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      Liverpool and Everton release joint statement slamming sick abuse towards Abdoulaye Doucoure as police launch probe

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      LIVERPOOL and Everton have released a joint statement slamming vile racist abuse aimed at Abdoulaye Doucoure.The midfielder was involved in a post-match bust-up with Curtis Jones after celebrating Everton’s 98th minute derby equaliser in front of travelling Liverpool fans.Liverpool and Everton have released a joint statement condemning racist abuse of Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: GettyDoucoure was sent off for brawling with Curtis Jones after Everton’s late derby equaliserCredit: AFPIt sparked a mass brawl as teammates from both sides rushed in to the fray.And both Doucoure and Jones were shown straight red cards by referee Michael Oliver.However, Doucoure was subjected to disgraceful racist abuse in the wake of the game.It’s led to Liverpool and Everton putting aside their rivalry to condone the sick behaviour while offering their unconditional support to the midfielder.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA joint statement read: “Liverpool FC and Everton FC are aware of – and condemn in the strongest possible terms – racist abuse received by Abdoulaye Doucoure following Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby.”Such abuse is reprehensible and will not, and should not, be tolerated.”Together, the two clubs will work with Merseyside Police, who are conducting an investigation with the aim of identifying the individuals responsible.”We also encourage people who witness or experience online abuse to report and highlight it to the social media platforms on which it appears.Most read in FootballEverton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stunt”We must all, including the social media companies, take a zero-tolerance stance. Platforms need to take accountability and action to ban such abusers.”Racism and hate has no place online, in our stadiums or in our communities.”Doucoure and Jones weren’t the only ones to receive red cards after the Merseyside derby.Liverpool boss Arne Slot and No2 Sipke Hulshoff also received their marching orders from Oliver.Slot approached the ref to have a few words and shake his hand.But as the pair shook hands, Oliver quickly reached into his pocket before producing a red card for the Dutchman.Arne Slot was sent off after the final whistleSlot could yet be in charge for Liverpool’s next match against WolvesCredit: GettyThe manager was also seen berating an assistant referee.The Premier League then revealed on their website that Slot will face two matches away from the sidelines as a result of the incident.The Reds boss is said to have used “offensive, insulting, or abusive language”.But just an hour later, the Premier League’s statement on Slot’s ban had been deleted.If Slot is banned for two games, he will be in the stands for Liverpool’s home match with Wolves on Sunday and their trip to face Aston Villa on February 19.However, it’s understood that the FA still needs to review Michael Oliver’s post-match report.They then have to decide on one of three options: whether to charge Slot, remind him of his responsibilities or take no further action.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt means there’s a possibility the Liverpool manager and his assistant could be in the dugout for the game against Wolves.If both Slot and Hulshoff are banned, former Everton star Johnny Heitinga could the nod to lead Liverpool. More

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      Virgil van Dijk swipes at Everton with brutal ‘cup final’ dig live on TV after last-gasp equaliser in Merseyside derby

