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      ‘Criticism is par for the course’ – Todd Boehly breaks silence with defiant statement after Chelsea fans’ protest

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      CHELSEA owner Todd Boehly vowed he cannot afford to be waylaid by fan protests at Stamford Bridge.Blues boss Boehly was in the firing line along with boss Enzo Maresca in a public show of supporter unrest before Tuesday’s win over Southampton.Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has spoken out following protestsCredit: PAFans railed against the Americans’ ownership ahead of a win over SouthamptonCredit: EPABut American Boehly, who will celebrate three years in charge at SW6 in the summer, launched a strong defence of his reign as he insisted he still believes he can oversee a Chelsea “dynasty” of success.And if that means ignoring the complaint of the fans, then that is what he will have to do.Boehly said: “The fans are the lifeblood of any sports team. “You realise how important the team is to them and how important the fans are to the team. It’s hugely important. READ MORE ON CHELSEA”But the fact is that people say different things, change their minds all the time.”The criticism is just par for the course. The sooner you learn you won’t keep all the people happy all the time that brings freedom.”So you don’t have to live with their words. You can’t turn left and then right every three minutes, which is some of the advice we get, if you boil it down.”Boehly, speaking at the FT Business of Football Summit, has come under pressure for the state of Maresca’s squad, with fans bemoaning the lack of a genuine striking option in the absence of injured Nicolas Jackson.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the US businessman, who also owns the World Series champions LA Dodgers baseball side in California, dismissed those frustrations with a withering put-down – as he publicly explained the club’s controversial transfer strategy.Chelsea’s decision to offer new signings contracts of up to eight years saw Uefa and Prem chiefs forced to draw up new rules to ensure transfer deals for signings can now only be “amortised” over five years for FFP purposes.Inside Chelsea’s new £1.6BILLION stadium plans with Stamford Bridge project set to rival Tottenham’sUkrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk’s potential £88m arrival on an eight and a half year deal looked a mistake even before he was left facing a lengthy drugs ban.While eyebrows were raised over the contracts for Wesley Fofana, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and others.He insisted: “Strikers are hard to find. You can’t get one from the grocery store. “It’s an amazing skillset and you have to have a fantastic mentality.The criticism is just par for the course. The sooner you learn you won’t keep all the people happy all the time that brings freedom.Todd Boehly”The most misunderstood thing is that we’re thinking about it measured in years, not months. “You have to think both short and long-term. We’re focused on a combination of both and seeking the best possible way to execute that. It’s a balancing act to figure that out.”You have to have a plan and exercise it, accept that things are not linear and that the thing that matters is that the trend is in the right direction.”Yes, it’s been a steep learning curve. We’ve been here for less than three years and that’s been a whirling dervish of activity. Nothing is a straight line, ever and sport is so humbling.Chelsea ratings vs Southampton as Cole Palmer STILL can’t score or assist… and gets a horror grade”If you look at contracts in football, a seven year contract is really a five-year contract. “The reality that 95 per cent of the time by then you have to make a decision or you’ll shoot yourself in the foot”At that point, you either agree an extension with the player or that greener pastures are out there for both sides.”If you deny that you are kidding yourself.”We felt the longer contracts meant we could amortoise but it was also about how we put together a team with the ability to stay together.”Teams that are dynasties over the years had superstar captains that were able to lead. But how do you find those superstar captains?”And in football, the market is obviously across multiple countries – so you’re thinking France, Germany, Brazil, Latin America – basically everywhere around the world.”Strikers are hard to find. You can’t get one from the grocery store.Todd BoehlyBoehly declined to expand on his strained relationship with co-owner Behdad Eghbali other than saying: “We’ve agreed on a strategy and the way forward and stuff’s getting done.”That includes, longer term, “building a self-sustaining, very competitive club, figuring how to increase revenues” – in other words a likely new home away from the Bridge.But while he admits he is still coming to terms with a very different sports world from the one he grew up with in the US, Boehly suggested Prem club chiefs will have to be prepared to sacrifice some of their sacred cows to really monetise their product.Sky have been the Prem’s main broadcaster since its inception more than 30 years ago, with a new four-year deal – alongside a smaller one for TNT Sports – beginning next season.But Boehly claims the idea of selling TV broadcast rights territory by territory is out of date – and that Prem bosses should be looking for one mega-money global deal with a streaming giant like Netflix, Amazon Prime or Apple.He said: “The Premier League is one of the few truly global properties. “It has unbelievable content with more people engaged than anyone else in the world.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m not saying that bundling all the rights to package them globally is the direct answer at this minute but that’s where we are headed. “The owners have to be willing to take that risk.” More

