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    ‘He’s not seen a match this season’ – Nice boss hits back at Sir Jim Ratcliffe after Man Utd owner’s BRUTAL criticism

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    NICE’S manager hit back at Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal criticism by claiming the club’s owner he has “not watched a match all season”.Ratcliffe bought Nice in 2019 before purchasing a minority stake in Manchester United midway through last season. Sir Jim Ratcliffe angered the Nice manager with his commentsCredit: GettyFranck Haise hit back and insisted the owner has not watched the team all seasonCredit: Willie VassThe British billionaire has certainly upset many at Old Trafford including fans and staff with his various extreme cost-cutting measures. But frustrations towards Ratcliffe are not limited to United.That is because the Ineos chief sparked fury at Nice by revealing he does not like watching them play.Ratcliffe controversially stated: “I don’t particularly enjoy going to watch Nice because there are some good players.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”But the level of football is not high enough for me to get excited.”However, the comments prompted a reaction from the man he appointed as manager in the summer.Franck Haise insisted Ratcliffe does not have a leg to stand on – because he has not even been to a game since the new manager took over. Haise said: “The article that [the comments] appeared in was a lot more complete than that. But he hasn’t seen a Nice match this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He’s speaking a bit more about what he saw at another time.”With the people who are here at the club, we are here to make the club progress in order to be even better.”Man Utd confirm Old Trafford decision with club set to build £2bn 100,000-seater ‘Wembley of the North’ But mindful not to cause a rift with his employer, Haise insisted there was no bad blood between the pair.He added: “It’s not that serious. We can be annoyed, that’s obvious.”But is it really worth staying annoyed for a long time? “We have got to keep working, enjoying ourselves and we have got to be doing the best possible. “We have to move on and continue on our path.”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 charityHaise will be desperate to prove Ratcliffe wrong come the end of the season.His Nice side sit fourth in Ligue 1 in a crazy six-team battle for a Champions League place. PSG are the runaway leaders but Nice are two points adrift of Marseille in second.The top three are guaranteed a league phase place, with fourth going into qualifying. Nice have not played in the top European competition since 2017-18 – but have a far stronger chance than United of qualifying through their league finish.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited are slumped down in 13th in the Premier League table – but could get into the Champions League by winning the Europa League.Ruben Amorim’s men face Lyon in the quarter-finals in April with the winners to face Rangers or Athletic Bilbao in the semis – and potentially a blockbuster final against Tottenham on May 21 in Bilbao.Nice are on course to earn a spot in the Champions League next seasonCredit: Reuters More

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      Mason Greenwood ‘faces being SOLD by Marseille as former Man Utd striker is handed two-month ultimatum’

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      MASON GREENWOOD could be sold by Marseille after being handed a two-month ultimatum, it’s claimed.The former Manchester United striker, 23, moved to France in a £25million deal last summer.Mason Greenwood reportedly has two months to save his Marseille careerCredit: ReutersAnd he has since scored 15 goals in 26 Ligue 1 appearances under Roberto De Zerbi.However, Greenwood found himself dropped for Marseille’s last two matches against Lens and Paris Saint-Germain.The forward has come under fire from his boss for a lack of effort.And reports in France claim Greenwood now has two months to save his Marseille career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s reckoned the forward has until the end of the season to show he is capable of cutting it at the highest level.Greenwood has been told he must start showing more intensity in all aspects of his game.And it seems the message is already getting through after La Provence claimed he returned to training early during the international break.Greenwood’s efforts are sure to go down well with his manager.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSDe Zerbi did not hold back when assessing the Englishman’s form at a press conference earlier this month.The ex-Brighton boss said: “No one can have more respect for him that I do.Mason Greenwood to switch allegiance to Jamaica“But that doesn’t change anything: I expect more from him. He has to do more, because what he is currently showing is not enough.“If he wants to achieve his ambition of becoming a champion, he has to be more consistent, sacrifice more and be more determined.”RMC reporter Florent Germain said separately: “Greenwood is a player that can make a big difference.“But honestly, if he doesn’t react, questions will be asked about a departure for him this summer.”Greenwood has in the past been linked with a transfer to Barcelona.PSG and Bayern Munich have also been credited with an interest.READ MORE SUN STORIESWere he to move this summer, Manchester United would be in line for a heft financial windfall.It’s understood they will receive 50 per cent of any transfer fee thanks to a clause agreed hen he left Old Trafford. More

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      Liverpool and Premier League rivals given huge transfer boost after Rayan Cherki reaches exit agreement with Lyon

