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      Arsenal just one red card away from worst record in Prem history and stats show they’re up against it to win title

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      THE odds are already stacked against Arsenal to lift the Premier League title this season – owing to their disciplinary record.The Gunners crashed to a 2-0 away defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday, with the game-changing moment coming in the 30th minute as William Saliba was shown a straight red via VAR intervention.William Salbia’s first-half dismissal saw Arsenal receive their 107th red card in Prem historyVAR intervened saw Saliba sent marching after the control room thought he’d denied a clear goal scoring opportunity as the last manIt was Arsenal’s third dismissal inside eight games this seasonCredit: RexThat is now three red cards in eight Prem outings this term after Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard’s dismissals against Brighton in August and Manchester City in September respectively.It was the 18th red card Arsenal have been shown in the Prem since Mikel Arteta took over on December 26, 2019 – SIX more than any other side.Should they pick up another this term, it will be Arsenal’s 108th red card in the Prem era – a joint-record alongside Everton.And it may well spell the end for their hopes of knocking Manchester City off their perch and claiming a first English league title crown since the Invincibles of 2004.READ MORE ON ARSENALOn this occasion, the numbers do not lie.It must be said that it is very rare for a Prem team to go through an entire league season without having a player sent off.Only three sides have managed that Manchester United in 1992/93 and Chelsea in 2004/05 and 2016/17.But the correlation between the number of red cards and chances of finishing on top of the pile are clear for all to see, especially in recent times.Most read in FootballLeandro Trossard was booked twice in the first half against title rivals Man CityCredit: RexDeclan Rice was also received a second yellow against Brighton for kicking the ball awayFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOf the 32 campaigns in the Prem era, 17 league winners have managed to avoid picking up three reds or more.Up until the 2011/12 season, of the 20 league winners, 13 of them were shown three or more red cards.Bournemouth vs Arsenal: Player RatingsThe most was six in 2001/02, from Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, who needed a late charge with 13 straight wins to snatch the title away from Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man United.In Arsenal’s three Prem titles since 1992/93, they have received three red cards or more, and only once have they won the league with more than three, in 2002.But since 2012/13, only TWO teams have picked up three or more red cards and went on to be victorious: Chelsea’s four dismissals in 2014/15 and Leicester who saw three in 2015/16.Between 2016 and 2024, no winner has picked up more than two.In their six title-winning campaigns over the last seven years, Pep’s City have earned just nine red cards. Their only blip came in 2019/20 when they picked up four reds while losing out to Liverpool, who received just one.In the modern era of Premier League football then, good discipline usually leads to glory – something Arteta needs to defy in the remaining 30 league games this season.Arsenal player ratings vs BournemouthBy Alex CrookTEN-MAN Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as brilliant Bournemouth dealt them a South Coast setback.The Gunners travelled to face Andoni Iraola’s men having won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches this term.But their task was made a tricky one when William Saliba was shown a red card on the half-hour.Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.DAVID RAYA – 5Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.BEN WHITE – 4England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.WILLIAM SALIBA – 3Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.GABRIEL – 5Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.DECLAN RICE – 5Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.RAHEEM STERLING – 4Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.MIKEL MERINO – 5Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.KAI HAVERTZ – 5The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.SUBSTITUTESJakub Kiwior (for Sterling, 37) – 4Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 64) – 5Gabriel Jesus (for Kiwior, 81) – N/AEthan Nwaneri (for Merino, 81) – N/A More

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      Premier League legend David James is BOOED by Liverpool fans after saving two penalties from young fan

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      DAVID JAMES was booed by Liverpool fans after saving two penalties from a young fan.The iconic Prem goalkeeper returned to his former club for their match against Chelsea.A young fan twice had the chance to score in front of The KopCredit: @jamosfoundation TWITTERDavid James saved both of his penaltiesCredit: @jamosfoundation TWITTERThe keeper was booed for his anticsCredit: GettyHe was at Anfield to help promote Standard Chartered’s community engagement programme, ‘Futuremakers’.And at half-time he donned his goalie gloves once again to take part in a penalty shoot-out.James took his duties too seriously for fans’ liking however, as he saved an effort from a young fan.The kid was even giving an opportunity of a retake to fulfil his dream of scoring in front of The Kop, only to be denied by James again.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter the save James turned towards the stand with his hands outstretched, appearing to brag jokingly.Supporters began booing as soon as he saved the spot-kick, but the former Liverpool keeper did not appear to mind.He proudly shared a clip of the save on social media, provoking a mixed response from fans.One reacted saying: “Honestly, this says so much about you. None of it good.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother added: “David James brutally destroying an 11 year old child’s dream of scoring at Anfield by saving his penalty. Top s***house.”And a third wrote: “Sometimes in life you gotta learn the hard way, but yeah this was messed up.”Liverpool player ratings vs Chelsea More

