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      Newcastle’s St James’ Park stadium deemed to be ‘at risk’ amid fears over ‘unusual and historic’ stand

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      NEWCASTLE’S St James’ Park stadium has been deemed to be “at risk” amid fears over an “unusual and historic” stand.The Magpies have been playing at their 52,000-seater home for the last 133 years.Newcastle’s East Stand at St James’ Park has been deemed ‘at risk’Credit: AFPIt remains unclear whether Toon will develop St James’ or move to a new arenaCredit: GettyBut it’s understood the club are eyeing up leaving St James’ for a new 65,000-seater arena worth £3billion.There remains the option that Newcastle instead redevelop their current home instead as they look to boost their income levels.And now, part of St James’ Park has made its way onto a list of buildings deemed to be “at risk.”The East Stand was listed by The 20th Century Society as a vulnerable piece of architecture which could eventually be the subject of “neglect, dereliction or demolition.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe famous rise is described as a “finely-detailed stand” featuring “brutalist credentials.”And it was also deemed a “striking urban set-piece” of architecture from the past two centuries.The 20th Century Society decided to include the East Stand on its list due to question marks over the future of St James’ Park.Campaign director Oli Marshall told the BBC: “This is an exciting new era for Newcastle and the club have to look to the future.Most read in FootballThe East Stand, the smallest of the four sides, is flanked by Georgian townhousesCredit: AlamyNewcastle are desperate to boost the stadium capacity and hospitality offeringsCredit: GettyBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“But we included the East Stand on this year’s Risk List to highlight what an unusual and historic brutalist structure this is.“If the plan is to stay put, we hope it will be retained and made a feature of.”Newcastle United take possession of brand new touring coach with tailor-made interior Should Newcastle end up leaving St James’ Park, it’s reckoned they will move into nearby Leazes Park.It will apparently boast a “parkland-style approach” similar to Wembley Way.While the new stadium could also have a stylish “bubble-wrap” design like Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.Newcastle’s proposed new stadium could be built at Leazes parkSunSport imagined how the new arena could look More

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      Fans demand Scott McTominay wins Ballon d’Or after Napoli wondergoal as ex-Man Utd star shows up Amorim’s flops

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      SCOTT McTOMINAY continued his sensational campaign with Napoli with a wondergoal on Monday night.McTominay bagged a brace as Napoli beat Empoli 3-0 to put themselves within three points of Serie A leaders Inter Milan.Scott McTominay continued his blistering form with Napoli by scoring twice in their win over Empoli on MondayCredit: GettyThe former Man Utd man opened the scoring with a long-range effortCredit: RexA wonderful header doubled his tally and put Napoli out of sight of their oppositionCredit: GettyThe former Manchester United midfielder has been tearing it up since his £25.7m move to the Italian giants in the summer.And his performance against Empoli was yet another example of why Man Utd should have kept hold of the 28-year-old amid their turgid campaign.The 6ft 3in powerhouse – who has been learning Italian since the move – opened the scoring for Napoli with a surging run through midfield and a long-range drilled effort that rippled into the bottom corner.Before adding his second, and Napoli’s third, with a superb header that gave Empoli goalkeeper Devis Vasquez no chance at keeping it out.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe finishes were McTominay’s seventh and eighth Serie A goals of the season – meaning no Man Utd player has scored more league goals than the Scotland international this season.His overall performance was borderline flawless too, as he boasted 100 per cent success rate on long balls and tackles, as well as 89 percent pass accuracy.His display was so impressive it had fans calling for him to be awarded football’s most prestigious individual prize.One wrote: “Ballon d’Or for McTominay”.Most read in FootballMcTominay has been on fire for Napoli this seasonNo Manchester United player has scored more league goals than McTominay this seasonJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordWhile another added: “McTominay and Lukaku literally deserve a Ballon d’Or shout.”But it’s not just football fans that have been singing the praises of the former Premier League star.Inside Scott McTominay and Cam Reading’s glam life in NaplesEx-Napoli and West Ham hero Paolo Di Canio said earlier this season: “I would go to Manchester United to arrest all the directors – how do you give McTominay away?”And AC Milan legend Joe Jordan reckons McTominay is on course to become one of Britian’s greatest ever exports to the Serie A.He told SunSport: “I was really surprised United let Scott go during the summer. I don’t know all the circumstances but I thought he was doing OK at United. But, at Napoli, he’s lifted his game to another level.”His form is consistent, his front play is good, he’s scoring goals and providing assists.”Even Napoli boss Antonio Conte has publicly praised the recruitment team in Naples for swooping up McTominay.”We did well with Scott because he was not a starter at Manchester United, but I already knew him very well and we worked under the radar to bring him here,” he said.”Of course, everyone is eager to prove themselves and I am glad that we got it right choosing McTominay.”Read More on The SunMcTominay’s eight goals and four assists in Serie A this season have helped propel Napoli into a title race.While Man Utd are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League in his absence, having won just 10 of their 32 league games so far this season. Antonio Conte has been full of praise for the midfielderCredit: Getty More

