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    Mason Greenwood hauled off at half time of derby clash as Marseille boss fumes ‘I expected a lot more from him’

    MARSEILLE boss Roberto De Zerbi slammed the performance of Mason Greenwood after hooking him off at half-time.They were beaten 3-0 against Paris Saint-Germain last night as they fell six points behind their rivals at the top of the Ligue 1 table.Mason Greenwood was hooked off against PSGCredit: AFPManager Roberto De Zerbi was not pleased with his performanceCredit: APGreenwood started the game dubbed “Le Classique” on the right-wing but struggled in the opening 45 minutes.He failed to get into the game and was often pinned back in his own half as PSG dominated.The one-time capped England international also did not register a shot and gave possession away four times with his passes.Notoriously harsh French publication L’Equipe gave his performance a 1/10.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGreenwood was hauled off at the break, with fellow Englishman Jonathan Rowe replacing him.Asked about the change after the game, De Zerbi said: “Because I didn’t like the way he played. “If we want to compete for the title we have to push in all matches.“He’s a good guy but I expected a lot more from him this evening.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSince joining Marseille in a £26.6million deal from Manchester United, Greenwood has scored six goals in nine game.But a drought in front of goal has seen the 23-year-old find the back of the net just once in his last six games.Off the pitch, Greenwood continues to settle into life in France and his girlfriend Harriet Robson is expecting their second child.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers More

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    Paul Pogba tipped for shock transfer to reunite with Man Utd team-mate and ex-Premier League boss after drug ban appeal

    PAUL POGBA is wanted by Marseille ahead of his post-drug ban comeback, according to reports.French news outlets are claiming that the Ligue 1 club are in advanced talks over the signing.Paul Pogba has been linked with a shock move to MarseilleCredit: ReutersThe transfer would see him play with ex-Man Utd team-mate Mason GreenwoodCredit: GettyRoberto De Zerbi is the Marseille gafferCredit: AFPPogba, who remains on the books of Juventus, is likely to have his contract mutually terminated so he can become a free agent.He is then seemingly set to join Marseille in January, with his ban preventing him from playing until March.The club are managed by ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and his former Manchester United team-mate Mason Greenwood is in the squad.Neal Maupay and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are also on loan there from Everton and Tottenham respectively.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPogba was initially banned from football for four years after testing positive for banned substance DHEA in August 2023.The 31-year-old Frenchman has always pleaded his innocence and appealed the decision.Two weeks ago, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his ban to 18 months.They cut his suspension because Pogba was able to prove he took the substance linked to testosterone growth by accident.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSResponding to the reduced ban, Pogba said: “Finally, the nightmare is over. I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.”I always stated that I never knowingly breached Anti-Doping regulations, I play with integrity and I want to thank the Court of Arbitration who heard my explanation.Paul Pogba was brought back to Man Utd to HUMILIATE Sir Alex Ferguson – I told him not to return, says Patrice Evra”This has been a hugely distressing pediod in my life because everything I’ve worked so hard has been put on hold.”Thank you for all the love and support. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch.”What is DHEA?PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket. More

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    Premier League cult villain Neal Maupay laughs at being sent off for Marseille with two bookings in three minutes

    NEAL MAUPAY was sent off after receiving two bookings in just three minutes last night.The former Brentford and Everton forward, 28, was handed just his second start of the season as Marseille took on Angers at Stade Velodrome.Neal Maupay laughed as he was sent offThe striker, 28, received a second yellow for this late challengeAhead of the game, players were greeted onto the pitch by an incredible tifo display celebrating Marseille’s 125th birthday.And the occasion may have gotten to ex-Prem prankster Maupay, who was heading in for an early bath within half an hour.The feisty affair had its first flashpoint in the 22nd minute, when visiting star Lilian Raolisoa lunged in on Marseille defender Ullises Garcia.This prompted fury among Marseille’s ranks, with Maupay one of the most vocal in trying to get Raolisoa sent off.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFollowing a VAR check Maupay would get his wish, with Raolisoa eventually shown a red card in the 26th minute.Moments later, Maupay was also in the referee’s book.Then on the half hour mark he joined Raolisoa in being sent off, receiving a second yellow for a late challenge by the halfway line.As he received his marching orders, Maupay risked the further wrath of Marseille fans by smiling and laughing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe then shook his head as he made his way off the pitch.The match proceeded 10 vs 10 for an hour, with Marseille stumbling against their newly promoted opponents.Embarrassing footage emerges of Premier League star Neal Maupay falling over in lift while in just swimming trunksNorwich loanee Jonathan Rowe gave Roberto De Zerbi’s side the lead on 51 minutes.The England Under-21 international followed up his amazing last minute winner at Lyon a fortnight ago by converting in the box against Angers following a neat turn.Marseille’s lead would last barely three minutes, with Farid El Melali grabbing a spectacular equaliser – converting a brilliant free-kick beyond keeper Geronimo Rulli.The result leaves De Zerbi’s men third in the Ligue 1 table, two points behind both Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain.Monaco face a tricky trip to Rennes this evening, before PSG round off the weekend’s Ligue 1 action at Nice on Sunday night.Maupay will be suspended when Marseille travel to Montpellier after the international break.The Frenchman has scored once this season in Ligue 1, an effort in his side’s 2-0 win over Nice last month.Prior to leaving England, Maupay developed a reputation as something of a cult villain.Last season he was involved in a social media war with James Maddison, after mimicking the midfielder’s darts celebration during Brentford’s 3-2 defeat at Tottenham.He was also booked while not even on the pitch against Chelsea after kicking the ball away as he warmed up as a substitute, stopping the Blues taking a free-kick.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring his Brighton days, Maupay bagged a late winner against Arsenal, having argued with Bernd Leno as the then-Gunners keeper was taken off on a stretcher.He then enraged Matteo Guendouzi at the final whistle, with the Frenchman grabbing his compatriot Maupay by the throat after what turned out to be his final game for Arsenal.Maupay was involved in a spat with Matteo Guendouzi in 2020Credit: Getty More

