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      ‘I made a mistake’ – Man Utd flop Memphis Depay’s grovelling apology after suspended prison sentence for drink-driving

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      MEMPHIS Depay has issued a grovelling apology after landing a prison term for drink-driving.Monaco police stopped the former Manchester United striker at the wheel of his Rolls Royce last August.Memphis Depay has publicly apologised after landing a suspended prison term for drink-drivingCredit: ReutersMan Utd paid PSV Eindhoven £25million for Depay in 2015Credit: GettyAnd a court in the French Riviera city handed him a four-month suspended jail term and £7,500 fine earlier this week after hearing he was over the alcohol limit.The former Prem star – who earns around £170,000-a-week with Brazilian club Corinthians – has also been banned from driving in Monaco for two years.Dutch international Depay was not in court to hear the verdict.But the 30-year-old wrote on social media: “I would like to come on here and apologise.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Last summer during my holidays in Monaco I made a mistake, and decided to drive home after having some drinks in a restaurant.”I should’ve got into a taxi instead, but I didn’t.”So I would like to apologise, and wanna take full responsibility for my action.”2024 was a year of lessons, and I will definitely learn from this one.  2025 we will do better.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDepay, who also apologised at the time of his arrest, now has two weeks to appeal the decision.United – then led by Louis van Gaal – paid PSV Eindhoven £25million for Depay in 2015, but he managed just seven goals in 53 games.Rooney reveals he gave Depay a ‘talking to’ after Dutch star turned up to Man Utd game in a Rolls Royce and cowboy hatThe striker rebuilt his career with Lyon, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid before joining Corinthians last year.Despite his well-travelled playing career, Depay has been a reliable asset for the Netherlands national team, scoring 46 goals in 98 caps.Depay joined Brazilian outfit Corinthians last yearCredit: ReutersUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Uefa plot major change to Champions League format after revamping group stages and scrapping away goals

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      UEFA are considering another major change to the Champions League after introducing a brand new format this season.European football’s premier competition has already scrapped away goals and the traditional group stages in recent years.Uefa are considering scrapping extra time in the Champions League knockout phaseCredit: ReutersNow execs at Uefa are discussing the idea of getting rid of extra time in the Champions League knockout stages.According to the Guardian, discussions are gathering speed over ditching extra time to help reduce the number of minutes played at top clubs.The change would see tied up Champions League knockout games head straight to penalties at full time.However, any changes are said to be unlikely midway through the current television rights cycle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat would mean the proposed changes wouldn’t be enforced until at least 2027.Managers and players have voiced concerns in recent years about the inflating number of matches and minutes played by the top clubs across Europe.Stars such as Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne have all been vocal about heavy fixture congestion.A change from Uefa would be the first step from European competition in reducing the hectic schedule.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSUntil now, domestic competitions have taken the brunt of the changes with the FA Cup controversially ditching replays. Whereas in Europe there has been the expansion of the Champions League with the new league phase meaning all teams now play a minimum of eight matches.Man City boss Pep Guardiola looks forward to the return of injured players to help Champions League campaign While the new expanded Fifa Club World Cup means 12 top teams from around Europe will have even more fixtures this summer.Removing extra time could offer a small amount of respite to teams with busy schedules.However, only three Champions League ties from the last 16 went to extra time last season.And the season before (2022/23) saw no games go past the regulation 90 minutes.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      LaLiga star Kirian Rodriguez confirms cancer has relapsed as he steps away from football to undergo chemotherapy

