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      Inside iconic abandoned stadium that hosted England matches before falling into disrepair when club went bust

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      AN ICONIC stadium lies abandoned after falling into disrepair despite previously hosting England matches.Cathkin Park was once a mega 50,000-capacity stadium in Glasgow, Scotland.Cathkin Park was once a 50,000-capacity stadium in GlasgowCredit: Scottish News and SportIt was left abandoned in 1967 after Third Lanark A.C went bustCredit: Alan MacGregor EwingThe old stands have become overgrown with foliageCredit: Alan MacGregor EwingA fence was pictured around the pitch earlier this yearCredit: Alan MacGregor EwingThe stadium was opened 140 years ago in 1884 and was originally known as Hampden Park.It was located in Mount Florida, on the south side of the Scottish city.It was the second stadium to be given the name as it succeeded the original Hampden Park.It was the home to two different football clubs in its history, the first being Queen’s Park FC between 1884 and 1903.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt was then the host ground to Third Lanark A.C, who moved in and played there until 1967.The stadium was also the venue for multiple England matches against Scotland.This included two Home Championship clashes in 1888 and 1890.However, when Third Lanark went bust in 1967, the ground fell into disrepair.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe last ever match to be played at Cathkin was the Glasgow Challenge Cup final between junior sides Cambuslang Rangers and Rutherglen Glencairn.The pavilion was eventually demolished, and an open space has remained.My flat overlooks a Premier League stadium – men try to go on dates with me just to watch footballEngland played at the ground on more than one occasionCredit: Alan MacGregor EwingThe old stands are still visible around the parkCredit: Alan MacGregor EwingA fence was put up by the Jimmy Johnstone AcademyCredit: Alan MacGregor EwingA legal battle was won against the council for granting permission for the fenceCredit: Alan MacGregor EwingThe stadium’s old stands can still be seen around the pitch.The empty space was taken over by the Jimmy Johnstone Academy in 2022.Earlier this year a legal battle was won against the Glasgow City Council for a fence being built around the pitch in December 2023.The football academy constructed a three-metre fence after it was granted planning permission by the council.It was built in an attempt to ensure the safety of children who trained with the academy and was needed after vandalism.The historic venue is also on the route of Glasgow Football Walking Tours, which take in all three ‘Hampden’ sites.It is now a park and open spaceCredit: Alan MacGregor Ewing More

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      Sports presenter and ex-Premier League Wag stuns in see-through top for live TV broadcast

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      SPORTS presenter Diletta Leotta left fans stunned in a see-through top on live TV.The 33-year-old was on screens in Italy last night as she hosted coverage of Inter Milan’s 1-1 draw with Napoli.Diletta Leotta stunned during coverage of Inter Milan vs NapoliCredit: Instagram dilettaleottaThe football host wore a stylish jacket and a see-through topCredit: Instagram dilettaleottaFans have called her ‘very sexy’Credit: Instagram dilettaleottaDiletta was pitchside at the iconic San Siro for DAZN and caught the eye with a bold look.She posed with her microphone and a football before joining in with her fellow pundits doing kick-ups – only for her high-heeled shoe to fall off.Diletta had her hair slicked back and wore a stylish brown velvet jacket.Underneath was a see-through top that showed off her amazing figure.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLViewers were left in awe, with one saying alongside love heart emojis: “You’re incredible.”Another added: “Very sexy.”A third commented: “Not only watching for the big game.” Diletta is married to former Liverpool and Newcastle goalkeeper Loris Karius.Most read in FootballThey met in 2022, had a daughter named Aria last year and tied the knot at a luxury ceremony in Sicily in the summer.Karius, 31, is currently without a club after his contract at St James’ Park expired.Ex-Premier League star Loris Karius marries sports presenter Wag Diletta Leotta in star-studded Sicily wedding But, meanwhile, his wife continues to show her glamorous side after setting the pulses of fans racing in figure-hugging dress at a red carpet event.A glimpse inside Diletta’s glamorous life with partner Loris Karius…Diletta Leotta and boyfriend Loris Karius saw in the new year togetherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/The footballer brought Diletta a cake to her hospital bed as she gave birth to their first child on her own birthdayCredit: INSTAGRAM / dilettaleottaThe pair posed together in ‘2023’ sunglassesDiletta is one of the Serie A’s best loved presentersCredit: GettyDiletta stunned as she presented the Turin derby on Italian TVCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaThe glamorous TV host put on a leggy display pitchsideCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaAnd boasts 8.9million followersCredit: GettyDiletta gave birth to her first child with Karius in AugustCredit: Instagram / @dilettaleottaDiletta is no stranger to some extravagant outfits on her InstagramCredit: @dilettaleottaDiletta and Karius in MilanCredit: The Mega AgencyThe Italian beauty on holiday with KariusShe has flipped between blonde and brunette looksCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/She has previously worn an outfit similar to her Tomb Raider lookCredit: @dilettaleottaDiletta with a pared back lookCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaDiletta Leotta is reportedly dating Loris Karius after he visited her in MilanCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaLeotta has 8.6million Instagram followersCredit: GettyShe is a presenter for DaznCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaLeotta burst on to the scene with Sky SportsCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaShe posts regularly updates on Instagram to the delight of her fansCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaDiletta has 8.5million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaThe Italian works for DAZNCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta More

