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      Borussia Dortmund 1-0 PSG LIVE RESULT: Fullkrug fires hosts to crucial first leg win in huge Champions League semi-final

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      IT’S advantage Borussia Dortmund in this huge Champions League semi-final tie against PSG as the German are 1-0 up.Jadon Sancho and Co came flying out of the blocks, controlling a large percentage of possession.And it paid off when Niclas Fullkrug beat PSG’s offside trap before firing past Donnarumma.
      RESULT: Dortmund 1-0 PSG
      Live stream: discovery+
      TV channel: TNT Sport 1
      Dortmund XI: Kobel, Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen, Can, Brandt, Sabitzer, Sancho, Adeyemi, Füllkrug
      PSG XI: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, L. Hernandez, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Zaire-Emery, Barcola, Dembele, Mbappe
      GET £50 IN FREE BETS AND BONUSES TO SPEND ON FOOTBALL AND HORSE RACING WITH BETFREDFollow ALL the action from Signal Iduna Park with our live blog’Good opportunity’
      Dortmund boss Edin Terzić praised his side for coming through the test and says he’s going to Paris next week to WIN that game too.
      He told DAZN: “It was a well-deserved win, a good team performance.
      “We could have scored more goals, but so could they. That’s why the result is OK from my point of view.
      “We ran a lot, but that’s necessary in a game like this. You have to earn your way to Wembley. All we need now is a draw in the second leg, but we also want to win next week.
      “We have a small lead and a good opportunity.”
      Copy linkCopiedMarquinhos reacts
      PSG skipper Marquinhos says there is no panic in the dressing room at the moment, as they’ve shown they can come back from deficits in this competition.
      He said: “It was a test of two teams who like to go forward, have the ball, and press.
      “It was a physical test. We had a lot of chances, especially in the second half, and ones that you can’t miss if you want to qualify for the final of the Champions League.
      “At home, we’re going to have to make sure we take them. It’s always difficult playing here. We knew how much of a contest it was going to be.
      “One-nil, we’ve overcome it before, especially at home with our supporters. We know we can do a lot better than we’ve done today. We just have to take our chances when they come, and be more decisive, both offensively and defensively.”
      Copy linkCopiedIn the balance
      PSG created plenty of chances and they’ll know that more will be created at home.
      And that’s why the bookmakers still make them FAVOURITES to progress.
      Winner of the tie

      PSG – 3/4
      Dortmund – Evs

      Copy linkCopiedMatch report
      Confident Parisians have already been block-booking Eurostar trains for the Champions League final in London on June 1.
      Yet PSG’s fans will need their team to deliver a much better performance in the second leg as they lost to a terrific strike from journeyman striker Nicklas Fullkrug.
      Instead, it could be Jadon Sancho going to Wembley – and he was outstanding here – as a repeat of the 2013 final at the national stadium between Dortmund and Bayern Munich remains a possibility.
      Although they rode their luck in the second half, Edin Terzic’s side delivered a precious clean sheet although Kylian Mbappe is likely to be on a mission at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
      With Dortmund’s famous yellow wall in full voice, it was difficult to hear the whistle of Premier League referee Anthony Taylor who actually did a decent job and cracked down on PSG’s diving.
      As for the other Englishman on the pitch, Sancho looked a different player to the one who seemed as though he had fallen out of love with football at Manchester United.

      Copy linkCopiedSancho impact
      Jadon Sancho ended the game with 12 completed dribbles in the 90 minutes.
      That’s being reported as the most by a player in a Champions League semi-final since Lionel Messi back in the competition in 2008. He’s gone on to do OK.
      Copy linkCopiedThe winner
      A look at the goal that made all the difference tonight.
      Will it make all the difference in the tie?

      Copy linkCopiedMats how it’s done
      Mats Hummels was given the man of the match tonight.
      UEFA’s Technical Observer Panel said – who pick the award – said: “He was magnificent, both with and without the ball.
      “He’s shown his quality, experience and, in particular, his leadership.”
      Copy linkCopiedRespect
      The Dortmund players all take a seat on the edge of the box at the Yellow Wall end.
      They ‘re there to say thank you to the supporters for that incredible backing.
      The supporters responding to that great home performance.

      Copy linkCopiedFull time by numbers
      The stats at the end of a crucial 90 minutes in Dortmund.
      PSG with 14 shots in the game but just three on target.
      That won’t include the two that hit the post too!

