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    Celtic 2 Rangers 3: Ferguson’s Gers are UNRECOGNISABLE from Clement’s flops as he makes job pitch

    CAN you see a difference now, Brendan?Because there it was, out there at Celtic Park in an Old Firm derby, staring you in the face.Hamza Igamane dcelebrates his stunning late winnerCredit: GettyBarry Ferguson shows his delight at full-timeCredit: ReutersMo Diamonde marks his goal with ‘gun’ celebrationCredit: Willie VassNicolas Raskin laps up his early openerCredit: PAThe Celtic boss may have thought the Barry Ferguson Rangers had all the same hallmarks as the one Philippe Clement left behind.But the truth is, it’s unrecognisable.After this humbling defeat, the Celtic boss must accept that now.Clement, of course, enjoyed a 3-0 derby triumph at Ibrox back in January and that didn’t do him any good in the long run.But you now wonder if the manner of this sensational result can propel Ferguson into the dugout for keeps as his full-time replacement.Incoming take-over supremo Andrew Cavenagh was at Celtic Park to see all this unfold, as he was at Ibrox last Thursday night to see Fenerbahce sent packing.The smart money has always been on the US investors bringing in their own man when they get hold of the keys to Ibrox.But never-say-die results like these cannot be ignored.Most read in FootballCeltic showed spirit of their own to fight back from being 2-0 down to make it 2-2.But the last gasp drama belonged to the visitors who claimed the three points in some style.Hamza Igamane’s wonder strike in the dying minutes of normal time showed that Ferguson’s team don’t give up.There was controversy when that goal went in, ugly scenes after Rangers subs Vaclac Cerny and Nedim Bajrami squirted their water bottles into the Celtic supporters as they sprinted up the touchline to celebrate.That sparked real anger with irate fans punching the away dugout with cops rushing to the scene.But when the dust settled, the frustration of the vast majority of Celtic fans will come from the way their heroes allowed this game to slip away after they battled their way back into it.Ferguson epitomised EVERYTHING that was good about Rangers yesterday.The club’s one-time captain couldn’t have put any more into the game had he been out on the park in his old No6 jersey.Reo Hatate celebrates after equalisingCredit: PADaizen Maeda had got Celtic back into the gameCredit: Willie VassAt times, you questioned if he was too worked up and too hyper with referee Steven McLean booking him in the first-half.But the men in light blue mirrored that passion and pride in the shirt.The 2400 away supporters probably didn’t expect such a dynamic performance.Just as Rodgers couldn’t have seen this coming either.His men have been outstanding this season and will rightly lift their latest title in the next few weeks.They’ve been far and away the best team in the country.But that must have made this all the more galling.Nico Raskin’s goal to make it 1-0 after only four was a flicked header from a corner which caught every one of his defenders sleeping.But the second strike from Diomande?Wow, the space he was allowed inside the box was criminal from the champions’ point of view.Celtic did have efforts themselves before get break – Reo Hatate bringing out the best in Jack Butland with a shot from distance, with the ex-England No1 also denying Maik Nawrocki.But overall Rangers were well worth their two-goal lead.It should have been better, though.The opportunity Cerny had to score into an open goal on 16 minutes was massive.Kasper Schmeichel literally passed straight to him and was out of his box.But when the chance came, he just didn’t trust his right foot and chose to dribble forward when all he had to do was hit he unguarded target.At this level, that’s not good enough.But that’s the message Rodgers would have been given his side at the interval.That what they were showing was nowhere near what was required.He knew he had to change his line-up, though.The Celts boss recognised he wasn’t getting enough from winger Nicolas Kuhn, who was miles off it, and wasted no time in taking him off and replacing him with Adam Idah.It was decisive, pro-active management when the team needed it most.The switch saw Maeda shifted from striker to left winger and suddenly there was a whole new look to the Celtic team.Scoring within two minutes of the restart altered the mood around the stadium and turned the anxiety of the home support into belief.Jota did brillianly to set it up with the Japanese frontman out jumping James Tavernier to nod home at the back stick.It was at that point Ferguson realised he had to do something himself to help his own players.His back-five briefly became a back-four until he took Leon Balogun off and replaced him with Robin Propper. Tavernier was then moved into the right of midfield with Dujon Sterling asked to do a job in central defence.With their tails up, Celtic were a different team.It felt inevitable they’d get the next goal and level the game and the equaliser arrived in 74 minutes.It was also no real surprise it came down Rangers’ left channel that Propper was meant to be protecting.But what a finish from Hatate to beat Butland after Luke McCowan slid him in.At that point it felt certain would go on and win.They had time on their side with Rangers looking physically exhausted going into the closing stages.But Ferguson’s side had different ideas.Igamane had plenty to do after a rare mistake at the back from Cameron Carter-Vickers. But it didn’t look that way.,READ MORE SUN STORIESHis shot flew into the roof of the net to have the away fans wild behind the one they stood behind.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    I’m an ex-Man Utd star now working in construction… a decision I made during the Treble season still haunts me

