More stories

  • in

    ‘The miss I can accept, but what is harder to accept…’ Arne Slot slams ‘behaviour’ of Liverpool star Darwin Nunez

    ARNE SLOT has zero tolerance for the behaviour Darwin Nunez showed against Aston Villa.The striker missed an open goal that would have won Liverpool the match at Villa Park.Arne Slot was not happy with Darwin Nunez’s attitude following his missCredit: PAThe striker blazed over when the goal was openCredit: GettyDominik Szoboszlai got in behind the defence and rolled the ball over to Nunez with the keeper beaten, yet the Urugyuan somehow blazed over from a matter of yards.Slot accepted the miss as a part of football but he was not happy to see Nunez drop his head, suggesting the striker was not his usual hardworking self the moment he missed the chance.The Liverpool boss said: “I can accept every miss… players can miss chances, that I can accept, but what is harder for me to accept is his behaviour after that chance.“It got too much in his head where he was not the usual Darwin that works his a*** off and makes sure he helps the team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I think he was too disappointed after missing that chance and maybe that is why he was just short a fraction afterwards.”Slot pointed out Nunez has scored key goals this season, including against Villa in the home fixture, not to mention a double against Brentford to win the Reds three points late on.Nunez spoke out his latest miss and vowed to stay resilient.He wrote on social media: “I wasn’t the best three weeks ago, and I’m not the worst now. If I fall, I get up. You’ll never see me give up.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’m going to give it my all until the last day I’m here in Liverpool.”Resilience! 💪🏼”Arne Slot urges Liverpool not to make a habit of drawing games they should win after draw to Aston Villa More

  • in

    Sir Jim Ratcliffe blunder as Man Utd co-owner asked women’s captain ‘what do you do here’ during Carrington tour

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has been caught in a blunder after allegedly asking the Manchester United women’s captain, “What do you do here?”The club minority owner was taken on a tour of the women’s facilities and encountered their former captain, Katie Zelem.Sir Jim Ratcliffe did not recognise the Manchester United women’s captain Katie ZelemCredit: APRatcliffe met Zelem (centre) during a tour of CarringtonCredit: GettyRatcliffe, 72, met Zelem at Carrington soon after investing in the Red Devils.Like Ratcliffe, the midfielder was born in Failsworth near Oldham and had been at the club since the age of 8.The Telegraph have now claimed that the billionaire was unsure of who the ace was and was unaware of her role during the tour.The report suggests that he even asked the midfielder what she did at the club during the tour.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLZelem, 29, left Manchester United last summer and joined Los Angeles based side Angel City.She had made 161 appearances for the Red Devils during her time with the club.Zelem has also earned 12 caps for the Lionesses since 2021.She did leave the club between 2013 and 2018 for spells at Liverpool and Juventus.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt comes against a backdrop of Ratcliffe being criticised for lacking interest in the woman’s side of the club.Last May he opted to watch the men’s team face Arsenal at Old Trafford instead of the Women’s FA Cup final victory over Tottenham.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmerThey won the final 4-0 at Wembley Stadium to lift the FA Cup for the very first time.He was criticised for his apparent lack of interest and calling the men’s team the “first team”.England star Mary Earps appeared to take a swipe at Ratcliffe when she left the club last summer.The axing of Dan Ashworth was also seen as a blow as the sporting director was said to be “passionate” about the women’s team.It has also been claimed that Ratcliffe did not speak to Ashworth about the women’s team even once before his sacking.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

  • in

    ‘Alexander Isak to Arsenal confirmed’ say ecstatic supporters as Newcastle striker poses with Gunners superfan Chunkz