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      A LALIGA footballer has been forced to step away from the game indefinitely after his cancer returned.The relapse comes two-and-a-half years after he was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.Las Palmas star Kirian Rodriguez’s cancer has relapsedCredit: GettyThe captain will miss the rest of the season as he undergoes chemotherapyCredit: RexKirian Rodriguez missed the first eight months of the 2022-23 season as he received treatment, returning to action in April 2023.Now, though, he faces another extended spell out after confirming his cancer is back.The Las Palmas captain, 28, revealed at a press conference on Thursday morning that he will now undergo chemotherapy and miss the rest of the season.But his return date is unknown as he focuses on his health. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRodriguez said: “Thank the club and all the executives who are here, they have been very important to me. “Thank the coaching staff and my teammates for their decision not to accompany me here, I think they need to be focused on the game.”Yesterday they told me I have relapsed with cancer. “I will have to stop again and go through another round of chemotherapy to fight the disease.Most read in Football”I hope to see you all again in 2025-26, because I am 100 per cent convinced that the club, the players, and the coaching staff will see each other again in the First Division.”Rodriguez has been a key member of the Las Palmas starting XI once again this season, with the skipper missing just one LaLiga fixture in early October with a muscle injury. Charlie Watson discusses impact skin Cancer has on football careerWhat are the signs of lymphoma?LYMPHOMA is a term for cancer that starts in the lymph system – a network of vessels and glands that spans your body.There are two main kinds of lymphoma – Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.Lymphoma can cause many different symptoms, depending on which type of lymphoma it is and where it develops in the body.The most typical signs are:Swollen lymph nodes, such as in the neck, armpit or groin areaNight sweatsExtreme tirednessItchingUnexplained weight lossFeverExcessive bleeding, such as nosebleeds, heavy periods and spots of blood under the skinOther signs of lymphoma in a more localised area include:Swelling of the stomach, loss of appetite and other abdominal symptomsCoughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain But the Las Palmas medical team grew concerned as the midfielder’s physical conditioning dipped in recent weeks. And the academy graduate – who has played all of his 134 professional matches for his boyhood club – was withdrawn midway through the second half against Girona on Monday as he struggled.That was the earliest he had been substituted all season – except for when he suffered the injury. Playmaker Rodriguez was unable to train on Tuesday or Wednesday before the announcement on Thursday. He received various messages of support following the press conference.Barcelona replied on X: “Much strength, Kirian.”We wish you encouragement and strength to face this challenge… we hope that we can see each other again soon on the field of play with the fighting spirit that you’ve already shownReal MadridMalaga wrote: “All the strength in the world. The spirit of Malaga is with you, Kirian.”A fan added: “Lots of encouragement, Kirian. You’re going to win this match, and by a landslide. Fans from all the teams in the league are eager to see you play as soon as possible.”Another typed: “Wishing Kirian a strong recovery and a swift return.”And Real Madrid shared this classy post: “Dear Kirian Rodríguez, we wish you encouragement and strength to face this challenge. “We hope that we can see each other again soon on the field of play with the fighting spirit that you’ve already shown. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Real Madrid and all the Madridistas will be supporting you in this challenge.”Las Palmas sit 15th in the LaLiga table after 22 matches, two points clear of the relegation zone. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Rodriguez was subbed off early on Monday night against GironaCredit: RexHe has been a key player for the club since returning from his eight months out when he first had cancerCredit: Getty More

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      David Beckham meets ‘long-lost twin brother’ Hollywood star in Super Bowl advert for Stella Artois

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      DAVID BECKHAM has teamed up with Hollywood royalty for a new Super Bowl ad. The football icon, 49, appears alongside A-lister Matt Damon in a feature-length advert for Stella Artois. David Beckham reunites with his secret twin brother in a new Super Bowl adCredit: The Mega AgencyMatt Damon stars as Becks’ long-lost sibling in the Stella Artois commercialCredit: The Mega AgencyBeckham and Damon’s ad was directed by Ben AffleckCredit: The Mega AgencyBeckham goes on a whirlwind journey in the 60-second advert, which will air in full during Super Bowl LIX’s half-time show on Sunday. The Manchester United legend joins his parents in a pub, where he is told he has a long-lost brother in America – known simply as “Other David”..Becks jets across the Atlantic in search of his sibling – played by 54-year-old Good Will Hunting star Damon.The pair share a beer and eat some buffalo wings in the minute-long short, before Damon shows off his own kicking prowess with an American football.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDirected by Ben Affleck, who is cheekily referenced in the promo, the ad will help drive revenue for Damon’s non-profit organisation Water.org.Damon said in a press release: “I’ve been partnering with Stella Artois for a decade now and get more excited with each year.”I can’t wait to keep telling the story of ‘David and Dave’ all year and shedding light on those moments in life worth more, where meaningful connection means more than anything. “The Beckham brothers are here to stay, and Stella Artois will be there with us at every moment.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis year’s Super Bowl is being contested by the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Kansas City are attempting to make NFL history, with no team ever winning three consecutive titles. Everything you need to know about Super Bowl 59 along with Chiefs-Eagles predictions Super Bowl halftime advertising is big business, with brands desperate for a prime slot and the chance to reach over 100 million viewers in real-time.A slot can cost up to £6.4million, with a vast portion of the audience tuning in for the entertainment factor.A 2020 survey revealed that 79 per cent of viewers see the half-time ad break as entertainment, according to Statista. While almost 71 per cent stated that they enjoyed watching the commercials. Beckham famously played Stateside in the MLS for Los Angeles Galaxy and is the co-founder of Inter Miami in Florida. The full advert is set to be broadcast at half-time of Super Bowl LIX on SundayCredit: The Mega AgencyThe Kansas City Chiefs have won the previous two Super Bowls – and can threepeat this weekendCredit: APThe ex-England midfielder’s kids grew up in the USA – and he’s got the Super Bowl bug from them. Speaking to Forbes, Becks revealed: “I won’t be making the game this year.”Traditionally, I love watching the Super Bowl. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s something that we always do as a family, same as everyone else across America and most of the world. “Everyone sits there and watches it, and eats and drinks, and it’s all about the family. So, I’ll be doing that in London.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Man Utd legend and ex-Man City boss Mark Hughes lands shock new job with worst team in English professional football

