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      Refs chief Howard Webb breaks silence over shocking X-rated David Coote as he promises ‘we are taking it very seriously’

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      REFS chief Howard Webb has broken his silence over David Coote’s X-rated leaked video.Premier League official Coote has been suspended after he labelled former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “German c**t” on camera.Howard Webb has broken his silence over David Coote’s X-rated videoCredit: PASunSport understands Coote will quit his role before he is firedCredit: XReferee body PGMOL have launched an investigation into the footage, with the FA also conducting their own probe.And SunSport can exclusively reveal that Coote is expected to quit before he is sacked.PGMOL chief Webb was forced to break his silence after appearing on Sky Sports show Mic’d Up last night.And he insisted his organisation are taking Coote’s video “very seriously.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “We became aware of a video that was being circulated on social media that we are taking very seriously.“We’ve instigated a full investigation. One of our referees, David Coote, has been suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of that investigation.“There’s not much more I can say at this stage until we’ve worked through that investigation.”The sensational minute-long clip looks set to end Coote’s career and cost him a fortune in lost earnings.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe stands to lose his job as a Select Group 1 referee that pays him at least £100,000 a year.Fifa are also looking into his part-time position with them.Premier League referee David Coote SUSPENDED as video appears to show him calling Klopp a ‘c***’ in anti-Liverpool rantAnd he has already been booted off Uefa’s matchlist for a Nations League game during the current international break.Referencing Klopp’s nationality also means Coote faces stiffer sanctions from a potential aggravated misconduct charge.And the Nottinghamshire official has no hope of keeping a role within the PGMOL once he hangs up his whistle — like many of his peers.A source told SunSport: “He’s looking at more than a million quid down the drain there when you add it all up.”Shocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.” More

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      David Coote expected to QUIT as referee before he’s sacked with X-rated Klopp rant to cost official more than £1MILLION

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      DAVID COOTE can kiss goodbye to more than £1MILLION after his astonishing X-rated rant at Jurgen Klopp.The under-fire Premier League referee faces ruin having been caught on video labelling Liverpool’s former boss a “German c***”.Referee David Coote was caught on video labelling ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘German c***’Credit: XCoote is expected to quit as a referee before he’s sackedCredit: ReutersCoote unleashed an astonishing rant at ex-Liverpool boss KloppCredit: APRefs’ chiefs at the PGMOL are investigating but believe Coote will quit before he gets sacked.The FA have also launched their own probe. VAR specialist Coote, 42, was booted off Uefa’s matchlist for a Nations League game during the international break following his foul-mouthed remarks.Referencing Klopp’s nationality means Coote faces stiffer sanctions from a potential aggravated misconduct charge.Fifa are now looking into his part-time position with them.Read More on FootballPGMOL boss Howard Webb said: “We became aware of a video on social media that we are taking very seriously. We have instigated a full investigation.“David Coote has been suspended pending the outcome. There’s not much more I can say at this stage.”The sensational minute-long clip looks set to end Coote’s career and cost him a fortune in lost earnings.He stands to lose his job as a Select Group 1 referee that pays him at least £100,000 a year.Most read in FootballAnd the Nottinghamshire official has no hope of keeping a role within the PGMOL once he hangs up his whistle — like many of his peers.A source told SunSport: “He’s looking at more than a million quid down the drain there when you add it all up.”Premier League referee David Coote SUSPENDED as video appears to show him calling Klopp a ‘c***’ in anti-Liverpool rantA video was posted online on Monday showing Coote laying into Klopp and labelling him “f***ing arrogant”.He also said Liverpool were “s**t” in the footage, which was recorded several years ago.Coote has not denied the authenticity of the video but “does not recall” making it.The official has history with Klopp, who left the Kop giants in May.Shocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”They clashed after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley at Anfield in July 2020 during the pandemic-hit season.The explosive comments cast serious doubt on his impartiality and suitability to referee in English football again.His remarks about Liverpool mean he could no longer referee their games with a shred of credibility.But neither can he take charge of matches involving their rivals in case his decisions indirectly affected them.And any club with a German boss or player could claim they would not receive fair treatment from Coote.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe man who filmed Coote’s anti-Liverpool rant has been named as former Nottinghamshire cricketer Ben Kitt.Kitt has also reportedly been suspended from his job. More