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      LIVERPOOL captain Virgil van Dijk belittled Everton with a cheeky dig following the Merseyside derby.The Dutch defender took aim at Everton and Abdoulaye Doucoure after a full-time bust up took place at Goodison Park.Virgil van Dijk spoke to TNT Sports after the gameCurtis Jones was involved in the post match scrap with Doucoure at Goodison.Credit: ReutersVan Dijk had words with the match officials at full-time after controversial decisions were made during the game.Everton equalised late in stoppage time to salvage a point in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before The Toffees move into their new stadium in the summer.James Tarkowski’s equaliser in the eighth minute of stoppage time caused tension after five extra minutes were initially awarded in the 90th minute.The drama boiled over once the full-time whistle was blown with players from both sides clashing as Everton celebrated a draw.Doucoure and Curtis Jones were both shown red cards for their part in the post match clash.Read more on footballArne Slot was also sent off after words with Michael Oliver at full-time, along with his assistant Sipke Hulshoff.Speaking live to TNT Sports in a post match interview a frustrated Van Dijk said: “We all know this is their cup final”, suggesting that the match was the biggest of Everton’s season.While Van Dijk’s comments may have ruffled some feathers, it was a huge game for Everton as the final Merseyside derby at their famous ground.The occasion saw fans swarming the streets with banners before kick off and produced one of the best derby day atmospheres in recent memory that exploded when Tarkowski equalised.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVan Dijk continued: “A lot of battles. Very disappointing to concede in the last second of the game, or even over extra time, but it is what it is.”It isn’t easy to accept it, especially in the manner how, but we take it and move on.David Moyes says ‘boiling hot Goodison Park deserved drama’ in final Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton “I think the referee had a big part in the game today in terms of certain challenges were given as fouls and similar weren’t.”Speaking on the post match incident involving his teammate, Van Dijk added: “I think Doucoure wanted to provoke our fans, I think, that’s what I saw.”Curtis didn’t think that was the right thing to do and then obviously you know what happens when there is a little tussle.”The result meant Liverpool couldn’t take full advantage of their game in hand over second place Arsenal, but they still sit seven points ahead of the Gunners.As for Everton, David Moyes’ unbeaten streak in the league extends to four games with the point moving them up to 15th and ten points clear of the relegation zone.James Tarkowski’s volley at the death earned Everton a point in their final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.Credit: Getty More

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      Footballer, 18, who was part of special Bayern Munich squad tragically left brain dead after knee to head in match

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      A FORMER Bayern Munich youth star has been left brain dead at the age of 18, according to his brother.Defender Guo Jiaxuan was reportedly struck in the face by a knee during a training match in Spain last Thursday.Guo Jiaxuan has been left brain dead after being struck in the face by kneeCredit: Jam PressGuo had been playing in a game against Spanish side RC Alcobendas at a camp organised by the Beijing Football Association.Guo, an academy recruit of Chinese Super League (CSL) club Beijing Guoan, represented Bayern’s World Squad in 2023.His brother tragically revealed on social media that Guo had suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage following an accidental collision. The haemorrhage took the form of a stroke caused by bleeding on the brain.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHis sibling wrote on Chinese platform RedNote : “During training, he was rushed to hospital after being hit in the head by another player’s knee.”From the interpreter, I learned that the doctor at the hospital said my brother had too much bleeding in his head and that there was little hope of survival.”The hospital was going to remove his life support tubes.”The post said that a Spanish doctor told the family that Guo was at one stage clinically dead as a result of a lack of oxygen in his brain.Most read in FootballGuo’s father arrived in Spain on Saturday and reportedly refused the doctor’s suggestion to turn off his son’s life support.His family are seeking to bring him back to China for further treatment.A staff member from the Beijing FA noted that “they are fully committed to ensuring his treatment.”Following the match last week, RC Alcobendas offered a message of support for Guo and his family.A club statement read: “We want to express our deep concern for the player from the Beijing FA delegation who suffered an accident during the friendly match played this morning against our first team.”We send all our support to him, his family and his team at this difficult time. We sincerely wish your speedy recovery.”Guo was the only Chinese player selected for Bayern’s World Squad two years ago.The squad was part of an international project by the German giants aimed at developing promising players from around the world.The talented footballer was born in Beijing in 2006 and has represented China’s under-17s. More

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      My dad’s a Premier League legend and Chelsea icon, now I’m making my own way in football

