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      England ace Lucy Bronze hails ‘brave’ Spain players and former Barcelona team-mates following Luis Rubiales case verdict

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      LUCY BRONZE praised the ‘incredible’ bravery of Spain international players who were involved in the case brought against Luis Rubiales. The ex-Spanish football federation chief was found guilty of kissing forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent following Spain winning the Women’s World Cup in August 2023.Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexually assaulting Spain forward Jenni HermosoCredit: PASpain’s record goalscorer Hermoso accused Rubiales of kissing her against herCredit: ReutersBronze’s old Barcelona team-mates Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes were among the Spain players who gave testimonies in support of Hermoso during the caseCredit: EPABronze says Spain’s players have been “incredibly brave” in their fight for change within the sport in their countryCredit: GettyEarlier Today Rubiales was convicted of sexual assault after kissing Hermoso on the lips.The incident happened as she celebrated her team’s 1-0 defeat of England in the tournament’s final in Sydney. It marred the triumph for Spain’s players and the forward, who is currently her national side’s record goal scorer. It aslo prompted an international outcry across the sport with the Spanish FA issuing a public apology. Read More Football StoriesAfter being found guilty of sexual assault Rubiales was fined £8935 (EUROS 10,800), but was acquitted of a charge of coercion after being accused pressuring the player to downplay the incident.The conviction came a year and five months after he resigned as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Irene Paredes and Alexia Putellas, Bronze’s team-mates at Barcelona and Arsenal’s Laia Codina appeared at the trial to give testimonies in support of Hermoso Speaking shortly ahead of the verdict reached by Spain’s High Court, Bronze, who played at Barcelona for two years from June 2022 said: “I am good friends with a lot of the players involved around it. Most read in Football“From my point of view it’s been incredibly brave that these players have had to go through that. “It’s incredibly brave, as individuals and as a team collectively they’re fighting for change, not just in that court case but in their federation. “It’s amazing. As an England team we’ve made changes, not for the same reasons, but we stand by them.“During my last year at Barcelona, watching their ordeals after the World Cup, I think it was challenging for them. “It would be nice for them to get back to their football and focusing on that because they are incredible people and unbelievable players as well.”Bronze and her England team-mates will play Spain in the Women’s Nations League on February 26 five days after taking on Portugal. Both matches and the verdict of the Rubiales case come in a month in which female athletes’ safety and abuse directed at female footballers has been in the spotlight. On Sunday Manchester City’s Khadija Bunny Shaw gave a Black Power salute after scoring during her side’s 4-0 win against Liverpool in the WSL. The Jamaica striker was the target of racist and misogynistic abuse following the Cityzens’ 4-3 loss to Arsenal in the Women’s League Cup on February 6. Shaw’s club and a Man City fan group said they were appalled by the “disgusting treatment” of the player who finished last season as the WSL’s top goalscorer. And England and Chelsea’s Millie Bright spoke out against a fan directing expletive-laden insults at her during the Blues’ 1-0 away win at Aston Villa earlier this month. Bronze, who has spoken out on a range of issues facing players in the women’s game, insists it’s important female athletes can use their platforms to push for change and empower each other.The right-back, who joined Chelsea from Barcelona last July, said:  “Everyone is using their platform to make change and to try and be positive and to do the right things. “That is something that is special about women’s sport in general. We all have each other’s backs and try to empower each other. “Sadly there is that negative side to sport in general but we are trying to make change. Khadija Shaw did a Black Power salute after being the target of racist and misogynistic abuse earlier this monthCredit: Getty“We want the world to be a better place, the sports that we play to be better places. READ MORE SUN STORIES“We want to be safe, we want to bring joy and excitement and that is why we all play the sport. “To use our platforms to push those things forward and make change for little boys and girls, that is something we hold really dear to our hearts.” More

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      Arsenal complete first transfer of 2025 as they move for 15-year-old wonderkid defender from St Johnstone

