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      Ex-Man City star Mikheil Kavelashvili sworn in as PRESIDENT of Georgia after ‘Putin helped his party rig election’

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      A FORMER footballer who played for Manchester City has been sworn in as the new President of GeorgiaMikheil Kavelashvili, 53, who played for the blues from 1995 to 1997, has today taken office – but the former midfielder has been accused of being a “puppet” for Vladimir Putin.Kavelashvili scored one goal for Man City across four appearancesCredit: AlamyKavelashvili is known for his far-right ideologies and his connections to the billionaire oligarch who founded Georgia’s ruling partyCredit: APSupporters of the Georgian opposition take part in a protest action in Tbilisi, Georgia, 28 December 2024Credit: EPAThe former football star is known for his profanity-laden tirades in Parliament, as an MP since 2016 for the increasingly authoritarian ruling Georgian Dream party.Georgian Dream, founded by billionaire businessman and former Georgian PM Bidzina Ivanishvili, has been accused of dragging the country back into Russia’s sphere of influence.Kavelashvili was the only candidate for the job and is thought to have been picked for his loyalist stances towards Georgian Dream. Kavelashvili was sworn in behind closed doors on Sunday to become Georgia’s sixth President.read more in georgiaBut constitutional law experts — including one author of Georgia’s constitution, Vakhtang Khmaladze — called his election “illegitimate”.The outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili has said the same thing of Kavelashvili’s appointment.Kavelashvili has previously slammed the West for wanting “as many people as possible (to be) neutral and tolerant towards the LGBTQ ideology, which supposedly defends the weak but is, in fact, an act against humanity”.This comes as a wave of anti-government protests have gripped Georgia in recent months, as foreign powers seek to prevent the country from aiding Putin’s effort to overthrow Ukraine.Most read in FootballOn Friday, Washington imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili, arguing he undermined the country’s democratic future for Russia’s benefit.The Sun reported on the riots at the time, as brutal clashes erupted against the ruling Georgian Dream party, which has been accused of using Vladimir Putin to rig the election and secure it’s victory.Riot cops fire tear gas & beat up furious protesters hurling fireworks in 3rd night of violence against pro-Putin regimeThe streets of Georgia’s capital Tiblisi were filled with riot cops armed with a water cannon, tear gas, and pepper spray against pro-Western demonstrators.Fiery pictures showed cops dragging people as they called officers “Russians” and “Slaves.”Protesters also shot fireworks at police as cops who tried to violently disperse crowds.These riots were sparked when the country’s “pro-Putin” government put a pause on its long-standing bid to join the EU until 2028.One protester, historian Nika Gobronidze, 53, said: “I can hardly imagine anyone less suited for the role of head of state.”Caligula wanted his horse to be a consul, our oligarch wants his puppet Kavelashvili to be a president.”In 2022, Kavelashvili, alongside other Georgian Dream lawmakers, established a parliamentary faction called People’s Power.This is an anti-Western group that officially split from the governing party.READ MORE SUN STORIESKavelashvili scored his debut goal for Manchester City against their bitter rivals Manchester United.He then joined Swiss club Grasshoppers, where he spent most of his time on the bench, before stints elsewhere in Switzerland at Zurich, Luzern, Sion, Aarau and Basel.Several political figures have condemned Georgia’s new President as being “illegitimate”Credit: EPA More

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      Aston Villa chiefs slam FA for upholding Duran’s three-game ban for red card and question ‘credibility’ of organisation

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      ASTON VILLA chiefs have accused the FA of lacking “credibility” after the club’s appeal against Jhon Duran’s red card was rejected.Manager Unai Emery was livid ref Anthony Taylor’s decision to send off the 12-goal Colombian striker for a Boxing Day stamp on Newcastle’s Fabian Schar was not overturned by VAR.Aston Villa’s appeal to overturn Jhon Duran’s red card has been rejectedCredit: GettyVilla have hit out at the FA, with Duran now set to miss three gamesCredit: AlamyDuran will now be forced to serve a three-match ban and Villa bigwigs Damian Vidagany and Monchi have let rip over “all these unfair decisions”.Former Villa star and club ambassador Ahmed Elmohamady also branded the FA’s rejection of their appeal “disgraceful.”Duran, 21, was given a straight red by Taylor in the 3-0 defeat at St James’ Park and will now miss tomorrow’s Prem game with Brighton, then a Leicester clash and an FA Cup third-round tie at home to West Ham.Villa’s director of football operations Vidagany stormed: “Three matches for Jhon Duran. You know what? The most damaged here is not Villa, it is the credibility of the ones that made this decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We are going to keep fighting, nothing will destroy us and we will overcome all these unfair decisions. And we will behave like gentlemen.”And president of football operations Monchi posted: “We can understand a mistake, because to err is human, but to insist on the mistake only creates doubts about the system.“I came from a place [Sevilla] where the motto is ‘never surrender’.  We will continue fighting for our club.”And Elmohamady also posted: “It’s absolutely disgraceful, it was never a red in the first place.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe PGMOL insist VAR Graham Scott agreed with Taylor’s decision.But Emery moaned: “I can accept the other team asking for a red card. But VAR please!Aston Villa to build Premier League’s largest beer hall as they announce stunning redevelopment plans next to stadium Damian Vidagany and Monchi hit out at the FA for not reversing Duran’s redCredit: GettyNewcastle legend Alan Shearer reckons it was not a red card for DuranCredit: Getty“His reaction after was ‘Sorry, sorry’. I don’t think he kicked him on purpose.“It’s a very big punishment for this action.”Emery was backed by ex-Toon ace Alan Shearer, who called the red  card “harsh”, saying Duran lost his balance after twisting his left ankle before making contact with Schar. More

