Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 288 Shares50 Views

      in Soccer

      Snorting ref David Coote set up drugs party in Travelodge before Man City game – & even sent half time text about it

      by

      SHAMED ref David Coote sent messages arranging a drugs party just before a key game where he was officiating — and even during the half-time break.A pal said they were shocked at Coote’s behaviour around last month’s Spurs Man City Carabao Cup clash, where he was fourth official.David Coote was fourth official at last month’s Spurs vs Man City Carabao Cup clashCredit: ReutersCoote sent messages arranging a drugs party in a Travelodge for after the cup gameCredit: XFootage has emerged of Coote sniffing white powder in a hotel at Euro 2024Credit: APShamed ref David Coote sniffing white powder in a hotel at Euros 2024The 42-year-old was suspended this week for a foul-mouthed rant about Jurgen Klopp before footage emerged of him sniffing white powder in a hotel at Euro 2024.We can now reveal that Coote tried to arrange a drugs party in a Travelodge for after the cup game at Spurs on October 30.He booked the room at 7.38pm, just 37 minutes before the game was due to start, and sent a booking notification to someone else at 8.04pm, perilously close to kick-off.Coote then took his spot on the touchline before messaging his pal at the break, saying “hope you’re getting ready” to meet.Read more on David CooteThe friend, who was watching the match in disbelief on the TV, told The Sun: “On the day of the game he was messaging me repeatedly and wanting a drugs party after he’d finished at Spurs.“He didn’t book the Travelodge until just before kick-off, then sent a notification 11 minutes from the game starting. It was crazy.“City striker Erling Haaland was on the bench, so I was watching them on TV pretty much side by side.”And moments before and afterwards he sent me messages.Most read in Football“When he messaged me at half-time I thought it was so surreal.”Surely he should have been concentrating on the game, not arranging drugs parties.”Moment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024To Coote’s fury, the party never even happened. The pal said: “I didn’t feel like meeting up in the end so told him I couldn’t make it.”He went mad and asked for the £73.99 total booking fee back.”Uefa yesterday opened an investigation after we revealed footage of wide-eyed Coote snorting powder while on duty at the Euros.He was already suspended by refs’ governing body PGMOL after he was filmed calling then-Liverpool boss Klopp a “German c***”.The PGMOL has been approached for comment.Footage showed a wide-eyed Coote snorting powder while on duty’No plans to test officials’PREMIER League referees do not face mandatory drugs testing, it emerged last night.Footballers and other sportspeople are subject to testing — anytime and anywhere — under the World Anti-Doping Authority code.But it does not mention match officials, who are classed as “athlete support personnel”.Despite ref David Coote’s powder video, The Sun understands there are no plans for future testing. More

    • 200 Shares85 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Jim Ratcliffe considers HALVING payments to disabled supporters association in latest Man Utd cost-cutting measure

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED will reportedly consider HALVING the budget allocated to their disabled supporters’ association.Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is in charge of football operations at Old Trafford, set about trying to slash costs immediately after arriving earlier this year.Sir Jim Ratcliffe could agree to a controversial new cost-cutting method that would affect Man Utd’s disabled supporters groupCredit: PAHe made 250 people redundant ahead of the 2024-25 campaign and axed several members of staff from United’s pre-season tour.Senior staff had their access to private cars withdrawn, while some workers had their meal plans drastically changed.In one of Ratcliffe’s most recent cost-cutting methods, legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson was let go from his ambassadorial role.But the British billionaire could now agree to a hugely controversial move in a bid to lower spending even more.Read More on Man UtdThe Daily Mail claims United could HALVE the budget they allocate to the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association.As things stand, MUDSA is given £40,000-a-year by the club.It feels like the club has lost touch with its soul.Man Utd insidervia The MailFunds go towards a variety of areas including a yearly Christmas party which is attended by the first team squad.MUDSA also works with the Manchester United Foundation to deliver sporting events for people with mixed abilities.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShould the Red Devils agree to go ahead with the cuts, it would likely generate a hostile response.An insider told the Mail: “This is nothing short of a disgrace. The figures they are talking about are a drop in the ocean and the optics would be horrific. It feels like the club has lost touch with its soul.Man Utd legend Paul Scholes reveals the player who sent him into retirement after Sir Alex Ferguson ‘mistake’ “The disabled supporters’ club has always been a big part of Manchester United and when you see how much money is being wasted on paying off managers and bringing in players who aren’t good enough, something like this will be very difficult to justify.”Man Utd have declined to comment.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

