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      Arsenal and Tottenham announce historic extra North London derby at brand new stadium as fans left divided

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      NORTH LONDON rivals Arsenal and Tottenham are set to clash in a pre-season friendly overseas.The two clubs will meet at the newly-opened Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on July 31.Arsenal will face Tottenham at the the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong KongCredit: AFPIt will be the first North London Derby played outside the UKCredit: EPAIt will be the first North London Derby played outside of the United Kingdom.The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 7:30pm local time, meaning fans watching from the UK will be tuning in at lunchtime for a 12:30pm start.While fans of both teams generally look forward to the North London Derby each season, many have been left disappointed by the move.One person said: “This is a disgrace and you know it. Pathetic.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother commented: “Travelling all that way to play our neighbours. You’ll be tweeting about zero emissions again next week.”A third wrote: “Game has officially gone.”While a Spurs fan was quick to point out: “A friendly with that lot… make it make sense.”However, some supporters were happy with the announcement.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne said: “MY TEAM IS FINALLY BACK TO HK!”While another wrote: “I WILL BE THERE.”‘Captain on and off the pitch’ – Fans love Arsenal star Martin Odegaard’s classy gesture on international dutyArsenal beat Tottenham on both occasions this season.The Gunners managed a 1-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September before clinching a 2-1 victory at the Emirates in January. More

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      ‘Really getting on my nerves’ – Roy Keane blasts Erling Haaland for ‘smiling’ during Man City’s win over Bournemouth

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      ROY KEANE was unimpressed by Erling Haaland smiling during Manchester City’s FA Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth.The Norwegian missed a penalty in the first half of the Vitality Stadium clash before squandering another good chance a few moments later.Erling Haaland missed a penalty in the first half of Manchester City’s FA Cup quarter-final clash with BournemouthCredit: REUTERSHe missed another golden chance a few moments laterCredit: GETTYITV pundit Roy Keane was far from impressed by the smile the Norwegian cracked after his second missCredit: ITVA frustrated Haaland cracked a wry smile after his second straight miss, which well and truly irked Keane.The ITV pundit said: “Haaland missing a penalty, very lackadaisical.”Then, he missed another chance and he’s smiling.”Man City strolling around the pitch are really getting on my nerves, not a good sign.”READ MORE ON KEANEKeane’s sentiment on City was echoed by fellow pundit Ian Wright, who said: “We know Bournemouth are going to force them wide and make them make mistakes.”That’s exactly what Nunes did. This could have been very comfortable.”They don’t seem in the vibe. They don’t seem up for it.”Haaland would eventually get his name on the scoresheet in the 49th minute to level the tie.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKErling Haaland would leave the Vitality Stadium on crutches after suffering an injury in the second halfCredit: TIKTO@CELEBSTARCLIPSHe was subbed in the 61st minute after sustaining an injury, with City new boy Omar Marmoush replacing him.And the Egypt international struck in the 63rd minute to seal a 2-1 win for City and send them to the semi-finals.Man City launched probe into Erling Haaland after he ‘left club’s mascot with whiplash’ after hit to back of headIt’s currently unclear what injury Norway international Haaland is suffering from.But he sparked serious cause for concern from the Etihad faithful by leaving the Vitality on crutches and in a protective boot.City’s reward for beating Bournemouth is a semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest on April 26. More

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      Pep Guardiola hit with touchline ban after Man City boss is booked during FA Cup win over Bournemouth