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      PETR CECH’s daughter is following in her father’s footsteps after she made her national team debut.The Chelsea legend played in England for a decade and a half while also playing in goal for the Czech Republic for 14 years.Petr Cech’s daughter is following in his footstepsCredit: ReutersAdela Cechova made her debut for the Czech Republic Under-17 sideBut the 42-year-old’s daughter, Adela Cechova, has now taken the next steps in following her father’s career.On Tuesday the 17-year-old made her debut for Czechia’s Under-17 national team.She starred off the bench in a 3-0 defeat to Mexico in the MIMA Cup being held in Spain.The tournament will also see Cechova taking on England and Scotland before the end of the current international break.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Cechova is a defender rather than a goalkeeper like her father.Her coach, Daniel Smejkal, says of her: “She’s a promising defender.”Now we are taking her with us to Spain to train so that we can get to know her better.”Cechova wears the number 21 on her back.Most read in FootballShe has also kept her club football routes close to home, playing for Chelsea’s local rivals Fulham.Tonight Cechova will have the chance to help her nation get a win on the board when they face England, before another opportunity presents itself against Scotland on Saturday.Premier League legend makes professional ice hockey debut at 41 years old after joining championsCech actually missed the birth of his daughter on January 23, 2008, because he was with the Chelsea team for a League Cup semi-final tie against Everton.Chelsea would win the tie 2-1, although Cech did not play in the game – not even being named on the bench – with Hilario deputising in goal as picked by Avram Grant.On missing her birth, Cech told People Magazine: “It was the best day of my life and at the same time the saddest.”I was happy to be a father and proud of my wife, but sad to have missed the birth.”My daughter decided she would come in the middle of the night without me being able to do anything, so I had to wait glued to the phone.”Cech, who now plays ice hockey, has two children with his wife Martina.They have a boy, named Damian, who is following more directly in his father’s footsteps, being a goalkeeper with the Under-15s at Fulham.According to Czech outlet iDNES.cz, Cech does not want either of his children to play for Chelsea.The publication explains: “She will always be ‘Cech’s daughter’, but I don’t think he will push her up.”Quite the opposite, because he doesn’t want any of his children to play for a Chelsea team where he is a legend.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Playing with the national team is a new football and life experience for her.”Both of Cech’s children are kept away from the media spotlight in general and are said to be reluctant to give interviews.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson, 83, set for shock return to dugout after Man Utd legend ‘immediately’ accepts offer

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      SIR Alex Ferguson is weeks away from making a shock return to the dugout, according to his former player.The legendary British manager retired from Manchester United in 2013 after a glittering 26-year career at Old Trafford.Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly set to return to the dugout next monthCredit: AlamyFormer United star Giuseppe Rossi is holding a farewell match in Italy next monthCredit: EPARossi announced the retirement game on WednesdayBut Ferguson will reportedly return to the technical area on March 22 to help coach at a game in Florence.Former Italy international Giuseppe Rossi, 38, has organised a farewell match to honour his retirement next month.The ex-Fiorentina star’s “last dance” will be at the Stadio Franchi Stadium and has been dubbed ‘Pepito Day’.Due to his successful spell in LaLiga, the former striker earned the nickname ‘Pepito Rossi’, a reference to namesake Paolo Rossi.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe latter was nicknamed ‘Pablito’ following his goalscoring performances in Italy’s victorious 1982 World Cup campaign in Spain.And Rossi – who has a close relationship with Ferguson – revealed that the Scottish icon, 83, will be back in the dugout for his farewell.Rossi said: “Ferguson will be there as a coach. He was my first coach, I signed when I was 17. “I only did three years with him and played little, but he immediately said yes and this shows what kind of person he is.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I did little at United but he treats me like Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 1000 goals.”Ferguson gave Rossi his debut in senior football at United in 2004, before he went on to score four goals across 14 appearances in all competitions.Sir Alex Ferguson joins Man Utd players past and present to honour Denis Law at Old TraffordFerguson gave Rossi his senior debut in 2004Credit: Getty – ContributorFerguson is Britain’s most successful managerCredit: GettyRossi was loaned out to Newcastle and Parma between 2006 and 2007, before joining Villarreal permanently in 2007.Despite his love for Florence, Rossi’s most prolific years came with the LaLiga side, scoring 82 goals and provided 25 assists in 192 appearances.He then moved to Fiorentina from 2013 to 2017, notching 19 goals in 42 games, before being loaned out to Levante and Celta in 2016.The Italian announced on Wednesday that many of his ex-Fiorentina team-mates and some Serie A legends would play in the farewell game.Luca Toni, Antonio Cassano, Sebastien Frey, Borja Valero and Gabriel Omar Batistuta will be among the former players taking part.The teams haven’t been decided yet, but they will be made up of former stars.Meanwhile, it won’t be the first time Ferguson has returned to the dugout for a one-off occasion. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Scot oversaw United legend’s 1999 reunion match against Bayern Munich legends at Old Trafford in 2019.The home side stormed to a 5-0 victory, with David Beckham, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Dwight Yorke, Nicky Butt and Louis Saha on the scoresheet. More