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    PSG fans vandalise rivals’ team coach after finding it on same ferry ahead of Arsenal clash

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN fans reportedly vandalised a team bus on their ferry to the UK.Arsenal host PSG tonight in their second Champions League match of the season.PSG fans vandalised Lyon’s team busThe incident occurred on a ferry to the UKBoth PSG and Lyon are playing European games in the UK this weekThe French side are top of Ligue 1 and their fans travelled across the English channel via ferry, where they were met with a surprise.Aboard their boat was the Lyon team coach, with their rivals taking on Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday.The team bus was left defaced and vandalised and PSG fans were responsible, according to Instant Foot.Supporters covered the outside of the bus with graffiti, with one word appearing to read ‘PSG’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe captain of the ferry reportedly had to intervene to prevent further damage.Fans on social media slammed the vandalism, with one branding the PSG supporters: “Little thugs.”Another added: “What a bunch of morons. I’m ashamed that they support my team. I’m sick of this brainless behaviour.”A third wrote: “Disgusting.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd another commented: “Really cowards.”Lyon won their first Europa League group game 2-0 against Olympiacos last week and followed that up with a 2-1 victory over Toulouse at the weekend.Fans in hysterics as they spot PSG president’s reaction to brutal Champions League draw on live TV More

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    Barcelona ready to make stunning £60m Mason Greenwood bid – but face two-horse transfer race with PSG for ex-Man Utd ace

    BARCELONA are set to make a summer bid for Mason Greenwood – but face a major fight for the forward.Greenwood has enjoyed a brilliant start to his career at Marseille, scoring five goals in six games for the French side.Barcelona are lining up a move for Mason Greenwood after his flying start at MarseilleCredit: AFPScouts from the Nou Camp have watched four of Greenwood’s games so far.And SunSport understands they are prepared to bid as much as £60m for the former Manchester United star, who they were tracking last season.Barcelona know that Greenwood can play in LaLiga after impressing there last term while on loan for Getafe. And they’ve now made securing the 22-year-old one of their priorities for the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Greenwood’s impressive start to the season has also caught the eye of Paris Saint-Germain, who are desperate to add to their firepower.They’ve also sent scouts to watch the former England international and would have no trouble matching Barcelona if the clubs became embroiled in a bidding war.And sources say Greenwood would welcome the idea of remaining in France long-term, having settled quickly in the country.A source said: “Mason loves France. He’s been welcomed with open-arms and is loving life in the league.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSunSport’s revelation comes days after reports claimed Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich were also tracking the player. Neither club is believed to have sent scouts to watch him this season. ‘Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark HalseyBut Greenwood is quickly emerging as one of the most coveted players in Europe.His success in France comes at the same time as former club Manchester United endure a torrid period.They were booed off on Sunday following a 3-0 home defeat to Spurs.And Erik ten Hag – who never wanted Greenwood to leave the club – is now under pressure with two wins and three defeats in six Premier League matches. More

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    French football chief blasts Ligue 1 for not being ‘sexy’ as he reveals shock plan to change ‘farmer’s league problem’