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      LIVERPOOL have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Lyon star Rayan Cherki.The Ligue 1 side have decided to sell Cherki, 21, this summer – though Arne Slot’s Reds will face significant competition.Rayan Cherki is set to leave Lyon this summerCredit: GettyCherki impressed against England U21’s last nightCredit: RexWith eight goals and 18 assists for Lyon so far this season, the flamboyant midfielder is one of the hottest prospects in French football.Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have both expressed an interest in the France Under-21 international, while he also has admirers in Italy.Cherki dazzled against England U21s in a 5-3 friendly win in Lorient on Friday night.The Reds target scored one and claimed two assists in a stellar performance against Lee Carsley’s side which included plenty of showboating.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFulham and Crystal Palace have both been keen on Cherki in the past, with the Cottagers failing in a bid in January 2024.Borussia Dortmund saw a £19million bid knocked back in January, believing this would trigger a release clause but it was rejected.Cherki and Lyon have now come to an agreement that the club will not stand in the way of a move at the end of the season.The player’s contract expires in the summer of 2026.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCherki has the chance to catch the eye against Manchester United in their Europa League quarter-final on April 10 and 17.Meanwhile, Liverpool are reportedly keen on Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.Fans convinced Frimpong will join Liverpool after spotting his Holland camp antics More

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      RC Lens fans hold up classy message to Sky Sports presenter battling brain infection in emotional moment

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      RC LENS fans held up a classy message for a Sky Sports presenter who is battling a brain infection.Emma Saunders is one of the top names on the channel and has been a regular on screen for several years.Lens fans sent a classy message to Sky Sports presenter Emma SaundersCredit: https://www.instagram.com/stories/emmasaunds/3589641464853836405/The ace is battling a brain infection, having already been treated for cancer this seasonCredit: Instagram / @emmasaundsHowever, the ace sadly revealed this month that she was treated for thyroid cancer at the start of the season.And she is now in hospital after contracting a brain infection called encephalitis.Saunders is the partner of Lens’ English manager Will Still.The pair went public with their relationship during Euro 2024.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Lens fans sent Saunders a heartfelt message from the stands during Saturday’s Ligue 1 win over Rennes.Saunders posted a picture to her Instagram Stories showing the fans holding a banner.It read: “Courage Emma et Will.”Saunders was touched by the message and responded with a heart emoji, adding: “Merci Lens.”Most read in FootballRevealing her latest health battle earlier this month, Saunders said: unfortunately life took a bit of an unexpected turn a couple of weeks ago.”I’m now off work while I recover from Encephalitis – an infection of the brain.Saunders’ partner is Lens manager Will StillCredit: Instagram / @wrstillThe pair went public during Euro 2024Credit: Instagram / @wrstill”I hope it wont be long until I’m back to see out the end of 2024/25 – especially after missing part of the start of the season before this when I was treated for Thyroid cancer.”So, as I spend time now recovering and rebuilding – I just wanted to thank my family & friends for their rock solid support, my colleagues at Sky for their patience allowing me the time to heal, and our wonderful NHS for their extraordinary kindness and care.“And of course you @wrstill just for being you & being there for me.” More

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      Ligue 1 match ABANDONED and players rushed down tunnel as plume of smoke engulfs stadium after flares thrown

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      MONTPELLIER’S Ligue 1 clash with St-Etienne was abandoned due to flares set off by supporters.La Pallaide went into the match hoping to bolster their fading survival hopes.Several flares were set off at Stade de la MossonCredit: AFPFlares were also thrown on the pitchCredit: AFPThe match was suspended as a fire burned at the front of the standCredit: AFPBlack plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the Etang de Thau standBut after Jean-Louis Gasset’s side went 2-0 down to their fellow strugglers, supporters let their frustrations boil over.As Les Vertes doubled their lead early on in the second half, flares were thrown onto the pitch.This caused a stoppage in play of around three minutes.The match briefly resumed, before it became apparent that a fire had broken out at the front of the Etang de Thau stand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSupporters could be seen running to the back of the stand as a plume of black smoke worryingly rose from the blaze.The referee suspended the contest and sent players back to the dressing rooms as the fire continued to burn.Etang de Thau is where Montpellier’s ultras stand during matches.After around half an hour, fans were instructed to evacuate the stadium, with the decision made to abandon the match.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOfficials struggled to get the flames under controlCredit: AFPThe match was suspended for around half an hour before being abandonedCredit: AFPThe 2011-12 Ligue 1 champions have endured a disastrous season.They went into this weekend bottom of the table with just 15 points, having failed to keep a single clean sheet.Newcastle fans take over Covent Garden ahead of Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and bid to end 70-year trophy waitFormer boss Michel der Zakarian was sacked just minutes after their 5-0 defeat to Marseille in October.Owner Laurent Nicollin, who bizarrely sits in the dugout during matches, has often cut a forlorn figure on the sideline.First team regulars Mousa Tamari, Akor Adams and Arnaud Nordin were sold during the January transfer window.Montpellier went into today’s contest having lost six consecutive matches.During the delay, local players Teji Savanier and Joris Chotard could be seen looking devastated as they stood by the tunnel.La Paillade were humiliated 4-0 by fourth tier Le Puy Foot 43 Auvergne in the Coupe de France earlier this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring the match, Savanier suggested that he didn’t care about his side’s struggles due to his big salary.Nicollin subsequently made the decision to strip the midfielder of the captaincy.The match briefly resumed following the initial delayCredit: GETTYMontpellier have endured a nightmare seasonCredit: AFPSt-Etienne had taken a 2-0 lead before the match was abandonedCredit: AFP More