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      Ruben Amorim gives his Man Utd stars some much-needed TLC as new boss meets Mainoo and Co for first time

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      RUBEN AMORIM met several of Manchester United’s squad yesterday — and instantly gave them some TLC.The new Red Devils chief was snapped greeting Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Toby Collyer at Carrington.Ruben Amorim has been all smiles at CarringtonHe hugged Kobbie MainooAnd embraced Luke ShawHe was seen sharing a joke with summer signing Lenny YoroHe could have a big role for Mason MountIt came just 24 hours after his arrival from Sporting Lisbon.Amorim, 39, embraced Shaw, hugged Mainoo and Mount, shared a laugh with £42million summer buy Yoro and chatted to Collyer.The bulk of United’s players are on international duty — but some first-teamers have been working on their fitness in the gym.Amorim, whose first match in charge is a Prem trip to Ipswich on November 24, wasted little time making big calls off the pitch, too.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDarren Fletcher survived Amorim’s cull, unlike interim chief Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was axed on Monday in a move criticised by ex-Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand.Stalwart Fletcher was part of Erik ten Hag’s staff and is set to continue in a coaching capacity.The Scot had been technical director but new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe appointed Jason Wilcox in that role earlier this year, so the ex-midfielder joined the backroom set-up where he is set to remain.Amorim is waiting for a visa before he can work with his squad — but looks set to bring in Sporting analyst Eduardo Rosalino.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThree Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro.The Portuguese wants Premier League experience on his staff so Fletcher and set-piece coach Andreas Georgson are set to stay.Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido, Paulo Barreira, Emanuel Ferro and Jorge Vital all travelled with Amorim to Manchester — but have not been confirmed yet.Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City Meanwhile, Ferdinand reckons Amorim axed van Nistelrooy, who won three of his four games as caretaker, as he felt threatened.The Dutch club legend departed along with coaches Rene Hake, Jelle van Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel.Ferdinand said: “It’s not easy to go in and have, sitting next to you, one of the most prolific strikers.“Fans love him. And any bumps in the road, they’ll say to get Ruud in as a manager.”Left-back Tyrell Malacia ended his 17-month injury nightmare with a start for the Under-21s in the EFL Trophy at Huddersfield last night. More

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      Shocking stats reveal Prem’s medical emergency with stars missing HUNDREDS of games already… and it’s only getting worse