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      Arsenal and Man City ‘dream’ of signing midfielder who rejected Liverpool but Reds have not given up hope

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      ARSENAL and Manchester City could battle for Martin Zubimendi next month, according to reports.The midfielder has caught the eye of Europe’s top clubs with his performances for Real Sociedad and Spain.Arsenal and Man City want to sign Martin ZubimendiCredit: GettyMan City are in the market for a defensive midfielder with key man Rodri out for the season.Arsenal are also understood to be interested in Zubimendi, who reportedly turned down a summer move to Liverpool.Fabrizio Romano revealed the clubs who are monitoring the 25-year-old, though explained why a January move could prove tricky.He told Men in Blazers: “There is a player who is a dream target for all the top clubs around Europe – for Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal and many others – it’s Martin Zubimendi.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“They all want to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, the real point is that Zubimendi at the moment is still not opening the door to a January exit.“Next summer could be different but for January the situation is still quiet around him so I’m not sure it will be possible.”Zubimendi is believed to have a £51.7million buyout clause in his Sociedad contract, although even if that is triggered it could prove difficult to persuade the Spaniard to leave.He said earlier this year: “The best solution is staying. I want to grow and develop here.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever sources insist Zubimendi has had a change of heart and is keen to play in the Premier League after all.And that has put City on high alert.Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal star More

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      Newcastle will demand more than £150MILLION for Alexander Isak as Arsenal face transfer battle with Liverpool

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      NEWCASTLE have reportedly set an eye-watering price tag of more than £150MILLION on Alexander Isak.The Swedish striker has been in fine form this season, with 11 goals in 16 Premier League appearances.Newcastle has set a huge price tag on Alexander IsakCredit: GettyMike Arteta is a long-term admirer of IsakCredit: ReutersArne Slot is on the lookout for a potential replacement for Mohamed SalahCredit: EPAIsak, 25, has only been outscored by Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer in England’s top flight in 2024.The Telegraph has reported that the Magpies quoted a price tag of £150m last summer.This was done in a move to block a potential exit of the Swedish international.Isak still has three and a half years left on his contract at St James’ Park.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report has added that Newcastle will look to extend his deal at the end of the season and will not lower the asking price.The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with moves for the striker.The Reds could make a move for Isak should Mohamed Salah leave the club at the end of his contract.European giants Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also believed to be tracking Isak.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe interest from the top clubs could start a bidding war and drive Isak’s fee towards a world record number.Neymar’s move from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 is the current record at £198m.Alexander Isak shows off his razor sharp shooting ability in Sweden training The report has claimed that Newcastle are “relaxed” about his situation and have “no interest” in cashing in.A sale would boost Newcastle’s PSR position, with the club currently limited in its ability to sign new players.Contract talks broke down earlier in the year, but Isak has insisted it does “not affect” him.It has been claimed that the constant links over Isak’s potential exit have left Newcastle “bewildered” and believing that it is an attempt to “unsettle” him.Manager Eddie Howe recently hailed the striker’s personality as one reason behind his effectiveness in front of goal.He said: “He is calm, cool, he is what you see on the pitch. READ MORE SUN STORIES”He doesn’t get overly emotional, which for a striker is a great quality.”That coolness you see and calmness in front of goal is part of his personality.” More

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      Inside Laura Woods’ romantic Christmas with Love Island star fiancee Adam Collard as he kisses her growing baby bump

