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    Inside David Moyes’ West Ham exit as Hammers boss rowed with technical director and had contract offer withdraw

    REGARDLESS of how it has ended, David Moyes leaves West Ham a club great and a history-maker.The Scot, 61, did not want to go like this, his departure confirmed before the end of the season with his squad in a spiral and rows with the technical director.David Moyes will leave West Ham at the end of the seasonCredit: PAThe Hammers brass have decided not to renew the Scot’s contract at the London StadiumCredit: ALAMYMoyes leaves West Ham having guided them to Europa Conference League glory last seasonCredit: PAMoyes has insisted all year long that he would wait until the summer to make a decision on his future on his own terms – but that option has been taken away from him.These final months and weeks have clouded a tenure at the London Stadium which no one saw coming – and could be quickly missed if the next steps are not carefully taken.Having been overlooked after keeping West Ham in the Premier League during his first spell in East London, Moyes returned in December 2019 to keep them afloat once more.The ex-Manchester United manager did just that and then took the Hammers to heights they could not have imagined.READ MORE ON DAVID MOYESTheir first European campaign ended in a Europa League semi-final, before their second brought the club’s first trophy since 1980 in the Europa Conference League.Moyes celebrated with a dressing room jig to the Proclaimers after not only ending West Ham’s wait for a trophy but his own – a first in a managerial career which began at Preston North End in 1998.That triumph filled the club with hope once more, which despite the departure of Declan Rice continued into this season with a fast start.A new contract was ready to be agreed at the turn of the year, but form took an alarming dip after injuries and a botched January window which saw too little investment.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWest Ham fans grew tired of David Moyes’ pragmatic style of playCredit: GETTYMoyes has not been able to arrest the slide since as fans and some players continued to tire of his more pragmatic style.Counter-attacking football can be thrilling when the defence works, when it does not it can be abysmal to watch.David Moyes reveals why Declan Rice is behind West Ham’s horror run of formThe manager has been firmly in the firing line, with many outside the club baffled by his treatment by fans and the board – who started the process to find a successor weeks ago.Moyes has dug in against his critics, reminding them of his achievements and where he has hauled the club during his time.The former Everton boss is right, he has transformed the Hammers, but his manner has rubbed too many up the wrong way and it feels right to leave at this time.Though there should be a warning for the ownership. They have every right to pursue a new style, more excitement and new heights.However, for four-and-a-half years Moyes’ success and approach have shielded the owners from much scrutiny.That was commonplace before they brought Moyes back. As he leaves, they will be exposed once more if things do not seamlessly improve.But they are taking that risk.Julen Lopetegui is set to succeed David Moyes at the West Ham helmCredit: GettyWhat was a very promising season has ended too poorly to carry on together, while Moyes continues to butt heads with the new structure – in particular barring technical director, Tim Steidten, from entering the dressing room for the final three games.Brutally, bosses at the London Stadium see more value in Steidten than Moyes.While it is a shame to see his time end this way, with friction and fractures, Saturday’s send-off against Luton should be heartfelt.Moyes has put his all into dragging West Ham into Europe – one assistant coach even left the club because they could not see themselves keeping pace with the manager’s 12-hour days.He would work from 7am to 7pm, before returning to his East London apartment and watching football with a ready meal, his wife Pamela living hundreds of miles away in their North West home.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat is the manager who, in time, should be remembered and honoured.He was ridiculed for describing himself as a “winner” on arrival, but few can argue with the record as he leaves. More

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    Ex-Chelsea wonderkid, 30, who lifted Champions League trophy wakes up unemployed days after winning League Two title

    EX-CHELSEA whizkid Todd Kane has suffered another of football’s brutal twists of fortune.The full-back, 30, who once lifted the Champions League trophy, helped Stockport clinch the League Two title last month but has been released.Todd Kane was with Coventry from 2021-23 and has now left StockportCredit: PANathaniel Chalobah, Todd Kane and Jamal Blackman helped Chelsea celebrate beating Bayern in the 2012 Champions League FinalCredit: GettyIt’s the latest blow for a player who had EIGHT loan spells while at Stamford Bridge from 2012-2017.He was a non-playing squad member as Chelsea beat Bayern Munich to win Europe’s top club competition in his first year but never made a senior appearance for the Blues.Yet the London giants rejected bids from Premier League rivals plus Ajax and Borussia Dortmund during that crazy seven-season stint.And that lengthy period of uncertainty at Stamford Bridge left Kane advising youngsters regularly loaned out by Chelsea to quit the club.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe only joined Stockport in March – after spending most of the season with  Gibraltan club Manchester 62.County beat Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham to the L2 crown by four points.But Kane was one of seven Stockport players freed and rendered unemployed at the end of their contract.However, if anyone is used to the ups and downs of football, it’s Kane.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn his seven years with Chelsea, he was offloaded for temporary spells with Preston, Blackburn, Bristol City, Nottingham Forest, Nijmegen, Groningen, Oxford United and Hull.His career then seemed well set after his first permanent move to Championship side QPR in 2019 but he left for two years at Coventry in 2021.Chelsea icon’s daughter flashes underwear on camera before going braless in elegant black dress to leave fans speechlessAfter that, he’s even had a ninth loan time – at Charlton.And now he looking for a new club.Kane exclusively told the Sun three years ago how he wished he’d departed from Chelsea earlier.And he dished out astonishingly blunt advice for Stamford Bridge academy starlets who find themselves being constantly farmed out.He said: “Leave. I’ve had numerous bids from clubs coming in for me down the years but Chelsea would always just say ‘no’.“I’d tell any young lad now to move on if anyone is interested in you because if you’re good enough to play for someone else, you’re better off taking that opportunity.“When I was 19, I was rated as one of the best young right-backs in the country – and had I been at any other Premier League club back then I’d have been playing. Plenty of teams wanted to sign me.” More