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      THE Premier League could descend into chaos this season due to the growing injury toll on its stars.That is the warning from PFA boss Maheta Molango, who is alarmed at the increased casualty list across England’s top flight.Several England players have been hit by injury this season including Bukayo SakaCredit: PAJack Grealish has also seen his momentum curtailed by fitness issuesCredit: RexA staggering 232 Prem games have been missed by players at English clubs in Europe, while the Three Lions lost EIGHT to injury for this week’s Nations League clashes with Greece and Ireland.Molango said: “Players have been talking for a long time about the impact of the football calendar and fans can see it for themselves when they look at the number of players injured.“Nobody should want major competitions to just come down to who can get their players out on the pitch.”England’s lengthy injury list has added to worries that the demands on top stars are getting worse — and could end up being crucial in the title race.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInterim boss Lee Carsley is without Gunners’ Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka and Manchester City duo Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill, Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and Southampton keeper Aaron Ramsdale all pulled out.John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Eberechi Eze were previously ruled out through injury.And that is BEFORE the ramifications of this year’s final international break, two more rounds of European games, the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and a packed league programme.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat run could mean up to 13 matches in seven weeks for players up to January 1.City boss Pep Guardiola has seen Rodri KO’d for the campaign, not seen Oscar Bobb all season and spoken of his concerns for Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Nathan Ake and Foden. He admits his side’s title hopes are under threat from the injuries.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca comments on Cole Palmer injury after draw with Arsenal And even after the Prem is decided City, along with Chelsea, will be playing in next summer’s expanded Fifa Club World Cup.But City, whose players have missed 42 games between them in the Prem, are not alone in sparking player welfare fears.Across Manchester, Erik ten Hag’s pre-sacking complaints about his injury misfortune had some validity.United players, including both his left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, have missed 57 matches so far.Incoming Ruben Amorim may be able to change the mood but he cannot wave a magic wand to bring those two, Maguire or Mainoo back any quicker than their bodies can heal.Injuries are part and parcel of football. Always have been, always will be.But as PFA chief Maheta Molango points out, extra demands on the biggest stars, with the fixture list becoming increasingly packed and this summer’s 32-team Club World Cup for City and Chelsea, the outcome is almost inevitable.Molango said: “It’s important to be able to back that up with numbers and evidence, so we can make the case for things like proper rest periods and restrictions around the frequency of games.“The No 1 principle behind the way we structure the calendar has got to be a proper understanding of the physical limits of the players.Injury problems have plagued Reece James for the past few yearsCredit: GettyA staggering 232 Prem games have been missed by players this seasonCredit: Reuters“We always say that this is not just a player issue but a football issue.“Fans are paying to see the best players competing for the biggest prizes, but that can’t happen if they are constantly injured.“It also has a knock-on impact, as it means even more workload on those who can play.“They are then pushed beyond their limits and put at greater risk of injury themselves. It’s a vicious cycle.”Molango’s argument holds water. While clubs have 25-man squads, even the biggest and best have a core of players who the manager knows he can rely on. If any of those are injured for a long spell, it means more minutes for the remaining key players.And that, inevitably, means those players are even more likely to pick up knocks, pulls, strains and other wear and tear injuries.Chelsea’s improvement under Enzo Maresca is doubtless due to hard work on the training ground.But it is helped by the fact that his players have missed only 15 games.Seven of those are accounted for by Reece James.Nobody should want major competitions to just come down to who can get their players out on the pitch. PFA boss Maheta MolangoLiverpool have been without Alisson for a month and Diogo Jota for the past few games, while Alexander-Arnold has pulled out of England duty with a hamstring problem.Arsenal’s recent drop-off coincided with injuries to Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White on top of the extended absence of skipper Martin Odegaard.The injury pattern has been getting worse in recent years.In their latest European Football Injury Index, insurers Howden totted up that Prem clubs paid £266million in wages last season to players who were not available for selection through injury, with United top of the crocks.Critically, the average length of absence for an injured Premier League player has almost doubled, from 15 days to four weeks, since the start of the 2020-21 campaign.Howden had already anticipated “a continuation of this upwards trajectory” and that “the squad depth of clubs will continue to be tested”.Even more so in the period after international players return from the various corners of Europe and the world next week.Unsurprisingly, given that clubs can play more than a sixth of their entire Prem programme in the four weeks of December, it is also the month Howden’s statistics found that most injuries are accrued.Part of it, too, is about the style of play of a number of coaches.Even in the Championship, where European football is the thing that takes place when they are facing another of the seemingly endless midweek fixture lists, front-foot chiefs can suffer the consequences.Norwich, who switched from a more patient style under former boss David Wagner after the arrival of Johannes Hoff Thorup, had EIGHT stars out as they lost at home to Bristol City on Saturday.But it is at the top end that it really shows.Molango’s argument that “nobody should want major competitions to just come down to who can get their players out on the pitch” is more than valid.READ MORE SUN STORIESYet it might well be that which determines the destination of the Premier League crown.The medical staff could be the most important members of every club’s backroom team. More

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      Fresh row at BBC as host Mark Chapman refuses to share MOTD job with female star after Gary Lineker quit