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Dortmund 1-0 PSG
      Well Dortmund get the lead they probably needed to take into next week.
      Niclas Füllkrug the hero on the night with that great first half finish and they defended well in the second half.
      Saying that, how did PSG not score with the numerous chances after they break they had!?
      They’ll need to be more clinical next week….
      Copy linkCopiedFULL TIME!
      A huge cheer from the home support and they’ll head to Paris with a lead!
      Dortmund 1-0 PSG

      Copy linkCopiedDortmund 1-0 PSG
      90+2. A cross into Mbappe is poorly brought down by the Frenchman and Kobel rushes off his line to pick up.
      Copy linkCopiedDortmund 1-0 PSG
      FOUR MINUTES ADDED.
      Copy linkCopiedDortmund 1-0 PSG
      90. Zaire-Emery heads over after a clipped cross to the back post.
      He was under pressure but you’d think he might’ve done a bit better with that chance.
      Copy linkCopiedDortmund 1-0 PSG
      88. Sancho wins Dortmund another corner but PSG defend it comfortably.
      Another Dortmund change:

      OFF: Fullkrug
      ON: Moukoko

      Copy linkCopiedDortmund 1-0 PSG
      88. Dortmund double change:

      OFF: Ryerson & Brandt
      ON: Wolf & Nmecha

      Copy linkCopiedDortmund 1-0 PSG
      86. Fabian Ruiz might be great with the ball at his feet.
      But with his head? Absolutely mince.
      He’s picked out with a great clipped ball into the box which just misses Hummels and finds Fabian Ruiz coming in, 10 yards out and he heads it miles off target.
      How PSG haven’t scored in this second half is anyone’s guess.
      Copy linkCopiedDortmund 1-0 PSG
      84. CHANCE! Dortmund should be two ahead!
      Sancho again – he’s been terrific – with a little through ball into the box for the on running Julian Brandt.
      He takes out three players with that pass and Brandt takes a touch to steady himself before shooting low and hard at goal Marquinhos slides in to block it expertly!
      Sancho collects again and crosses into the box and Reus heads over under pressure from eight yards out!
      Copy linkCopiedDortmund 1-0 PSG
      83. Dortmund change:

      OFF: Adeyemi
      ON: Reus

      Copy linkCopiedDortmund 1-0 PSG
      82. There’s a carbon copy move straight after!
      PSG again down the right and the cut back finds Vitinha this time but his reversed shot bounces just wide of the left hand post.

      Copy linkCopiedDortmund 1-0 PSG
      80. WHAT. A. CHANCE. PSG must be level!!
      Adeyemi is sleeping in his defensive work and Hakimi is picked out with a run forward into the box.
      Mbappe’s run takes two out the game and the defender picks out Dembele 14 yards out, centre of goal and his first time finish is sent over the bar. Massive chance.
      Copy linkCopiedDortmund 1-0 PSG
      78. They work it short, PSG. But it comes to nothing when the eventual cross in towards Dembele is overhit.
      Copy linkCopiedDortmund 1-0 PSG
      77. Great play from Dembele and Vitinha to work the ball across the Dortmund box.
      Mbappe’s ball out to Nuno Mendes is terrific and his cross is blocked behind for a corner.

      Copy linkCopiedDortmund 1-0 PSG
      75. Nuno Mendes needs treatment after taking a sore one.
      After a couple of minutes he rises to his feet and is immediately faced by Jadon Sancho who is almost taking the mick at this point.
      He skips by him twice in the one move but Sancho’s shot takes a deflection and is saved by Donnarumma.
      Copy linkCopiedDortmund 1-0 PSG
      71. Big chance for PSG – big save from Kobel!
      Mbappe with a cheeky chipped through ball 22 yards from goal gets Nuno Mendes onto it and his first time shot is saved by Kobel.
      It spins up across his six-yard box and Dembele is steaming in to head home but Maatsen does superbly to beat him to it and head it clear.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      Borussia Dortmund 1 PSG 0: Man Utd outcast Sancho has one foot in Champions League final as Mbappe woe continues