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      Jose Mourinho hit with FOUR-MATCH ban amid racism row as Fenerbahce slapped with huge punishment after Galatasaray chaos

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      JOSE MOURINHO has been hit with a four-match ban amid his racism row with Galatasaray.The Fenerbahce boss was accused by his Turkish rivals of making “racist statements” after Monday’s Istanbul derby, which ended 0-0.Jose Mourinho has been banned for four matches in TurkeyCredit: RexOkan Buruk’s Galatasaray had accused Mourinho of making ‘racist statements’Credit: RexFormer Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss Mourinho claimed after the stalemate that Galatasaray had tried to get one of his team booked early on.He told a press conference that “everyone on the opposing bench was jumping around like monkeys.”Galatasaray immediately hit back and accused the Portuguese manager, 62, of “regularly using derogatory words towards the Turkish people” since moving to Istanbul.Fenerbahce responded by accusing Galatasaray of “pathetic slander.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the Turkish Football Federation have now announced that the Special One will serve a lengthy suspension as a result of his actions after the game.A statement said that Mourinho’s post-match press conference comments about Galatasaray “contained expressions that could encourage violence and disorder in sport, were divisive and separatist in society, and could cause fan incidents.”Slovenian Slavko Vincic was drafted in especially to referee the fiery derby clash, after Mourinho accused Turkish officials of giving favourable decisions to Galatasaray.Mourinho was criticised for going into the referees’ dressing room after the game – and openly criticising the quality of Turkish refereeing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat led to a second charge for directing “derogatory and offensive statements towards the Turkish fourth official” at full-time.The statement also claimed he made “insulting and offensive statements towards both the Turkish football community and all Turkish referees.”Jose Mourinho ruins Mauro Icardi with sarcastic comments and fans love it Mourinho received a two-game ban for each of the charges, as well as a total fine of £35,000.He will miss the next four league games against Antalyaspor, Samsunspor, Bodrum and Trabzonspor.But Mourinho will be in the dugout for Fenerbahce’s Europa League last-16 ties against Rangers next month.The Portuguese boss took charge of his Turkish club in June and they currently sit second in the Super Lig, six points off champions Galatasaray.In the aftermath of their racism accusation, Mourinho was defended by several former players including Didier Drogba.The Chelsea legend spent two years at Galatasaray from 2012 to 2014 and is considered a cult icon by their fans.But Drogba backed his former Blues boss in the row, saying: “Dear@GalatasaraySK. You know how proud I was to wear the yellow and red jersey and my love for the most decorated club in Turkey!!”We all know how passionate and heated rivalries can be, and I’ve been lucky enough to experience it.”I’ve seen the recent comments about Jose Mourinho. Trust me when I tell you I have known Jose for xx years and he is not a racist and history (past and recent ) is there to prove it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Let’s focus on our games, support our brilliant lions and let’s win the league to get close to our 5.”How can my “Dad” be a racist? Come on guys.” More

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      Man Utd stars frustrated with Ruben Amorim after under-pressure boss blamed team for massive wave of staff redundancies