    • 225 Shares101 Views

      in Soccer

      ITV ‘do England stars dirty’ as live TV footage of national anthem singing leaves fans covering their ears

      by

      ENGLAND football fans were left in hysterics after ITV “did the players dirty” during the national anthem.The Three Lions were led out for the must-win Nations League clash in Greece by stand-in captain Kyle Walker. England sang God Save The King before kick-off in GreeceCredit: ReutersThe starting players struggled to hit the right notes while singing the national anthemCredit: ITVAhead of kick-off, they lined up together for the customary God Save The King rendition.However, the singing voices of the 11 England footballers left plenty of fans watching on at home cringing behind their sofas – and covering their ears.Some of the players’ vocals were not loud enough to be picked up by the TV microphones. But for those whose tones did, most were not exactly hitting the right notes – a far cry from the Welsh rugby team’s angelic voices.And that prompted a flood of comments on social media in response to the “dreadful” sing-song. One fan joked: “That was the best thing ever hearing the lads singing the national anthem. ITV have done them dirty there.”Another said: “That England national anthem sung by the players was the worst and most awkward thing I’ve ever heard.”A third added: “Other than Euro 96, I don’t think I’ve ever heard an England team sing the national anthem in tune or in time.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA fourth quipped: “If team chances were based on anthem singing, England are about to throw themselves on the ground in despair, a lot and have accepted defeat before kick-off.”While one added: “Wow! Let’s hope the England squad are better players than they are singers! That national anthem was just shocking!” ‘I don’t really like it’ – Harry Kane breaks silence after eight England players pull out of Nations League squadA sixth commented: “Absolutely hysterical watching them players sing the national anthem! What an embarrassment.”And a final user tweeted: “You know when footballers get criticised for not singing the national anthem? Well, after listening to the out-of-tune drone noise from these England players, perhaps a dignified silence might be the better option.”Ollie Watkins was one of the few to belt out the anthem – and did earn a few compliments for his singing abilities in fairness.The Aston Villa striker hit the right note inside seven minutes once the game got underway.England ratings vs Greece as Madueke and Jones steal the show after Kane benchedIT IS difficult to remember an England starting XI which, on paper at least, looked as totally underwhelming as this one.Yet manager-in-waiting Thomas Tuchel, presumably watching the game at his home in Bavaria, will have been hugely encouraged by this performance from what appeared to be a complete mish-mash of a team – and one which was awfully short of experience.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars…Jordan Pickford – 8Back in after being dropped for Finland last month – and showed a good response. Great stop to deny Kostas Tsimikas at the near post and alive to danger throughout.Earned his first-ever booking in 72 England caps for time wasting in the first half.Kyle Walker – 7Captain in Harry Kane’s absence and passionately conveyed his side’s frustration to ref Daniel Siebert when Pickford was booked.Moved to centre-back after the break when Ezri Konsa went off.Marc Guehi – 7Another solid performance from the Crystal Palace man who you would think would be a first-choice starter for Thomas Tuchel when the German begins work.Ezri Konsa – 7One of several players targeted by a laser in the crowd, along with Pickford and Belligham.Limped off just before half-time and was replaced by Lewis Hall at the break.Rico Lewis – 7Filled in at left-back over newbie Hall, before moving to the right when the Newcastle man came on.Almost had his first England goal early in the second half but was denied by a fine stop from Hall’s club-mate Odysseas Vlachodimos.Curtis Jones – 9Sparkled on debut in the heart of midfield, not looking overawed in the slightest. Played deeper than he does for Liverpool, but in the same position where he shone for Lee Carsley in England’s triumphant Under-21 Euros last summer.Gorgeous backheel to cap his bow with the third goal.Conor Gallagher – 7Started brightly next to Jones, though gave the ball away a few times after the break. Booked for stopping a quick free-kick early on.Arrived just too late to poke in the rebound from Bellingham’s strike as it had already crossed the line for an own goal.Noni Madueke – 9A blistering first start from the Chelsea man who put real pressure on Bukayo Saka’s place with this performance.He took on his man at every opportunity, at pace, and had excellent end product too, setting up Watkins’ opener and a header for Bellingham which hit the post.Jude Bellingham – 8Some sublime touches and passes from the talisman, including a wonderful ball round the corner to release Madueke in the build-up to the opener.Seemed to thrive with pace all around him and killed off the game with his late strike which hit the post and bounced in off the keeper.Anthony Gordon – 7Provided a threat down the left with his pace and trickery, even if he was outshone by Madueke. A decent display but not one that demanded he start at left wing every game.Ollie Watkins – 7The surprise starter over Harry Kane. He took his early chance well, converting from the edge of the six-yard box.Could have had another when sent clean through but the ball got stuck under his feet.SubsLewis Hall (for Ezri Konsa half-time) – 7Came on at half-time for his debut and did not put a foot wrong.Harry Kane (for Ollie Watkins, 66) – 6Had a curling effort well stopped after exchanging passes with fellow sub Morgan Rogers.Morgan Rogers (for Anthony Gordon, 66) – 8Some exciting touches from the Villa debutant, including one to release Bellingham in the lead-up to the second goal.Jarrod Bowen (for Noni Madueke, 66) – 7Clever nutmeg to free Morgan Gibbs-White, who then teed up Jones.Morgan Gibbs-White (for Gallagher, 79) – 7Cutback for Jones was on the money.Watkins, surprisingly given the nod up top ahead of Harry Kane, repaid Lee Carsley’s faith in him by turning home from Noni Madueke’s electric run to give England the perfect start.An own goal from keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, followed by Curtis Jones’ stunning backheel flick, in the second half saw the Three Lions win 3-0.The result sees England take control of their Nations League group, meaning a win over Ireland on Sunday will see them promoted for Group A.Ollie Watkins gave England the perfect start by turning home inside seven minutesCredit: GettyHarry Kane joined his fellow substitutes singing from the sidelinesCredit: Reuters More