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      A ROW has kicked off over who replaces Gary Lineker after 25 years hosting Match of the Day — with bosses pushing for a job share.They want Mark Chapman and Kelly Somers to take turns in the hot seat, but insiders said bookies’ pick Chappers is not a fan of the idea.Mark Chapman is ruling out a Match of the Day job shareCredit: GettyBBC bosses want Kelly Somers to take turns in the hot seatCredit: GettyGary Lineker was spotted walking his dog yesterdayCredit: PAA source said: “It’s a headache for the BBC.”Chapman has flatly refused a Match of the Day job share.The 51-year-old, currently hosting Match of the Day 2, made it clear he does not want to split the bigger role with Kelly Somers, 33.BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski is keen on the sharing plan.Read More on SportBut insiders said bookies’ favourite Chappers — recently named frontman for the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show — has declined the offer. A source said: “As soon as Gary’s deal was done, Alex made it clear he wanted Mark and Kelly to replace him.“It would effectively be a job share and they would rotate hosting duties between them.“Mark has made it clear within the team at MOTD that this isn’t something he would want to do.Most read in Football“He doesn’t want a job share, he wants Gary’s role as his own, which is understandable.“It’s a headache for the BBC because they thought they’d found an easy solution.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027“It’s back to the drawing board and negotiations are ongoing.”BBC Sport reporter Somers is in the frame after winning fans with her Euros coverage this summer. In recent years she has worked for Premier League Productions, BBC’s Final Score, talkSPORT, West Ham United and the Women’s Football League Show.Yesterday the BBC confirmed The Sun’s exclusive story about Lineker’s departure.The 63-year-old will leave MOTD at the end of the season. He will anchor BBC FA Cup ­coverage in 2025 and 2026, along with the next World Cup.In a statement, the BBC said: “After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show.“He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.” The Sun revealed Lineker, spotted walking his dog yesterday, was in talks over a new deal in September. Insiders said he wanted a multi-year contract and offered to take a pay cut.However, after weeks of tense negotiations, the BBC agreed only to extend his MOTD deal to the end of this season.It is understood his new contract pays at least £500,000 less.Lineker will continue to host the MOTD Top Ten podcast and The Rest is Football — part of his own stable of podcasts — will now be available on BBC Sounds.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe podcast attracted headlines during the Euros when Lineker described an early England performance as “s**t” — a much punchier verdict than the reaction he gave on the BBC.The BBC declined to comment last night.Chapman has recently been named frontman for the BBC’s new Champions League highlights showCredit: GettySomers is in the frame after winning fans with her Euros coverage this summerCredit: Instagram @kellyesomersLineker will quit the role after 25 years hosting the showCredit: Doug Seeburg More

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      Man filmed alongside David Coote in anti-Liverpool rant suspended from his job at company with links to Man Utd

