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      Roma and Frankfurt fans throw flares as riot police called in after violent scenes in Europa League clash

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      RIOT POLICE were called into action during Roma’s Europa League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.The hosts emerged from the game victorious thanks to goals from Angelino and Eldor Shomurodov.Police were forced to intervene as Roma and Frankfurt fans clashedCredit: RexUltras from both sides attempted to throw flares and pyro towards their rivalsCredit: RexFour arrests had been made even before the gameCredit: RexHowever, shortly after Roma took the lead police were forced to intervene as fans started throwing flares.Fan-captured footage from inside the Stadio Olimpico showed police swarming up the stairs of the stands and ushering fans away from the protective glass separating them from rivals.A second video showed pyro being launched from one section of fans and into the other during the police intervention.Another showed how police and stewards had formed an extra barrier of protection at half-time to keep the two sides separate, while flares were ignited within the sections of the crowd.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFan tension had been rife even before the match.According to Italian media, four Roma fans were arrested ahead of the game who were involved in an attempted raid on Eintracht Frankfurt supporters’ shuttle buses heading to the stadium.The report says two of the fans arrested were minors, with the incident taking place near the Piazzale delle Belle Arti, a known meeting place for fans before games.Frankfurt’s strong campaign in the Europa League League Phase effectively secured them a spot in the top regardless of what might happen elsewhere on the final matchweek.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd despite suffering a 2-0 loss – just the second defeat of their European campaign – they came fifth in the overall standings.The Bundesliga outfit will play one of FCSB, Ajax, Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOK in the last-16.Champions League clash suspended after just 72 seconds with players unable to see due to smoke caused by fans’ flaresMeanwhile, Roma have had a far more stop-start campaign and would have crashed out completely if they had not won last night.As it goes, they will now face a play-off round for the chance to get into the last-16 of the competition.Roma will play one of Ferencvaros or Porto in their play-off and could set up a heated last-16 tie against hated rivals Lazio.Who faces who in the Europa League?Here’s a look at the ties across the competition…Teams who finished from ninth to 24th in the Europa league phase will play off to decide who reaches the last-16.PLAYOFF ROUNDBodo/Glimt vs Twente or FenerbahceAnderlecht vs Twente or FenerbahceFCSB vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKAjax vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKReal Sociedad vs AZ Alkmaar or MidtjyllandGalatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar or MidtjyllandRoma vs Ferencvaros or PortoPlzen vs Ferencvaros or PortoWinners of playoff ties will then face the teams who finished in the top eight of the league phase in the last-16…LAST 16Lazio vs Roma or Plzen or Ferencvaros or PortoAthletic Bilbao vs Roma or Plzen or Ferencvaros or PortoMan Utd vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or FC Midtjylland or AZ AlkmaarTottenham vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or FC Midtjylland or AZ AlkmaarFrankfurt vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKLyon vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKOlympiakos vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or FenerbahceRangers vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or FenerbahceUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Police manhunt for ex-Cardiff and QPR star, 44, once dubbed Wales’ most promising footballer as he’s wanted back in jail