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      Crazy goalkeeper ‘plays real life FIFA pro clubs’ for some reason and it ends in total disaster

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      A GOALKEEPER had an unbelievable moment of madness after “playing pro clubs in real life”.In the Argentinian Premier League, Ignacio “Nacho” Arce was playing in goal for Deportivo Riestra in an away game against his former club Instituto on Sunday.Deportivo Riestra goalkeeper Ignacio Arce dribbled the ball outside the box during an Argentina first division gameCredit: YouTube/FanatizArce was blocked by the referee in trying to move the ball onCredit: YouTube/FanatizHe was then tackled by an Instituto defender way outside his boxCredit: YouTube/FanatizThe ball fell with Gaston Lodico who then chipped the ball into the net from 30 yards awayCredit: YouTube/FanatizArce trudged back to goal with his head down and hands on his headCredit: YouTube/FanatizWith the score 1-0 in the 61st minute and, Riestra a player down after defender Facundo Mino was sent off moments before, a ball was lifted forward into the penalty area.Following a couple of loose touches by both attackers and defenders the ball found its way to Arce on his goal line, who then gratefully picked up the ball.However, in a moment of sheer madness, he decided to run to the edge of the area before rolling the ball out and starting to dribble with it up the pitch.The 33-year-old got almost as far as the centre-circle before disaster struck.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArce was closed down by opposition players before he attempted to play the ball to his right.But with the referee unfortunately standing in the way his passing lane was cut off.He then attempted to dribble even further up the pitch but failed to spot incoming Instituto star, Jeremias Lazaro, over his shoulder who then tackled him by poking the ball away and to a team-mate.The ball ended up at the feet of, Gaston Lodico, who had scored the opener in the game just after half-time.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWith Arce miles out of his net, Lodico, 26, then chipped the ball towards goal from 30 yards away.And back-pedalling Riestra defenders were powerless to stop the ball sailing into the goal to make it 2-0.Ruben Amorim responds to question about dropping Andre Onana after disasterclass against LyonArce trudged back to goal with his head down and scratching his head as he realised what he’d done.Fans seeing the clip on social media were stunned at what he was doing, with one saying: “Bro thought he is the main character.”A second said: “He’s made right Arce of that.”A third added: “The fact he had to dribble around the ref didn’t help but this is otherwise ridiculous.”Another said: “Arce is playing real-life pro clubs.”While one just asked: “What is he doing??!”Arce addressed his actions after the game, saying it was his style to play bravely before putting some of the blame for the mistake on referee, Andres Merlos.He said: “It’s my style, and mistakes can happen. Even the best make errors. I’ve had unforgettable moments and today was just a learning experience.”Look at Merlos. When I lifted my head, I saw a light blue body. They had a clear advantage in that situation.”Read More on The SunResponding to the stunning claim, Merlos joked: “Is it my fault now? That’s classic Nacho, but I love him. “He’s a talent who wanted to make a brave play, sometimes those plays backfire. Such is football.” More

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      Barcelona star slapped with ban for ‘prodding opponent’s genitals’ and asking ‘do you have a d***’ mid-match