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      THE man who filmed David Coote’s anti-Liverpool rant has been named and reportedly suspended from his job.Footage emerged on Monday of Premier League referee Coote making derogatory comments about Jurgen Klopp and his former side.David Coote was suspended by the PGMOL for his comments about KloppCredit: XThe person who filmed him, Ben Kitt, has also been suspended by his companyKitt is a former Nottinghamshire County Cricket playerCredit: FacebookCoote, 42, has been suspended by the PGMOL pending an investigation.Now the person responsible for filming the video, named as Ben Kitt, has also been suspended from his job, report The Telegraph.The former Nottinghamshire cricketer is being investigated by his employers, executive recruitment firm Forsyth Barnes, whose clients include Manchester United and Real Madrid.Kitt is heard saying in the clip: “Long story short: Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b***ends and we hate Scousers.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLForsyth Barnes co-founder Roheel Ahmad said in a statement to the Telegraph: “Forsyth Barnes understands that the leaked video of David Coote includes one of its employees, Ben Kitt.“This is something that we are taking very seriously and we have suspended Ben on full pay while we investigate further.“Although we are still in the process of gathering all the facts, we do know for certain that the video was taken some years before Ben became an employee of Forsyth Barnes.“In his time with the business, Ben has demonstrated a strong [work] ethic and dedication to his career. He has matured considerably and grown into a responsible young man.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”“To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, Forsyth Barnes will not be making any further comments.”A spokesman for the firm said Kitt did not wish to comment on the video, while Coote is also yet to respond.Premier League referee David Coote SUSPENDED as video appears to show him calling Klopp a ‘c***’ in anti-Liverpool rantIn the clip, Coote can be seen branding the Merseyside club “s**t” and calling Klopp a “c***” while in conversation with Kitt.Referencing a match between Liverpool and Burnley in 2020, Coote added: “Aside from having a right pop at me when I was refereeing them against Burnley in lockdown, he (Klopp) accused me of lying and then had a right f***ing pop of me.”I have no interest in speaking to someone who is f***ing arrogant.”He later said in a separate video: “Just to be clear, that f***ing last video cannot go anywhere, seriously.”Coote has since admitted the video is of him but “cannot recall” making it.The ref has been excluded from Uefa’s match list for the upcoming Nations League fixtures this week. More

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      Fresh heartache for George Baldock’s family over late defender’s official cause of death

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      THE family of football star George Baldock faced fresh heartache yesterday over his official cause of death.They were told it could be months before they know for sure what killed the Panathinaikos defender last month.Football ace George was found dead in his swimming pool at his villa in AthensCredit: ReutersSheffield United players paid tribute to their former starCredit: GettyThe 31-year-old former Sheffield United player was found dead in his swimming pool at his villa in Athens.A report detailing toxicology and histology results will be prepared but is unlikely to be ready until the new year.Dr Grigoris Leon, of the Hellenic Society of Forensic Medicine, said: “The release of official findings could take months.“There are only five people with the expertise to conduct microscopic tests in Greece.READ MORE ON GEORGE BALDOCK“The cause of his death is very likely to have been pathological and related to the heart.”Baldock, who signed for Panathinaikos in the summer, was repatriated to the UK and laid to rest a week ago.Mourners included former England midfielder Dele Ali.Baldock, known to fans as Furious George due to his all-action playing style, made over 200 appearances for the Blades.Most read in FootballHe also won 12 caps for Greece.England and Greece stars in emotional minute’s silence to pay tribute to George Baldock after tragic death at 31The family of football star George Baldock faced fresh heartache over his official cause of deathCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Greece boss Gus Poyet pinpoints exactly what went wrong for England in shock loss… and warns it could happen again