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      LAURA WOODS and fiancee Adam Collard enjoyed a romantic Christmas together as the Love Island star kissed her growing baby bump.The loved-up pair cosied up together during the festive period after enjoying a whirlwind romance.Laura Woods and Adam Collard enjoyed a romantic Christmas break togetherCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardCollard kissed Woods’ bump as they expect their first child togetherCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThe pair lived their best lives on holiday up northCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardCollard made sure to hit the gym on his breakCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardWoods wrapped up as she enjoyed the wild weatherCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThe pair gifted each other with plenty of presentsCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardWoods, 37, and Collard, 29, delighted fans when they started dating last year.In July, TNT Sports star Woods announced that she and Collard were expecting their first child together.And in September, they became engaged after Collard got down on one knee during a trip to Cornwall.Woods previously showed off her blossoming baby bump while on TV duties last month and was even presented with a touching gift from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut a latest photo dump from Collard gave fans a new look at the expectant parents.The couple were all smiles as they posed for the camera while enjoying the Christmas break.Woods cradled her stomach as the pair displayed warm smiles.And in another snap, Collard leaned over to kiss Woods’ baby bump as she appeared to play with his hair.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile more showed Woods opening several carefully-wrapped Christmas presents.Other photos revealed the couple also enjoyed a trip to Whitby, staying at Saltmoore hotel which brands itself as “a new wellness-led sanctuary, nestled between the wild North Sea and heather-draped moors.”Inside Adam Collard and Laura Woods’ romantic engagement as Love Island star gets down on one knee at five star hotel in CornwallCollard posted a photo dump of their latest exploitsCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThe duo took a trip to WhitbyCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThey stayed at Saltmoore hotelCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardWoods and Collard enjoyed some delicious mealsCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThey could not get enough of their surroundingsCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardThe pair even tucked into fish and chipsCredit: Insagram / @adamcollardCollard tagged his photos with a caption that read: “A festive bunch. Home and away. Merry Christmas everyone x.“A surprise stay from my girl to @saltmoore. What a place. Couldn’t recommend them enough.”Woods and Collard enjoyed several delicious-looking meals during their time away, including a mouth-watering roast dinner plus fish and chips.A brief clip also saw Woods walking on a very windy beach while staying wrapped up from the cold.While Collard made sure to remain active over the festive break with a sweaty gym session.Fans reacted with delight to the pictures, with one saying: “Hope you had the best Christmas.”Another declared: “You two are so so good together.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Love you two together.”Another added: “Beautiful family.”Woods announced her pregnancy in JulyCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe and Collard have been together since last yearCredit: InstagramThey got engaged in Cornwall in SeptemberCredit: INSTAGRAM @laurawoodsyThe couple are head over heels for each otherCredit: InstagramFans love seeing them togetherCredit: Instagram @adamcollardThe pair will welcome their new child in 2025Credit: Instagram @adamcollard More

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      Demarai Gray tells Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq he wants to QUIT as he is lined up for Premier League transfer return

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      DEMARAI GRAY has told Al-Ettifaq he wants to leave next month amid interest from Fulham.The Saudi club’s boss Steven Gerrard is backing a sale at the right price for the Jamaica winger and the club want £5million.Fulham are interested in signing Demarai GrayCredit: GettyGray, 28, has not settled since his £8m move from Everton last year. His family is in England and he wants a Prem return.Fulham held talks with Gray before he moved to Saudi and manager Marco Silva is still keen.The Portuguese coach has led Fulham to eighth place in the top flight and will be given money for January’s transfer window to boost a squad now targeting European qualification.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCrystal Palace and Besiktas also showed interest in Gray previously, before he opted to move to Saudi.He scored 12 goals in 75 games for Everton, and has had spells at Bayer Leverkusen and Leicester after starring for Birmingham at an early age.Fulham could fund a move for Gray by selling wantaway star Andreas Pereira.Brazilian side Palmeiras are tracking Pereira, and have reportedly made a £14m bid for his services.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it is understood Fulham will only consider selling if the midfielder requests a transfer.Pereira was dropped from the side earlier this month after reportedly stating it would be “very cool” to join Marseille amid interest from the French club.Awkward moment Fulham commentator ‘dangerously close’ to calling Chelsea star Pedro Neto ‘a very bad word’ More

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      Man City start search for Kyle Walker replacement with Nottingham Forest star on transfer wishlist

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST’S Ola Aina is on Manchester City’s wishlist as they cast a net for Kyle Walker’s long-term replacement.Nigerian international Aina, 28, has been a stand-out Premier League ever-present in Nottingham Forest’s stellar season.Manchester City are on the lookout for a replacement for Kyle WalkerCredit: AFPNottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina is on the club’s wishlistCredit: GettyForest snapped him up on a free when he was released by Italian side Torino last year.They are keen to tie him down quickly as his contract runs out at the end of this season.The full-back, a product of Chelsea’s academy, has not been angling for a move and is hugely popular with City Ground fans.But the Southwark-born star would find it hard to ignore interest from City.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd his ability to play on either flank suits Guardiola.Walker has been a City mainstay for seven years but at 34 has finally shown signs of his age this term.And Brighton’s brilliant young midfielder Carlos Baleba will also be on the radar of Pep Guardiola.Baleba, 20, is another Brighton signing who was something of an unknown when they paid £23million to Lille for him last season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has a growing list of admirers but a contract that runs until 2028 means he would not come cheap.Meanwhile, Ederson could leave at the end of the season — with sources claiming City would listen to offers around £25m.Pep Guardiola admits he ‘doesn’t know what to do’ and reveals he’s considering radical tactical switch for Manchester derby The keeper, 31, turned down the chance to head to Saudi Arabia last summer after a plea from Pep.Yet with one more season on his contract, City will not stand in his way if they can get the right fee.Guardiola would look to bring in a new stopper but also hand more chances to current back-up Stefan Ortega — and extend his terms beyond 2026. More