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      MARK HUGHES has been announced as the new manager of Carlisle United.The former Manchester United legend joins with the club currently bottom of League Two. Mark Hughes has been appointed manager of CarlisleCredit: GettyThe ex-Wales boss is tasked with keeping the Cumbrians in the EFLCredit: RexHughes has been out of work since leaving Bradford City in 2023. Carlisle Sporting director Rob Clarkson said: “I’m delighted that Mark has agreed to join Carlisle United. “His experience and stature in the game speaks for itself. He is someone who will instantly command respect from all staff and players and I am really excited to work with him. “The players we have here will suit the way he wants to play and I’m sure our fans will really get behind him and the team in our remaining 18 games.”A two-time Prem winner during his illustrious playing career, Hughes began his coaching journey in 1999.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe took charge of the Welsh national team for five years, before joining Blackburn Rovers in 2004. Hughes has gone on to manage over 500 games in the Premier League.He has enjoyed spells with Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR, Stoke City and Southampton. The 61-year-old unexpectedly dropped down the divisions in February 2022 to take over at Bradford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut he was unable to lift the Bantams out of the bottom tier – and lost out to Carlisle in the 2022/23 playoffs. The Cumbrian side are currently 92nd in the football pyramid.Carlisle boss Mike Williamson talks about his teams defeat to Swindon Town They were relegated from League One last season and appointed Mike Williamson to turn around a sinking ship. The club signed 12 players in the January window – but sacked Williamson earlier this week after falling five points adrift at the bottom of the league.Hughes will be partnered at Brunton Park by assistant coach Glyn Hodges.The pair have penned rolling contracts until the summer as Carlisle look to avoid dropping into the National League.Hughes’ first game will be on Saturday as Carlisle take on playoff contenders Grimsby Town. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      ‘Call the season off’ say fans as Man Utd confirm worst-case Lisandro Martinez news with star out potentially until 2026