    YOUTUBE superstar-turned-secret “agent” Chunkz blew his mission to convince Alexander Isak to join Arsenal.The social media sensation visited Newcastle’s training ground this week and shared a number of snaps.Arsenal fan Chunkz played secret ‘agent’ with Newcastle ace Alexander IsakCredit: INSTAGRAM @chunkzChunkz also met Will Osula and Bruno GuimaraesCredit: INSTAGRAM @chunkzChunkz, who boasts over 4.5million followers on Insta alone, posed alongside Toon players Will Osula, Bruno Guimaraes and Swedish striker Isak in one.He then followed that up with a photo of him next to Isak giving the thumbs-up while holding his signed shirt.Proud Gooner Chunkz, who turns 25 tomorrow, then revealed that he had used the opportunity to try and convince Isak to join Arsenal, who have been long-term admirers of the goal-getter.Though, despite his efforts, it looks like it was a failed mission.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCaptioning a self of himself travelling on a train, Chunkz first joked “Agent Chunkz in action” before claiming a transfer to the Gunners was “imminent”.But he quickly added alongside a crying with laughter emoji: “Jus joking he said he loves Newcastle. I tried tho.”Speculation over Arsenal’s pursuit of Isak will no doubt mount once the summer transfer window re-opens.But they will face a huge fight as we revealed this week how Newcastle have no desire to sell and instead want to build a team around him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt would also take nearly DOUBLE a reported £83m fee for them to even respond to any potential bids with a “no”.Isak has become one of the most-coveted players on the planet since his club-record £63m buy from Real Sociedad in 2022.Eddie Howe determined to end Newcastle’s trophy drought in Carabao Cup final He has scored 19 goals so far this term and hopes to achieve legendary status by ending Newcastle’s 70-year major trophy drought in the Carabao Cup Final next month.Wembley opponents Liverpool and Chelsea would also both love to sign him.Newcastle, though, are under no pressure to sell and have the hotshot tied down to a contract believed to be worth £130,000-a-week until 2028.And even though initial talks over an improved extension ceased late last year, further discussions are set to take place once this season is over.But this latest move by Chunkz will no doubt further infuriate the Toon Army, who are growing tired of certain Sky Sports pundits trying to tout their talisman to other clubs. More

  • in

    Major broadcasting change as Amazon Prime secure more football coverage amid ongoing £500million compensation row

    AMAZON Prime Video have secured rights to show Ligue 1 football on their platform.The streamer will offer a selection of matches from the French top flight.Fans in the UK will be able to watch Ligue 1 matches on PrimeCredit: GettyLigue 1 has been without a UK broadcast partner since the end of last season.Previously, TNT Sports showed most of their matches.But following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, which coincided with Kylian Mbappe’s Paris Saint-Germain departure, TNT did not renew their deal.This left Ligue 1 without a UK broadcast partner going into the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey subsequently launched Ligue 1 Pass, a streaming service on which fans can watch all matches either live or on demand, costing £9.99 per month or £79.99 for the full season.Fans will now be able to watch some matches on Prime Video, although not for free.Games shown through Prime will cost £2.49 each to watch via pay-per-view, with viewers not required to hold a Prime subscription.The streamer will target the biggest matches, with only two available on Prime this weekend.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAuxerre’s clash with Marseille will kick off Prime’s coverage on Saturday night, while they will also show Lyon vs PSG on Sunday.Prime have also confirmed that they will broadcast Monaco vs Reims on February 28, PSG vs Lille on March 1 and Marseille vs Nantes on March 2.Amazon Ends ‘Try Before You Buy’ for Prime MembersLEGAL FIGHTFrench domestic football’s governing body, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), finds itself embroiled in a legal battle regarding Ligue 1’s domestic rights.Between 2021 and 2024, the league was broadcast in France by Amazon Prime Video and Canal+.With the likes of Mbappe, as well as Lionel Messi and Neymar, having departed the league in that time, the LFP struggled to sell their TV rights at a similar price.In the end they agreed to four-year deals with DAZN and beIN Sports at 10 per cent less than they were previously receiving.London-based DAZN agreed to pay £334million per year to show eight of the nine matches each weekend.While beIN committed to pay £83m per year to show the remaining game.The combined £417m received from the two networks is around half of what Mediapro had agreed to pay from 2020 onwards, in a deal that collapsed just five months later.Prime Video previously broadcast live Ligue 1 matches in FranceCredit: GettyCanal+ broadcast Ligue 1 matches between 2021 and 2024Credit: GettyThis week, DAZN were due to pay their latest £58m instalment to the LFP.They are claimed to have only paid half of the sum due to various gripes against the governing body.DAZN reportedly feel that the LFP have not made big enough efforts to shut down illegal streaming of matches, while they are also claimed to believe that some clubs have not made sufficient efforts to provide extra content.Reports in France claim that DAZN have gathered 400,000 subscribers in the country, having targeted 1.5 million after completing the deal.It is believed that if the streaming platform does not reach its target by this December, they can trigger a break clause in the deal for the end of next season.Per The Athletic, the LFP have gone to court in order to “obtain, as a matter of urgency, an order against DAZN to pay the sums stipulated in the contract and an injunction to perform all of its contractual obligations”.They have also outlined their hopes to reach an “amicable outcome”.READ MORE SUN STORIESFrench outlet RMC Sport, meanwhile, report that DAZN have also gone to court, demanding £500m for a “breach” of contract and “market dishonesty”.The affair could be set to rumble on for months.DAZN’s legal war with the LFP could be set to rumble onCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Micah Richards reveals he supports two Premier League teams but it ‘depends if I’m off air or on air’