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    Lando Norris’ rise to first Grand Prix win as son of millionaire earns £80m, dates string of models and lives in Monaco

    LANDO NORRIS achieved his maiden Grand Prix win in Miami on Sunday to confirm the Brit’s rise to the top of Formula 1.It has been a long time coming, with Norris having finished in second place on EIGHT occasions.Lando Norris picked up his first F1 win in MiamiCredit: RexThe McLaren star finally managed to get over his second place hoodooCredit: GettyNorris is rumoured to be dating Margarida CorceiroCredit: instagramNorris lives in MonacoCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskIn the 2021 Russian Grand Prix he slid off in the wet on the final few laps while leading. And he squandered the chance of victory in Qatar last year.Miami was his 110th race and he struck a little fortunate in the sunshine state as he was able to pit while a safety car was deployed, meaning he was able to hold onto his lead.Norris, 24, was still tasked with fending off the dangerous Max Verstappen, who was struggling with his car having hit a bollard earlier in the race.But Norris’ victory was well deserved and will be a popular one, with the McLaren star one of the most well-liked drivers in the sport.READ MORE LANDO NORRISIt is also a welcome return to the top step of the podium for his team, who last tasted victory in Monza in 2020 and presented Norris with a new deal earlier this season.Norris joined McLaren’s young driver programme in February 2017 after a successful junior career, and has now reached the pinnacle of motorsport.Here we take a look inside his amazing lifestyle and his rise to the pinnacle of F1.Driving careerNorris was a successful kart racer in his youth, winning three competitions alone in 2013 including CIK-FIA European Championship — KFJ.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Brit was a karting champion in his youthCredit: AlamyThe Brit is a keen traveller when he gets the chanceCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskHis main residence is in MonacoCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskHe made the move away from karting the following year and continued to impress with several first-place finishes.Norris first began to grab headlines with success in Formula 2, finishing second overall in 2018 when part of Carlin.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for himHe then joined McLaren and made his F1 debut in 2019, featuring in 21 races that year.The Bristol-born driver achieved his first podium a year later, before making pole for the first and only time in 2021.He is on course to record his best season to date, with the 2023 campaign his best so far after picking up 205 points to finish in sixth place overall.HomesLike his compatriot Lewis Hamilton and many other F1 drivers, Norris lives in Monaco after moving to the French Riveira last year.Explaining the decision to move to the tax haven, he said: “I’m moving to Monaco after [the final race in] Abu Dhabi for the reasons you probably expect.“It’s something that obviously a lot of drivers go to do.“And especially with how racing is – I think you’ve seen it with a lot of the drivers, how quickly things can also go downhill.”He previously lived in Surrey near McLaren’s base in Woking, and is understood to still own a stunning £20m mansion in the area.GirlfriendsAs well as fame and fortune, F1 offers its stars opportunities to meet glamorous girlfriends, and that is exactly what Norris has been able to do.He is rumoured to be dating Margarida Corceiro, having first been spotted with the Portuguese supermodel and actress in public last year.Norris and Margarida Corceiro went to watch some tennis togetherCredit: X/ @SkySportsTennisThe Portuguese is a model and actressCredit: instagramHe was previously in a relationship with Luisinha OliveiraCredit: GettyThe pair split in 2021 after being subject to abuse and death threatsThey were seen attending the Monte Carlo Masters final earlier this year.Neither have posted photos with one another on social media with their apparent relationship taking place in private.Norris previously dated model Luisinha Oliveira between August 2021 and September 2022.The couple announced their split on social media, with Norris writing at the time: “After time and consideration, Luisa and myself have mutually decided to end our relationship but remain good friends.”I wish her the world and have so much respect for her and all she does as an amazing and strong woman with nothing but kindness.”Salary Norris is one of the highest earners in the paddock after penning a deal to extend his stay at McLaren to 2026.The pay rise is believed to have increased his earnings to an eye-watering £20million a year, with the contract worth £80m in total.Only Verstappen, Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are paid more.FamilyNorris’ father Adam, 51, is one of the wealthiest Brits with an estimated fortune of £200m.He is a retired pensions manager and is often seen in the paddock supporting his son.His mother Cisca is from the Flanders region of Belgium, and Norris has two younger sisters, one also named Cisca and the other Flo, as well as an older brother called Oliver.Norris’ father Adam is one of Britain’s wealthiest menCredit: GettyNorris is one of the most liked drivers in F1Credit: Not known, clear with picture deskSupercarsIt is no surprise a keen petrolhead has the garage to match his love for driving.Norris has plenty of cars in his collection and was gifted a £300,000 765LT Spider supercar when he signed his new McLaren contract.He was also seen at Silverstone last year in his £1million McLaren Senna, while he’s understood to have a £350,000 Rolls Royce Wraith and a £28,000 Fiat Jolly.He also owns a McLaren 720S which is capable of reaching 212mph and can reach 0-60 mph in just 2.8 seconds.Norris owns a McLaren 720SCredit: GettyWatchesNorris also has a love for watches and boasts big brands like Rolex and Audemars.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is also brand loyal and owns two Richard Mille McLaren timepieces, one of which was stolen from Norris when he attended the Euro 2020 final at Wembley in July 2021.The £144,000 designer watch – a Richard Mille RM11-03 Automated Flyback – has been limited to just 500 pieces worldwide, so is something of a prized asset.Norris’ £144,000 designer watch was stolen at the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Alpha PressHe regularly travels by private jetCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk More