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      COPS have launched a manhunt for an ex-Cardiff and QPR star who was once dubbed Wales’ most promising footballer.Leonne Jeanne, 44, has been “recalled to prison” by South Wales Police.South Wales Police have appealed for information about Leonne JeanneCredit: Wales News ServiceThe ex-QPR and Cardiff star is being recalled to prisonCredit: South Wales PoliceJeanne turned out for QPRCredit: Action ImagesThe former footy star was convicted of dangerous driving in 2019 after being chased by police at 100mph on the same road where his son was found dead. He was later sent to prison for breaching a curfew.Four years earlier, in 2015, he had been jailed for 30 months for his part in a plot to supply cocaine.The police appeal said: “Leonne Jeanne. Age: 44. From Cardiff. Recalled to Prison. Give reference 2500002271.”Read More in FootballThe talented young footballer began his career with Queens Park Rangers before joining his hometown team Cardiff City. However, Jeanne suffered from drug and alcohol addiction and was given a two-year suspended ban by the Football Association of Wales after testing positive for a class A drug. Continued disciplinary problems eventually led to his release from Cardiff.In June 2011, Jeanne joined then Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion for pre-season training in a bid to earn a contract and play football at a high level once more. Most read in FootballJeanne started the 2011–12 season playing for Welsh Premier League side Afan Lido but left before the start of the 2012–13 season to join Carmarthen Town.He would go on to play just six times more for Port Talbot Town before his career sadly came to an end in 2015.Shock moment Aston Villa & Celtic fans clash before Champions League showdown as FLARE launched towards home supportersTwo years ago, Jeanne was allowed out on day release from prison to attend the funeral of his son, who was among three people to die in a horror car crash in Cardiff.Jeanne, then 42, was flanked by two police officers as he mourned son Rafel, 24, at the church service.Rafel Jeanne and pals Eve Smith, 21, Darcy Ross, 21, died when their white VW Tiguan crashed near Newport, Wales.Leonne had to attend the funeral in handcuffs as he served a ten-year prison sentence after being jailed for conspiracy to supply cocaine.His son Rafel and five friends had been enjoying a night out in Newport before vanishing at 2am.Their car was only found 46 hours later in the tragedy.Father Leonne wore a blue Nike tracksuit and was seen handcuffed to a cop as he made his way inside the church.Jeanne turning out for QPR in 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdFormer pro-footballer Jeanne was in handcuffs as he attended his son’s funeral in 2023Credit: WNSRafel Jeanne-Actie died in a horror crash 2 years agoCredit: WNSRafel’s funeral was held at St Peter’s Church in Cardiff with hundreds of mourners dressed in black for attendance followed by a cremation service.Traditional Welsh hymns Calon Lan and Ar Hyd y Nos were sung at the church and the service at the crematorium concluded with Told You by rappers Yung Tory and Nafe Smaz.Quad bikes followed the hearse and family cars, revving their engines.Shane Loughlin, 32, and Sophie Russon, 20, were critically injured and taken to hospital in the crash.However, Loughlin was sentenced for dangerous driving although his sentence was later reduced in 2024.The offences were not connected with the crash that happened later that nightREAD MORE SUN STORIESHe was not driving at the time of the crash in St Mellons, Cardiff, but had driven the same car while inhaling laughing gas just hours before.Loughlin was a passenger in the Volkswagen Tiguan when it veered off the A48 in east of Cardiff and crashed into undergrowth back in March 2023.Jeanne played for Cardiff among other clubsCredit: Huw EvansJeanne pictured in his Wales U21 stripCredit: CollectHe was once dubbed Wales’ most promising footballerCredit: WNS More

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      Man Utd star Nicky Butt’s 50th party at centre of police probe after ‘head-butt’ left security guard with ‘broken nose’