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      MANCHESTER UNITED stars are frustrated with manager Ruben Amorim after he blamed their poor performance for hundreds of club employees being made redundant.The new boss has been candid in his view that United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League and poor Premier League form is partly responsible for club staff losing their jobs.Man Utd flops are frustrated by Ruben Amorim blaming the team for staff redundanciesCredit: GettyCaptain Bruno Fernandes has acted as conduit between players and the bossCredit: ReutersSir Jim Ratcliffe has overseen a stunning array of cuts at Old TraffordCredit: GettyBut his claims have angered some of his stars, who believe he knew the full extent of the club’s financial position before he joined mid-season.The statements have led to a distance between Amorim and his first-team squad, who are also adapting to the Portuguese boss’ demanding methods.A source said: “If you went into Carrington you would think the players and Amorim are getting on great.“But the truth is the players are frustrated for being blamed for the financial problems of the club.READ MORE SPORT STORIES“However they haven’t challenged the manager as they haven’t yet formed a bond with him.“He is clear in what he wants from them on the pitch, and they are trying to implement it.“But while some of them are fully behind his tactics, they feel that they cannot speak up as Amorim is steadfast in what he wants.“They are doing what they are told, whether they think its right or not…the players feel like they can’t show any displeasure or it will become a problem”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe source added that Amad Diallo and Amorim had bonded while club captain Bruno Fernandes was an important conduit between the manager and the rest of the squad.In a post-match interview after United’s stuttering 3-2 win over Ipswich on Wednesday, Fernandes acknowledged Amorim’s philosophy was not yet yielding the results they wanted.New footage emerges of Alejandro Garnacho that ‘explains why Man Utd star marched down tunnel’ after being hauled off He told TNT Sports: “Me and H [Harry Maguire] have been here for a while already, so we know that we have to stick to what we’ve been trying to do in training [and] what we’re supposed to do.“It could be that you could feel in moments that it’s not working, but for some reason, the manager wants us to do that – and if he wants us to do that… [the coaches] watch so many games, they prepare themselves [for our matches].“We have so many staff – not only the ones who came with him but the ones who were already here.”We have great people behind the team to work on that, so if they do that in the right way, we just have to come on the pitch and show it.”As I said, we need to have more confidence [and] be more brave to show our character and our qualities.”Man Utd have endured a nightmare season on and off the pitchCredit: GettyThere was more controversy during the victory over Ipswich as Alejandro Garnacho marched straight down the tunnel after being subbed off.The Argentine winger, 20, was hooked by Amorim after Patrick Dorgu was sent off late in the first half.The boss opted to instantly replace Garnacho with Noussair Mazraoui to solidify the defensive side of the team.The decision was booed by the home crowd at Old Trafford and called “garbage” on social media.Garnacho also appeared to be unhappy with being the sacrificial lamb as he stormed down the tunnel.Man Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Maguire saves the day after Onana makes case to be WORST ever signingMANCHESTER UNITED eased their fears of the drop in a topsy-turvy relegation six-pointer with Ipswich.The Red Devils triumphed 3-2 despite playing the second half with ten men.A major cock-up from Patrick Dorgu and Andre Onana saw Ipswich take a third-minute lead through Jaden Philogene.Then, after United had recovered to lead 2-1, Dorgu saw a straight red card for a poor challenge on Omari Hutchinson.Philogene scored again to level it before the break only for Harry Maguire to nod in to be United’s saviour.But who was United’s best player on the night?Here, SunSport’s Phil Thomas reveals his Manchester United player ratings…However, some fans reckon the forward was simply off to change his soaking wet shirt.Speaking after the match, Amorim was quizzed about the player’s attitude and brought up loaned-out forward Marcus Rashford in his response.He said: “You are making a connection with Rashford, right? I know, I know.”What I’m saying is I’m going to talk obviously with Garnacho about that [going down the tunnel].”So I will talk about that if you want in the next press conference.”READ MORE SUN STORIESGarnacho has since taken to Instagram with a more positive post, having shared a cryptic snap of himself looking frustrated straight after the match.He shared a snap of the team celebrating Maguire’s goal with the caption: “Important three points! Team.” More