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      A BARCELONA Women’s star has been banned for allegedly touching an opponent’s private parts.The incident happened in February during a match between Barcelona and Espanyol Femení.Barcelona Mapi Leon has been suspended for touching an opponent’s genitaliaShe is alleged to have asked Daniel Caracas if she ‘has a d***’Mapi Leon has received a two-match suspension after being found to have deliberately touched Espanyol footballer Daniela Caracas’ genitalia.TV cameras picked up the moment the pair had a coming together at a corner, with Leon also accused of asking her opponent ‘have you got a d***’.Leon, 29, denies any wrongdoing, instead claiming she merely touched Caracas’ leg.The defender said in a statement: “At no time did I, nor was it my intention, infringe upon the intimacy of my fellow professional Daniela Caracas.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“There is no contact with her private parts, and certainly no intention. “I insist, it was just part of the game that does not warrant the importance that has been attached to it.”Leon was charged with unsportsmanlike conduct despite her claim of innocence and will miss matches against Atletico Madrid and Sevilla.The Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected her appeal.Most read in FootballEspanyol condemned Leon’s actions and called for it the incident to be addressed seriously.A statement read: “We would like to express our total discontent and condemnation of the events that took place yesterday during the derby match between RCD Espanyol and Barcelona FC at the Dani Jarque stadium.Barcelona forced into major stadium decision as Nou Camp reopening delayed AGAIN“It is an action that we consider unacceptable and that should not go unnoticed.“During the match, the FC Barcelona player María Pilar Leon, in the middle of a struggle with our player, Daniela Caracas, made a gesture that violated the player’s intimacy.“RCD Espanyol defends our player and condemns any act that threatens the integrity of the players on the pitch.“We firmly believe in respect and sportsmanship as fundamental values in football and we hope that this type of situation will be treated with the seriousness it deserves.“Furthermore, we have made the club’s legal services available to our player should she wish to take legal action.”Mapi Leon has denied the accusationsCredit: Alamy More

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      Newcastle complete Antonio Cordero transfer as Spain wonderkid, 18, picks Toon over Real Madrid and Barcelona

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      NEWCASTLE have beaten Real Madrid and Barcelona to the signing of Antonio Cordero, according to reports.The 18-year-old prodigy has caught the eye with his performances for Malaga this season.Newcastle have agreed a deal to sign Malaga winger Antonio CorderoCredit: GettyReal Madrid and Barcelona were believed to be monitoring the winger.But according to Fabrizio Romano he picked Newcastle over the Spanish giants and has agreed a move to St James’ Park.The deal will be announced by the club in the coming weeks and will be completed once the transfer window opens this summer.Cordero is out of contract at the end of the season so has been free to talk to other clubs since the start of the year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he visited Newcastle with his family in January ahead of the switch.Cordero has featured regularly for Malaga since breaking into the side last season.He helped his side win promotion in his debut campaign, with Malaga now 17th in LaLiga 2.Cordero has made 32 appearances this season, scoring five goals and assisting six.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe has also created six big chances and made 22 key passes in 1690 minutes of football.Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell has prioritised signing young players, with Cordero fitting into the club’s transfer criteria.Eddie Howe ‘hungry for more’ silverware as he celebrates Newcastle’s success He said of their transfer strategy: “Scouting and recruiting emerging talent is an essential part of building a sustainable future, particularly within the current PSR framework, so the market is fiercely competitive.”We continue to scout extensively, both domestically and overseas, with a view to securing players who can come through our talent pathway and, ideally, become part of the first team in future.” More

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      ‘Seemed like a part-time job’ – Carlo Ancelotti reveals he rejected huge role with Real Madrid future in doubt

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      CARLO ANCELOTTI has revealed he rejected the chance to take up a huge managerial role because it seemed “like a part-time job”.The Italian coach, 65, is hoping to mastermind a stunning comeback from 3-0 down for Real Madrid against Arsenal on Wednesday, although preparations have been anything but smooth.Carlo Ancelotti has said he rejected the Italian national team job in 2018He said he thought it might ‘make me lose a bit of my passion’Credit: RexAncelotti has been with the club since 2021, but he has now opened up on how he turned down the Italian national team gig in 2018, before they ultimately appointed Roberto Mancini.Speaking to Swiss broadcaster RSI, he said he rejected the role because he feared it would make him “lose a bit of passion”.He explained: “I said no because I didn’t feel like it.“I really like being on the pitch daily to prepare training sessions, and the national team seemed like a part-time job that would make me lose a bit of my passion.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”That’s the only reason.”Ancelotti’s contract with the Spanish giants runs until 2026.However, the club face a mountain climb to defend their Champions League crown and are trailing Barcelona in La Liga by four points.They also play their arch-rivals in the Copa del Rey final later this month, and if they fail to overcome Barcelona in at least one of the domestic competitions, they could be left trophyless this season.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIf that happens, ruthless club bosses may not waste any time in relieving him of his duties as manager despite his stellar record during his second spell in Madrid.Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed Real Madrid will make a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso if Ancelotti leaves.How Declan Rice can be ‘world class’ AGAIN vs Real Madrid | Tactics Exposed Deano’s DecisionAncelotti said he would discuss his future with the club at the end of the season, telling reporters: “I shouldn’t talk about things about my future, because the contract is quite clear.”Whatever it is, it will be discussed at the end of the season. The club always supports me, especially in difficult moments.”Since returning to manage Los Blancos, Ancelotti has won 11 titles, including two Champions Leagues, two league titles, the Copa del Rey and the Club World Cup.The former AC Milan and Chelsea manager joined the club from Everton, and revealed he initiated contact over a return.Carlo Ancelotti has now won 28 trophiesHe added: “Actually, I was the one who called them.”The year before, I had reached out to see if they had any players available, and we ended up signing James Rodriguez.”I knew they were looking for a coach the following year.”I spoke to the director and said they needed to get a good one.”I shouldn’t talk about things about my future, because the contract is quite clear.Carlo AncelottiAncelotti also admitted that before joining the Toffees his dream was to manage Liverpool, but after experiencing the Merseysiders’ rivalry first hand he was now “absolutely” an Everton fan.He said: “My dream was to coach Liverpool, but then I found myself at Everton and I experienced their rivalry, and now I’m absolutely an Everton fan.Read More on The Sun”I really liked the environment, because there is a spectacular passion for colours.”You also notice the suffering that the fan has for Liverpool, which for many years and still today excels in the Premier League.” More