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      Inside football’s greatest cup competition where upsets are encouraged with minnows set to take on £3.5bn giants

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      EVERY year debates rage over whether the FA Cup can ever regain its “magic”.But over in France, their domestic competition is going from strength-to-strength.Stade Briochin produced a sensational upset in the last roundCredit: AFPThe lower-league side are set to take on PSGCredit: AFPUpon first inspection, you might wonder what the big deal is: after all, Paris Saint-Germain have won it 15 times, Marseille on 10 occasions.But look a little closer, and you’ll see a competition that consistently delivers drama, upsets and “magic”, every single season.This season’s quarter-finals feature just four teams from Ligue 1, with some of the top-flight’s biggest clubs having been humbled along the way.And with fourth-tier Cannes hosting Ligue 2 Guingamp, at least one team from outside the top flight is guaranteed to reach the semi-finals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLyon were astonishingly beaten on penalties by fifth-tier Bourgoin-Jallieu, who hail from a town of just 28,000 people barely 20 miles away.And the minnows very nearly backed up their incredible win, only falling to top-flight Reims on penalties in the last round.Lille, who have defeated Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Juventus on the way to the Champions League round of 16, were also defeated via spot kicks by second-tier Dunkerque – despite stars such as Jonathan David being in action.Montpellier, Ligue 1 champions in 2012, finished their Coupe de France campaign in disgrace this season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAlready bottom of the table, they received no respite in the Coupe as they were astonishingly trounced 4-0 by fourth-tier Le Puy Foot 43 Auvergne.During the match, experienced captain Teji Savanier was asked “Last in Ligue 1 – does that hurt?” – to which he brashly replied: “When you’re being paid €210,000 (£175k) a month, no.”Inside PSG’s £250m lavish new training complex with luxury pools as fans joke ‘players will spend half the time lost’Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Nice, meanwhile, were beaten 2-1 by fourth-tier Stade Briochin courtesy of Hugo Boudin’s late double.Their reward? The opportunity to face Ligue 1 champions PSG in the quarter-finals.Such has been the interest in the fixture, set to take place tomorrow, that the match has been moved from Stade Briochin’s charming Stade Fred-Aubert home to Rennes’ Roazhon Park.Luis Enrique’s star-studded side will of course be huge favourites, but their lowly opponents will relish the opportunity to test themselves against one of Europe’s most in-form teams.Part of what sets the Coupe de France apart is its format.Ditching two-legged ties in 1999, the competition now automatically makes the underdog in each game the home side, provided that they are two divisions or more below their opponents.Third-tier US Quevilly subsequently reached the final in 2012, while Les Herbiers from the same level finished as runners-up in 2018.Coupe de France fixturesQuarter-FinalsAngers vs ReimsCannes vs GuingampBrest vs DunkerqueStade Briochin vs Paris Saint-GermainIn 2020, the Coupe de France also scrapped extra time, meaning underdogs just have to last 90 minutes before reaching the lottery of penalties.With the Coupe de la Ligue having also been axed that year, the competition also has maximum prestige as France’s only domestic tournament.Another fun wrinkle of the competition is that it allows clubs from semi-autonomous French regions around the world to participate.Earlier this season, AS Venus made the 30-hour trip from Tahiti to face fourth-tier ASM Belfort in round seven.While last season, Golden Lion made the 8,000 mile round trip from Martinique to face the stars of Lille, although the ruthless Ligue 1 side played their full-strength side and won 12-0.It may well be that PSG go on to beat Stade Briochin before marching to a 16th Coupe de France triumph.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut that wouldn’t change the fact that this season’s competition has been full of shocks, upsets and incredible stories.And perhaps it still has another fairytale or two left to tell.The stars of PSG will be in action against Stade-BriochinCredit: GettyLille took on Golden Lion last seasonCredit: AFP More

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      ‘Scandalous’ – Roberto De Zerbi vows to NEVER manage in France again after Marseille chief declared Ligue 1 is ‘rigged’