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      FORMER Greece manager Gus Poyet claims England’s shock loss at Wembley was down to interim boss Lee Carsley’s baffling line-up and all the managerial drama.The Greeks upset the Three Lions with a 2-1 win last month in the Nations League after a brace by Benfica star Vangelis Pavlidis, despite an brief equaliser by Jude Bellingham, and dedicated the win to team-mate George Baldock just 24 hours after his sudden death.Ex-Greece boss Gus Poyet warns England could lose again at Athens due to their opponents’ unityCredit: SportsfileEngland lost to Greece at Wembley amid managerial dramaCredit: AlamyPoyet believes England interim boss Lee Carsley’s baffling line-up contributed to the lossCredit: AlamyThe two teams meet again on Thursday in the return fixture at Athens’ Olympic Stadium – also known as OAKA – in the first match after Thomas Tuchel was named England’s new full-time manager.Poyet, 56, suggests it’s a good thing the national team finally know who Gareth Southgate’s successor is as he believes the uncertainty took a toll on the player’s mentality.The Chelsea and Tottenham legend also expects Carsley, who will oversee the matches against Greece and Finland before Tuchel takes over in the new year, to name a much more balanced line-up at OAKA.The ex-Brighton boss suggested Carsley simply tried to accommodate all of his best players, which is almost impossible for any manager to do at international level.Read More on FootballThe 50-year-old coach tried out a controversial, ultra-attacking formation that saw Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon having to start in deeper roles, while Bellingham was placed up front instead of in-form strikers Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke.Poyet told SunSport on behalf of Freebets.com: “The mental side is very, very important. I think there were too many things going around publicly about England and the coaches and which one [will be in charge] and how it’s going to be. “Everybody saw after that game the FA decided to name Tuchel, which means it [the info] was inside the camp, that feeling. And nobody knew the future of the national team. “And it’s true that on the pitch, normally, it doesn’t affect the players when you are playing because you are not thinking about anything else. But the previous days, the previous hours and the after hours, it does. Greece put up a magnificent plan from the coach and the players. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”They understood exactly what they needed to do, and then in key moments of the game they took advantage. And that’s always important. You know, there are little things that need to go for you in certain moments, and they totally served well.”I think that for whatever reason, the coach in place tried something that most people in football were saying, that it was not possible to play everybody. Going back to my time, when they used to say Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and [Paul] Scholes, they can play together. England’s international break is a mess before a ball’s been kicked “Whatever it was here was the same. Everybody wanted to see everyone in somehow. Apparently that was the correct game to do it, and at the end it was clear that it was not. “So maybe, you know, sometimes we make decisions as coaches. We believe that playing all your best players, it makes a team. And sometimes it doesn’t, almost all of the time.”That was one of the biggest mistakes I made in one of my clubs, to try to accommodate all the very good players somehow into the pitch and put in there like a puzzle and it doesn’t work like that. “You know, a team needs to have some shape, some characteristics, some people who are going to be good at the ball, and some that are going to be good without the ball. And I think that somehow didn’t work for England.”Poyet believes the loss at Wembley absolutely proves England can lose again in Athens, which would see them missing out on first place in Group 2 and being dealt a severe blow to their 2026 World Cup plans.The former Sunderland boss knows Greece very well as he managed them for two years and transformed them as he promoted them to League B, only just missing out on Euro 2024 qualification in the play-off final at Georgia, which led to his exit.’England know they can lose’And he is adamant his successor at the helm Ivan Jovanovic has put together a smooth transition that sees his team being much more clinical on the pitch.Poyet added: “Now they know that they can lose and that’s enough. It’s gonna be a totally different game. I think the first game is always a surprise. This one is going to be different”For Greece, it’s going to be amazing. I think the progress that we made in two years and the intelligence of Jovanovic now taking that forward with his own style, but without changing too many players, is being proven absolutely right. “Go back two years and a half when I arrived, and there was seven or eight thousand people at OAKA . Now it’s going to be full. “It means that group of players are going places, and that shows that it was something right, and that the people got excited. So it’s going to be a great opportunity to see if it’s possible to repeat that magical moment at Wembley.”Poyet warned England, who saw Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Palmer, Levi Colwill and Aaron Ramsdale pulling out, the main ingredient that could cause another upset is the Greek players’ unity.Greece unity can cause another upsetThe likes of Cardiff’s Manolis Siopis, Newcastle’s Odysseas Vlachodimos, Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas, West Ham’s Dinos Mavropanos, captain Tasos Bakasetas and Premier League target Fotis Ioannidis have been playing together for years.And the game will be taking place in front of a sold out OAKA, filled with passionate Greeks that have fallen back in love with their national team following 10 years of hurt.Poyet said: “The unity of the group, for sure, 100 per cent, [can lead to an upset] because it’s there and continues to be there.”I think when you play against a team like England, which is one of the top teams in the world, you need to be practically perfect, no mistakes. “And you need to be on the day to bring down the difference between the two teams. So you need to be clinical. Greece was clinical at Wembley, READ MORE SUN STORIES”You need to make sure that everybody is in a high level. You just say, what a big decision for the coach you know, to play Pavlidis or to play Ioannidis [up front] – probably both will play part of the game. “So there is plenty of things that they need to be decided yet, and it will depend on what the two managers pick and decide how to play this game.” More