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      MANCHESTER UNITED defender Lisandro Martinez could be out of action until 2026 – and fans are in despair.The Argentine has suffered a serious ACL injury during United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday, the club have confirmed today.Lisandro Martinez was stretchered off against Crystal Palace on SundayThe defender landed awkwardly while attempting to make a tackle on SarrThe Argentine was seen in floods of tears as the medical team carried him off the turfMan Utd have since confirmed Martinez’s Anterior cruciate ligament injuryThe 27-year-old was stretchered off in the late stages at Old Trafford after injuring his knee.While attempting to win the ball from Ismaila Sarr, Martinez lunged forward before his left knee buckled.He immediately fell to the floor clutching his leg and signalled over to the bench to be substituted.The Argentina international – who scored two important goals last month – then broke down in tears as he was carried off the pitch.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile reports suggested an ACL tear on his left knee, fans were hoping for more positive news.But United have since announced the worst-case scenario ahead of Friday’s FA Cup fourth-round home clash against Leicester.The club statement read: “We can confirm that Licha suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament in Sunday’s game against Palace. “Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the appropriate course of treatment and the timescale for his rehabilitation.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Everyone at United wishes Martinez strength for a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way.”An ACL tear recovery time is generally nine to 10 months, though some players may recover in six months.Manchester United player ratings against Crystal PalaceThe worst-case scenario would see Martinez – who needs surgery – out until next February.It took Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings 473 days to recover from his ACL tear in 2023 before his return this season.While sidelined, the 18-time capped England international suffered from a condition known as muscle atrophy, which is the decrease in the size of muscle tissue due to a lack of physical activity.United fans were left bitterly disappointed after the announcement.One raged on X: “Just call this season off!”A second said: “When you think things can’t get any worse 😪.”A third quizzed: “Why can’t we ever have anything nice?”While another added: “Absolutely gutted about this. Wish Licha a speedy recovery ❤.”One more said: “See ya need year lad 💪.”Martinez has been plagued by injury problems since joining the Red Devils in July 2022.He missed the end of his debut season with a metatarsal fracture before foot, calf and knee problems hampered the 2023-24 campaign.The Red Devils went on to lose 2-0 to Oliver Glasner’s side at the weekend – their 11th defeat of their dismal campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESMatthijs de Ligt was brought on as Martinez’s replacement but United were undone on their left flank as Daniel Munoz burst through before squaring to Jean-Philippe Mateta to poke home.Mateta scored a brace for the visitors to secure the three points and move about Ruben Amorim’s side to 12th in the Prem.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Man Utd player ratings vs Crystal PalaceMANCHESTER UNITED’S mini-revival under Ruben Amorim came to an abrupt end as Crystal Palace ran out 2-0 winners at Old Trafford.Here’s how the Red Devils stars rated on a disappointing day.Andre Onana – 5Was left vulnerable by a shaky back-line and beaten by Lacroix’s looping header, which came off the crossbar into Mateta’s path.But he couldn’t do much about the second goal.Leny Yoro – 5Came in for De Ligt, who was benched. Was inches away from scoring his first United goal early on.Did well to block Mitchell after a Mazraoui error, but his positioning was a problem later in the game.Harry Maguire – 3Lost his battle with centre forward Mateta, who held the ball up well and got in behind every time, and was left stranded for the Frenchman’s first goal.Hasn’t connected with Yoro. Palace, namely Sarr, opened them both up with ease and should’ve buried some chances through Mateta.Lisandro Martinez – 6Was stretchered off after jarring his knee in the 79th minute.The Argentine has been scoring the goals recently, but blazed a centre-back’s shot over the bar on the brink of half-time.Noussair Mazraoui – 5He was okay in the right wing-back role again but it is obviously not his best position.Struggled with the dual threat of Mitchell and Daichi Kamada down Palace’s left side.Diogo Dalot – 4Awful link-up play with a horrible blind pass inside the Palace box in a promising team position before the break. He’s not a left winger and it’s clear why Patrick Dorgu has been signed.Manuel Ugarte – 6Missing in the middle when Mateta’s stunning 80-yard run. Missed half a chance in the second-half.Bruno Fernandes – 5Restricted. Couldn’t get forward much and was unlucky not to score from his usual 20-yard territory after being denied by Henderson.Was one of three United players booked.Amad Diallo – 6Great individual runs, on and off the ball. Dropped to wing-back after Mainoo came off and was involved in anything good creatively.Alejandro Garnacho – 5Predictable build-up. But worked hard tracking back as one of the two 10s.Was quieter in the second half and struggled to step up when the going got tough.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Huge experiment by Amorim to have Mainoo lead the line, albeit falsely. It didn’t pay off, but it wasn’t all his fault.He didn’t get the service or have the hold up play required to be effective.SUBSHojlund (’70 for Mainoo) – 5Came on for the last 20 minutes and ran around a bit without doing much of note.Zirkzee (’70 for Mazraoui) – 5As above, not a great deal to write home about despite trying to make things happen. More

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      Inside Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho’s incredible home gym with murals of Cristiano Ronaldo AND Lionel Messi