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      Uefa boss sends thinly-veiled threat that stars will see their salaries SLASHED amid row over playing too many games

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      UEFA boss Aleksander Ceferin claims that reducing the number of matches played by top stars will cut the wages of the entire game.Ceferin remains sceptical about Fifa’s new 32-team Club World Cup, which will include Chelsea and Manchester City when it launches in the USA in June.Aleksander Ceferin has warned reducing the number of matches could cost playersCredit: PAMajor European leagues are backing the international players’ union Fifpro in their European Court case against Fifa, seeking to block the new competition and bring in a fixed maximum of matches played by stars each season.But while Ceferin hinted at his unhappiness over Fifa’s latest expansion project – despite being part of the world body’s ruling Council which backed the plan – he warned that the knock-on effects of a court victory for the union might end up hitting their own members in the pocket.Ceferin said: “When we say that footballers are modern gladiators, we are exaggerating a bit.“The better the footballer, the bigger the star, the more protected he is by the referees, who are also constantly in the fans’ teeth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It is true that the players play a lot and that the match calendar could not be more full.“But I would not agree that only those at the highest level are the most burdened.“The players from my country, Slovenia, play as often as, for example, those from Real Madrid. Except that they are paid 500 times less.“If we were to reduce the number of matches, we would end up with the result that the salaries of football players would also fall, because the clubs would have less income.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“It’s a vicious cycle. The compromise is that no new competitions are introduced.”Fifa are, of course, introducing one, with the draw for the clubs – which also include Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich, Jude Bellingham’s Real, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and major sides from Brazil and Argentina – scheduled for the start of next month.Rodri sensationally claims players are close to STRIKING over schedule after Alisson says ‘our opinion does not matter’Ceferin added: “The rhythm of matches for football players is already at the upper limit.“The problem is that the new Club World Cup will take five weeks after the end of the season every four years.“Meanwhile, we already have the World Cup, the European Championship.“I saw that the union of professional footballers with the European leagues has already filed a lawsuit against FIFA.“The problem is that European clubs want the competition, as it would increase revenue and make it easier to pay footballers.“So, as I said, it’s a vicious cycle. It will be necessary to sit down with the professional footballers’ union and find out what they want.“If we reduce the number of matches, wages will have to be reduced as well. There is no other way.” More

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      Fans say ‘game’s not gone’ as hilarious video emerges of sad-looking Barcelona fan surrounded by rivals doing the Poznan