    FORMER Manchester United starlet Michael Twiss is now happily working in construction – but it’s a case of what might have been.Twiss was Man Utd Reserve Team Player of the Year in 1998 and was close to breaking into the first team before the club’s historic Treble in 1999.Former midfielder Michael Twiss is now enjoying a second career in constructionAnd Twiss regrets joining Sheffield United on loan during the 1998-1999 record-breaking season.He had made his first team Man Utd debut in February 1998 after coming on as a substitute in the club’s 3-2 defeat to Barnsley in their FA Cup fifth round replay.The former midfielder was highly rated coming through the academy at Carrington – a couple of years after the famed Class of 92.But in the summer of 1998, Twiss was in demand.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA former Man Utd captain then made a call that set the wheels of fate in motion.Twiss told the Manchester Evening News: “Steve Bruce was at Sheffield United and was looking for someone to go across.”Eric Harrison put my name forward and I went and I shouldn’t have gone. “Even though loans are sometimes quite good and can work out, I was probably at a point where I was breaking in at United. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”First and foremost I missed the Treble season!”I was unlucky that I went to Sheffield United, did pre-season, played in the League Cup in the second game of the season, which was my first start. I was pro footballer & club captain but I’ve given up at 28 for a new job”And then one of the younger lads injured me in training and my ankle went up like a balloon and I was out for eight weeks.”I was trying to forge my way back into an established team which was difficult.” I perhaps could have progressed at United if I had stayed there.”The Salford-born star had already been involved in European nights with United prior to his loan move across the PenninesHe was in the matchday squad against FC Kosice in 1997-98 as well as in two top flight games. I missed the Treble season!Michael TwissTwiss added: “I had played a couple of games for United already and with doing that.”I should have taken advantage of being in and around it but I was out of sight out of mind at Sheffield United.”It wasn’t like now when there is loads of stats and loan managers. “I am sure there was dialogue and stuff but you just kind of disappeared for a year.”Twiss returned to Old Trafford after the Treble glory, but was released at the end of the 1999-2000 season.Spells at Port Vale and then Conference clubs Leigh RMI, Chester City and Morecambe followed.The now 47-year-old took up construction after retiring from football with non-league outfit Altrincham in 2012.He now works for Kier Group, a provider of infrastructure services, construction and property developments.Twiss said: “I have started again and learnt something new. I like the site management side.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You could be out on site and mixing with the banter and also coming into the office. I didn’t want to be sat at my desk all day.”He studied for a Diploma at Salford University and set about seeking work experience, at Coronation Street Studios among other places.Twiss was in demand before joining Sheffield United during the Treble season More

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    Why is Anthony Gordon not playing for Newcastle against Liverpool in Carabao Cup final?

    ANTHONY GORDON will MISS Newcastle United’s massive Carabao Cup final clash against Liverpool TODAY.Eddie Howe’s side will take on Liverpool at Wembley Stadium, with the first trophy of the season on the line.Anthony Gordon was sent off for violent conduct on Jan Paul van Hecke in the FA CupCredit: REUTERS/Scott HeppellAnthony Taylor was shown a straight red card following his hit on van HeckeCredit: REUTERS/Scott HeppellNewcastle reached the Carabao Cup final after knocking out Arsenal, winning 4-0 over two legs.Anthony Gordon scored two goals in the semi-finals, one at St James Park and one at The Emirates.The former Everton winger, 24, has nine goals and six assists this season in all competitions, on track to beat his record of 12 goals 10 assists last season.The Toon will take on Liverpool at Wembley this Sunday, March 16.Read more FootballArne Slot’s Reds beat Tottenham 4-1 on aggregate, turning over a 1-0 loss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a 4-0 win at Anfield.SunSport can reveal why Gordon is not playing in the Carabao Cup final.Why is Anthony Gordon not playing in the Carabao Cup final?Anthony Gordon is suspended and will therefore NOT be eligible to play in the Carabao Cup final.The winger was shown a straight red card for violent conduct after hitting Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke in the back of the head in the FA Cup.Most read in FootballNewcastle went on to lose the game 2-1 after Danny Welbeck scored in extra-time.Gordon is suspended for three games – West Ham away, Liverpool at Wembley and Brentford at home.The Toon did not appeal the red card.How to watch the Carabao Cup final 2025 and is it available for streaming?The Carabao Cup takes place on Sunday, March 16.The match kicks off at 4.30pm GMT.The match will be shown FREE-TO-AIR on ITV1 in the UK.It can also be streamed for free on ITVX – although viewers will need to register for a free account with an email address.Sky will also air the match on three channels – Sky Sports Football, Main Event and Sky Showcase.It can also be live streamed for customers with the Sky Go app.Alternatively, SunSport will live blog all the build-up, action and reaction from the match. More