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has been hit with a touchline ban after being booked against Bournemouth.The Manchester City boss masterminded a comeback against the Cherries after going 1-0 down before half-time, with Erling Haaland and super sub Omar Marmoush scoring to turn the tie around.Pep Guardiola will miss Man City’s next game after picking up a yellow card against BournemouthCredit: GettyThe win booked City a spot in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley with the Cityzens to face Nottingham Forest for a chance to appear in their third final in a row in the competition.Indeed, this season marks a record seventh semi-final in a row for Guardiola’s side.But during the second half of the clash, referee Stuart Atwell booked the Spanish manager for dissent.It came when Guardiola complained after talisman Haaland had gone down with injury in the second half following a challenge from Lewis Cook.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite Haaland signalling for a change, Bournemouth carried on playing which sparked an angry reaction from City, with Kevin De Bruyne seen confronting Cook as Guardiola made his thoughts clear.Guardiola, 54, had previously been booked against Arsenal and Fulham.And his third booking of the campaign now means Guardiola won’t be on the touchline for City’s next game, a Premier League tie against Leicester City on Wednesday.City look set to also be without Haaland after he was forced off when he appeared to stutter his knee.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Norwegian ace, who has now scored 30 goals in all competitions this season, was later pictured leaving the Vitality Stadium in a protective boot and crutches.When asked about the seriousness of the injury, Guardiola said: “I don’t know yet.Man City launched probe into Erling Haaland after he ‘left club’s mascot with whiplash’ after hit to back of head”I saw him on the massage table but I didn’t speak with him or the doctors. We will have to see.”Haaland missed two games with a knee injury earlier this campaign but has otherwise been in lethal goal-scoring form.City are heading to the revamped Club World Cup this summer, with Guardiola hoping to put a dismal 2024/25 firmly behind him.But he claims his squad wouldn’t deserve the £100million prize money on offer – after their poor Premier League title defence.Guardiola said: “We don’t deserve it this season. We don’t deserve a bonus this season. The bonus, if you win, I don’t know how much.”You go there, (winning) it’s for the club. The managers, the backroom staff, the players we don’t deserve, not even a watch.” More

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      ‘Leaving Man Utd works wonders’ – Fans love Antony’s wild Real Betis celebrations as he goes topless and waves huge flag

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      MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony celebrated wildly as he helped Real Betis make it six league wins in a row.The Brazilian joined the Spanish side on loan during the winter transfer window.Antony celebrated Real Betis winning the Seville derby by waving the club’s flag aroundCredit: GettyThe win also marked six league wins in a rowCredit: GettyOne of Antony’s team-mates said the club need to ‘crowdfund’ to sign him permanentlyCredit: EPAAfter failing to impress across two-and-a-half years at Man Utd following an £86million move from Ajax, Antony has found a new lease of life with Real.The 25-year-old has scored four goals and assisted four in 12 games. His performances have earned him widespread praise.But after playing the full match in a 2-1 win over Sevilla to ensure his side won the Seville derby, it was what he did after the game which really caught the eye.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs fans celebrated a sixth La Liga win on the bounce by staying behind at the Villamarin Stadium, Antony was seen waving the club’s flag around.The winger had taken his top off while doing so.Later on he was lifted up by goalkeeper Adrian, who joined the club for free last summer after leaving Liverpool.Speaking after the game, Antony’s team-mate Isco urged the club to do all they could to land him and even joked they should do some “crowdfunding”.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe former Real Madrid star said: “We need to do crowdfunding or something so that Antony can stay at least one more year. “He has surprised us with the humility he’s brought.”Ex-Man Utd star Memphis Depay sparks mass brawl with cheeky trick as four red cards are handed out in derby clash Fans reacting to Antony’s topless flag waving on social media said: “I’m crying with Antony, this guy… I hope he stays at Betis.” A second said: “Just look at how happy Antony is. Leaving United really works wonders for players.”A third added: “AURA.”Another said: “Passion like that could power the whole stadium!”Real Betis chiefs hinted in February that Antony’s deal could be extended beyond this summer.There is no transfer clause in the deal which took Antony to Spain from Manchester, but the club are covering a portion of his £105,000 a week wages.However, sporting director Manu Fajardo has now outlined the club will likely need to qualify for the Champions League to be able to afford Antony.He said: “In Betis’ sporting department, we work on ‘devalued’ players, analysing data from players who have reached very high moments and peaks, but who for various reasons have significantly decreased their performance.”We are concerned about their situation and speak with major clubs. In his case, we were able to anticipate and convince the player, and his entourage. “Today, Antony is performing immediately from minute one in the squad.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We haven’t lost our enthusiasm, we can’t rule out anything in football and hopefully Real Betis will remain in the top European positions to benefit his continuity and the arrival of other great players.”The club currently sit sixth in La Liga, six points off of the top four.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      Newcastle star targets emulating Dan Burn after Carabao Cup heroics and eyes England World Cup dream under Thomas Tuchel