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    I fled in horror as merciless hooligans stormed Wembley Stadium like ‘zombies’ & hurled glass at my terrified daughter

    ENGLAND’s outing in the Euro 2020 final was a day that went down in sporting history – but for many, it was for all the wrong reasons. Instead of the nail-biting match – where England lost in a 3-2 penalty shootout to Italy – it was the anarchy and carnage that unfolded at Wembley Stadium that remains in the minds of many.The 2020 Euro final was dominated by scenes of inebriated Brits outside Wembley StadiumCredit: RexScores of ticketless fans ‘punched’ their way through security barriers and guardsCredit: NetflixSome England supporters clashed inside the stadium with the ticketless mobsCredit: NetflixIt followed more than 2,000 ticketless fans storming the ground and thousands more outside – many of whom were drunk and drugged up – causing danger and destruction.Footage from the day, July 11, showed people with injuries from fights and glass bottles being wantonly lobbed into the air, as well as broken traffic lights, lamposts and trees. Baroness Louise Casey’s review into violence at the 2021 final found a “series of near misses” could have led to “significant injuries or even death” and that Wembley’s security had been breached 17 times. Now the Netflix documentary The Final: Attack On Wembley, which airs on May 8, reveals the “carnage and chaos” that unfolded on the day that was compared to “a warzone”. READ MORE ON SPORTThe terrifying scenes, which resulted in 19 police officers suffering injuries and 86 arrests, left many fearing for their safety as they tried to navigate through the inebriated masses.Among them was Gianluca Santoro, an Italian who lives in South London, who was forced to shield his daughter Maya, then 10, from projectiles lobbed at them by England fans.The tennis coach, 51, told The Sun: “I remember walking towards the stadium and the floor was full of broken glass. It was like a bomb had gone off.“I had to stop bottles and cans hitting us with my hands, which was painful, and some were open so the beer was spraying all over us.Most read in Football“I was really scared for my daughter’s safety because the bottles were flying at us from all over the place and people were yelling abuse and swearing at me right to my face.“We found a group of Italians and we all surrounded Maya to create a protective barrier. I took off my rucksack to cover her face and they put jackets and hoodies around her.The Final: Attack on Wembley Netflix Trailer“I felt silly, naive and guilty that I took her but I imagined a different atmosphere, I thought people would be happy to be at Wembley and in the final. I wasn’t expecting so much abuse.” ‘Like a warzone’On the day of the final, there were 67,000 ticketed fans but more than 6,000 others showed up at Wembley Stadium – some arriving as early as 8am, 12 hours before kick-off, to bask in England’s glory. But soon, amid drunkenness and reported cocaine use, “scenes of carnage and chaos” unfolded according to Chris Whyte, Director of Operations at Brent Council.He told the documentary that drinking levels were “very, very high” early on and “bad behaviour… had taken hold” due to a low police presence and security and stewards being vastly outnumbered. Gianluca Santoro had to shield his daughter Maya, then 10, from glass bottles lobbed by England fansCredit: Netflix /Gianluca SantoroInebriated fans climbed on top of traffic lights, buses and lampostsCredit: NetflixCharlie Perry, 25, from Sunbury-on-Thames, became known as ‘a*** flare man’ after this stuntCredit: 2021 Elliott FranksGianluca recalls being ‘really scared’ for his daughter’s safetyCredit: Netflix /Gianluca SantoroMetropolitan Police, who later apologised for the “unacceptable scenes of disorder”, had sent the majority of officers to Central London, where previous antisocial behaviour had taken place.The force’s main deployment was due to arrive at Wembley by 3pm – five hours before kick-off – but were called in early due to the danger presented by fans. It was a scene of devastation. There were broken traffic lights, lamposts, trees. It was just like a bomb had gone off and there was debris everywhere.Carolyn Downs, then Chief Executive of Brent CouncilSocial media footage from the day showed some fans climbing onto traffic lights, lamposts and a bus, others lit flares and several scuffles broke out. “Bottles and cans are sort of crashing down all around, full bottles of beer, empty bottles…” Whyte recalled. “People [were] clearly unaware of and uncaring about where these bottles might land and what damage they might cause…“I’ve got very vivid memories of seeing glass injuries, there was blood and bandages… it did resemble a bit of a warzone.”Carolyn Downs, Chief Executive at Brent Council, added: “[It] was a scene of devastation. There were broken traffic lights, lamposts, trees. It was just like a bomb had gone off and there was debris everywhere.”Onlookers described how security and stewards “didn’t really have a chance” of clamping down on the dangerous behaviour due to the sheer number of people around the stadium. Shameless invadersTo prevent ticketless fans getting in, a security perimeter around the stadium had been set up but it didn’t prove enough. Chris Bryant, Director of Tournaments and Events at The FA, says many of the “thugs” were “putting their own and others’ lives in danger” during their attempts to break in.Among them was England fan Dan, who joined a mob that stampeded their way through security and managed to bypass the turnstiles by hiding behind a ticketed fan.Nearly 90 people were arrested on the day of the finalCredit: NetflixThose without tickets charged through turnstilesCredit: NetflixMobs raced up stairs to get closer to the stadium after evading securityCredit: NetflixDespite the damage caused and the risk to life, the Manchester United fan, from Shropshire, told the documentary: “I’m not ashamed of what I’ve done.”He had taken “what I earn in a month” – around £2,000 – hoping to buy a ticket from a fan, believing “it would be difficult for them to say no” to such a large sum. But when Dan’s offer “fell on deaf ears” and he realised he could end up “not even having anywhere to watch it at all,” he made a drastic decision.We’ve never locked down the turnstiles there’s never been a need to… but I’ve just witnessed something I’ve never seen before.Liam Boylan, Director of Wembley StadiumHaving spotted that Wayne Rooney had entered without having to battle through the crowds, he started to scope out the ground for weak spots.Dan noticed a large crowd gathered at the Spanish Steps and after hearing them yell “Are we ready? Are we ready?” joined the masses who forced their way through security guards and barriers.Liam Boylan, Director of Wembley Stadium, who was watching from the control room, described seeing the crowd “punch their way through” as “antisocial, reckless behaviour turned to violence”.Recalling a steward was knocked down to the ground, he said: “It catches your breath when you’re watching that… [and] thinking, ‘What the hell is going on.’”Dan, who had to do a “roly-poly over the bodies” on the ground, added: “I wasn’t really aware of what was going on around me, violence-wise. “I was so focused on my own little mission, that’s all it was for me, it was just complete desperation to not miss this event.” Later, Dan managed to bypass stewards for a second time by jigging – where someone walks closely behind a ticketed fan to squeeze through a turnstile without paying.One man was kicked multiple times in the head after entering the stadiumCredit: NetflixInside the stadium several fans clashedCredit: NetflixMetal gates were piled up by irate, drunk and drugged up fansCredit: NetflixEuro 2020 final: a timeline of the chaotic events