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      ‘He’s on another level — top quality’ – Premier League star compared to legendary Johan Cruyff leaving team-mate in awe

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      WOLVES defender Matt Doherty claims Brazilian star Matheus Cunha  is ‘Cruyff-like’ at times.Doherty could start today against former club Tottenham — after coming on as a late sub there on his first return last season.Matheus Cunha is being hailed as Wolves’ very own Johan CruyffCredit: RexThe Dutch master was one of the greatest players in historyCredit: CorbisAnd the 32-year-old says Wolves are revitalised after two wins out of two for new boss Vitor Pereira took them out of the bottom three over Christmas.But Doherty says Cunha is playing a huge part after dazzling in the 2-0 Boxing Day win over visitors Manchester United.As well as scoring direct from a corner and making the second, the 25-year-old forward produced a string of touches that had fans on their feet — and drew comparisons with Dutch legend Johan Cruyff.Doherty said: “He’s on another level — it’s top quality, when he’s confident, like that. It’s hard to play against.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I was saying to the other lads, it’s difficult to make the game look that easy at times.“There’s maybe more than a handful in this league who can make it look that easy. And he’s one of them.“We’re fortunate to have him. Against Manchester United, he was just on it all game.“He was taking balls out of the sky, he was Cryuff-like — doing things you would normally be expecting Manchester United players to do.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s not showboating. That’s his way of getting out of any pressure.“You’re not showboating when it’s 0-0 — that’s just his brain working better than everyone else’s.”Wolves fan goes to extreme measures to distract Justin Kluivert taking a penalty in loss to BournemouthMatt Doherty hopes Cunha can inspire Wolves to a third straight win, this time against SpursCredit: PACunha is still facing a potential Premier League ban following his post-match bust-up with an Ipswich security guard after Wolves’ home loss on December 14.That could be a blow as Doherty hopes Wanderers can pull clear of relegation danger by becoming the kings of swing. Wolves’ in-swinging corners are being used as a weapon — and Cunha netted direct against United, just as Spurs did earlier in the month in the Carabao Cup.Doherty says Wolves are working on set-pieces — scoring from them and not conceding either.And he was at the centre of Cunha’s goal against United, with keeper Andre Onana claiming the defender had impeded him.Doherty was having none of that, though, and said: “Football’s a contact sport, isn’t it? Keepers are not untouchable.“I understand sometimes if a keeper’s in the air and he gets nudged and it’s a foul because of that.“But no, I was just there to block — and I think he was behind me anyway.“There was little bit of contact but it just flew in the far corner. That can happen for a goalkeeper as well, it’s tough for them.“We are practising set-pieces, I assume everybody knows that. But that’s what we were going for at the corner.“We were going to put it right in on top of it and see what happens.“It also happened in the first half and I don’t know how the keeper kept it out, I didn’t believe it. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Set-pieces are a huge part of the game. They can win those matches. They were causing us problems, and we were losing a lot of games from it.“So now we’ve stopped conceding at set-pieces, and we seem to be winning games.”Johan Cruyff’s career statsThe man who invented the ‘Cruyff Turn’ also won three Ballon d’Or’s…Ajax, 1964-1973: 329 games, 257 goalsBarcelona, 1973-1978: 227 games, 85 goalsLos Angeles Aztecs, 1979: 26 games, 15 goalsWashington Diplomats, 1980: 26 games, 10 goalsLevante, 1980-1981: 10 games, 2 goalsWashington Diplomats, 1981: 5 games, 2 goalsAjax, 1981-1983: 46 games, 16 goalsFeyenoord, 1983-1984: 44 games, 13 goalsNetherlands, 1966-1977: 48 games, 33 goalsTrophiesAjax: Eredivisie x8, Dutch Cup x5, European Cup x3, European Super Cup, Intercontinental CupBarcelona: La Liga, Copa del ReyFeyenoord: Eredivisie, Dutch CupManagerial careerAjax, 1985-1988: P117 W86 D10 L21Barcelona, 1988-1996: P430 W250 D97 L83Catalonia, 2009-2013: P4 W2 D2 L0TrophiesAjax: Dutch Cup x2, European Cup Winners’ CupBarcelona: La Liga x4, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup x3, European Cup, European Cup Winners’ Cup, European Super Cup More