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      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO has been putting in extra work in a bid to stay in Manchester United’s starting XI.The Argentina international returned for the 2024/25 season looking like he’d hit the weights and had eaten all his vegetables over the summer.Alejandro Garnacho has been putting extra work in at his state-of-the-art home gymCredit: INSTAGRAM@GARNACHO7Garnacho’s gym includes a boatload of BLX BOX fitness equipment, including a rack worth nearly £5000Credit: INSTAGRAM@GARNACHO7His gym features an incredible mural of some of the greatest sports stars to have ever livedCredit: INSTAGRAM@GARNACHO7And his bulkier frame has seemingly been forged by extra training sessions in his state-of-the-art home gym.Garnacho has been beefing himself up in an epic personal gym kitted out with BLK BOX equipment.It features a dual adjustable pulley machine with a pull-up bar worth a whopping £4,850 as well as dumbbells galore.Garnacho’s pulley cable machine and rack are red and black, in keeping with the room’s colour theme.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut the incredible bit of kit, which has homage to his stunning overhead kick against Everton in November 2023, isn’t the centre-piece.The gym’s piste-de resistance is its incredible mural of iconic sports stars.Wrapped around the room is a spray-painted tribute to the late Muhammad Ali, basketball legend Michael Jordan and footie legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.Garnacho, however, made sure to include himself in the cool piece of artwork, having an image of himself put between Ronaldo and countryman Messi.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe 20-year-old has also paid homage to himself in his gymCredit: INSTAGRAM@GARNACHO7Garancho’s future at Old Trafford was up in the air shortly after Ruben Amorim’s appointment as manager.He was dropped from the squad along with Marcus Rashford before the Manchester derby last December but has forced his way back into his new manager’s plans.’That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fanAmorim was full of praise for the 20-year-old after United’s Europa League win over Steaua Bucharest last month, saying: “I think he’s not improving under me [because of me].”He changed right away from that game [against] City.”The way he understands things and understands that I just want to help him, I just want to win games.”He changed in everything, the approach when I talk with him, the way he recovers.”He understands sometimes that I’m a different coach, that I’m demanding in my way, sometimes it’s hard the first impact.”It’s a different kind of coach and he understands that it’s never in a bad way.”It’s always for him, but I’m a different person.”I think all the merit is from Garnacho and he is improving.”And we want to continue to improve with Garnacho. “I think he’s improving a lot.”READ MORE SUN STORIESGarnacho has made 36 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions this season, scoring eight goals and providing six assists.The Argentine and his United team-mates will be back in action on Friday night, welcoming Leicester City to Old Trafford for their FA Cup fourth-round clash. More

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      Premier League stadium set for major redevelopment with entire stand DEMOLISHED to increase capacity

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST are set to DEMOLISH an entire stand as part of a major stadium expansion.The new development will see an increased capacity by 10,000 to a total of 40,000 seats.Nottingham Forest are set to demolish an entire stand as part of a major stadium expansionCredit: AFPCapacity at the City Ground is set to increase by 10,000Credit: GettyThe project – part of a multi-million pound investment – will see The Peter Taylor Stand knocked down and made bigger.That particular grandstand is the oldest section of the 127-year-old footie ground.Capacity at the City Ground has gone above the 30,000 mark this season after the opening of a new ‘corner box’.The Reds have added two new hospitality areas made out of modified shipping containers at the corners of the Trent End.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe gaps between the stand, which backs onto the River Trent, and the Brian Clough and Peter Taylor have been filled with 20 private hospitality pods.But the latter will ultimately be torn down and rebuilt amid the growing ticket demand during Forest’s unbelievable Premier League campaign.Alongside Bournemouth, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have been the surprise package of the Prem this year and are pushing for Champions League qualification via a top-four finish. And if successful in their bid to make Europe for the first time in 30 years, the money that comes along with qualifying will come in handy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAccording to Uefa: “Each of the 36 clubs that qualify for the league phase can expect to receive a league phase allocation of £15.5m.”Although there has been no official announcement of the demolition, the redevelopment has been pencilled in for the summer of 2026.Premier League giants give update on £300m, 60,000-plus-capacity stadium expansion with area turned into building siteForest have already installed a temporary ‘stand ‘corner box’ at the City GroundThe shipping container stand is between the Trent End and Brian Clough StandThe FA is reportedly planning for England to play a friendly against Senegal at the City ground on June 10 – three days after Thomas Tuchel’s side play an away fixture against Andorra as part of their World Cup qualifying programme.Senegal were among England’s opponents in the last World Cup, with goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka sealing a 3-0 win for Southgate’s team to take them into the quarter-finals.Forest fans have urged the club to consider every possibility to remain at the City Ground.Club owner Evangelos Marinakis recently paid for the club’s multi-million-pound training ground renovation.The wider City Ground redevelopment project was given permission by Rushcliffe Borough Council in the summer of 2022.The stadium has been expanded several times, including in 1957, 1965, 1980, 1992–1993, and 1994–1996. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe City Ground hasn’t hosted an England international since 1909, excluding wartime games.Forest’s home was used in Euro 1996, hosting games involving Turkey, Croatia and Portugal.The stadium was opened in 1898Credit: Rex More