history.In 1996, Silkman fell head over heels for midfield playmaker Zidane – then at French side Bordeaux.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ace would go on to become a superstar for Juventus and Real Madrid, winning three titles and a Champions League while also leading France to World Cup glory in 1998.At the time, Silkman had a good relationship with Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan and offered Zidane to the Magpies’ manager.However, he was left stunned when Keegan turned down the opportunity to sign Zidane for a bargain £1.2MILLION.The Newcastle gaffer had been informed by his chief scout that Zizou was hardly good enough for Wolves – who were bottom of the Championship at the time.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut years later, Keegan admitted to Silkman that he should have listened after seeing Zidane blossom into an all-time great.Writing in his book, ‘The Not-So Secret Football Agent’, Silkman said: “I was alerted to the talent of a 24-year-old attacking midfielder at Bordeaux and I went along to watch him.I’m a former Newcastle striker who filled ex-England star’s car with rotten fish as revenge for him cutting up my clothes Kevin Keegan’s chief scout claimed Zidane was barely at Championship levelCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdJust two years later Zizou was winning the World Cup with FranceCredit: AP“His name was Zinedine Zidane, and it took me about five minutes to decide that this guy was going to be something very special.“I had brought a number of good players to Newcastle United under Kevin Keegan’s reign and every one of them was a success, so Zidane felt like the perfect fit for a Keegan team.“It was 7 January, 1996, and I told Kevin he could sign Zidane for £1.2million – it was a steal.“I begged Kevin to sign him, but in the end he told me his chief scout thought he wasn’t good enough and years later, Kevin told me he should have listened to me instead of his scout.“Zidane eventually signed for Juventus and the rest is history.“More than 20 years later, Kevin would tell me I was the best agent he ever came across – the only good one in his opinion.“Nice words from a top man who I always got along really well with over the years.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I wish I’d kept the fax that was sent to me from Newcastle United where the chief scout stated, ‘Silky has grossly overrated the player. At best he is good enough for Wolves, who are bottom of the Championship at present’.“I think Zidane was slightly better than the players in struggling Wolves team!” More

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    ‘World’s most beautiful footballer’ reveals why she ‘hates football’ as she breaks down in tears in video

    ANA MARIA MARKOVIC issued a tearful video stating that she “hates” football sometimes.Markovic, 25, plays for Braga and has been dubbed by some as the “world’s most beautiful footballer”.Ana Maria Markovic declared she ‘hates’ football sometimesMarkovic is a top footballer who has a legion of fans on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @anamxrkovicMarkovic said goodbye to her boyfriend Tomas Ribeiro at the airportAnd Markovic filmed herself breaking down in tearsHowever, it appears the beautiful game takes a toll on the forward on occasion. The Croatia international took to TikTok where she filmed herself saying goodbye to her boyfriend and fellow footballer Tomas Ribeiro, who recently signed for Farense, at the airportMarkovic issued the following caption: “Sometimes I just hate football.”She also filmed herself crying on camera for her followers.Read More on FootballThe Croatian moved to Braga last August from Grasshoppers when Ribeiro was playing for Vitoria Guimaraes, which is nearby.However, the centre-back signed for Farense this month which means he will be based in the other end of the country.Markovic also wrote: “Good luck bubi, you will do amazing and I can’t wait to see your games.”Fans stormed the comments section to reach out to their favourite footballer.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesOne fan posted: “The sacrifice is emotionally demanding.”Another commented: “Majority of people don’t understand the struggle of playing football and having to do long distance relationships..”‘World’s most beautiful footballer’ Ana Maria Markovic drives fans wild as she stuns in see-through outfitA third wrote: “Hopefully he shines at he’s new club.”This fan said: “I’m crying with you.”And that one stated: “You’ve got this.”Scroll down for more from Ana Maria MarkovicMarkovic pictured in a pink bikiniCredit: Instagram @anamxrkovicMarkovic has been dubbed the ‘world’s most beautiful footballer’Credit: Instagram @anamxrkovicThe 25-year-old regularly posts stunning snapsMarkovic is also a Croatia InternationalShe plays for Braga after a stint with GrasshoppersCredit: AlamyMarkovic donned a white dress for dinnerCredit: Instagram @anamxrkovicShe has millions of followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @anamxrkovic More

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    Real Madrid vs Salzburg: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend with BetMGM

    REAL MADRID return to Champions League action needing a win over strugglers Salzburg to keep their top eight hopes alive.Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the European showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsReal Madrid vs Salzburg: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Real Madrid vs Salzburg: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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    Moment goalkeeper steps up to take penalty before fuming opposition players BLOCK him… and striker goes on to miss it

    A GOALKEEPER was bizarrely stopped from taking a penalty by the opposition – only for the striker to see his spot-kick saved.The chaotic scenes unfolded between Trabzonspor and Sivasspor in the Turkish Super Lig.Goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir wanted to take a penalty for TrabzonsporCredit: GettyThe club legend put the ball on the spot and wanted to score to mark a special occasionCredit: GettyBut angry Sivasspor players blocked him from taking itCredit: GettyTrabzonspor were leading 3-0 just after half-time when the referee pointed to the spot for a foul on Edin Visca.Forward Simon Banza held the ball underneath his shirt as the decision was confirmed by VAR until goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir took it and walked towards the spot.But the No1 was blocked from taking the penalty by fuming Sivasspor players.Rey Manaj and Uros Radakovic led the complaints as they pushed Cakir away from the spot, seemingly unhappy about apparent disrespect shown.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTrabzonspor manager Senol Gunes also looked strongly against the idea, shaking his head on the touchline.Goalkeeper Cakir did not argue back and calmly handed the ball back to usual taker Banza to end the chaos.But the striker saw his effort brilliantly saved by the legs of Sivasspor stopper Djordje Nikolic.Trabzonspor supporters have wanted their star man and captain Cakir to take a penalty for some time and they often chant about it during games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe club legend, who has played 245 times for the club, had just become a father for a second time in the build-up to the match against Sivasspor.Cakir wanted to score and dedicate the first goal of his career to his new baby.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowManager Gunes said after the game: “The fans’ wishes are important to us. But if we disrupt some things, we will get hurt. Let’s not be slaves to our emotions. “I congratulate Ugurcan, he had his second child.”They wanted to make a gesture to Ugurcan but this idea is not right to do this in such matches. “It is not right for the opponent, it is not right for us, it is not right for Ugurcan, it is not right for Banza. “Banza missed, Ugurcan could have missed the same thing. “In other words, we are doing a serious job. Also think about it, would he have taken it if it was 0-0?”Trabzonspor went on to win the game 4-0. More