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      ‘I am heartbroken’ – Man Utd’s pre-eminent writer reveals he’s victim of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cuts in emotional post

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S most esteemed writer has been let go by the club amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s second round of brutal cuts.Ratcliffe, 72, completed a minority takeover in 2023 and has since gained control over sporting operations at United, which in turn led to some severe downsizing.Manchester United’s ‘pre-eminent writer’ has been let go amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s second round of cutsCredit: AlamyLast summer saw 250 staff members made redundant in a heavy first wave to save costs under Sir Jim.But the list of casualties is set to increase by between 150 and 200 job cuts amid the club’s transformation plan, which includes axing free lunches.That also led to the dismissal of some of the Red Devils’ most esteemed figures, such as legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson whose ambassador role was ended.And now best-selling author Wayne Barton has become “one of the statistics” of Ratcliffe’s latest cuts.Read More on Man UtdBarton worked as an editorial consultant for the club since January 2023 and has been very close with the club for many years.His incredible work, which has seen him publishing 20 books, led to immense praise from key figures, such as Tony Whelan and Martin Edwards who dubbed him the club’s “pre-eminent writer”.The writer was left “heartbroken ” as he announced the news on social media where he sang the praises of other members of staff who were made redundant and expressed his desire to return one day.Barton tweeted: “So just over two years in my dream job came to an end today as I became one of the statistics you’ve been reading about in the press associated with United.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”For those two years I loved every day of being able to work at Old Trafford, I loved the immense privilege despite it being such a difficult time in our history, hoping that I could help from within to contribute something positive.”I’m beyond proud of my work outside of United, the kind reviews of my books and perception of me as a writer. Ruben Amorim makes blunt admission as Man Utd face cash crisis “Obviously, I am heartbroken that my contribution is no longer of value to the club I love.”I understand that difficult decisions have to be made. I have seen very talented people leave their roles, and I have seen legendary figures who are drenched in the history of our club been told they too are now part of the past; a past which is, for me, the richest history in football, a past which these people remain a significant part of the tapestry and educational process for the future. “They are indispensable; the cost of losing them far greater than financial.’I am heartbroken’He continued: “It’s the biggest club in the country, possibly the world, and every loss I’ve seen and experienced has been significant to the operations. Every loss has been felt.”These are real people, real lives, being affected – not because of the quality of their performance or contribution. They work incredibly hard and feel, like I have done, a sense of gratitude and privilege and a dream coming true. “There are people having to deliver terrible news which wasn’t their decision to make. A football club is not a normal business. It is a community asset, serving different needs. It is it’s history.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Anyway. So today I leave the club I love, hoping that one day, they will need me again, and that I’ll be back, my tiny little cog in the big machine, my sense of grandoise not lost on me with the self-importance of this post.”I’m by no means an important loss, but it’s an important loss to me.” More

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      Premier League chief Richard Masters offers huge update on Man City’s 130 financial rule breach charges

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chief executive Richard Masters has issued an update on Manchester City’s 130 Financial Fair Play charges.City were hit with 115 charges over alleged breaches of FFP rules last February.Richard Masters has issued an update on Man City’s chargesCredit: GettyThat number rose to 130 later in the year following an administration issue.The reigning Prem champions vehemently denied the charges in a hearing which took place between September and December and a verdict is now imminent.Pep Guardiola revealed earlier this month that he expects to learn of the club’s fate in March.And the Spaniard has insisted that he will speak out on the situation when the process is over.Read More in FootballBut Prem chief Masters has given a brief update on the process on Thursday – suggesting the panel needs to be “given time”. Asked about the case at the Business of Football Summit, he said: “The disciplinary panel needs to be given time to come to their decision”.Football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes a relegation-inducing points deduction will be the most likely outcome should City lose the case.He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “A points deduction would be the most likely outcome should the club be found guilty.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”As for the quantum of points deduction, if Everton were initially given a 10 points deduction for going around about £10/12million over the limits in one particular season, I think, in order to set an example to the rest of football, it’s got to act as a deterrent.””We’ll probably be looking at somewhere in the region of 60 to 100 points, which would effectively guarantee relegation out of the Premier League and into the lower tiers of football in the EFL.”Micah Richards reveals he supports two Premier League teams but it ‘depends if I’m off air or on air’ Man City recently won a legal battle with the Premier League over “unlawful” financial rules.The bombshell verdict could now trigger a series of compensation claims from clubs and plunge the competition into crisis. More