    8.00AM – Fans begin to arrive at Wembley, 12 hours before kick off. Some head to pubs, others surround the stadium. Many do not have tickets. 
    10.00AM – One London Underground official claims to have “never seen drunkenness like this so early on in the day”. Stewards and security staff report high levels of drug use.
    11.30AM – Met Police Service (MPS) Silver Commander requests officers are sent to the stadium earlier than their deployment time. One officer has been punched in the face. Crowds gather at the Olympic steps, near Olympic Way.
    12.00PM – Fans climb onto the roof of a bus on Fulton Road, near the stadium. It’s considered the first “red flag” for those on the ground. Officers, requested at 11.30am, arrive and rescue the stranded bus.
    1.00PM – Flares are set off, fans climb traffic lights, lamposts and trees, and bottles are “getting chucked into the air”. Half an hour later British Transport Police deploys officers from Central London.
    2.30PM – 175 Met Police Service officers are deployed. Fireworks, smoke bombs and glass bottles are being thrown on Olympic Way. 
    3.00PM – Volunteers and council workers are withdrawn for their safety. An additional, 50 public order officers and 100 specialist officers from the MPS Territorial Support Group arrive.
    4.00PM – Police stop barriers being kicked down at Bobby Moore Bridge, near Olympic Way. Police advise ticketless fans not to travel to Wembley. Every 15minutes, an extra 3,000 fans arrive at Wembley Park Underground Station.
    4.30PM – The Outer Security Perimeter (OSP) entrances open. Police fear swathes of unticketed fans “will try to push onto the concourse”. It’s feared the OSP fence will not hold.
    5.00PM – Doors and gates are open. Within minutes a first person has been detained for ‘jigging’ – closely following behind a ticketed fan to gain entry – at Gate A.
    5.30PM – One group has breached the Spanish steps. The Safety Officer has locked all turnstiles. “Loutish” behaviour and “hand-to-hand combat” with “groups of 40-50 men at a time” occurs. MPS sends more reserves to Wembley, making a total of 553 officers.
    5.45PM – Violence erupts outside a Co-op on Olympic Way. One police officer is attacked. The crowd fails to smash the shop’s windows. Soon, turnstiles are unlocked due to concerns over crowd density. 
    6.30PM – A fence line has been knocked down, allowing crowds to breach Club Wembley’s outer security perimeter. Police and stewards battle to stop a group entering through a disabled pass gate at Gate M. Several more gate invasions follow including 90 people storming an emergency fire door. Police are deployed to all turnstiles. 
    7.30PM – Crowds attempt to breach more gates. During one, multiple fans are trampled amid a stampede of 100 unticketed fans. Police are dispatched to the bottom of the Olympic Steps when a fence collapses. 
    7.55PM – A large group charges at the Olympic Steps Outer Security Perimeter as England’s national anthem plays. Police wield batons and ‘fast walk’ to force them back. By 8.02pm, when Luke Shaw scores for England, crowds charge an outer gate near the South West Ramp.
    9.15PM – Urgent repairs have been called for on emergency exit doors at Turnstile G due to breaches.
    10.00PM – Fans continue to look for points where they can break in as extra time begins. 
    10.50PM – Fire doors at Gate G are breached for a third time – around 30 people enter. Two minutes later, exit doors are opened for fans to leave the stadium. By 10.54pm, Italy has beaten England on penalties. Fans outside the stadium start to leave the area.
    12.30AM – Portable toilets have been pushed over on Olympic Way. Railway officials report having protected Italian fans. The beginning of a five-day clean-up operation begins, as 31 tonnes of rubbish – 10 times the normal amount – is removed. 