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    ‘My ear was destroyed’ – Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta opens up on Millwall horror and why he was ‘LUCKY’

    JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA has opened up on his Millwall FA Cup ordeal.The Crystal Palace striker, 27, required 25 stitches on a severe laceration to his left ear following an ill-judged challenge by Lions stopper Liam Roberts.Jean-Philippe Mateta was kicked in the head by Liam RobertsCredit: ReutersThe Frenchman was stretchered off at Selhurst ParkCredit: GettyMateta received lengthy treatment on the pitch before being taken to hospital.The Frenchman has now revealed that he remained conscious throughout the incident, and actually feared that his injuries might have been even worse.Speaking to L’Equipe, Mateta said: “I was afraid I’d have broken bones or blood in my brain. But in fact, my ear was just destroyed.”A plastic surgeon came and took photos of my ear, which he refused to show me so they wouldn’t stay in my head.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMateta also astonishingly admitted that he wanted to play on.The prolific forward added: “At the last moment, I had the reflex to turn my face.”I was lucky because if I hadn’t, I would have taken his foot right in the head, and it would have been much worse.”After that, I never lost consciousness. I was lying on the ground, and I said to the doctor, ‘I’m fine, I want to play again.’Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”But he, seeing my ear, replied, ‘No, you have to go’.”During the BBC’s coverage of the match, which Palace won 3-1, Eagles chairman Steve Parish launched an impassioned rant about Roberts’ challenge.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall starThe 59-year-old said: “There’s a lot of emotion in football but we need to talk about that challenge.”In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve never seen a challenge like it. I looked to see how old the keeper is, he’s 30-years-old.”That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen. And he needs to have a long, hard look at himself that lad.”Because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that.”Mateta has not played since suffering the injury on March 1.The forward travelled with Palace on their warm-weather training trip to Marbella this week.He trained alone while wearing a plaster on his left earlobe and a black headband.Palace boss Oliver Glasner is hopeful of having his star man, who has scored 12 Premier League goals this season, back in time for the FA Cup quarter-final clash with Fulham on March 29.The Austrian, 50 said: “Fortunately, he had no fractures and no concussion.“It’s a huge wound that was stitched. But the healing is going like we expected and hoped.“If everything goes how we expect and wish, he should be available for the Fulham game.“Everybody is in touch with JP and messaging him.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everybody knows he’s doing well. He’ll be back soon.”Millwall keeper was hit with a six-game ban after having his initial three-game suspension extended.Mateta travelled to Marbella with his team-mates earlier this weekCredit: Instagram / cpfc More

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    ‘I’d no clue’ – Dele Alli shares hilarious screengrab of texts with Ruben Loftus-Cheek after red card for foul on pal