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      CONFIDENT Parisiens have already been block-booking Eurostar trains for the Champions League final in London on June 1.Yet PSG’s fans will need their team to deliver a much better performance in the second leg as they lost to a terrific strike from journeyman striker Nicklas Fullkrug.Niclas Fullkrug bagged the winnerCredit: GettyJadon Sancho was in sparkling form for DortmundCredit: GettyInstead, it could be Jadon Sancho going to Wembley – and he was outstanding here – as a repeat of the 2013 final at the national stadium between Dortmund and Bayern Munich remains a possibility.Although they rode their luck in the second half, Edin Terzic’s side delivered a precious clean sheet although Kylian Mbappe is likely to be on a mission at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.With Dortmund’s famous yellow wall in full voice, it was difficult to hear the whistle of Premier League referee Anthony Taylor who actually did a decent job and cracked down on PSG’s diving.As for the other Englishman on the pitch, Sancho looked a different player to the one who seemed as though he had fallen out of love with football at Manchester United.The on-loan winger was superb, a constant menace down the right, although Fullkrug was the goal hero with his 36th-minute cracker.Fullkrug delivered an exquisite first touch to control a long punt by Nico Schlotterbeck, he used his strength to hold off Lucas Hernandez and then beat Donnarumma with raw power.Incredibly, PSG hit the woodwork twice in the space of 30 seconds through Mbappe and Achraf HakimiYet Fullkrug missed a sitter to put Dortmund in control of the tie after another stunning run down the right by Sancho.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt is the third time the two sides have met in the Champions League this season and the first that ended in victory to Dortmund.The German side now have to travel to Paris where they lost 2-0 in the group stage earlier this season, with goals from Mbappe and Hakimi.Major broadcasting change as Kate Abdo reveals Jamie Carragher’s CBS Sports Champions League replacement More

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      BBC in major broadcast change with new midweek Match of the Day-style show to begin next season

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      FANS can watch free midweek highlights of the newly-enlarged Champions League on the BBC over the next three seasons.European football’s top domestic competition jumps from 32 to 36 clubs from 2024-25, meaning a rise from 125 games to 189.The Champions League won’t just be pay for view from 2024-25Credit: RexThe Beeb is gearing up to show Wednesday-night highlightsCredit: GettyThe Beeb are “simply thrilled” by their three-year deal with Uefa for a Match of the Day-style show.TNT Sports are losing exclusive rights – but will still show 533 of the 550 live games.Amazon Prime Video will now grab some live action from next term.However, TNT Sports are retaining their exclusivity for the Europa League and Europa Conference League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it’s the BBC access to the Champions League that might excite fans most.The highlights package will be available on TV, iPlayer and online.The Beeb’s Director of Sport Barbara Slater has previously said: “We are simply thrilled to have won these rights.”Our reach and ability to bring people together is unrivalled.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We couldn’t be more delighted that Uefa has recognised the value in our ability to bring the Champions League to the widest possible audience across the UK.”This package of highlights and digital content will allow football fans to follow the Champions League, wherever and however they like.Meet Eva Murati, the Albanian Laura Woods who is glamorous Champions League presenter and lingerie model”The Champions League is a wonderful addition to our portfolio of football output on the BBC and we can’t wait to get started in 2024.” For their part, Uefa have bigged up the Beeb’s international standing for covering sport.Guy-Laurent Epstein, marketing director of European football’s rulers, said: “The BBC brand is synonymous with premium sport.”He too was “thrilled” the Beeb will provide “Wednesday highlights for the very first time”.Uefa’s overall broadcasting deal for 2024-27 will rake in around £1.45bilion – a hefty 20% increase on the current £1.2bn arrangement.Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More

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      Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe locked in neighbour row over BEEHIVES and tennis court at his £6million mansion