    • 175 Shares101 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League club likened to comedy movie villain after releasing ‘floodlit friendly’ anniversary shirt

      by

      WOLVES have been likened to a comedy movie villain after releasing a special edition shirt.The Premier League club are famed for their unique gold shirts – the only professional team in England to wear that colour.Wolves have unveiled a special edition gold kitCredit: Instagram / wolvesIt pays homage to a match they played against Honved 70 years agoCredit: Instagram / wolvesSome fans compared it to Austin Powers character GoldmemberBut now they have released a new shirt that is truly gold in honour of a match played 70 years ago.Wolves are commemorating their ‘floodlit friendly’ win over Honved in 1954.The 3-2 win over the Hungarian side, considered one of the best in Europe at the time, helped lead to the formation of the European Cup.The kit pays homage to the unique strip wore in 1954, which was made from fluorescent material to allow the players to reflect the floodlights, which were a rarity at the time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans can buy the limited edition shirt for £60, with a special gift box including additional memorabilia available for £125.It is fitted with a classic thick collar and every inch is a solid gold colour, including the Wolves badge.Fans have been reacting to the design with some likening it to Austin Powers baddie Goldmember.Another reacted saying: “That shirt is amazing.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “That is a pretty smart top 👏👏”And another commented: “100 times better than their regular home shirt this season.”‘Serious problems at PGMOL’ Ex-Prem ref blasts VAR after baffling decisions at Liverpool and Wolves More

    • 200 Shares50 Views

      in Soccer

      Crisis-hit Reading ‘could be saved by former owner but must first accept biggest points deduction yet’

      by

      FORMER Reading player and owner Roger Smee is reportedly prepared to save the crisis-hit club with the help of a newly-formed consortium.Smee, 76, spent four years lining up for Reading in the 1960s and 70s before turning to a career in business.Reading owner Dai Yongge (L) is trying to sell the clubCredit: RexA former Reading owner is allegedly willing to take overCredit: GettyHe became chairman of the Royals in 1983 and spent seven years at the helm before making way for John Madejski.However, the ex-forward is now willing to try and save the club from going bust.According to the Reading Chronicle, Smee has formed a consortium with the hope of completing a takeover.It is understood the 76-year-old has already been in contact with the Reading Supporters Trust amid his longstanding interest.Read More in FootballHowever, his consortium would only be willing to take over if Reading fall into administration.The current price tag is deemed too high by Smee and his team.Administration would make the club cheaper, but it would come with a 12-point deduction.Issues would also arise over the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park due to club’s complex company structure.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt is not thought to be an immediate threat.Reading owner Dai Yongge put the club up for sale over a year ago due to ongoing financial problems.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex American lawyer Rob Couhig came close to securing a deal in September but withdrew after talks collapsed.As previously announced by the club, an unnamed party is locked in talks. More