    FRENCH football chiefs are looking to “transform” Ligue 1 because it is “not sexy”. France’s first division has previously received criticism regarding its quality with some referring to the competition as a “farmer’s league”.French football chiefs are looking to ‘transform’ Ligue because it is ‘not sexy’Credit: GettyLigue 1 have lost many stars, such as Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel MessiCredit: GettyThat is why the Ligue de Football Professionnel launched a decisive step in their plan to change the public perception of French football and shed all the negativity.According to L’Equipe, the LFP president Vincent Labrune is planning a major revamp that has been in the works for two years.The president said he would be taking steps to tackle Ligue 1’s image problem, through “the transformation of the product”. Labrune added: “We have been working on this for more than two years and basing it around three strong pillars: Image, experience, and culture.”Read More on FootballThe LFP’s Chief Transformation & Innovation Officer Jerome Dumois has been placed in charge of Ligue 1’s rebrand and insists the competition needs to become more “sexy”.Global stars who mainly played for Paris Saint-Germain, like Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, have left but there is still belief the top flight could still turn into the “coolest league to follow”.Dumois said: “We might love our league, our season, our clubs, but in the end, we have this image problem: Ligue 1 is not sexy.“We need this change of image to work on our brand. This is not an advert, it is a new behaviour to instil a need for change. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Maybe we won’t have the best players in Ligue 1 but we can become the coolest league to follow.”Cristiano Ronaldo has been among the biggest critics as he ruffled a lot of feathers recently when he made the staggering claim that the Saudi Pro League is better than Ligue 1.Fuming Kylian Mbappe’s incredible reaction to being subbed by PSG in Marseille victoryThat led to some furious reaction, most notably from Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf who told Al-Nassr superstar Ronaldo to “shut up”.Leboeuf suggested the Manchester United great spoke ill of the French first division because that is where his nemesis Messi used to play. More

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    Mason Greenwood handed special badge which no other player in France gets to wear

    MASON GREENWOOD was handed a special badge to wear by Ligue 1.The former Manchester United star has made a fast start to his Marseille career since joining in the summer.Mason Greenwood wore a special badge against NiceCredit: Instagram @olympiquedemarseilleHe was signed by the French club for around £30million, with the Red Devils inserting a 50 per cent sell-on clause in the deal.Greenwood has scored five goals in his first four games including a brace against Toulouse in a 3-1 victory before the international break.That feat means he was given a unique badge to wear for Marseille’s match against Nice on Saturday, which no other Ligue 1 player got to wear.Greenwood, 22, wore the top scorer badge after scoring the most goals in the previous gameweek.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe white and gold logo is called the S1 badge and was introduced at the start of the season.However Greenwood failed to mark the occasion with a goal as he drew a blank for the first time this season, with Marseille winning 2-0.And although he has started the season on fire, interim England boss Lee Carsley ruled him out of returning to the Three Lions squad.He said: “Mason wasn’t a player that we can consider to be honest, no.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I’m aware of how he’s doing but he wasn’t under consideration.”Greenwood could switch his allegiances to Jamaica instead with the process to transfer the forward’s international registration already underway.Cristiano Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand in hysterics as they remember Man Utd nicknames from ‘Shrek’ and ‘SatNav’ to ‘J-Lo’ More

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    Ligue 1 clash at risk of postponement due to ‘mushrooms growing on pitch’ as statement released

    NICE’S Ligue 1 match against Toulouse FC is at risk of postponement due to mushrooms growing on pitch. The owners of the Allianz Riviera were criticised the state of the pitch.Nice’s Allianz Riviera stadiumCredit: BFM TV Côte d’AzurBut Nice responded by putting it down to mushrooms growing on the pitch after it was relayed this summer. American rapper Travis Scott performed a concert in the stadium while it was also used for Olympic football matches. Nice are due to welcome Toulouse on Sunday but it is currently at risk of being postponed by the French FA who are set to make a decision.Elsewhere, the French side have extended forward Evann Guessand’s contract until 2028. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe striker, who scored seven in 38 games last season, said: “I’m proud and honoured. “I know that people’s expectations, both of the team and of me, are getting higher and higher, but I’ll keep working like mad to be an even more key player and to help the club to perform well. “I have a deep love for OGC Nice, which I joined when I was 12, and my aim and my desire are for us to go as high as possible together.”Nice have also added Canadian defender Moise Bombito to the squad ahead of the upcoming season. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBombito said: “It was time for me to take a new step in my career. I will be discovering both Ligue 1 and the Europa League at the same time, and I feel ready. I am very ambitious, like Le Gym. “I hope we will achieve great things this season and go far in all the competitions we will play in.”Conor Gallagher sends packed Atletico Madrid stadium wild at unveiling by speaking SPANISH after Chelsea exit More