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      MANCHESTER United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has won an 18 month planning battle after a neighbour row over beehives and a tennis court.The 71-year-old billionaire had faced accusations he was turning his seven acre waterside property in Hampshire’s New Forest into an “industrial site”.Sir Jim Ratcliffe was involved in an 18-month planning battleCredit: AFPHe applied for retrospective planning permission for his property in Hampshire’s New ForestCredit: SolentSir Jim recently became co-owner at Prem giants Manchester UnitedSir Jim, 71, who owns chemical giant Ineos and recently bought 25 per cent of shares in Manchester United, built two huge barns, a tennis court and a pergola without consent.The British businessman, who recently ran the London Marathon, applied for retrospective permission from the planning authority in 2022.And the Red Devils supremo has now been granted planning permission for developments at his £6million holiday home which included a honey-making factory.Ranked as Britain’s second wealthiest man with an estimated worth of £29 billion, the petrochemicals magnate has now successfully argued his case after a protracted process.Read More in FootballIt means he won’t be forced to abandon his beekeeping facility at the estate near Beaulieu.Sir Jim’s passion for apiary is spelt out in planning documents submitted by his agent.”The applicant places very great value on home produced garden produce and as part of this he has commenced beekeeping at the site and has established a number of beehives in order to supply himself and his family with honey,” it says.”Whilst beehives are distributed within the surrounding grounds the beekeeping activities also necessitate the provision of an indoor storage area for processing of honey and the storage of beekeeping equipment.Most read in Football”The applicant respectfully suggests that the outbuildings will not result in any adverse harm to the ability of future generations to meet their own needs and that the development should therefore be accepted as sustainable development.”According to the document, one of the two unauthorised sheds houses the “bee factory”, tractor, soil roller compactor, forklift, wood chipper, Turf Gator, lawn mower, hedge-cutters and leaf blowers.The other is used for storing a cherry picker, trailer, tractor flail, fertiliser spreader, three chainsaws and a leaf sucker.”It is acknowledged that the additional proposed storage buildings are larger and provide more storage accommodation than a standard domestic shed within a standard domestic property,” the agent said.”Effectively, this is a 7- acre garden and the sheer size of the garden means that there is an inevitable requirement for significant amounts of garden equipment and a consequent and significant need for substantial amounts of storage accommodation to house this equipment and the materials used by garden staff.Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Man Utd’s ‘Wembley of the North’ could be 100,000-seat mega-stadium if they leave Old TraffordThe report said the application ‘seeks consent to regularise’ works that had already taken place at the site, including: a tennis court, pergola, works to walled garden, associated landscaping and external lighting.Objecting to the plans in November 2022, Mr J Harrow of nearby Lymington made a dig at Brexiteer Sir Jim’s 2020 relocation to Monaco, a move that was said to have saved him an estimated £4 billion in tax.Mr Harrow said: “Yet more development from an industrialist who seems intent on turning this stretch of the Hampshire coast into an industrial site.”And, as we have come to expect from billionaire elites, the belief that he can do what he wants with impunity as he can afford to pay more lawyers and fight local authorities.”Despite the objection, the plan were approved last week by the NFNPA subject to a number of conditions.Of the external work, a planning officer for New Forest National Park Authority stated: “Whilst these works perhaps appear somewhat incongruous in a New Forest setting, they are confined to a small part of the overall site, in a location where they are not visible in the wider landscape and are not uncommon features in some of the other larger properties in the vicinity.”The paths along the shore frontage are grassed over and although there is a helicopter landing area, this is de-marked by a spiral of small rocks set into the ground, ensuring that the extent of hard surfacing that would be visible from the Solent, which is the most public viewpoint available of the site, would be minimal.”Despite the two outbuilding sheds being “substantial” in size, they were also granted permission because they “occupy a relatively minor area” of the site.”The outbuildings therefore have little impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area,” the officer continued.”In terms of impact on neighbours, as set out above, the majority of the works are well contained within the site and have little impact on the surrounding area.”Whilst ‘concerns’ about ecology were raised, the proposed levels of lighting had been amended to alleviate them.The report continued: “There are a number of other measures that have been installed, including bat tubes and boxes, sparrow and swift boxes integrated into the buildings, bee bricks and hives and insect blocks.”These enhancement features and the amendments that have been made ensure that the impact of the works are appropriately mitigated and biodiversity enhanced in accordance with the local plan.”In conclusion, despite the works resulting in ‘considerable alteration to the character of the site, it added: “The works are, however, contained within the site and do not adversely affect the character and appearance of the wider surrounding area, neighbour amenity or ecology.”This latest application is the most recent of a catalogue of bids to make changes to his luxury pad, after he won a six year battle to build a luxury summer building on stilts in 2020.’BRITAIN’S RICHEST MAN’Sir Jim, who grew up in a Manchester council house, bought BP’s chemicals division in 1992, renaming it Inspec and later Ineos.The entrepreneur increased his wealth by more than £15billion in 2017, catapulting him to the top of the Sunday times Rich List. He was knighted in 2018.Ineos sells 60m tons of petrochemicals a year, used in industries from food packaging to car manufacture, with 17,000 employees in 16 countries.In 2019, he rode to the rescue of British cycling, buying Team Sky and promising £40m a year investment in the team which then won the Tour de France with Colombian rider Egan Bernal.READ MORE SUN STORIESSir Jim, a keen triathlete and sailor, bought Swiss football team Lausanne in 2017 and invested £110million in a British challenge for the America’s Cup with Sir Ben Ainslie in 2018.Last December it was announced he had bought 25 per cent of shares of Prem giants Man United, from the Glazer family, which was completed in February.Sir Jim Ratcliffe finishes the 2024 London MarathonCredit: Getty More