    DELE Alli has shared his WhatsApp conversation with Ruben Loftus-Cheek after he was shown a red card for a challenge on the AC Milan midfielder.New Como signing Alli was sent off less than 10 minutes into his footballing return – after waiting for two years on the sidelines.Dele Alli was sent off after catching Ruben Loftus-Cheek on the back of the legSubstitute Alli’s yellow card was controversially upgraded to a red by the refereeAlli endured a nightmare debut under Cesc Fabregas, after being subbed on in the 81st minute, with Como 2-1 down at the San Siro.The 28-year-old was initially shown a yellow card for a late ankle tackle on Loftus-Cheek in the closing stages.Referee Matteo Marchetti upgraded it to a red after VAR called him to the monitor.Alli broke his silence on Instagram, writing: “Two years! Not necessarily how I planned it, but we keep moving.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe then wrote on his story: “I was always going to announce my return in some way after these past two years.”Would rather it had been with a goal but feels good to be back.”Alli also revealed a text exchange with his former England team-mate Loftus-Cheek on Sunday morning.Writing at 11pm on Saturday night, the former Tottenham ace wrote: “Picture looks bad, I just tried to clip your heel. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”When the ref went to VAR I didn’t even know it was for me 😫😂.”Alli subsequently blurred out Loftus-Cheek’s first response, before showing the former Chelsea star’s line: “Bro I had no clue”.Dele Alli hailed for opening up on mental health battles as Everton star joins Monday Night Football panelLoftus-Cheek then added: “I stayed down because I was blowing.”Alli then asked for the AC Milan star’s permission to add their exchange to his carousel on Instagram.The pair were part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2018 Russia World Cup. AC Milan claimed a 2-1 win thanks to second-half goals by Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Rejinders after Lucas Da Cunha had given Como the lead. Manager Fabregas had little sympathy for Alli and fired warning shots to the midfielder after the game.Fabregas told DAZN: “Dele Alli is a player who can score goals.”He perhaps didn’t deserve this opportunity because he has only been working with us for two weeks and has a lot to improve.”It is a grave mistake, one that we should not see from a player of his experience.Dele’s Como debut timeline81st minute – Alli comes on to make Como debut89th minute – Alli makes the challenge on Ruben Loftus-Cheek and is yellow carded91st minute – His yellow card upgraded to a red after VAR review94th minute – Cesc Fabregas is also sent off for his reaction to the incident”It was a clear red card, there’s nothing to be said about that, he left the team down to ten men during a crucial moment when we were pushing for 2-2.”That is the most negative thing about this evening, but we keep going.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Fabregas was also sent off for his reaction to the incident.Milan’s Kyle Walker – a former England and Spurs team-mate of Alli – was seen begging with the ref not to send the 28-year-old off.Como head coach Cesc Fabregas took aim at Alli afterwardsAlli broke his silence on Instagram after Como’s defeat More

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    Why is Cole Palmer not in the Chelsea squad for their Premier League game against Arsenal?

    CHELSEA travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in a blockbuster clash in the race for Champions League qualification. The Blues stuttered in the early months of the year, but have regain some stride in league action – winning their last last two. Palmer has been in rotten form in recent weeksCredit: GettyNontheless, top scorer Cole Palmer will NOT be in action for the West London side today. Despite Palmer’s productive 14 goals in 28 games this season, he hasn’t scored in seven league gamesIt can be verified that Palmer is out injured after picking up a minor knock in the week. Palmer, 22, was picked in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad on Friday but is yet unclear if he will play in the March internationals. READ MORE IN CHELSEARegardless, Chelsea are hopeful of having him back fit after the international break, after suffering from illness last week in the win against Leicester City. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca addressed why Palmer was not in the matchday squad in his pre-match interview with Sky Sports:“He’s not in the toilet, for sure! He had, or as we know, last week some problems [with illness]. And unfortunately yesterday he had a very small problem. We think, after the international break, he will be back with us.“He had an injury yesterday during the session. It was a very light session. That’s why we think it is nothing important. But we wait and the feeling is he will be back after the next international break.”Most read in Football More

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    Premier League star who survived cardiac arrest on pitch locked in bitter row with neighbours over ‘Grand Designs’ house