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      MARSEILLE boss Roberto De Zerbi has been left so furious with Ligue 1 referees that he vowed to never manage in France again.De Zerbi, 45, saw his team lose 3-0 to Auxerre on Saturday at Stade de l’Abbe Deschamps.Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has been left furious with Ligue 1 refereesCredit: RexDe Zerbi is so angry that he vowed to never manage in France againCredit: AFPL’OM were fuming at full-time as they were very unhapy with the red card at Derek Cornelius, who was booked twice.The ex-Brighton manager was so incensed that he described the officiating as “scandalous” when he spoke to the media after the final whistle.The Italian tactician claims he has had enough and will never work in France again once he leaves Marseille, where his contract runs out in 2027.De Zerbi told Telefoot: “I’m Italian, and after OM I’m not going to coach in France again. Read More on Football”There’s a problem in the French championship, if French people are happy with this level of decision making, then good for them. “But today it was scandalous. The referee was not in a serene position to referee this match because of all the controversy surrounding him.”Marseille raised concerns with the board of arbitration of referees before the match following the appointment of Jeremy Stinat as the match official.Stinat was the fourth official when the French giants were eliminated from the Cup against Lille last month.Most read in FootballThat was when sporting director Medhi Benatia was handed a three-month suspension for incidents on the touchline.According to La Provence, Marseille president Pablo Longoria also “flew into a fit of rage” in front of journalists after the match.Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey gives verdict on Everton’s overturned penalty against Man UtdLongoria alleged that everything was “organised” against his team and it all started in the build-up to the match with Leonardo Balerdi’s booking, which led to his suspension for the game at Auxerre.The Spanish football executive was also angry about a penalty he claims should have been awarded to Quentin Merlin as well as Cornelius’ red card.The club chief went as far as to urge the reporters to quote him saying the league is “corrupt” as well as “rigged” and he would happily join the European Super League rebels if they approached him.Longoria reportedly shouted: “This is corruption! I’ve never seen anything like it. You can write it down: Pablo Longoria says it’s corruption. “Everything has been organised since the third yellow given to Balerdi. It’s planned, it’s rigged. “There’s a penalty on Merlin, four European referees have told me so by message, and the most scandalous thing is the red card to Cornelius.“This is a s***** championship, If the Super League comes to see us, we’ll go right away.” 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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      Emotional ex-Tottenham star Nabil Bentaleb, 30, scores just four minutes into return after suffering cardiac arrest

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      NABIL BENTALEB scored just four minutes into his first appearance since suffering a cardiac arrest last June.The former Tottenham star, 30, now plies his trade for his hometown club Lille in Ligue 1.Nabil Bentaleb celebrates scoring on his first appearance of the seasonCredit: AFPThe midfielder, 30, was mobbed by the Lille benchCredit: RexPrior to last night’s match, Bentaleb had not played since featuring in a World Cup qualifier for Algeria on June 10 last year, having suffered with a cardiac arrest later that month.He was subsequently fitted with a defibrillator by the same heart specialist that treated his former Spurs team-mate Christian Eriksen.Following eight months of rehab, Bentaleb was cleared to return to action by the French Football Federation last Wednesday.Having returned to full training, the all-action midfielder was named as a substitute for Lille’s trip to Rennes on Sunday evening.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBruno Genesio’s side went into the match having endured a shock home defeat to lowly Le Havre last weekend.While their hosts had won their first two matches under their new boss, former Newcastle and Aston Villa full-back Habib Beye.With the score level at 0-0, Bentaleb was called upon to replace Ngal’ayel Mukau in the 76th minute.Barely four minutes later, the returning star was on the scoresheet – stabbing home the rebound after Brice Samba had saved Chuba Akpom’s header.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBentaleb was back in the matchday squad for the first time since suffering a cardiac arrestCredit: AlamyBentaleb ran to the bench in celebration, being mobbed by his thrilled team-mates in the process.Things got even better on 86 minutes, with Akpom scoring Lille’s second to secure a 2-0 victory on Bentaleb’s return.Spurs fans hold sit-in protest against board and owenrs after Man Utd winSpeaking after the match, boss Genesio said: “It’s worthy of a film. He deserved it, because I don’t believe in luck, he believed in himself.”It’s an incredible, wonderful story.”Nabil’s goal put us on cloud nine, it’s hard to describe. It could be a moment that will mark the end of our season, that will remain engraved in the history of the club, of this season – and in Nabil’s mind, of course.”Prior to Bentaleb’s introduction, it had looked as if it may not be Lille’s day in front of goal.Akpom had been denied from the penalty spot, before having a goal disallowed for an extremely narrow offside.Rennes defender Christopher Wooh was sent off on 74 minutes, receiving a yellow card for bundling the forward over.READ MORE SUN STORIESLille’s victory saw them rise back above in Lyon into fifth in the Ligue 1 table, just two points off the Champions League places.They will return to action this Saturday when they host AS Monaco.Bentaleb was awarded man of the match for his goalscoring cameoThe popular returning star was celebrated by Lille’s fans at the end of the matchCredit: AFP More