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      I played with David Beckham for my club and against him at the World Cup, now I’m making my way in brand new career

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      CHRIS BIRCHALL was David Beckham’s team-mate at LA Galaxy and faced England at the 2006 World Cup.But now he has traded the high life of LA and glitz and glamour of international football for pounding the Staffordshire mud as a REFEREE.Chris Birchall is on red alert for a career as a whistlerCredit: Paul TongeBirchall says England legend David Beckham was humble both as an international opponent and club team-mateCredit: GettyBirchall and Becks won the MLS Cup with LA Galaxy in 2011Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdChris Birchall with a framed David Beckham personalised signed shirtThe  ex-midfielder, 39, lined up against the likes of Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Becks while playing for Trinidad & Tobago in Germany.Stafford-born Birchall, who qualified for the Caribbean islands through his mum, spent three seasons in LA.Hanging on a wall at home in Newcastle-under-Lyme is a personalised signed Beckham shirt and a photo of the pair when they won the MLS Cup in 2011.He said: “David was great with me. Although I played with him towards the end of his career, wow what a player. He could pick you out with a pass from 40 yards.READ MORE TOP STORIES“There was banter between us as English guys. He’d come into training every morning and say to me, ‘Hi, Mr Perfect’ and I was like, ‘If anyone should be called that it’s you!’“He sends video messages when it’s my lad’s birthday and I’ll text him when any big news happens. He’s humble and the type of person you want to be associated with.”Trinidad & Tobago — the Soca Warriors —  elevated Birchall’s career. While still a 22-year-old League One footballer at Port Vale, he found himself up against the Three Lions.England needed two late goals to win 2-0 in the group game before their World Cup quarter-final exit to Portugal. Most read in FootballThe ex-Trinidad & Tobago ace reckons VAR has big weaknessesCredit: Paul TongeCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBirchall said: “My biggest memory was Beckham shaking my hand at the end and telling me, ‘You had one hell of a game’. He was my hero so that was special.“It’s amazing looking back — lining up against Beckham, Scholes, Owen, Rooney, Ferdinand.  That squad should have won a World Cup.” Watch former Bohemians star score from own half with shot to rival David Beckham’s iconic goalBirchall — who also played for  Coventry, Port Vale and Brighton before retiring in 2016 — started the process of becoming an official six months ago.He said: “I’d love to ref in the EFL. The hardest things are positioning  yourself and making split-second decisions.”Birchall would like other former players to lend their experience to help the PGMOL stop the controversies ruining football.He said: “The way certain laws are written tie the hands of refs. There’s no room for common sense.“If an incident ticks all the boxes, you must give a certain decision. Yet if you’ve played you know every incident is different and whether a player meant to do something.He sends video messages when it’s my lad’s birthday and I’ll text him when any big news happens. He’s humble and the type of person you want to be associated with.Chris Birchall on David Beckham“Take handball — a ball’s blasted at you from ten yards. You might be jumping with your arms slightly away from your body and as you’re landing the ball touches your hand. That isn’t a penalty but they’re given.“The diving and simulation is ridiculous. That’s where I’d like to use my experience. Ex-footballers can see the tricks of the trade.“I’ve sympathy for a ref who has a split second to make a decision and then has VAR putting him under pressure to change it after viewing a replay at one thousandth of a second. The game isn’t played in slo-mo.”Birchall saw his ex-club Coventry denied what would have been an incredible win against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final.Victor Torp thought he had scored a 120th-minute winner to complete a fightback from 3-0 down. Ref Rob Jones gave the goal but VAR told him Haji Wright was a CENTIMETRE offside!Birchall took on Frank Lampard & Co in the 2006 World CupCredit: GettyHe rose to a momentous occasion against the Three Lions 18 years agoCredit: GettyBirchall said: “This is where VAR kills football. That decision affected a club’s history as Coventry would’ve reached the final having staged one of the greatest ever comebacks.“VAR wasn’t brought in to decide offside by a toenail or to take three minutes to work out.“If it’s level to the naked eye, award the goal — give the advantage to the striker as it used to be. We want to see goals, not find reasons to disallow them.”PGMOL chief Howard Webb wants to welcome ex-players into refereeing and Birchall hopes to see his peers and officials work together.He said: “I don’t want a battle between ex-footballers and refs. It’s about educating refs from a player’s perspective and the other way round.“Paul Merson slates refs on Soccer Saturday — some stuff he’s saying as an ex-player is correct. But it’s often not the ref’s fault, it’s the law that’s written that needs changing.”The high life of LA has gone, now it’s back to earthy EnglandCredit: Paul TongeBirchall gives our man Justin Allen more than just the lowdownCredit: Paul TongeBirchall concedes you cannot make a living refereeing at grassroots level and that perhaps puts ex-players off, especially those who played professionally in the lower divisions and are not wealthy.However, he believes the PGMOL should team up with the PFA, FA and clubs to encourage footballers still playing to take courses.He said: “Unless you’ve made good money from your career, you need a job while you’re developing to reach a level where you might get an income.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They need to be telling footballers towards the end of their careers, ‘You can do this while you’re still playing.’“There needs to be that transition from when they retire to going straight into refereeing or at least have a platform.” More