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      Premier League side boost stadium capacity using hack inspired by World Cup venue that includes ‘luxury penthouse suite’

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      A PREMIER LEAGUE side has boosted its stadium capacity with a hack inspired by a World Cup venue.The 974 Stadium became one of the most unique grounds when it was built for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.Nottingham Forest have installed a new stand at the City GroundCredit: https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/The stadium was opened in 1898Credit: GettyIt was inspired by the 974 Stadium in QatarCredit: GettyNottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis won’t be able to use it due to his banCredit: PAThe stadium was constructed out of shipping containers as a “beacon of sustainability”.The premise of the ground would be that it could be dismantled and rebuilt on another continent for other footballing tournaments.Nottingham Forest took inspiration from the idea when constructing a new seating area at The City Ground.The new feature to the iconic ground sits in the corner between the Trent End and the Brian Clough Stand.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe installation includes 20 hospitality pods – made out of shipping containers – and can house up to 180 people over five storeys.At the top of the new stand, there are what the club describes as “two exclusive private luxury penthouse suites”.The club explains: “The suite will have direct access to padded seats outside on the balcony for the best views to enjoy all the Premier League action”The other four levels are “luxury suites designed for 34 guests each,” says the club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSClub owner Evangelos Marinakis is behind the new feature, however he will not be able to use it for a while after being handed a five-match STADIUM BAN.He was hit with the punishment after his furious outburst after Forest’s 1-0 defeat to Fulham.FA hit Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis with STADIUM BAN after furious tunnel blast at officialsA former player will entertain supportersCredit: https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/The shipping container stand is between the Trent End and Brian Clough StanndCredit: THe SunIt was first used in SeptemberCredit: The SunFans who are able to get themselves a spot in one of the pods for a match will be treated to a pre-match buffet and the use of an inclusive bar.A former Forest player will also visit and provide supporters with anecdotes from their career.The installation of the new stand has meant that a screen has been removed from the corner.This has affected the ability of some supporters to see highlights that would have been displayed on the big screen.The capacity at the East Midlands ground is now 30,445.Marinakis recently paid for the club’s multi-million-pound training ground renovation.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere are also long-term plans to renovate The City Ground, which would see the Peter Taylor stand demolished.A new large structure would be built in its place in order to increase the capacity even further.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Football club president sacks manager on live TV in astonishing post-game interview before blaming PLAYERS for decision

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      THIS is the shocking moment a top football club president sacked his manager LIVE on TV after seeing his side lose 5-0.The chief of Ligue 1 side Montpellier shocked viewers by publicly announcing that Michel Der Zakarian had been given the boot.Montpellier president publicly announced the club’s decision to sack the managerBoss Michel Der Zakarian was axed after a disastrous run of formLaurent Nicollin blamed the PLAYERS in his astonishing post-game interview after Sunday’s 5-0 pummelling against Marseille.Montpellier are languishing at rock bottom of the French top flight.The French side have lot six of their opening eight matches, taking just four points so far this term.And the club have conceded a staggering 26 goals since the opening day of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMontpellier’s latest nightmare struck on Sunday as Marseille ran riot to move three points behind league leaders Paris Saint-Germain.But the biggest fireworks went off after full-time at Stade de la Mosson as club president Nicollin SACKED the club’s manager on live TV.Nicollin, 51, told DAZN France: “We can’t change 25 players, so, unfortunately, I’ve taken the initiative to stop Michel tonight.”We talked in the locker room after the game. I told him it was over tonight.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”And I said to the players that, thanks to their great job, they had fired the coach and that they need to take their responsibilities next week against Toulouse.”Der Zakarian’s public departure brings an end to the Armenian’s second spell in charge of Montpellier, whom he initially took charge of for four years between 2017 and 2021 before leaving for Brest.Mason Greenwood SIGNS for Marseille as Man Utd release brief statement after transferElye Wahi’s first-minute strike set the tone before Amine Harit and ex-Spurs loanee Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg made it three before half-time.And former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood rounded off a stunning counter attack to make it 4-0 in the 58th minute.Greenwood ended his four game streak without a goal to leave a timely reminder to new England boss Thomas Tuchel.Luis Henrique concluded the scoring, adding a fifth in the 73rd minute, which spelt doom in bold for Der Zakarian.The 61-year-old – who also represented Montpellier as a player from 1988 to 1997 – becomes the first manager to lose his job in Ligue 1 this term. More