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      FOOTIE fans have joked maybe “the games not gone” after a hilarious video emerged from Real Sociedad’s shock 1-0 win over Barcelona.Live footage showed a deserted Barca fan stuck in the middle of Real Sociedad supporters doing the Poznan in the 33rd minute.Fans were overjoyed to see that the ‘games not gone’After one lonely but loyal Barcelona fan was hilariously caught in the middle of the PoznanSheraldo Becker’s first half match winning strike triggered utter euphoria in the stands at the Estadio Reale Arena.Eager fans were quick to whip out the Poznan – the famous celebration that involves the crowd standing with their backs to the pitch.Television cameras panned the thousands of home supporters linking shoulders side-by-side and jumping on the spot in unison. But one loyal Barcelona fan, who was caught in the middle of the link, refused to get involved.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSInstead, the young girl stood still, first staring on with a stern look on her face, before looking down to smile at her phone.And fans at home absolutely loved it, with one writing: “GAMES NOT GONE.”A second wrote: “This is hilarious. It’s like something out of a skit, especially the zooming out.”A third said: “Wow. What a perfect meme template.”Most read in FootballBarcelona suffered their second defeat of the seasonCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother replied: “Every fans worst nightmare. She took it like a champ.”While one more wrote: “This is football cinema.”Awkward Matt O’Riley moment has fans convinced ‘he thinks he’s still at Celtic’The Poznan has made its way to the Premier League as well.Manchester City supporters often form into the crazy dance when Pep Guardiola’s men are dominating teams.City fans adopted the Poznan after copying the celebration during a Europa League clash with Polish side Lech Poznan in 2010.Several sides in Eastern Europe claimed to have founded the celebration but reports suggest it was indeed Lech Poznan.Its first use is thought to have been as a protest against club management while supporting the team.Meanwhile, Barca, who missed Lamine Yamal through injury, suffered their second LaLiga loss of the season.Hansi Flick’s lead has been cut to six points with chasing Real Madrid enjoying a game in hand. Man City fans did the Poznan during their huge win over Real Madrid two years agoWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Man Utd ‘plot shock transfer move for Christopher Nkunku’ with Chelsea star ‘unhappy’ at lack of minutes

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly enquired about Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku.The Red Devils could dip into the January transfer market following the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim.Christopher Nkunku is allegedly open to leaving ChelseaCredit: AlamyAnd French outlet L’Equipe claims Nkunku could be at the top of their wishlist.The 26-year-old is reportedly unhappy with his lack of game time at Chelsea.Nkunku has started just one Premier League match for the Blues this season.And manager Enzo Maresca is allegedly open to letting him leave.Read More in FootballThe Frenchman has attracted interest from a number of clubs, including United.It remains to be seen whether Chelsea would allow him join a Prem rival.Nkunku still has five years remaining on his contract with the Blues.The forward joined Chelsea in a £52million transfer from RB Leipzig last June.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis first season at Stamford Bridge was marred by a series of injury problems.Nkunku has now scored 13 goals in 31 Chelsea appearances – 10 of which have come this season.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca comments on Cole Palmer injury after draw with Arsenal Man Utd could sign him to replace Joshua Zirkzee, who has failed to impress at Old Trafford since joining in the summer.SunSport revealed last week that ex-manager Erik ten Hag did not even want to sign him. More

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      ‘I’ve quit football at 22 to become a churchgoer, I don’t want to play on Saturdays because it’s my day of rest’

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      TOP-FLIGHT champion Silvan Wallner has quit football aged just 22 in favour of going to church every Saturday.The defender won the Swiss league title with hometown club FC Zurich two years ago.Silvan Wallner has quit football due to his religionCredit: RexWallner has ten youth-level caps for Switzerland and was tipped to break into their senior side.He landed a move to Austrian Bundesliga side Blau-Weiss Linz in September, penning a two-year deal.But he has now ended his contract by mutual consent after putting faith ahead of football.Wallner insisted: “I am a devout Christian and I read the Bible. I make my own decisions about my life.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I wish to follow Jesus Christ, and as a result, the biblical day of rest has become important to me.”As a footballer this means that I no longer want to play professionally on Saturdays.”This is my personal conviction, which I have reached in the last few days.”I am not yet a member of any church.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I want to thank with all my heart all the officials, staff and players at Blau-Weiss Linz.”I also say a big thank you to all the people who have accompanied and supported me in my sporting career.”Football stars’ weird phobiasWallner had made just five appearances for Linz, who sit midway in Austria’s 12-team top-flight.He came through FC Zurich and played 49 senior games for the Swiss Super League club.Wallner is a believer in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who observe Saturday not Sunday as the day of rest.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      If I was a painter or a builder I might not be here – now I’m back in EFL after open heart surgery saved my life