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      ‘I cried in my car’ – Roy Keane reveals emotional reaction to Man Utd exit after bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson

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      ROY KEANE broke down in tears following his acrimonious departure from Manchester United.The former Red Devils skipper left the club by mutual consent in November 2005 following his infamous MUTV interview after their 4-1 defeat to Middlesbrough.Roy Keane left Manchester United by mutual consent in November 2005Credit: GETTYAn explosive row with Sir Alex Ferguson after his interview MUTV interview proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s backCredit: TIMES NEWSPAPERS LTDKeane admits he shed a tear after his departure from Old TraffordCredit: PAKeane blasted several of his team-mates by name for their displays at the Riverside and claimed they “let down the club” in an interview that wasn’t aired.An explosive row with Sir Alex Ferguson, in which he told the Scot “we need f***ing more from you”, proved to be the straw which broke the camel’s back.Keane was all too happy to leave the club following a tense meeting with Fergie and former club CEO David Gill but ended up shedding a tear once the reality of his exit hit home.During the latest episode of Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet, the Irishman admitted: “When I left United, I did cry that morning. Cried in my car.”READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSDespite his explosive departure, Keane is still beloved by the Old Trafford faithful.But the former Republic of Ireland international doesn’t have the same love for his former side.The 53-year-old revealed: “I don’t have that affinity with the clubs I’ve played for.”I don’t support Manchester United, I don’t support Nottingham Forest.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSRoy Keane admits he doesn’t support the Red DevilsCredit: APHe continued: “I have more of an insight with how it works at the club and the expectations.”But I wouldn’t say that I’m a fan – their results don’t make or break my weekend.Roy Keane launches incredible blast at ‘shocking and boring’ Man Utd after woeful first half vs Leicester”I wouldn’t go home going, ‘Get in there, that was a great win.’ I’d be looking at it in a professional way.”Keane joined United in 1993 from Nottingham Forest for a then-record British transfer fee of £3.75 million.He made 479 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 51 goals and racking up 41 assists in all competitions.Keane left The Theatre of Dreams having won 17 trophies with the club, including seven Premier League titles. More

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      Awkward moment King Charles asks Son Heung-min if Tottenham are ‘in good order’ in front of Daniel Levy

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      THIS is the awkward moment King Charles asks Son Heung-Min if Spurs are “in good order” in front of Daniel Levy.The unlikely meeting occurred as the King visited the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday.Son Heung-Min was asked an awkward question by King Charles in front of Daniel LevyCredit: TIKTOK @ESPNUKHis Majesty wanted to know if Spurs are ‘in good order’Credit: TIKTOK @ESPNUKHis Majesty arrived at the north London arena to great fanfare.And he was met by Spurs chief Levy before getting a tour of the stadium.On his travels, King Charles bumped into Tottenham captain Son.The South Korean star and teammates are enduring a woeful season under manager Ange Postecoglou.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpurs lie 14th in the table after winning just eight of their 24 league matches.And last week saw them dumped out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup within the space of several days.Tottenham are now preparing to face Manchester United at home on Sunday.And speaking to Son, King Charles asked whether Tottenham felt confident about their chances.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut the encounter was made all the more awkward by the fact that Son was being watched by Spurs supremo Levy in the background.King Charles initiated the conversation by asking: “So who are you playing this weekend then?”King Charles visits Tottenham Hotspur StadiumSon answered: “We are going to play against Manchester United on Sunday.”The King then asked: “Have you got a good chance?”Son replied: “I hope so!”His Majesty continued: “Is the team in good order at the moment?”Son pondered the question before answering: “We are in a difficult moment but we are working hard.”The King quickly asked: “Are you?”Son replied simply: “Yes.”Fans responded to the awkward moment on social media.One said: “Levy at the back.”Another declared: “I hope this guy lifts a trophy before he leaves.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “At least he’s honest.”Another added: “King Charles is too funny.” More

