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A FORGOTTEN Man United star who found himself caught up in one of football’s biggest scandals lay in unmarked grave for half a century.Patrick O’Connell came from Ireland and after stints at Sheffield Wednesday and Hull, joined United for a fee of £1,000 in 1914.Patrick O’Connell found himself caught up in one of football’s biggest scandalsHe lay forgotten in an unmarked grave for half a century until he was properly commemoratedCredit: MirorrpixHe was capped 24 times and captained the side in what would become the infamous 1914-15 season.Not only was it the last before a five year football hiatus as WW1 raged, but the season would usher in a scandal that brought the game to its knees.On April 2, 1915, Manchester United faced Liverpool in what appeared to be a normal league game at Old Trafford.But there was a catch – the Good Friday game had been fixed in United’s favour and all the players were in on it.Read More football storiesPlayers from both sides believed the war would leave them unemployed and penniless so placed bets on the game and were set to make a killing.But their plan fell apart when seven players were found to be in the illegal ring.They were: Sandy Turnbull, Arthur Whalley and Enoch West of United, and Jackie Sheldon, Tom Miller, Bob Pursell and Thomas Fairfoul of Liverpool.All were subsequently banned for life, but most had them overturned.Most read in FootballO’Connell was not found to have taken part but his wide penalty during the match saw him caught up in the scandal.The Irishman stayed with United throughout the war and played as a guest at Clapton Orient (now Leyton Orient), Rochdale and Chesterfield.O’Connell moved to Dunbarton FC before leaving Ashington FC in 1922 for a managerial career in Spain.He went on to manage Barcelona, whom he saved from ruin, and Sevilla.But it was at Real Betis where he took the team to their only ever La Liga title in 1935.His exploits at at the club earned him the nickname “Don Patricio”.After 35-years in Spain, which included a 27-year managerial stint which overlapped with the Spanish Civil War, O’Connell returned to the UK and died in 1959.He lay in an unmarked grave at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in North London until May 2016 when it was given the attention it needed.A headstone was put up, which reads: “Remembered by many in Ireland, England and Spain.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2017, a bust was put up in his honour at Betis’s Estadio Benito Villamarín stadium.A mural commemorating the legend later appeared in West Belfast A mural commemorating the legend later appeared in West BelfastCredit: Alamy More

FOOTBALL fans have been left sickened by Real Madrid’s £8.50 cheeseburger, with one exclaiming it “shouldn’t be fed to a dog.”The vile-looking snack was posted to Footy Scran before being ripped apart by disgusted punters.Fans have been left disgusted by a vile £8.50 cheeseburger at Real MadridCredit: X@FootyScranThe messy burger appeared to consist of two soggy buns, some half-melted cheese, a small patty and a near-invisible strip of bacon.Served in a piece of cheap foil, it looked like grub rustled up in a nightmare.It undoubtedly tasted as bad as it appeared too.And for the crazy price of £8.50, it’s sure to put fans off in the future.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPunters certainly couldn’t believe the state of the finished product.Many expressed their anger on social media and urged Real to up their game.One said: “Wouldn’t feed that to a dog.”Another declared: “Prison, immediately.”Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACINGOne noted: “Was this dunked in a lake?”Another yelped: “Jesus they’ve really started saving all the money they can for Kylian Mbappe.”PSG and Real Madrid set for summer battle for Kylian Mbappe, with Frenchman wanting huge money to join Los BlancosOne joked: “Somebody is taking the p**s here.”Another added: “Looks more jellyfish than bacon.”Real’s dodgy burger certainly ranks amongst the worst food sold at any footy ground.In 2019, a Spurs fan ended up with a dry sausage in a huge burger bap after ordering a hot dog.And a Stevenage fan ordering cheesy chips got exactly what he asked for — some cut-up spuds with a slice of American cheese thrown across the top! More

RAFA BENITEZ has been sacked by Celta Vigo after just eight months at the club.The former Liverpool manager, 63, has won just one of his last five matches in charge of the LaLiga side.Rafa Benitez has been sacked after just eight months at Celta VigoCredit: GettyAnd he departs with Celta 17th in Spain’s top flight, just two points above the relegation zone after five wins from 28 league games.A club statement on social media, which comes two days after Celta’s 4-0 loss to Real Madrid, read: “Rafa Benitez and his staff leave RC Celta after eight months of absolute dedication and total commitment, but in which the team has not obtained the results expected by the club.”The club would like to express to Rafa Benítez and his assistants its most sincere gratitude for the honesty and professionalism they have shown since their arrival and the tireless work they have done.”RC Celta would also like to wish them the best of luck and success in the future.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBenitez’s exit comes just weeks after he flirted with the idea of managing Spain or England if Gareth Southgate was to leave following this summer’s Euros.Last month, he told The Athletic: “That is always a dangerous question as there is a manager who is doing the job well. I even have friends on Southgate’s staff. We have a very good relationship.”But, thinking about the future, I’d like to have a national team capable of competing for trophies. I suffer a lot with defeats.”When you are in a team which does not lose so often, you get used to competing to win things.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “So I would like to have a national team capable of achieving things – but again, all in the future.”Southgate, 53, is out of contract at the end of the year and had previously hinted he would be ready to quit after the Euros.Jurgen Klopp calls out Gareth Southgate with brutal message on live TV after Liverpool held by Man CityBenitez boasts an impressive managerial trophy cabinet including the Champions League, two LaLiga titles, Uefa Cup, FA Cup, Club World Cup and Europa League.But the ex-Valencia, Inter Milan, Napoli, Real Madrid, Newcastle and Everton boss is not one of the frontrunners to replace Southgate.Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are leading the way as the bookies’ favourites to become the next England manager. More