    ‘Massive crush’Near the Club Wembley entrance, groups of ‘30 to 40 people’ were collectively barging into metal railings and tipping them over in a bid to get closer to the stadium. Former rugby union star Ugo Monye, who observed the chaos, recalled: “There was an avalanche of people coming through.” He said observers were “terrified” and had to shield themselves from projectiles, adding: “The chaos and carnage was happening all around us.”Meanwhile, Bryant and his colleagues reconstructed the metal barriers only for others to be knocked down further away.  He said: “It did feel like whack-a-mole for the best part of 45 minutes.”Amid the chaos, Boylan says the decision was made to “lock down the turnstiles” – preventing fans with tickets, as well as those without, from entering the ground. I’ve never seen anything of that sort in my life. This horde of zombies come running in, falling over, people trampling over them. It was madness.Taz, Wembley Security GuardHe said: “We’ve never locked down the turnstiles, there’s never been a need to… but I’ve just witnessed something I’ve never seen before.”Security guard Taz says he knew “something bad must have happened” for them to take such drastic action and while waiting for the turnstiles to reopen received a barrage of abuse.He recalled being told: “When I get in I’m going to f*** you up,” along with racist abuse.Soon after, the turnstiles were reopened for “the safety of the majority” after concerns there could be a “massive crush”.Downs, who was at the south side of the stadium, said: “It felt really scary. This could really end up being quite serious. I just kept thinking, ‘Please don’t let anyone get hurt.’” After the turnstiles opened, more ticketless fans began forcing their way in. Some broke in through fire escape doors, which had been deliberately opened from the inside, and others forced their way through gates.Large barriers were knocked down by ticketless mobs trying to get into the stadiumCredit: NetflixWembley security guards were praised for their braveryCredit: NetflixMakeshift medic stations had to be erected to treat spectators with glass injuries from thrown bottlesCredit: NetflixSecurity guard Taz said: “I’ve never seen anything of that sort in my life. This horde of zombies come running in, falling over, people trampling over them. It was madness.“If I had thrown myself in front of all those people I probably would not be sitting here today.”While Taz focused on trying to close the fire escape doors, ticketed and unticketed fans clashed.  Boylan added: “There was a conflict between those people that have got in legitimately and those people that have got in illegally… there are scuffles, fights and all sorts of stuff breaking out.” Social media footage revealed brutal scenes including one fan being kicked multiple times in the face and several others being punched. Seat thief laughedHaving an extra 2,000 people illegally in the stadium meant many fans, some of whom had paid thousands to watch the game, struggled to get to their seats.Kevin, from East London, who forked out £1,000 for two tickets, recalled being laughed at after confronting someone who had nicked his seat.You look at what could happen if England win and the safest outcome is England losing.Liam Boylan“He turned to his mate and goes, ‘Oi, these two paid for their tickets!’ and he started laughing,” Kevin said.“He and his friend described how they had a minibus of 10 or 12 of them who had come down with the intention of breaking in and they all managed to.” Shortly before kick off, the turnstiles were locked down again and police dressed in riot gear lifted their batons and “walked with purpose” at revellers outside the stadium.They created a perimeter around Wembley, which prevented further ground invasions but didn’t help to disperse the crowds, as hoped. Officials compared scenes to ‘like a warzone’ due to the amount of debris and broken glass around the stadiumCredit: ReutersSome fans arrived at Wembley Stadium at 8am – 12 hours before the match was due to beginCredit: GettyFor Boylan, his focus was on the 67,000 fans inside the stadium and he admits hoping that England would lose in order to keep fans safe. He feared more of the unruly mob outside would try to break in, especially when exit doors opened before the end of the match.Recalling his fear, he said: “I’ve got this blue line with 6,000 people out there, if they see that doors are opening and then they hear the roar going up because England have won, are they coming inside?“This lot are not England fans, this lot are not football fans, I don’t know what they are. They’re just a bunch of people that are going to punch their way through.“You look at what could happen if England win and the safest outcome is England losing.” Boylan admits he was overwhelmed with “relief” after England lost 3-2 on penalties and those outside the stadium finally started to walk away from the ground. ‘Perfect storm’Reflecting on the day, he said: “I never ever want to go through what I faced on that day again… I’m not still fully over it because it hurt, it really, really hurt. We saw things that we’d never ever seen before.” Baroness Casey’s review would later conclude there was “a perfect storm of lawlessness” on the day of the final – caused in part by it being a major event after coronavirus lockdown restrictions had been relaxed. It praised the bravery of stewards and police officers as well as staff from Brent Council, the FA and Wembley in what was described as “extraordinary aggression”. Metropolitan Police later apologised for the ‘unacceptable scenes of disorder’Credit: NetflixIn addition to 67,000 ticketed fans, thousands gathered around Wembley StadiumCredit: NetflixFA CEO Mark Bullingham said: “No event is set up to deal with such disgraceful behaviour from thousands of ticketless fans. Collectively we must never allow this to happen again.”Some of the ticketless fans were prosecuted. But it’s likely many do not regret their actions – including Dan.He told the doc: “I’m not ashamed of what I’ve done. In 2020, we were all locked away in our homes couldn’t go anywhere, could only go outside for a little bit of exercise and the whole time we’re doing that, the leaders of our country were partying.“How can I feel like I’ve done something wrong? To witness England [potentially] winning their first trophy since 1966, I wasn’t missing that for nobody.” As for Gianluca, while the finals were far from the day he envisaged with his daughter, he says it made her appreciate her Italian heritage more. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe says: “I often think they did me a favour. Maya, whenever she talks about something related to Italy, she says, ‘But daddy, we Italians, us Italians’. For me it was more than football.”The Final: Attack On Wembley, which was filmed by Rogan Productions, is available to watch on Netflix from May 8. More

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    Inside rise of Bromley as Football Manager competition & Arsenal icon’s son sees 132 year wait for EFL football ended