    • 275 Shares75 Views

      in Soccer

      Roman Kemp lined up for shock job with Match Of The Day as part of shake-up in wake of Gary Lineker exit

      by

      ROMAN Kemp is being courted by the BBC’s Director of Sport for a new role on Match Of The Day.The move comes after Gary Lineker stepped down from his role as the host of the flagship football show after 25 years at the helm.Roman Kemp is being lined up as the next host of Match of the DayCredit: Maxtrix PicturesThe BBC’s Head of Sport is courting the TV presenter following Gary Lineker’s decision to step down after 25 yearsCredit: PARoman, 31, already has a large following online as the Beeb plan to modernise the programmeCredit: GettyInsiders said BBC boss Alex Kay-Jelski wanted TV star Roman, 31, for a digital role as the show modernises in the years to come.A source said: “Match Of The Day is moving with the times and next season there will be more of a focus on digital highlights.“Alex has been speaking with Roman about possibly coming on board and how it could work.”Roman has a massive following online and is hugely popular with a younger audience thanks to his years hosting the Breakfast Show on Capital FM.more on match of the day“He is also a huge Arsenal fan and knows what he is talking about when it comes to football.“It is very much in the early stages but Match Of The Day is coming into a new digital age and Alex would love to have Roman front and centre.”The move comes after the BBC struck a new deal with the Premier League which means they will be able to share match highlights before Match Of The Day airs.The agreement means that the BBC will be putting a renewed focus on their digital and social output.Most read in SportFollowing Gary’s decision to step down this week, the BBC are now looking for a new host of the show.Mark Chapman refuses Match of the Day job share as Gary Lineker quits after 25 yearsThe Sun revealed this week how MOTD2 host Mark Chapman was offered the role as a job share alongside rising star Kelly Somers – but turned it down.We first revealed how Gary, 63, had agreed to step away from Match Of The Day on Tuesday.He will host MOTD until the end of the season and anchor the FA Cup in 2025 and 2026, along with fronting the BBC’s coverage of the next World Cup.Roman has a massive following online and is hugely popular with a younger audience thanks to his years hosting the Breakfast Show on Capital FMBBC sourceGary will continue to host the MOTD Top Ten podcast and the BBC will also now host his popular The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds.The podcast – which also features Alan Shearer and Micah Richards – is part of Goalhanger productions, co-founded by Gary.A spokesperson for the BBC added: “It would be an own goal to comment on every name put to us – but any new signings will be announced as soon as deals are done.”Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More

    • 100 Shares91 Views

      in Soccer

      Why is Thomas Tuchel not managing England yet?

      by

      ENGLAND take on Greece and the Republic of Ireland in a blockbuster Nations League double-header this month.The Three Lions begin with a trip to Athens on Thursday night, seeking revenge against Ivan Jovanovic’s side.Thomas Tuchel was appointed as England manager on Tuesday, October 8Credit: GettyEngland were on the end of a shock 2-1 defeat to Greece when the two teams met at Wembley back in October.A 94th-minute winner from Vagelis Pavlidis secured all three points for the Greeks and continued his side’s perfect record in the competition. The Three Lions will finish their November international break by hosting rivals Republic of Ireland in their Nations League group finale on Sunday evening.But why is new England boss Thomas Tuchel not in the dugout for the huge double-header?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhy is Thomas Tuchel not managing England yet?Thomas Tuchel will not be in the dugout for England’s Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland as he doesn’t start his new post until next year.The German officially begins his tenure as Three Lions gaffer on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.Tuchel penned an 18-month contract, which expires after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.FA CEO Mark Bullingham was asked about the delayed start to the Tuchel-era during the German’s unveiling, he said: “When we first spoke to him, we had our timescale, Thomas had his timescale and it just fitted really well. What was so impressive was his singular focus on us and the World Cup and that project.Most read in Football”It made sense for it to start on January 1 and made sense for Lee to finish the campaign in the Nations League. So we’re very comfortable where we are and that’s what we’ll be doing.”Since the former Chelsea boss doesn’t start until the new year, interim manager Lee Carsley will take charge of the Nations League matches against Greece and Republic of Ireland.The 50-year-old will return to his former post as under-21s head coach after November’s double-header.Tuchel’s first game in charge of England will come during the March international break, but it is not yet known who the opposition will be. More