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      Mason Greenwood ends goalscoring drought in style as ex-Man Utd star fires timely reminder to new England boss Tuchel

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      MASON GREENWOOD ended his goalscoring drought in a timely reminder to new England boss Thomas Tuchel.The forward made a fast start to life in Ligue 1 after joining Marseille, scoring five goals in his first three games.Mason Greenwood has been in fine form in Ligue 1Credit: AFPBut Greenwood then went on a barren run of four games without a goal.However it appears the international break did him good as he returned to form with a goal and an assist in Marseille’s 5-0 demolition of Montpellier.Greenwood showed devastating pace and trickery to beat his man before firing low past the goalkeeper on his weaker foot to score Marseille’s fourth.The former Manchester United star has proved himself to be a key player already for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Greenwood wants to know if his form could lead to an England recall following the appointment of Tuchel, SunSport revealed.If not, Greenwood will accept Steve McClaren’s invitation to switch allegiance and play for Jamaica.Greenwood’s international future has been in limbo since he spent 18 months out of the game after being charged with attempted rape, assault and coercive behaviour in January 2022. The charges were later dropped.A source told SunSport: “Mason knows his chances of playing for England again are very slim. But he wants to check with the FA and Tuchel now he has been appointed, to see what they think.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“He is determined to play at the highest level and that means the World Cup.“So if England don’t want him, he’ll switch to Jamaica and try and get to the 2026 World Cup that way.”Mason Greenwood SIGNS for Marseille as Man Utd release brief statement after transfer More

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      Dan Burn reveals Newcastle deal was sorted A YEAR AGO as he speaks out about plans after retirement

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      DAN BURN revealed his Newcastle contract extension was actually sorted a year ago – but he is already taking steps to stick around after playing.Toon only announced this week that the 32-year-old Geordie’s deal has been extended until 2026.Dan Burn has revealed his plans to move on to the Newcastle dug-out – but not for a while yetCredit: GettyDefender Burn, who signed from Brighton in 2022, has now actually admitted it was done 12 months ago, saying: “It’s actually been activated quite a while but it’s only just come out now.“I’ve always said I want to be here as long as possible so to activate that side of it gives me more security but I want more, I always want to be here longer.“I’d love to finish my career here. I’ve moved back home now, my kids are back with their family, we get to see our family a lot and it was always the plan to finish my career here. “We’ve just got to wait and see, we’ve got a lot of very good players here and we’re going in that upward trajectory so you’ve got to keep trying to go for as long as you can.“I feel like I’ve been playing well this season, I’m not a player who is just going to be happy being a good trainer and sitting on the bench.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“I want to play and I do believe I could be playing in this team.”Speaking after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at home to the Seagulls, he continued: “It was triggered by the number of games I was playing, I triggered it about this time last year.“It just wasn’t something that was spoken about and I don’t need it to be spoken about, I’m happy just cracking on. But it gives me a little bit of security.”FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBurn also revealed his desire to potentially move into the dug-out at his boyhood club.Most read in FootballHe added: “The worst thing would be to get to the point after football and have nothing to go into.Watch incredible tunnel bust-up as Newcastle ace Dan Burn grabs Jan Bednarek by the shirt during fiery Southampton game“I think you’ve always got to have that plan, especially when you hit 30 because everyone says you’re nearly done then!“I’m still really enjoying it, I feel I have a lot of fight left in me to push the lads.“I’ve started my coaching badges, do little bits of media stuff, bits to keep me ticking over.“I’d love to keep doing something with the club when I’m finished, whatever that may be.”How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More

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      Man Utd legend facing FA charge after ‘furious tunnel-bust up’ with referee over Matthijs de Ligt drama