    BROMLEY secured promotion to the Football League for the first time ever on Sunday.The Ravens dramatically beat Solihull Moors 4-3 on penalties at Wembley following a thrilling 2-2 draw.Bromley secured promotion to League Two on SundayCredit: GettyCaptain Byron Webster scored the winning penaltyCredit: GettyThey victory booked them a spot in League Two for the first time in the club’s 132-year history.Speaking at full-time, Bromley boss Andy Woodman told BBC London: “I’m delighted, it hasn’t really sunk in. I’ve been here a few times and no one wants to speak to you when you lose.”We’ve got heart, we’re not the best team. We’re the hardest grafting team and the most honest team, we’ve got players who will fight for each other and that showed today.”I was alright with the penalties because I’ve got the best goalkeeper in the league, I knew he’d save one, maybe two and take care of business.Read More on Football”I was really chuffed that Grant [Smith] got the plaudits he deserved because he’s been brilliant for us all season.”This has been an unhealthy obsession for me. It was about changing history at this football club and about making sure that when we’re long gone, me my team and my staff, we’ll be forever the people that got us in the Football League.”Bromley has been a non-league club since it was established back in 1892.In recent years the Ravens have come close to EFL promotion.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey missed out to Hartlepool United in the Play-Offs at the end of the 2020-21 campaign and lost to Chesterfield in last year’s semi-finals.However, some significant steps were taken this season to ensure the jump was possible.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiEarlier this season, Nathan Owolabi was appointed as Bromley’s Support Performance Tactician after winning a FOOTBALL MANAGER competition.The avid gamer has since spent the last five months learning from and assisting Woodman’s coaching team.When advertising the job at the end of last year, club officials announced they were looking for “a talented Football Manager gamer to test their skills in the real world”.Woodman was quick to insist that it wasn’t a “gimmick” and instead revealed he thought it was a “brilliant” idea.Alongside the addition to the club’s coaching staff, Bromley also signed several players such as goalkeeper Grant Smith and loan stars Alex Kirk from Arsenal and Kamarl Grant from Millwall.Dennis Bergkamp’s son, Mitchel, became another star to join the Ravens last year.However, the 25-year-old has was limited to just 13 minutes of football this season.Premier League boundIn a show of the quality on show at the south London club, academy star Ben Krauhaus was snapped up by Premier League side Brentford in January.The Bees agreed to loan him back to Bromley for the remainder of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESKrauhaus went on to play a crucial role in the club’s fight for promotion, making 43 National League appearances.Bromley will now join fellow promoted team Chesterfield in League Two from next season.Nathan Owolabi was appointed as the club’s Support Performance Tactician after winning a Football Manager competitionCredit: TNT SportsDennis Bergkamp’s son, Mitchell, joined Bromley last summerCredit: AFP More

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    As Canelo Alvarez faces Jaime Munguia in thrilling bout, why does Mexico keep churning out so many exciting champs?

    PUTTING two menacing Mexicans in the same ring is as dangerous as lighting the touch-paper to a stick of gelignite – an almighty explosion is the only outcome.Canelo Alvarez, worshipped God-like in Guadalajara, defends his WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO world super-middleweight titles against fellow-countryman Jaime Munguia on Saturday.Canelo Alvarez, left, is a heavy favourite against Jaime MunguiaCredit: APEx-fighter Julio Cesar Chavez, seen fighting Greg Haugen, is another iconCredit: GettyMexico is famous for many reasons – among them its indigenous heritage, Tequila, Mariachi bands and tacos.But discerning boxing fans fall in love with the country because it constantly produces elite world champions whose outstanding talents hold them in awe.Lace a pair of gloves on men south of the border and they fight with such a fierce intensity it’s as if they all have the blood of the nations revolutionary hero Emiliano Zapata coursing through their veins.Those lucky enough to have been ringside to see the heart-stopping trilogy between Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, two featherweights who fought each other to a standstill more than 20 years ago will die happy.READ MORE TOP STORIESRafael Herrara against Ruben Olivares and Carlos Zarate’s four-round blitz of Alfonso Zamora, though they took place more than 50 years ago, are still talked about when the margaritas start being poured in the barrios. If Canelo’s battle with Maguia is only half as exciting as those epics, the 20,000 in Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena, will get their money’s worth.So why does Mexico keep churning out so many exciting world champions? The simple answer is extreme urban poverty.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhen I covered my first fight in Mexico City in 1967, wherever I went there were bare-fisted kids sparring with each other in the streets.Artur Hernandez, one of Mexico’s most successful managers, employed six full-time trainers at his downtown gym.UFC star Jorge Masvidal reveals $5m payday for fight – but boxing champs earned five times despite half the PPV salesHe told me, when they opened the doors every morning, there were dozens of youngsters with their sneakers wrapped in newspaper pleading for an opportunity to spar with the pros to earn a few pesos – no better breeding ground for future greats.I have been blessed with having seen Latino legends Barrera, Olivares, Vicente Saldivar, Julio Cesar Chavez and Salvador Sanchez – tragically killed at 23 when he crashed his Porsche – in the flesh.Alvarez’s record is mind-boggling – he’s won world titles from light-middleweight to light-heavyweight, has lost just two of his 64 contests and has unified three divisions.So he more than deserves to be included in such exalted company.Canelo, 33, has KO’d 39 of his opponents, several with a Mexican speciality they call El Gancho Al Higado – a liver punch.Liam Smith, Billy Joe Saunders and Callum Smith, three of the eight  British fighters who have tangled with him, will verify how much that blow hurts.It isn’t surprising he’s a massive 1/6 to beat Munguia, but in several of his recent victories he appeared to be slowing down and is certainly less fearsome than when he was in his 20s.Callum Smith is one of eight Brits who can testify to Alvarez’s powerCredit: Handout – GettyAlvarez’s last four fights have gone the full twelve rounds and he hasn’t knocked out anyone for three years which must give Munguia a confidence boost.Canelo for years has been considered pound-for-pound the best fighter on the planet – but according to some pundits has dropped down the pecking order behind Terence Crawford and Japan’s Naoya Inoue.Munguia, 27, a former WBO light-middleweight champion has never met anyone in Alvarez’s but he is quite a handful – unbeaten after 43 fights, he’s scored 34 KO’s.He never stops throwing punches from every angle and in his last fight he stopped Londoner John Ryder in nine rounds – something Alvarez couldn’t do when they met twelve months ago.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf jolting Jaime, a Tijuana terror, should overturn Alvarez it would a far greater sensation than Ryan Garcia putting unbeaten superstar Devin Haney on the deck three times before outpointing him two weeks ago.Yet as unlikely as it seems, it could happen.  More