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      I’m a former team-mate of Harry Kane but left Premier League a decade ago, now I’m set to become his Bundesliga rival

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      HARRY KANE is set to be reunited with an old Tottenham team-mate in the Bundesliga next season.Kane has been starring in Germany since his £104million transfer to Bayern Munich from Spurs last summer.Harry Kane is set to be reunited with an old Tottenham team-mate in the BundesligaCredit: RexKane starred alongside the star seven times in a Spurs shirtCredit: GettyThe German international left to join Hamburg in 2015Credit: RexDespite Bayern failing to win the German top flight for the first time in 12 years, Kane has still managed an impressive 43 goals and 11 assists in 43 games, including 35 in 31 league games.Kane, 30, still has the chance to land his first-ever career trophy with the Champions League this season, however, he will be hoping to dethrone Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen domestically next term.But on that journey, the England captain looks set to face a familiar foe in Lewis Holtby, who played for Tottenham between 2013 and 2015 after signing from Schalke.Holtby, 33, shared the pitch with Kane seven times – remarkably with a 100 per cent win rate and just two goals conceded – in north London before he departed to join Hamburg in 2015.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter four years Holtby did briefly return to England to star for Blackburn before he sealed a free transfer in 2021 to join current club Holstein Kiel. And following an impressive season in the 2. Bundesliga, Kiel now look set to secure promotion to the German top flight for the first time in their history.Holtby has played a key part of the north German sides efforts to get promoted, appearing in 28 games with four goals and ten assists.Holtby and co sit in the second automatic promotion spot in the table with just three games of the season remaining and a five-point gap over Fortuna Dusseldorf, who are in the promotion play-off spot.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLewis Holtby is closing in on promotion with 2. Bundesliga side Holstein KielCredit: GettyKane and Holtby won 100 per cent of their games togetherCredit: GettyThey can secure promotion in their next game if they beat relegation threatened SV Wehen Wiesbaden and Fortuna Dusseldorf fail to beat FC Nurnberg.However, providing Dusseldorf win it will set-up a promotion shootout between the two in the penultimate game of the season.How Harry Kane got even better at BayernShould Kiel fall to third in the table they will face a play-off match against the third-bottom side in the Bundesliga – a position currently occupied by Mainz.There is also the possibility that Holtby is promoted as a 2. Bundesliga champion with Kiel, but they will have to overcome a two-point gap to St. Pauli to achieve that.On the team, the three-time capped Germany star said: “It’s really a lot of fun to be with this young and hungry team right now.”We have a great spirit and still a lot of potential for improvement. “I have a very very good relationship with everyone at the club, because people here are simply honest, northern and direct.”Holtby has been a key player for the side this season and barring a late collapse should find their way into the top flightCredit: GettyThis one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      OF all the trophies Harry Kane has missed out on, the Bundesliga will have stung the most.
      This was supposed to have been a dead cert. This was nailed-on.
      Bayern Munich had won 11 successive Bundesliga titles, so when the England captain signed for the great Bavarian powerhouse last summer, we all said: “Well, at least he’ll finally win something.”
      Yet on Sunday evening, there were Bayer Leverkusen — known in Germany as ‘Neverkusen’ because they hadn’t previously won the league thanks to several late implosions — cavorting around, 16 points clear, unbeaten in all competitions and confirmed as champions with five games to spare.
      And so the greatest trophy curse in footballing history continues.
      And this one really is freakish because Leverkusen’s story is almost as extraordinary as Leicester City’s miracle title in 2015-16 — the season when Kane won his first Premier League Golden Boot and Tottenham ended up ‘third in a two-horse race’ behind Arsenal.
      Kane is always the runner-up, always the nearly man, always the fall guy, too often a figure of fun for those taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.
      Does anyone know the German word for schadenfreude…?
      Read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      Or read more from Dave Kidd. More