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      JACOB MURPHY is dreaming of being the next one of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle stars to make their England breakthrough.Carabao Cup Final goalscoring hero Dan Burn, 32, was the latest Toon player to make their Three Lions bow.Jacob Murphy has another huge goal in his sights after Newcastle’s cup successCredit: GettyToon star Dan Burn has just made his England debutCredit: GettyAnthony Gordon, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento have all become internationals under the guidance of Howe at St James’ over the past year.And now winger Murphy hopes his form can catch the eye of Thomas Tuchel ahead of next year’s World Cup.Murphy said: “That’s a conversation me and coach Graeme Jones have been having for a number of seasons. Just got to keep putting in performances and they’re always casting an eye out on all the English players.“To see Dan get his call up was amazing. It does give you that extra motivation to know that it really is possible.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“We’ve got Gordy, Lewis Hall, Tino and when you’re kicking it with them every week you know what you have to offer, you think there’s every chance in the future.“I keep my head down and – you know – I’ve just won a Cup with Newcastle so who’s to say no to getting a call-up?”Murphy has played for England across four youth age groups, with his last involvement in the under-21 Euros in 2017.This term he has produced eight assists and five goals in the Premier League and, crucially, also provided the knockdown for Alexander Isak to score the winner over Liverpool at Wembley.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAfter being part of the side that finally ended a 70-year wait for major silverware, the attacker believes the Toon Army will have a lot more to celebrate under Howe.After celebrating on Saturday in front of an estimated 300,000 Geordies at a bus parade and on stage at the Town Moor, he said: “I think the Newcastle fans, the council, everyone’s probably gonna have to get used to this.Eddie Howe ‘hungry for more’ silverware as he celebrates Newcastle’s success “We always knew that the specialness was in being the first and to be on that bus, knowing that we were the first in so long to do it, makes it even more special.“I didn’t know there were that many people in Newcastle. You drive these streets daily, weekly, but then to see them full of people is something that you can’t really put into words. It looked unbelievable.“As a club we want to be doing that every season. Now, without putting too much pressure on ourselves, we’ve set a level and that’s what we have to be aiming for and striving for every season.“Granted, it’s not going to happen every year because wonderful teams up and down the country are going to make it difficult for us, but these are moments that now that we’ve got a taste for it we want it again.“We spoke about it so much being the first. Now that the club’s on this trajectory, I think titles, accomplishments like this will be happening more frequently.”Despite the huge party and two weeks of celebrations since the Wembley win, it is finally back to business.Newcastle host Brentford on Wednesday in the Premier League – the first of ten remaining matches that sixth-placed Toon have to try and secure Champions League qualification.Murphy, who signed from Norwich for £12m back in 2017, added: “That’s the aim. We’ve got ten huge games coming up. READ MORE SUN STORIES“Although this is lovely and we’re taking it in, I think that secretly, in the back of everybody’s mind, is that there’s 30 points to get and we need to try our best.“We might have already got some sort of European football, but we want the big dog.”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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      Surprising reason why tall footballer are more likely to receive yellow cards, according to experts