    FORMER Premier League star Fabrice Muamba has kicked off a huge row with neighbours after chopping down protected trees without planning permission.The former Bolton midfielder, 36, sparked fury over plans to turn a 1930’s mock Tudor pad into a modern footballer’s crib complete with a basement gym, cinema and play room.Ex-footballer Fabrice Muamba at his Cheshire homeCredit: Arthur Edwards / The SunMuamba’s playing career was cut short in 2012 after suffering a cardiac arrestCredit: AP:Associated PressHe has since worked in media and as a coachCredit: Getty – ContributorMore than half a dozen locals objected to the “overbearing” and “excessively intrusive” four-storey pad in the so-called Millionaire’s Row in leafy Wilmslow, Cheshire.Present and past neighbours include Liverpool stars Alexis Mac Allister, Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez, and former Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson and goalkeeper Sergio Romero.Muamba, whose career was tragically cut short when he suffered a cardiac arrest against Tottenham, was given the go-ahead for the Grand Designs-style makeover.But he was caught offside by council officials after felling a number of trees that were slapped with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), and now faces a possible red card.Read more Sports NewsPapers filed at the local council reveal that the unauthorised works started last year but have not yet been completed.In a previous objection, one neighbour wrote: “The removal of much of the mature vegetation and trees before the now abandoned building work has been a massive blow to the general character of the area.”Another said: “The removal of trees at the front and side of the property has now totally changed the street scene, and had a detrimental effect on the amenity which is not in keeping with the residential area.”A third added: “This has left the site looking like a wasteland and has adversely affected the outlook of neighbouring properties.”Most read in FootballMuamba bought the five-bedroom pad for £1.3million and aerial photos from the sales listing in 2018 clearly show a cluster of trees at the front of the property.But when a Cheshire East Council forestry officer visited the site in October she found a large evergreen and a silver birch had been completely axed to the ground.England football legend Glenn Hoddle is lining up to spearhead a British Heart Foundation campaign to teach CPR to 270,000 BritsMuamba has now submitted revised plans for a detached garage and officials are expected to make a decision next month.The officer said: “During my visit and review of the application, it was evident that the landscape has changed significantly in terms of the tree population.”Following my site visits, a clear breach of the Tree Preservation Order has occurred.”This has now been submitted to planning enforcement.”Muamba’s agent refuted any suggestion of wrongdoing.He said the couple sent the council an email in October explaining that they had to chop the tree down after high winds caused the tree to “lean dangerously towards the road”.He said Muamba told the council: “A tree surgeon assessed it and immediately condemned it due to the serious risk to public safety and property. “Based on this expert advice, I had no choice but to remove it as a precaution. “To compensate for the loss, I am committed to planting four mature trees and will follow guidance from the Cheshire East Arboriculturist on the most suitable species. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I informed Cheshire East about this in October 2024, but I am still waiting for any feedback on the matter or the proposed replacement planting.”Cheshire East council was approached for comment.Fabrice Muamba’s health battleFabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch while playing for Bolton Wanderers in 2012, aged just 23.His heart stopped due to a cardiac arrest triggered by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy but he was saved by quick-thinking medics at the pitchside.Muamba had been a super-fit elite athlete before being struck down by his heart condition.Early symptoms can include regularly feeling breathless, dizzy or very tired, or having heart palpitations.Often it is genetic, meaning it begins at birth, but in some people it can develop over time.Scientists are not entirely sure why.The midfielder’s heart stopped for 78 minutes before he could be fully resuscitated.He has since made a full recovery but retired from professional football shortly after the incident. More

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    Furious Carlo Ancelotti threatens to BOYCOTT LaLiga games before Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Arsenal

    CARLO Ancelotti says Real Madrid will now BOYCOTT LaLiga games scheduled with less than 72 hours rest beforehand.Madrid beat Villarreal 2-1 on Saturday but the match kicked off 67 hours after his side’s penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.Carlo Ancelotti has threatened to boycott future LaLiga games after Real Madrid won 2-1 at VillarrealIt comes after the team claimed a victory in a challenging 120-minute game against Atletico Madrid on WednesdayAncelotti said his players were exhausted without a 72-hour recoveryJude Bellingham was one of 11 players to play 120 minutes against Atletico Madrid on WednesdayAncelotti claimed Madrid had contacted LaLiga twice to ask for the time of Saturday’s 5:30pm game to be changed.Madrid travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on April 8. The Italian manager then said it would be “the last time” such scheduling was arranged.He fumed: “The explanation (for the win in the circumstances) is that this team has something special, character, commitment.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But they can’t always do it, sometimes I even get angry with them.”We have to thank these players for their tremendous effort since January 3. Even more so today.“I think today is the last game we will play with less than 72 hours rest. We will never do it again. “We have asked LaLiga twice to change the time of the game and nothing has happened, but this is the last time.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLaLiga sources indicated Madrid did not make a request regarding the Villarreal game before the schedule for this weekend’s match round was confirmed, according to The Athletic.The need for a 72-hour rest period between games has been raised to Fifa by player unions, but it’s not mandatory.Jamie Carragher exposes iShowSpeed’s ‘real name’ on live TV during Champions League coverage European mid-week competitors Barcelona, Atletico, Real Sociedad and Athletic Club all have league fixtures scheduled for Sunday.Madrid saw themselves 1-0 down after Juan Foyth’s seventh minute goal, before Kylian Mbappe’s quick-fire double secured the turnaround.Ancelotti could not rotate his team on Saturday, considering the league standings.Los Blancos are currently first in the LaLiga table with 60 points, while Barcelona sit three points behind and Atletico four.Meanwhile, Barca have another extra game following the postponement against Osasuna a week ago.Ancellotti added: “It was a trap game, because of everything that happened.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Because of the hours of rest and because of the strength of the opponent, who are a good team, but we watered down physically.”The team ended up exhausted, it’s quite normal. It’s a victory that says a lot about this team and the resources of this squad.” More