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      ‘I’ve never seen that before’ – Thierry Henry baffled by what Leny Yoro did after Man Utd conceded against Newcastle

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      A BAFFLED Thierry Henry admitted he has “never seen” what Leny Yoro did against Newcastle.The teenage French defender played the full 90 minutes at St James’ Park on Sunday.Harvey Barnes scored for Newcastle despite pressure from Leny YoroCredit: AFPThierry Henry mocked the French defender’s reactionCredit: Sky SportsThe Magpies ran riot with a thumping 4-1 victory over Ruben Amorim’s sorry Red Devils.But it was what Yoro, 19, did after the third Newcastle goal – Harvey Barnes’ second – that dumbfounded Henry.Barnes pounced on Noussair Mazraoui’s slip before bursting through three United defenders and firing into the top corner. United trio Manuel Ugarte, Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen all slumped their heads in dejection.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut for some reason, Yoro looked across to the assistant referee – seemingly wanting a flag.There was no suggestion of a foul for the slip and it could not be offside, so Yoro’s hopeful stare was purely in vain.But compatriot Henry was not impressed.Speaking on Monday Night Football, the ex-Arsenal striker said: “Look at Yoro and what he is asking for.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I don’t know why… I don’t know what he is looking at.”You’re looking at the linesman trying to see if he is going to bail you out… on what I don’t know. ‘That should have been me’ – Micah Richards reveals Kate Abdo is up for prestigious award as Thierry Henry is impressed”I don’t know if he thought there was an offside, I don’t know if he thought that someone – I – we – I don’t know.”We all know it’s a goal. What are you looking at?”I actually don’t know. I’ve never seen that before.”We all know it’s a goal.”Jamie Carragher suggested Henry’s exaggerated facial expression would become a viral meme.’PATHETIC STUFF’But fans were unhappy with the piece of punditry from the legendary forward and felt it was mocking Yoro.One said: “I like Henry but this is nonsense. Frozen a clip just to make a cheap joke on a young centre half. If Yoro plays for Fulham or Palace they wouldn’t dream of using this ‘analysis’.”Another wrote: “What kind of analysis is this? I rate Henry’s punditry but this ain’t it!”A third replied: “Dragging a youngster and being performative just because he’s got the taste for being a viral meme now. Pathetic stuff.”Read More on The SunA fourth commented: “This is proper weird from Henry, going after a young lad in this way is just odd, especially when you see defenders do this after every goal I’ve ever seen. Probably scripted to get the clicks which has obviously worked.”And a final user typed: “Defenders often instinctively look to linesmen. Henry knows this. Just pandering to the crowd for the sake of tearing apart a teenager over a freeze frame.”Fans jumped to Yoro’s defence on social mediaCredit: ReutersMan Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Zirkzee does well before injury but dropped Onana’s stand-in has a shockerMANCHESTER UNITED’S worst ever Premier League season was confirmed with a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.The Red Devils are now guaranteed to finish on less than 56 points, which is their lowest ever Prem total.And they can only get that high if they win ALL of their last six games.If they’re not careful, they could even finish 17th – just one spot above the marooned bottom three.It was another dark day that reflects a poor campaign for United as Newcastle carved them open with ease in the second-half.Ruben Amorim dropped keeper Andre Onana after his horror show against Lyon midweek.But stand-in Altay Bayindir had a game to forget too.Sandro Tonali’s volley, a double by Harvey Barnes and a Bruno Guimaraes finish cancelled out Alejandro Garnacho’s goal.Here is how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the United performances… More