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      in Soccer

      Brighton target former Man Utd coach to be their new manager if Roberto De Zerbi quits

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      BRIGHTON will target Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna if Roberto De Zerbi leaves the club this summer, according to reports.The Seagulls have endured a torrid run of form, failing to win any of their last six Premier League games.Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has overseen a poor run of form at the AmexCredit: ReutersBrighton will be interested in Ipswich boss Kieran McKennaCredit: AlamyThey have also picked up just six victories from their last 28 league matches.That has seen De Zerbi’s side – who were in Europe this season – slip to 12th in the table, four points adrift of the top half.And it has led to speculation over the future of Italian De Zerbi, 44, who took over in September 2022 and led Brighton to Europa League qualification last season.He had been linked with moves to Liverpool and Bayern Munich, but appears to have been overlooked for both.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea, Manchester United and AC Milan have also been mooted as potential destinations.Now, according to The Guardian, the Seagulls have made Ipswich head coach McKenna, 37, their top target should they be looking for a new manager in the summer.Brighton are understood to be “paying close attention” to the man who worked as a first-team coach under Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick at Man Utd.He joined the Tractor Boys in December 2021 and guided them to promotion from League One last season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNow they are on the brink of a second consecutive promotion, needing just a point from their final game of the campaign to secure a return to the Premier League after 22 years away.However, reports are Brighton will push to bring McKenna in irrespective of whether or not Ipswich make it into the top flight.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?McKenna is under contract with the Championship club until 2027That means that Ipswich will be able to demand hefty compensation should he decide he wants to leave.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      in Soccer

      Fans spot Kevin Nolan’s classy gesture before hugging Klopp and joke Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall ‘needs to learn’

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      FANS have turned a “very humble” Kevin Nolan gesture with Jurgen Klopp into another excuse to troll Newcastle assistant boss Jason Tindall.London Stadium coach Nolan jumped out of the way and pointed to David Moyes, so that Liverpool chief Klopp would shake the West Ham chief’s hand first following Saturday’s 2-2 draw.Nolan took evasive action to avoid shaking Klopp’s hand firstKlopp was embraced by Moyes before Nolan stepped back inIn contrast, Tindall has been labelled a “mad dog” as well as an “attention seeker” and even had his Wikipedia page changed over his habit of moving in for hand-grasping ahead of Toon boss Eddie Howe.Viewers hailed Hammers’ legend Nolan as a “proper football man” who showed “humility” and “pure respect” to Moyes.The ex-Newcastle and West Ham midfielder waited patiently for Moyes to shake hands with Klopp and then hugged the German himself.But many reckon it showed up Tindall’s antics in a bad light.READ MORE TOP STORIESOne claimed: “Newcastle’s assistant would have made himself the main character.”A second wrote: “NUFC assistant coach needs to learn!”And a third joked: “Enough to have Jason Tindall turning in his sun bed.”Many supporters reckon Nolan avoiding shaking hands before Moyes was a perfect tribute to outgoing icon Klopp.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKlopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.

      One said: “That’s the hands of a legend. We are going to miss Jürgen Klopp.”Another added: “Klopp’s a class act, end of an era for Liverpool. Nolan’s got good form too, respect all around.”‘F—ing too big, teeth are too bright.. I’ll be glad he’s gone’, says David Moyes in bizarre X-rated farewell to KloppBut most of the comments simply praised Nolan.One fan summed up the feelings of many: “It’s called loyalty and KN has always carried himself well both off and on the field.”Meanwhile, eager Tindall has seen his hand snubbed by managers – who preferred to shake with Howe first.And last summer his Wikipedia entry was briefly edited to: “Jason James Tindall (born 15 November 1977) is an English professional football manager and former player, who is currently the centre of attention at Newcastle United.”Aston Villa’s Unai Emery is one boss who has snubbed a handshake from Jason Tindall, choosing to grasp Eddie Howe’s had first instead More