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      MANCHESTER UNITED chief Darren Fletcher faces an FA charge after claims of a fiery tunnel bust-up with officials.United were furious as defender Matthijs de Ligt was ordered off the Old Trafford pitch in first-half stoppage time with blood on his head and face.Matthijs de Ligt sustained a nasty head injury and blood poured down his faceCredit: RexDe Ligt left the field for treatment but was sent back to the sidelines as the ref felt it was not patched up enoughCredit: GettyEthan Pinnock scored for Brentford while De Ligt was off the fieldCredit: GettyDarren Fletcher supposedly confronted the ref in the tunnelCredit: RexThis was the result of an earlier injury which medics had twice tried to patch up.As soon as De Ligt left the field, Brentford scored from a corner, sparking outrage with manager Erik ten Hag and No 2 Ruud van Nistelrooy booked for protesting.Van Nistelrooy continued his protests down the tunnel, while former United midfielder and technical director Fletcher waited inside where he allegedly verbally confronted ref Sam Barrott and fourth official Gavin Ward.The FA will now await the referee’s report before deciding whether to take further action.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited came back to win the game with Alejandro Garnacho scoring just after the break and Rasmus Hojlund getting a 62nd-minute winner.Yet Ten Hag was still fuming with the ref’s decision after the game.He raged: “It was dry blood so he was already treated for the injury.“I didn’t understand why he was sent off.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I went over to Matthijs and he said, ‘It is dry blood and I have to come off I don’t know why’.“It was a huge moment because Brentford is very good at corners and you are missing one of your best headers.”Man Utd star Rasmus Hojlund slammed as ‘rubbish’ and ‘poor’ by Ben Foster for injuring team-mate in trainingMan Utd player ratings vs BrentfordBy Neil CustisMANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.ANDRE ONANA – 6Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.DIOGO DALOT – 6Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.JONNY EVANS – 7Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.MARCUS RASHFORD – 7Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.BRUNO FERNANDES – 7Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.RASMUS HOJLUND – 7After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.SUBSTITUTESJoshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6A change that probably should have come earlier. More

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      Paul Gascoigne reveals he once got into a hilarious punch up with Mickey Mouse and his Disney pals

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      FOOTIE legend Paul Gascoigne once got into a hilarious punch up with Mickey Mouse and his Disney mates.The scrap erupted during a drunken bender when he fled to Disneyland Paris after a row with club bosses at Lazio.Paul Gascoigne once got into a hilarious punch up with Mickey Mouse and his Disney matesCredit: GettyGazza said: ‘I go down the tunnel and Diego Maradona is standing there. I said, ‘Diego f***ing hell I’m p*ssed.’ He said, ‘It’s OK Gazza, so am I’Credit: GettyThey wanted him to star in a charity match alongside Diego Maradona but it would have meant him missing a vital league clash with Juventus.So in a fit of anger he flew to Paris, got drunk and ended up brawling with Mickey, Pluto and Donald Duck.The former Tottenham and England star recounted the hilarious story at “An Evening with Gazza” at Newcastle’s 02 City Hall.He told the 2,000-strong audience: “I played a game against Milan and I scored and got man of the match.Read More on Sport”We had a game the next Sunday and the manager said, ‘Gazza you’re not playing’.”He said, ‘The president wants you to play against Diego Maradona in Seville in a friendly on Tuesday’.”I said, ‘Am I f***. I am playing against Juventus.’ “So you know what I did? I f** off to EuroDisney on my own.Most read in Football”All I can remember is I headbutted Mickey Mouse, kicked Pluto up the a***, and had a fight with Donald Duck. Roy Keane told Paul Gascoigne ‘Gazza, stop it’ after England legend taunted Man Utd icon over his ‘wife'”My dad said to me, ‘F*** EuroDisney? Go and play that game’.”Gazza had a change of heart and caught a flight to Seville for the November 1992 match which ended 1-1 and was hoping for a £120,000 pay day.He had the audience in fits of laughter as he told how he downed more drinks on the plane and said: “I got to the dressing room and the lads knew I was p*ssed. “”I go down the tunnel and Diego Maradona is standing there. “I said, ‘Diego f***ing hell I’m p*ssed.’ He said, ‘It’s OK Gazza, so am I.’ I go down the tunnel and Diego Maradona is standing there. I said, ‘Diego f***ing hell I’m p*ssed.’ He said, ‘It’s OK Gazza, so am I Paul Gascoigne”I don’t know how but I scored a f***ing unbelievable goal.”I did the press conference which didn’t go down too well.”Lazio then said they weren’t giving me 120 grand, they were taking 40 grand from my wages.”You know what I did? I f** off to the airport and went back to EuroDisney.” Gazza, who scored six goals in 43 appearances with Lazio, made a quip that he was only drinking water before the show. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe told the audience: “By the way this is water so if you want to take a photo you’ll make f** all from the newspapers.”And if you do, we’ll go halfers.” More