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      REFEREES are more likely to dish out yellow cards to footie players who are taller than them, experts have found.And they reckon it is a classic case of “short man syndrome”.Referees are more likely to dish out yellow cards to footie players who are taller than them, experts revealedCredit: GettyPlayers taller than the referee have 9.4 per cent more fouls given against them and are 7.2 per cent more likely to get a card.Players who are shorter are 12.3 per cent less likely to be done for a foul and 16.5 per cent less likely to get a yellow.The team at Germany’s University of Hagen ­analysed 2,340 games in the Bundesliga.They said: “This bias is consistent with the ­Napoleon complex, where shorter individuals show compensatory behaviours for lacking social dominance through height.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFrench general ­Napoleon, only 5ft 6in, told a rival: “You may be taller, but I am greater.”Earlier in the week Premier League referees’ huge pay packets were revealed – and it showed they are among the country’s top earners.Their salaries appeared to reflect their growing status in the game and the increasing pressure they are under every week as billions watch worldwide.Figures provided by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb in a meeting of the 72 EFL clubs revealed what kind of money the Prem’s officials are pocketing, as reported by The Times.Most read in FootballThey showed that the average salary for a Premier League referee is between £170,000 and £180,000.While the top referees are earning around £250,000 per year.Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs LiverpoolOfficials are paid their salary at a base rate, which is then boosted by performance bonuses and match fees.That base rate ranges between £72,000 and £148,000, and varies according to experience and seniority in the role.Senior officials, such as Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver, are likely to earn around £250,000 a year from their Premier League roles.6ft7inch striker Peter Crouch, pictured with Stephen Gerrard, would be more likely to get booked than a smaller player, experts say More

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      Arsenal to battle Man Utd for £50m Viktor Gyokeres transfer as new chief Andrea Berta compiles four-man striker wishlist

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      ARSENAL’s new sporting director Andrea Berta has added Manchester United target Viktor Gyokeres to his four-man striker wishlist ahead of a huge summer rebuild.And the former Atletico Madrid chief has vowed he will help bring “major trophies” to the Emirates.Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta (left) is already getting to workCredit: GettyThe Italian helped turn Atletico Madrid into LaLiga title contendersCredit: GettyViktor Gyokeres is a target for the Gunners in the summerCredit: GettyBenjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig is also on Berta’s radarCredit: GettyBerta, 53, replaces Edu following his resignation last November.He is expected to attend the Gunners’ Premier League clash at home to Fulham on Tuesday. The Italian, who left his role at Atletico in January, will be tasked with bringing in an elite No 9.There’s a crucial summer ahead for Mikel Arteta’s men as Arsenal try to win a first Prem title since 2003-04.READ MORE ON ARSENALSunSport revealed last week that Arsenal are eyeing up Eintracht Frankfurt hitman Hugo Ekitike as an alternative to £150m-rated Newcastle star Alexander Isak.Isak has enjoyed a stunning season in the North East, netting in the Carabao Cup final and scoring 19 times in the league.The Swede, 25, remains contracted to Newcastle until 2028 with no release clause in his current deal.But the Toon have no intention of selling Isak and want to build a team around him. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKEkitike has caught the eye of a number of Prem clubs, with the Gunners at the head of the queue. Frankfurt are expected to demand around £60m for the striker, who boasts 19 goals this season.’Captain on and off the pitch’ – Fans love Arsenal star Martin Odegaard’s classy gesture on international dutyThe Gunners have also been linked with Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig but now Sporting’s Gyokeres is in their sights too.Slovenian international Sesko has a £59m release clause in his contract, while Gyokeres remains one of Europe’s hottest properties.The ex-Coventry striker has 85 goals and 26 assists in 92 games for Sporting Lisbon.But there could be competition from Manchester United for his signature, where he would enjoy a reunion with ex-Sporting boss Ruben Amorim.Gyokeres is understood to have a release clause in the region of £50m.Berta could try and raise funds for a summer spree by offloading squad players like Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko.Arsenal announce Andrea Berta appointmentARSENAL unveiled Andrea Berta as their new sporting director with the Italian vowing to “shape a successful future with a great team” at the Gunners.Berta, 53, replaces former sporting director Edu following his resignation last November, with the Brazilian set to take up a new role in Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ multi-club model.Ahead of a crucial summer for Mikel Arteta’s men, Berta is now tasked with bringing an elite No.9 to the Emirates, as well as negotiating contract renewals for key stars as Arsenal bid to win a first Prem title since 2004.And Berta – who left a similar post at Atletico Madrid in January – said: “I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club.“I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone into reestablishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.“The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team.“I cannot wait to get started in my new role and I am really looking forward to experiencing my first game at Emirates Stadium together with our supporters.”Co-owner Josh Kroenke added: “Anyone who knows football knows Andrea is an impressive figure. He has vast knowledge of the game, a great track record, a strong network and an insatiable desire to build winning teams.“Andrea will be a great addition to our club. He understands our values and what we stand for and we have no doubt he will help us push on and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies.“We undertook a thorough recruitment process and we were hugely impressed with the level of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea’s experience and the success he has enjoyed that stood out.“We are really looking forward to working together and welcoming him into the Arsenal family.”Arsenal’s co-chairman Josh Kroenke said: “Andrea will help us push on  and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies.”He has vast knowledge, a great track record, a strong network and a desire to build winning teams.”Berta will also target contract renewals for stars Bukayo Saka, William  Saliba, Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli, whose deals expire in June 2027.The Gunners’ new man said: “I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club.”He arrives after the departure of Brazilian Edu, who is ready to take up a new role in Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ multi-club model.READ MORE SUN STORIESBerta spent 12 years with Atletico in the Spanish capital. He played a key role in building squads that won La Liga in 2014 and 2021 and the 2018 Europa League.Newcastle have no intention of selling star man Alexander IsakCredit: GettyHugo Ekitike is also being monitored by the GunnersCredit: AFP More