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      MANCHESTER United star Nicky Butt’s 50th birthday party is at the centre of a police probe after an alleged head-butt left a security guard with a suspected broken nose.Cops are questioning witnesses and scouring CCTV footage from celeb haunt Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire.Ex-Manchester United player Nicky Butt’s 50th birthday party is at the centre of a police probeCredit: PAGary Neville was at the event where an alleged head-butt left a security guard with a suspected broken noseCredit: GettyFellow class of ’92 star Paul Scholes also attendedCredit: AlamyGuests included David and Victoria Beckham, plus Class of 92 pals Paul Scholes and Gary Neville.A source said: “There was blood everywhere. People were shocked.”The clash followed an afternoon of drinking after 30 people moved on from the private dining room to a bar area at Soho Farmhouse near Great Tew, Oxfordshire.Trouble is said to have flared between 7pm and 8pm after a man left the bar to go outside.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe security guard is said to have spotted the man relieving himself against a courtyard wall.He approached the man and remonstrated with him.It is alleged the man then snapped in a drunken fury and head-butted the guard.Police said they received a report of the alleged assault at 9.15pm, around two hours after it happened and as the extent of the guard’s injuries became known.Most read in FootballOfficers then turned up at the members-only club which also offers £800-a-night cabins.A source said: “The guard went to have a word with the guy causing offence and was then head-butted in the face.Gary Neville tells Match of the Day legend ‘please stop putting me forward as Man Utd manager’“There was blood everywhere and people were shocked as the guard came inside with his face in a total mess.”The Beckhams — who have a £12million estate around the corner from Soho Farmhouse — returned home soon after the ­incident.Butt, Neville, Scholes and their partners also left to be driven back to their homes near ­Manchester.The wounded guard was taken to hospital for treatment to facial injuries.He has given police a full statement and is said to be currently off work recovering from his injuries.Thames Valley Police confirmed their attendance and investigation.Nobody has been arrested so far.Midfielder Butt turned 50 on January 21 and had invited a host of friends to the lunch party last Friday, January 24.They included his teammates from the Class of 1992, a crop of exceptional young United talents who emerged that year and remain close friends.The source added: “There were a few well-known faces there ­including some of the 1992 class and their wives and girlfriends, including Victoria Beckham. “They were there for a lunch to celebrate Nicky Butt’s 50th birthday and the drinks were flowing all afternoon.”The class of ’92 were a cohort of youth players who ascended to the Man U first team in 1992Credit: GettyThe venue was celeb haunt Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: soho farmhouseGuests included David and Victoria BeckhamCredit: GettyThe source added: “It’s the very last place you would expect to hear of that kind of behaviour going on. “Soho Farmhouse is very upmarket and fashionable.“This kind of incident is certainly not a regular occurrence there.“The other guests and staff alike were all shocked about what happened. “It ruined a lovely day.”A police spokesman confirmed: “An assault at a business premises in Great Tew was reported to Thames Valley Police at about 9.15pm on January 24.“It is alleged that a man assaulted a member of security.“Thames Valley Police is conducting a thorough investigation, including taking a statement from and supporting the victim, obtaining and reviewing any CCTV available and taking witness statements.“No arrests have been made at this time.”The Class of 92 formed the nucleus of the Manchester United team which went on to win more than 20 trophies under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Butt, Becks, 49, Scholes, 50, Ryan Giggs, 51, and brothers Gary Neville, 49, and Phil, 48, featured in a 2013 ­documentary about their rise and stellar careers.A second series was made in 2016 and featured the ex-players — minus Beckham — buying Salford City FC.Butt had been CEO of League Two Salford until quitting last year.The six Class of 92 players ­collectively won an extraordinary 120 trophies between them — including two Champions Leagues.Giggs lifted 35 trophies in 963 games for the Red Devils while Butt won 14 in 387 matches.Beckham won 12 in 394 games, Gary Neville got 20 in 602 games and brother Phil, now based in the US, lifted 14 in 386 games.Meanwhile, Scholes won 25 trophies in 718 games.Former England captain Beckham and some of his four children are said to be regulars at Soho ­Farmhouse, which featured in the acclaimed Netflix documentary about him in 2023.A Soho Farmhouse spokesperson declined to comment last night.Nicky Butt played for United between 1992 and 2004Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdGary Neville captained Manchester United for many yearsCredit: PA:Press AssociationPaul Scholes is considered one of the best midfielders to play for the clubCredit: GettyDavid Beckham won many league titles with United, before transferring to Real Madrid in 2003Credit: GettyButt playing in a Manchester United charity gameCredit: GettyWhere the rich relaxULTRA-exclusive Soho Farmhouse has been touted as a “hamlet of hedonism” and “the country retreat for people who would otherwise never go to the country”.Deep in the Cotswolds, it is part of the international Soho House private members club and hosted Meghan’s hen party before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.Soho Farmhouse has been touted as a ‘hamlet of hedonism’Credit: Free for editorial useReality TV queen Kourtney Kardashian and pop star Dua Lipa have visited. Guest speakers have included ex-England and Liverpool footballer Jordan Henderson and actress Billie Piper.Entry is strictly members-only, with a hefty price tag attached.Rooms in the Grade II-listed farmhouse start at £295.Cabins set in its 100 acres cost even more.The rich and famous can relax at the luxury health club, heated pools, and country pub.There is a “lazy lake” with sunken hot tubs, an infrared sauna, plus steam and ice rooms.A “wellness barn” offers pilates, meditation, and fitness classes.Punters also have access to manicures and pedicures, facials and massages. Outdoor pursuits include horse riding, boating, clay shooting or tennis.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuests can marvel at original artworks and tuck into food from top-tier Japanese cuisine to a classic Sunday roast.Soho House owns a range of other swanky spots across the globe, including New York, Paris, Rome and Amsterdam. More