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    Football wonderkids who went off the rails – from Prem ace’s month-long burglary spree to star’s £64m cocaine bust

    THEY were once the bright-eyed youngsters tipped for greatness – but even with all the talent and potential in the world, the football industry can be a fickle place. With so much fame and fortune so young comes a dangerous downside, and whether it’s a result of injury or by going off the rails, football careers can easily come to an abrupt end.Former teen sensation Jamie Cassidy was jailed for his involvement in a cocaine drugs operationCredit: PAJamie Cassidy played alongside the likes of Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen as a youngsterCredit: AlamyWhich means sadly not all top league ‘wonderkids’ are going to be able to carve out the illustrious careers they’d once hoped for, and some encounter a spectacular fall from grace. Here are the teen football prodigy whose lives went off the rails to varying degrees after being tipped for big things, and how it impacted their career.Jamie Cassidy Jamie Cassidy, 46, was once a hugely popular youth player who starred in Liverpool’s star-studded youth side in his heyday, alongside the likes of Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen.During his teenage years he became one of the top goal scorers in youth football country, and he won the FA Youth Cup in 1996.READ MORE FEATURESHowever, sadly it all went downhill after his career was hampered by injury, and without his football career, Cassidy spiralled into a life of crime.Last month he was jailed for 13 years for his role in a huge drug conspiracy alongside his brother, which involved using encrypted phones to import cocaine into the UK from South America.Cassidy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert or transfer criminal property.Ciaran Dickson Ciaran Dickson played for Celtic and Rangers and had been tipped for first team footballCredit: GettyThe young footballer pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow to death by dangerous drivingCredit: SpindriftFormer Celtic and Rangers starlet Ciaran Dickson, 22, was once tipped for first team football and scored two goals in his first two appearances for Celtic’s B team.Most read in FootballHowever, Dickson consistently flouted the law over the years and this ultimately led to tragedy as he went on to kill a teenage pedestrian in a drunken hit and run while still signed to the top team.Forensic scientists calculated that Dickson was approximately more than three times over the drink drive limit.Thomas Ross KC, defending, said: “Nothing said by Ciaran Dickson can offer comfort to Aidan’s family and friends… He recognises that he is fully deserving of a sentence of imprisonment.”Dickson’s previous convictions also include careless driving from December 2020.He was also convicted of punching his ex following their split in April 2023, and was ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work.Callum Flanagan Callum Flanagan had shown real promiseCredit: EmpicsFlanagan pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was handed an eight-month sentence at a young offenders’ institutionCredit: PA:Press AssociationAt Man United in the Nineties, Callum Flanagan was a highly regarded youth player who’d shown real promise.However, shortly after scoring in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Man City in the FA Youth Cup, everything changed in 2004 when the then-19-year-old was driving team-mate Phil Marsh home after a training session. In what he later described as one of the “most harrowing days of [his] life”, he raced fellow United youth player Mads Timm, crashing and flipping his Honda Civic. He was released from the club shortly after, and after pleading guilty to dangerous driving was handed an eight-month sentence at a young offenders’ institution.He has since turned his life around, and reportedly now lives in Australia where he’s carved out a career as a personal trainer and firefighter. Speaking to an Australian paper, Flanagan said: “If I could give any advice it would be to focus fully on football and don’t let outside things get in the way.” Ismail H’MaidatIsmail H’Maidat was jailed for his role in a spree of armed robberiesCredit: AlamyFormer Arsenal trialist and Crystal Palace wonderkid Ismail H’Maidat cost Roma £3.5million back in 2016 and seemed destined for great things.But just two years later in 2018 he was jailed for 46 months for his role in a month-long spree of armed robberies – despite earning at the time a reported £9,000 a month.The Dutch-born star, who trialled with the Gunners in 2012 and joined Crystal Palace the following year, robbed betting shops, a supermarket and a petrol station.Quincy PromesQuincy Promes’ career was blighted by injuryCredit: GettyQuincy Promes lived the high life before being sentenced to six years in prisonCredit: Instagram @qpromesFormer Holland star Quincy Promes, 32, stood out when he played for the likes of Sevilla and Ajax, but his career became blighted by his recent serious run-ins with the law.Last month the winger was sentenced to six years in prison for his involvement in the smuggling of 1,363kg of cocaine into Antwerp, estimated to be worth around £65million.That wasn’t the first time the ex-Netherlands international has been in trouble, having received an 18-month sentence just last year for stabbing his cousin in the knee at a family party.Now the Dutchman is serving time in the infamous Al Aweer prison in the UAE – a far cry from the high life famous footballers usually enjoy.Andy van der MeydeAndy van der Meyde’s personal life went off the rails after a turbulent spell at EvertonCredit: Getty Images – GettyAndy Van Der Meyde came out of the famed Ajax academy in the Nineties, and helped Holland reach the Euro 2004 semi-finals.He managed to avoid getting in trouble with the law, but he saw his personal life spiral after he encountered a turbulent spell at Everton that led to problems with gambling, sex, drugs and depression.He struggled in his first season with injuries and quickly fell into an alcohol and prescription drug-fuelled spiral, eventually quitting football at just 32.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You can quickly go off the rails because there is no limit and you could do what you wanted,” he previously said. “It was going out and drinking, and not thinking of reality.”Andy van der Meyde pictured during a photo shoot in January 2015 at his house in The NetherlandsCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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    Under-fire Pochettino admits Chelsea fans are much nicer to him in person – because they’re scared of his DOG