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      COLBY BISHOP has revealed he is lucky to be alive after marking his incredible comeback from heart surgery with a goal.The Portsmouth striker scored 21 goals last season as the club won the League One title and were promoted to the Championship.Colby Bishop returned from heart surgery with a goalCredit: RexHe admits he is lucky to be alive after a heart scan picked up a problemCredit: RexHis wife Annabel posted an emotional message on social mediaCredit: Instagram @annabelcbishopBishop underwent a routine heart scan in the summer and it identified an irregularity that required immediate surgery.With his wife Annabel heavily pregnant at the time, the 28-year-old feared his football career was over.The open heart operation was successful, but he has been unable to play this season until making his emotional return on Saturday.Bishop came off the bench in Pompey’s 3-1 win over Preston in the 78th minute and he was on the scoresheet from the penalty spot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe goal left him “overcome” and “a little bit teary on the pitch”.He told Portsmouth News: “For me, scoring on Saturday has probably got a little more to it than when we won the title.”Three months ago I didn’t know whether this was going to happen again, I didn’t know if I was going to play again. I’m very grateful to be here.”I originally had a heart scan in 2014 at Notts County. I don’t know how, but I’ve missed it since. Most read in Football”I am very lucky, I don’t see it as a detriment, I see it as being very lucky that someone found that.‘If I was a painter or a builder or a dentist, I might not have had that heart scan and something could happen to me.Portsmouth star Colby Bishop to undergo heart surgery”My wife and my first child were at Fratton Park on Saturday, football is everything, but sometimes you have to sit back and think there’s a lot more to life. “It’s just great to know that I’m now OK and I’m going to be OK for my family.”Bishop called up on former Rangers and Brighton defender Connor Goldson and England rugby star Nick Isiekwe for advice as both have continued their sporting careers following heart problems.His wife Annabel has also stood by him every step of the way and she posted an emotional message on social media after her husband’s comeback.She wrote: “Hearing the words your husband needs heart surgery is something you never ever want to hear, especially not at 39 weeks pregnant. “The scariest times were ahead of us, and we had no choice but to schedule surgery for when our baby was just 12-days-old. “Despite the perfect photos posted online, my postpartum reality was actually in a hotel next door to the hospital whilst Colby was in intensive care. “The road to recovery has been hard, incomparable to other football injuries. “But Colby’s strength and dedication has been unbelievable. “Everyone close to him knows just how much he has put into this, to be back three months later. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Watching him step back onto the pitch, whilst holding my baby in my arms was all I ever wished for. “The goal yesterday was more than just a goal, it was everything for our family.”Bishop revealed he was emotional on the pitch during his comebackCredit: Rex More

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      Sporting move on from Ruben Amorim as they confirm replacement just hours after new Man Utd boss’ final game in charge

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      SPORTING LISBON have finally appointed Ruben Amorim’s permanent successor. The Portuguese giants announced Joao Pereira, 40, as manager just hours after the new Man Utd gaffer’s final game in charge.Sporting have announced Joao Pereira as Ruben Amorim’s permanent replacementCredit: GettyAmorim will begin work as the new manager of Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, officially left Sporting today but an alleged issue with his work visa permit is currently holding up his first trip to Manchester.The 39-year-old oversaw a 4-2 comeback victory at Braga on Sunday to continue Sporting’s 100 per cent winning record in 11 league games this term.But Sporting, who sit 11 points clear of Porto, have now formally moved on from Amorim.The club have announced Pereira as their new boss on X with the caption: “A new armband, the same ambition.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPereira, a former right-back, who played 154 games for Sporting has been involved in coaching there since his retirement from playing in 2021.He has also won EVERY game this season while managing the club’s B team and will be unveiled to Portuguese media at noon on Monday.Pereira was appointed Sporting’s under-23 head coach in 2022-23 after a season as the team’s assistant coach. The former defender was capped 40 times by Portugal and also played for Valencia and Trabzonspor at club level.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut he has big shoes to fill as Amorim leaves Sporting with two Primeira Liga titles. Not only are Sporting unbeaten in the league this term, but they sit second in the Champions League table, behind leaders Liverpool.Manchester United vs Leicester City: Player Ratings (1)Amorim has also avoided defeat in Europe this season, having most recently inflicted a 4-1 loss on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.The club are aiming to win back-to-back Portuguese league titles for the first time since 1954.United formally hired Amorim on November 1.But Sporting requested extra-time for Amorim to complete his final three games and join during the international break.He replaced Erik ten Hag, who found himself under mounting pressure after a dismal 14 months at Old Trafford.Meanwhile, interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy is set for showdown talks with Amorim to find out if he’ll remain on as an assistant.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim’s faces a trip to Ipswich Town for his first game in charge on November 24.The Town are managed by former United assistant Kieran McKenna, who was also a contender to replace Ten Hag, and won their first Prem game since 2002 against Spurs on Sunday. More