    MICAH RICHARDS revealed he supports TWO Premier League teams… and his loyalty depends on whether or not he’s on TV.Richards, 36, rose to prominence in 2005 with Manchester City and went on to win the Premier League title in 2012 as well as the FA Cup the year before.Micah Richards revealed he supports two Premier League teamsCredit: SkyRichards supports Manchester City and Arsenal, depending on whether he’s on airCredit: SkyThe former defender amassed a total of nine goals and 11 assists in 245 appearances with City, where he played for 10 years.The ex-England international enjoyed his most prominent years at Man City, so it comes as no surprise when he roots for Pep Guardiola’s side while on air.But Richards revealed he also supports another team when he’s off air… and that’s none other than Arsenal.Big Meeks appeared on the latest edition of A League of Their Own, where he joined host Romesh Ranganathan as well as guests Tony Bellew and Sean Dyche.Read More on FootballBellew asked the former Aston Villa ace: “Meeks, who do you support champ?”Richards responded: “Who do I support? Well, depends if I’m on air or off air.”Bellew insisted: “Well, we are on air then tell us the truth.”Richards replied: “Man City.”Most read in FootballRanganathan jumped in: “Off air: Arsenal!”Richards confirmed: “Yes!”‘How wrong…’ – Kate Abdo mercilessly trolls CBS Sports panel as Henry, Carra & Richards ‘left her out’ of TV outingThat led to quite a mixed reaction with some members of the crowd exclaiming in shock. More

  • in

    Pep Guardiola targeted with sick ‘homophobic’ chants from Real Madrid supporters during Champions League thumping

    REAL MADRID supporters allegedly directed homophobic chants at Pep Guardiola during last night’s Champions League clash.His Cityzens crashed out of the competition as Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick sealed a 3-1 defeat and a 6-3 aggregate loss in the play-off round.Pep Guardiola’s side were well beaten by Real Madrid last nightCredit: GettyMadrid fans revelled in the victory over Guardiola, who won the Champions League twice and three LaLiga titles with their bitter rivals Barcelona from 2008 to 2012.However, Spanish publication Marca claim that they began chanting towards the Catalan coach at 2-0, in which they referenced an area of Madrid that is known as the heart of the gay district.The actual word also has a double meaning and is used as slang for somebody “crooked”.Though Marca’s report states this particular chant did have homophobic undertones.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe targeting of the Man City manager comes just weeks after Guardiola’s shock split from wife Cristina Serra after 30 years.Showbiz reporters Lorena Vasquez and Laura Fa would later claim that Serra, a fashion entrepreneur, decided “enough was enough” when he penned a new City contract after previously telling her he would move away from the UK.The couple were married in 2014 but have lived apart for at least the last five years due to Serra moving back to Barcelona to live with one of their three children.This fresh report also adds that after Mbappe had claimed the matchball, an ironic chant of “Guardiola, stay” was directed at him on at least three occasions.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSKylian Mbappe bagged a stunning hat-trickCredit: GettyMbappe took just four minutes to give Real Madrid the lead on the night.The Frenchman grabbed his second on 33 minutes, before sealing his hat-trick shortly after the hour mark – with Nico Gonzalez scoring a consolation late on.Pep Guardiola says Akanji’s season all-but over as Man City star suffers injury while playing ‘in emergency’ More

  • in

    Jack Grealish to lead Man City exit list with Pep Guardiola ready to sell EIGHT title-winning heroes in summer purge