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      ‘Can’t move, can’t run’ – Man Utd legend Nicky Butt singles out unacceptable midfielder letting Ruben Amorim down

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      NICKY BUTT has brutally slammed Christian Eriksen’s laboured performance during Newcastle’s 4-1 demolition of Manchester United.The Dane, 33, was outrun and outfought by Newcastle’s superior midfield, who mounted a second-half surge with the score level at 1-1 at half-time.Nicky Butt singled out Christian Eriksen while calling out of the rest of Man Utd teamButt said Eriksen couldn’t ‘run or move’ while being outpaced against NewcastleMan Utd were hammered as Newcastle completed the league double over them for the first time since 1931Alejandro Garnacho had cancelled out Sandro Tonali’s skilful opener at St James’ Park, but Man Utd were never really in it.Harvey Barnes scored twice in the second half and Bruno Guimaraes lashed in a fourth after a howler from No 2 keeper Altay Bayindir. The Turkish international came into the side because Andre Onana was dropped from the squad for his own errors in the Europa League last Thursday.However, Butt – who was spotted sitting next to Newcastle heroes Alan Shearer and David Ginola during the game – didn’t hold back in his assessment.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSpeaking to Premier League Productions, Butt suggested his former club didn’t look like they cared on Sunday, before pointing out a lack of athleticism in Ruben Amorim’s struggling side.The Treble winner said: “It is easy to sit there and apologise but for me if you go on a football pitch you have to do something about it.”I did not expect Man Utd to come here and win. Newcastle are a better team, better individuals, better athletically, more power, more pace.”I don’t know how Man United go on the football pitch and allow it to happen. I came here [as a player] and lost 5-0, so it can happen. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”But allowing it to happen is something different, I didn’t see one tackle or one bit of aggression. I didn’t see anybody go head to head with anybody.”You have to at least go and show that we are not going to accept this lying down. Ruben Amorim show his disappointment at Man Utd’s 4-1 loss to Newcastle “They just lay down and let themselves get beat too easily. They have no power and no pace. It is sad to see. “I see Christian Eriksen who was a top player and now he can’t move, can’t run. It’s ridiculous.” Barnes put in a proper winger’s performance, with Eriksen and shock starter Victor Lindelof unable to lay a glove on him or anybody else.Roy Keane also blasted the Red Devils as “physically and mentally weak” in the aftermath.Keane then reignited his feud with club captain Bruno Fernandes over a “meaningless” interview which was “full of sound bites”.Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Zirkzee does well before injury but dropped Onana’s stand-in has a shockerMANCHESTER UNITED’S worst ever Premier League season was confirmed with a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.The Red Devils are now guaranteed to finish on less than 56 points, which is their lowest ever Prem total.And they can only get that high if they win ALL of their last six games.If they’re not careful, they could even finish 17th – just one spot above the marooned bottom three.It was another dark day that reflects a poor campaign for United as Newcastle carved them open with ease in the second-half.Ruben Amorim dropped keeper Andre Onana after his horror show against Lyon midweek.But stand-in Altay Bayindir had a game to forget too.Sandro Tonali’s volley, a double by Harvey Barnes and a Bruno Guimaraes finish cancelled out Alejandro Garnacho’s goal.Here is how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the United performances…Newcastle completed the league double over United for the first time since 1930-31, with Jason Tindall taking the reins in the absence of Eddie Howe.Man Utd’s 14 league defeats this season is their joint highest tally in a single Premier League campaign, also losing 14 games last season.They last suffered more defeats in a top-flight campaign in 1989/90 (16 in 38 games).After being undefeated with Sporting Lisbon before moving to Old Trafford, Amorim has now lost 10 Prem games since joining.Read More on The SunNext up, United host Lyon in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final – their last chance of qualifying for the Champions League. Amorim’s side are currently tied 2-2 after two huge errors from goalkeeper Onana, while his spat with Nemanja Matic still overshadows the tie.  More