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      Man City compared to company behind one of biggest financial scandals ever and accused of HIDING losses by LaLiga chief

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      MANCHESTER CITY have been accused of an “Enron-style” financial deception by Spanish LaLiga boss Javier Tebas.Outspoken Tebas stunned an audience in London as he claimed the Etihad outfit had hidden losses that would have impacted their financial fair play status by hiding them in related Abu Dhabi-owned companies. More

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      I experienced the poshest, most exclusive stand in Premier League and it was like no other – just ignore the football

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      IT’S the poshest, most exclusive and expensive stand in the Premier League.Bring your Speedos for a half-time dip in an open-air swimming pool, indulge your taste buds with a spot of lobster in a high-class restaurant, enjoy a drink on a roof-top bar overlooking the Thames.Dave Kidd visited Fulham’s new exclusive standThe Sun’s Chief Sports Writer paid £105 for his ticket with his son’s priced at £85 More

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      ‘As an American I’m ashamed’ – Donald Trump slammed by former Premier League manager over ‘ridiculous’ comments

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      FORMER Leeds boss and current Canada manager Jesse Marsch has blasted US President Donald Trump in an astonishing rant. American-born Marsch is “ashamed” of Trump’s repeated comments about making Canada a 51st state.Jesse Marsch has blasted US President Donald TrumpPresident Trump has repeatedly joked about Canada becoming a 51st stateTensions have been rising between the neighbouring countries following Trump’s 51st state remarks, including proposed trade tariffs between the bordering nations.Marsch took charge of Canada in May 2024 and could face the US in the final of the CONCACAF Nations League next month.But the Wisconsin-born gaffer has hit back at Trump “insulting rhetoric” at the Concacaf Nations League media day in Los Angeles on Wednesday.Marsch, 51, said: “If I have one message to our president, it’s lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As an American, I’m ashamed of the arrogance and disregard we’ve shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies.”These international tournaments, for Canada, mean something different now.”Canada is a strong, independent nation that is deep-rooted in decency and it’s a place that values high ethics and respect.”Unlike the polarised, disrespectful and often now hateful climate that is in the US.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCanada and the US recently met across two fixtures in the 4 Nations ice hockey competition, with the former winning the final 3-2.The politically-charged nature of the tournament was hard to avoid.Lionel Messi fined after grabbing the neck of a New York City assistant coachTheir first game descended into chaos with three fights breaking out between players in the first nine seconds, while the US national anthem was loudly booed.American supporters also jeered the Canadian anthem, which was sung with different lyrics in protest about Trump’s statements.After Canada won in overtime, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on X: “You can’t take our country – and you can’t take our game.”Marsch added: “When I look forward to a month from now I know this will fuel our team, the mentality and will that we have to play for our country.”The desire to go after this tournament in every way and to show on and off the pitch exactly what Canadian character is.”The politically-charged nature of the 4 Nations hockey tournament was hard to avoidMarsch has won six of his 13 games in charge of Canada, who are seeking their first piece of silverware since 2000 in the Nations League.Canada meet Mexico in the semi-finals on 21 March and the winner will face either the US or Panama in the CONCACAF final two days later.Marsch – who previously coached the US team in 2011, before a successful career in the MLS – has quickly taken to Canadian culture.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe sings the national anthem and has plans to eventually move to Canada ahead of the 2026 World Cup.The US, Canada and Mexico will share hosting duties in two years time. More