    JACK GREALISH is reportedly set to lead a purging of the Manchester City squad in the summer.Pep Guardiola is set to cull his underperforming stars in the summer after a disappointing season.Pep Guardiola is set to cull his squad in the summer transfer windowCredit: GettyJack Grealish is one player that could leave the Etihad StadiumCredit: GettyKevin De Bruyne’s contract expires at the end of the summerCredit: GettyThe club could also axe John StonesCredit: GettyManchester City were dumped out of the Champions League on Wednesday night by Real Madrid.The European failure has followed an exit from the Carabao Cup and a lacklustre defence of the Premier League title.The club’s only hope of silverware this season is in the FA Cup with a 5th round tie against Plymouth Argyle on March 1.The Cityzens splashed the cash in January with high-profile arrivals of Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut come the summer transfer window, the club will be looking to trim down the squad.The Daily Star have claimed that EIGHT former title winners would be on their way out of the club.This includes the likes of Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan and Ederson.Kyle Walker is also expected to leave on a permanent deal when he returns from his loan spell at AC Milan.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAll of the players are aged 30 and over, which would suggest Guardiola is keen to add more youth to his squad.As the current season is nearly a write-off for the club, Guardiola must prioritise the future.Man City legend Sergio Aguero’s new career as a racing driver for PorscheManchester City squad agesHere is a look at the ages in Manchester City’s squad…Goalkeepers: Ederson, 31Stefan Ortega, 32Scott Carson, 39Defenders: Ruben Dias, 27Manuel Akanji, 29Nathan Ake, 30John Stones, 30Vitor Ries, 19Abdukodri Khsanov, 20Jahmai Simpson-Pursey, 19Josko Gvardiol, 23Rico Lewis, 20Kyle Walker, 34 – On loan at AC MilanMidfielders: Rodri, 28Mateo Kovacic, 30Nico Gonzalez, 23Ilkay Gundogan, 34Bernardo Silva, 30Kevin de Bruyne, 33Claudio Echeverri, 19James McAtee, 22Attackers:Jeremy Doku, 22Jack Grealish, 29Phil Foden, 24Savinho, 20Oscar Bobb, 21Erling Haaland, 24Omar Marmoush, 26Average age: 26.6The Spaniard will be expected to put faith into the four January arrivals in order to bed them in before next season.However, this must be balanced with results on the pitch with the club still not guaranteed a Champions League spot for next season.Man City have already signed Juma Bah from Real Valladolid and loaned him to RC Lens until the summer.While SunSport revealed City are ready to battle Real Madrid for £85million Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, who has been tipped as the ‘new De Bruyne’. More

  • in

    Champions League supercomputer predicts Arsenal to be stunned in last 16 with Liverpool in seven-goal final thriller

    ARSENAL will be knocked out in the Champions League Round of 16 according to a supercomputer.The Gunners could face either PSV Eindhoven or Feyenoord in the next round after they beat Juventus and AC Milan respectively in the play-offs.Arsenal will lose to PSV in the next round according to a supercomputerCredit: RexLiverpool will get their hands on the Champions League trophy once againCredit: GettyThey face a tricky path to the final but a supercomputer predicts they will not get over their first obstacle – PSV.A supercomputer run by CasinoHawks has determined the Gunners will lose 2-0 in the first leg, away from home.And with the Gunners plagued by injuries in attack it has been predicted they will only respond with a 1-0 win at the Emirates, knocking them out of Europe.PSV are then tipped to meet Real Madrid in the next round and lose, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side progressing to face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final.READ MORE ON ARSENALMeanwhile Aston Villa are also predicted to lose in the Round of 16, to Borussia Dortmund, meaning Liverpool will be the only English side to reach the latter stages.The Reds will beat Benfica 8-3 on aggregate next up before conquering Dortmund to reach the last four.The supercomputer claims Liverpool will go all the way, beating Inter Milan before a 4-3 victory over PSG in what would be a thrilling final in Munich.Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa will find out their Round of 16 opponents on Friday.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLiverpool will face PSG or Benfica while Villa take on Borussia Dortmund or Club Brugge.Manchester City were the first English team to be knocked out of the Champions League this season after falling to a 6-3 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid.’It’s like Messi… there I said it’ – Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him ‘potential superstar’ More