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      ARSENAL have reportedly completed their first transfer for 2025.The Gunners have agreed a deal to sign Scottish wonderkid Callan Hamill.Callan Hamill will join Arsenal in JulyCredit: GettyHe impressed Jack Wilshere before the former Gunner left for Norwich CityCredit: GettyHamill, 15, will officially join the club on July 1 as he will leave St Johnstone.The Athletic claim that Arsenal have agreed to a six-figure package plus add-ons to sign the defender.The Scottish club are entitled to at least £100,000 in cross-border compensation.Hamill has already trained with Arsenal’s under-18 group more than once.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe Scottish Sun claimed that he caught the eye of former Gunner Jack Wilshere before he then left for Norwich City in October.He also took part in an international tournament in July 2024.Last summer he had the chance to move to Rangers and Celtic but rejected the Old Firm pair.Hamill opted to extend his stay at St Johnstone and committed himself to a one-year contract.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut on March 1, he will be eligible to travel south and across the border to move to England as he will be 16.Callan is mostly viewed as a defender by can also feature in midfield.’It’s like Messi… there I said it’ – Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him ‘potential superstar’This season, he has been used in St Johnstone’s under-18s squad.Callan even starred for Scotland’s Under-16s on Wednesday as he netted his first international goal in the win over Cyprus.He spoke about the achievement after the game.He said: “It was a very proud moment for me and my family to score my first international goal for my country.”A corner came in and I ran across the front post and attacked it and blasted it into the back of the next.”It was an amazing feeling.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Arsenal will continue their title challenge with Liverpool, as they face West Ham on Saturday.The Gunners then travel to the East Midlands to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal Man Utd cost-cutting laid bare with SELLOTAPE sent back and vegetable orders needing sign-off

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has overseen a ruthless cost-cutting campaign since buying a minority stake in Manchester United one year ago.Ratcliffe’s Ineos completed their £1.03bn purchase on February 20, 2024, with supporters initially cautiously optimistic that fortunes would begin to improve under the self-proclaimed boyhood fan.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has implemented several big changes across Man UtdCredit: PAAlongside Ineos pal Sir Dave Brailsford, the British billionaire has since risked the wrath of supporters by making brutal cuts across the club.Last summer, 250 staff members were made redundant, saving an estimated £35million.While earlier this month, SunSport revealed that up to 200 more jobs could be at risk.Earlier this season United also made the unusual move to raise ticket prices mid-campaign – with seats rising to a minimum £66 each with no concessions – sparking outrage as well as fears of further price hikes next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a recent report by the Telegraph, several more cost-cutting measures implemented by Ineos were revealed, following pre-tax losses of £313m over the last three years.Scrutiny is now placed on all purchases made across the business – from things as mundane as sellotape and vegetables.This “zero-based budgeting” has seen staff members forced to count cartons of screws individually, in order to ensure they were not over-ordering.And following a sizeable stationery order, sellotape was returned after being deemed unnecessary.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhile in the canteen, it’s claimed that portion sizes have been noticeably reduced – with even vegetable orders monitored.All payments above £25,000 are now required to receive signs-offs from ownership, while CEO Omar Berrada is said to be able to approve payments below that sum.Rio Ferdinand fears that Man Utd might not win again in the Premier League this season Among Ratcliffe’s early moves was to scrap company credit cards.Staff are now liable to initially have to pay for expenses such as travel out of their own pockets, before later applying for reimbursement.Club chiefs also want to implement a largely paper-less system, with sending emails rather than letters encouraged.It’s said that envelopes to send letters are scarce, with stamps deemed expensive.Paper is still used for certificates, however.That’s because the former steward of the week £50 prize is said to have been replaced with a paper certificate.READ MORE SUN STORIESAside from investments on the playing squad, Ratcliffe and Co have been planning for a potential £2bn new stadium with a 100,000 capacity.Costly mistakes on the football side will need to be avoided from hereon in, with axing Dan Ashworth, for example after just five months, for example costing a staggering £4.1m in compensation.Man Utd axed Dan Ashworth after just five monthsCredit: PA More

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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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