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO is suffering dogs’ abuse as boss at Chelsea this season.From being booed by his own fans in the stands to trolled mercilessly from a safe distance by internet diehards accusing him of wrecking the club from within.Beagle-eyed fans often spot Mauricio Pochettino out with his dog Sansa, who he reckons might be why they act more kindly than onlineCredit: Instagram / pochettinoPochettino says his dog ensures fans in real life are no paws for concernCredit: RexFunnily enough, it is a different story when Chelsea’s head coach meets the punters face to face while out walking his dog in what little spare time he gets away from trying to build a team capable of chasing consistent honours.Pochettino said: “Maybe it is because they are scared of my dog — because it is a big dog.“It’s a Rhodesian Ridgeback. It’s massive. Maybe they are nice with me because of that?“I spend one hour, maybe one hour and a half with my dog and sometimes I meet the fans in different places and they ask me things. I can tell them the truth.READ MORE TOP STORIES“Fans sometimes get an image that is not real. That is fake.“Maybe sometimes my words are taken or a photograph is taken of me looking sad but I am not a sad person. I laugh a lot, I smile.“I am very positive. I am not acting. I try not to act.“Sometimes people get the wrong idea. And if you face me on the street you will become in love — especially if I have my dog.Most read in FootballPochettino tells supporters ‘the truth’ when they stop to chatCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”When I walk every day with my dog in different places I feel the appreciation from the fans.“On social media, it can be, ‘Hey, you must do this, do that’ but here, it is the opposite.Chelseas midfield struggles with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez“When I am on the street, the people are really good.“They appreciate and give us credit for working in a project and process that is so difficult, because the people who understand football know what is going on here.“They appreciate our commitment, the way we behave and the way we believe and support all the decisions that were taken before we arrived.“All we want is to help and add our knowledge and experience to be more competitive and help the team win games. That is what is most important.”Poch’s terrifying-sounding pooch Sansa is named after a character in Game of Thrones, Sansa Stark.It’s a Rhodesian Ridgeback. It’s massive. Maybe they are nice with me because of that?Mauricio PochettinoThis so-called captive queen apparently starts off with a naive view of the world but she becomes a more ‘hardened individual after suffering one betrayal and cruelty after another’.After almost 15 years in coaching, more than five of those spent at Thursday evening’s bitter opponents  Tottenham, there may be more to the dog’s name  than we imagine.Pochettino certainly needs his Chelsea players to be dogs of war on Thursday evening — eight years to the day since the infamous Battle of the Bridge.That was when Tottenham’s dreams of a first Premier League title were crushed by a surprisingly pumped-up Blues team enduring their worst season for two decades.Thiago Silva, 39, has announced his upcoming departureCredit: GettyOur beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd

    WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
    Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
    There is so much wrong.
    After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
    The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
    Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
    Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
    Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more…

    Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele received a six-match ban after being sent off for violent conduct.Pochettino, 52, was in the away dugout that eventful night and football’s man of peace even got caught up in the scrums as the game spiralled out of control with 12 bookings — nine for his Spurs.Anger took over from football as Spurs handed the title to Leicester  and the game was used as a benchmark for learning purposes.Poch said: “We used this game after time, time, time, to talk and to see and to review and to reuse to try to learn from this game.“Players like Eric Dier were young and it was out of control. He became more mature after this game. We used all this experience to be better and better and better.“Son, Dele Alli, different players involved in this game.“We were playing well but we missed how to control the emotion when you compete for big things.“That was the point that made us more mature and to start the season after believing.“Then happened different things, circumstances that affected the  situation of the team.We have to be careful how we judge the young players because this is about them making mistakes and how they learn and improve.Mauricio Pochettino“We realised with this group we could go and fight for big things. It was tough but at that moment the team showed great character.“I don’t remember their position in the table. I think they were mid-table like we are now.“But we were talking about massive players . . . Hazard, John Terry, Costa, Willian, Matic, Azpilicueta, Cahill.“We have to be careful how we judge the young players because this is about them making mistakes and how they learn and improve — and then maybe they can perform better.“But we have worked out in our head what we need to do next season.”Whatever it is it will have to be without veteran defender Thiago Silva, 39, who announced he is leaving after four years.What should have been a one-year stay has stretched and the Brazil legend is a hugely influential figure in the dressing room.Poch said: “It’s true that over the years it is more difficult to find this type of player. We are talking about a 39-year-old. It is not easy to find this profile of player.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He is an amazing guy, an amazing professional. Nearly 40, an amazing career.“The players, the fans, the club is going to miss him but he is happy. He is so proud of his career here at Chelsea. I wish him the best.” More