    • 238 Shares55 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Man Utd star who knocked out Wayne Rooney ready to become second ex-Red Devil to join Misfits Boxing

      by

      A SECOND former Manchester United player is ready to join Misfits Boxing.Phil Bardsley famously showed his boxing skills when he knocked out Wayne Rooney in the kitchen. Phil Bardsley is keen to join Misfits BoxingCredit: SplashDanny Simpson made his boxing debut in the summerCredit: SportsfileAnd he hopes to take inspiration from Danny Simpson by stepping into the ring for a proper bout. Simpson put his Premier League winner’s medal from the 5,000-1 Leicester City success on the line when he drew with Danny Aarons at Misfits 17 in August.Now former Red Devils team-mate Bardsley is keen to follow in his footsteps, by lacing up the gloves and joining the KSI-founded promotion. The ex-defender, 39, said: “I’d certainly be interested in getting into the ring like Danny Simpson. I’ve had people ask me the question and I spoke to Simo about it recently.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”I’ve spoken to Wayne Rooney about a potential fight of his own but the issue he has is that he wants to manage and coach and it would be a bit stupid to go on Misfits or something like that and fight a YouTuber when he’s coaching.”But for me, I’m keen, Simo has spoken to someone at Misfits who spoke to some YouTubers but I don’t think there has been any takers yet which is unfortunate because I like to think I can give it a go. “If someone offered me a few quid for a fight, I certainly wouldn’t turn it down.”On the day the news broke in The Sun and the video of the dust-up went viral, Rooney responded by scoring against Tottenham and then did his knockout celebration.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd though that fight had a very limited audience in the privacy of Rooney’s Cheshire home, his close pal reckons the former England captain could light up Wembley again – in the ring rather than in the box.Bardsley – who launched his own property business after retiring – added to OLBG: “We had no idea that the boxing clip would go viral because we didn’t even know it was being filmed.Sky Sports pundits announce never-before-seen broadcast for huge Arsenal vs Man Utd clash Bardsley famously fought Wayne Rooney in the kitchenCredit: The SunThe ex-England captain ended up flat out on the floorCredit: The Sun”It then got released and sold and it was just one of those things, we’d probably had one too many drinks and then got the gloves out.”People sometimes forget that we are just normal lads from normal backgrounds and that’s just what lads do sometimes.”We had a swing and chinned each other a few times, we both like our boxing and I got the better of him on that occasion.”Wayne Rooney vs Jake Paul would definitely sell out Wembley, you can imagine the audience that would bring in, both in person and online as well.Would Wayne beat Jake Paul? It’s tricky because Jake Paul has done it for a long time now and Wayne hasn’t done it at that level in front of a huge audiencePhil Bardsley”The younger generation would be mad on all the build-up and the clips on their phones, the influencer boxing scene is huge and they’re filling their pockets now.”Would Wayne beat Jake Paul? It’s tricky because Jake Paul has done it for a long time now and Wayne hasn’t done it at that level in front of a huge audience.”He played football in front of millions before Jake Paul was on the scene but fair play to him, now he is doing it on the big stage and getting paid fortunes.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m not sure about him fighting Mike Tyson though, a 20-something lad fighting a 58-year-old, it’s bonkers. “You can understand it financially but I couldn’t fight a 60-year-old man for whatever amount of money. But that’s just me.”Rooney then did this hilarious celebrationCredit: Getty – ContributorBardsley was not part of the team that won the 2006 League Cup finalCredit: GettyHe made 18 appearances for the Red DevilsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More