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      ‘I’ve made it clear’ – Matheus Cunha confirms plan to leave Wolves with Arsenal and Man Utd circling

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      MATHEUS  CUNHA  confirmed he wants to quit Wolves so he can “take the next step and fight for big titles”.The Brazil forward, 25, was the subject of strong January interest from Arsenal.Matheus Cunha revealed he wants to leave Wolves in the summerCredit: GettyChelsea, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest also wanted to sign the star while Manchester United are interested, too.However, not only did he stay put at Molineux – but he also signed a new contract.The fresh four-and-a-half deal tied Cunha down in the West Midlands until 2029. However, it also reportedly included a £62.5million release clause. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd now Cunha has openly confessed what SunSport reported in January – that he wants out of the club when the transfer market reopens in the summer.Cunha’s 13 Premier League goals look set to be enough to help keep Wolves in the division – unless Leicester or Ipswich can produce a remarkable turnaround to avoid relegation.And with his work all-but complete, the Selecao star is ready to start challenging at the right end of the table – after staying put in January.He told the Guardian: “I had a lot of offers but I wouldn’t feel well if I had done it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Some things you can’t control but I couldn’t leave the club in the middle of the season, in a difficult situation, in the relegation zone.”Now, we’re close to achieving our goal [of staying up]. Wolves forward Matheus Cunha faces trial over ‘driving blunder'”But I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step. “I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.”Cunha arrived at Wolves from Atletico Madrid in 2023, initially on loan before securing a £44m transfer. The former Sion, RB Leipzig and Hertha Berlin attacker is yet to win a trophy in club football.However, with Brazil, he did win the 2019 Toulon Tournament and then secure an Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021. But his incredible talent is not limited to the football pitch – for Cunha can speak six languages fluently: Portuguese, English, Italian, French, German and Spanish. ‘WOLVES GAVE ME JOY’And despite his clear ability, Cunha is candid in his acknowledgement he – like all young men – needs a loving, supportive environment in order to thrive. He added: “Sometimes all we want in life is affection. “People think we have everything, but we’re human beings, too. We need a bit of understanding – we have our difficulties. “Wolves gave me that joy back. The fans [have given] me a lot. “The status I have today, the player I am now and the happiness I’m feeling, it’s because of them. I’m really grateful to Wolves.”I love learning, but I don’t like the football life. The football life deprives you of a lot. “I left home and have been living off football since I was 13. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Maybe when I stop, I’ll be a bit calmer and can think about coaching. “But I’ll need to take a few years off to rest, get my head round it and live like a normal person for a while. I need to live a different life.”The Brazil international speaks six languages fluentlyCredit: AFP More