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      New footage shows moment that sparked huge brawl between Liverpool and Everton stars and four red cards

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      NEW footage has emerged of the crazy scenes which sparked a massive brawl immediately after the final whistle during the Everton-Liverpool game.The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park ended in a 2-2 draw with James Tarkowski’s late volley ensuring the spoils were shared in a hotly contested fixture.Curtis Jones pushes Abdoulaye Doucoure to spark the post-match brawl in Everton’s 2-2 draw with LiverpoolCredit: X/ footballontntJones grabbed onto his rival’s shirt despite two more Everton stars trying to separate themCredit: X/ footballontntDoucoure had run over to celebrate the draw in front of the Reds’ travelling supportCredit: RexJones took issue with the antics and rushed to confront himCredit: ReutersMore players and stewards arrived to separate the pair with Jones still incensedCredit: PABut there were explosive scenes at the full-time whistle as players wearing the blue and red clashed on the field.It came about as Abdoulaye Doucoure ran over to the away fans to celebrate the late equaliser.Curtis Jones, who has been at Liverpool since the age of nine, did not take too kindly to the celebration happening in front of him and bolted over to confront the Toffees midfielder.From there, players, coaches, stewards and police rushed over to diffuse the situation, though it only ended up expanding the brawl.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut new footage released by broadcaster TNT Sports has given viewers a new insight into the incident.A slowed-down version of the events shows how an incensed Jones, 24, ran over to grab the shirt of his 32-year-old rival.Carlos Alcaraz and Ashley Young arrive on the scene immediately and try to separate the pair, but Jones had a vice-like grip on Doucoure’s shirt and was determined to get his point across.Jones was seen grabbing and ripping with both hands while he was simultaneously trying to be dragged away by the two other Everton stars.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLiverpool pair Alexis Mac Allister and Darwin Nunez as well as Toffees defender Jake O’Brien then arrived on the scene just after stewards to help separate them.As more players joined the melee, a plastic water bottle was thrown from the crowd.New footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver emerges as mystery surrounds Liverpool manager’s red card Fortunately, it missed the heads of anyone involved in the scrap and instead hit the shoulders of Beto, who scored the game’s opening goal after 11 minutes, before bouncing off and behind him.Jones and Doucoure were both sent off for their actions, while Arne Slot was also given his marching orders after Michael Oliver deemed him to have used “offensive, insulting, or abusive language”.It has resulted in a two-game ban.Reds assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff had also been dismissed for incessantly arguing about the Everton equaliser due to an apparent foul on Ibrahima Konate in the build-up.Speaking about the incident and the game itself, Everton manager David Moyes said: “It was mayhem all game, it was a bit of an old-fashioned throwback. “The bit after the game, I could tell you about it but the truth is, it’s not really what we should be talking about.”What I do know is Doucoure got a yellow that led to a red which I am disappointed with as we are short of players. “The place was boiling hot all night, emotional, it was an incredible atmosphere inside the stadium. I think it was hugely important that Evertonians get to finish at their stadium as best as they can.“I just feel the support in here was unbelievable tonight, it was incredible support and I think it was fitting they got an end like they did.“We didn’t win, which was disappointing, but we got a draw in a game that didn’t look as if it was going to go in our favour. It would have been hard to come here losing 2-1 and talking about it. “But I think the way the crowd stayed to the end, it was a magical moment. There was a bit of tooing and froing at the end which might have added to the entertainment.”Slot was unable to speak to the press having been sent off, but in his absence, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said: “We all know this is their cup final and they will do everything in their power to try and win against us.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I think Doucoure in the end wanted to provoke our fans from what I saw and Curtis didn’t think that was the right thing to do.“Obviously, you know what happens when there is a little tussle, but I didn’t think the ref had the game under control, I said that to him.” More