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      Rugby match called off after mass brawl which left one player with a broken jaw

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      AN amateur rugby match was abandoned following a mass brawl in front of shocked spectators.The ruck was sparked when two opposing players were sent off for fighting.An amateur rugby match was abandoned following a mass brawl in front of shocked spectators (stock photo)Credit: AlamyOne, playing for Gravesend then allegedly punched opposition Reeds Weybridge’s coach, who is said to have hit him back — knocking the player out and breaking his jaw.Other players and family and friends on the touchline then piled in on Saturday afternoon, witnesses said.The Regional 2 South East match, in Hersham, Surrey, was abandoned and police called.A witness said: “Throughout the game there were punches thrown and handbags.read more on rugby“Then at the end of the game there were two red cards for fighting.“Gravesend’s player walks off, punches the Reeds coach and he hit him back and it knocked him out.”Officers arrested and later bailed a man aged 30 on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.Another witness said: “What happened was a disgrace, especially with kids present.Most read in Football“The book should be thrown at both clubs.”A horrified dog walker said: “The match ended in a huge fight. It was absolutely disgraceful scenes.”It was a mass brawl with punches and stamps. Children were watching.”I went on a dog walk through Whitley Village. Instead I witnessed a reenactment of Passchendaele.”A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We attended the scene following reports of a facial injury.Eighth-tier football club move into former Rugby Premiership stadium with bigger capacity than Premier League side “One person was assessed and treated before being taken to St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey.”A joint statement from both teams read: “An unfortunate incident occurred towards the end of the game between Reeds Weybridge RFC and Gravesend RFC which saw a Gravesend player get injured.“The incident was dealt with properly at the time by the referee and pitch-side medical support from both clubs.“We would like to reassure our supporters that the player appears to be on the road to recovery and both clubs continue to support all those involved.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The incident was subsequently reported to the relevant authorities.“The management of both clubs have and continue to work closely together but we will not be making any further statements until all investigations have been completed.”The Regional 2 South East match, in Hersham, Surrey, was abandoned and police calledCredit: Getty More

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      Michael Oliver’s family home being guarded by police after referee received death threats following Lewis-Skelly red

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      MICHAEL OLIVER’S family home is being guarded by police, according to reports.The Premier League referee has been subjected to disgusting abuse and even received death threats in the wake of the red card he showed to Myles Lewis-Skelly.Michael Oliver has police protection after receiving death threatsCredit: GettyThe referee sent Myles Lewis-Skelly off for this challenge on Matt DohertyCredit: AlamyOliver, 39, dismissed the Arsenal youngster for his cynical trip on Matt Doherty in the first half of the Gunners’ 1-0 win away at Wolves on Saturday.He deemed the challenge as “serious foul play” – prompting a straight red and a three-match ban. The decision left Mikel Arteta “fuming” while the likes of Ian Wright, Pat Nevin, Keith Hackett and SunSport’s Mark Halsey shared their dismay. Many supporters also vented their anger at the decision.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut some of the reactions from fans were unacceptable as personal messages of hate and even sickening threats to kill Oliver and his two-year-old daughter. It is alleged one person vowed to smash the windows of their house – three weeks after an apparent threat to bomb Oliver’s car, the Daily Mail reports.And now The Times state the referee is under ongoing police protection.A police car was parked in the street of the family home on Sunday morning to check on their safety.Most read in FootballPolice patrols continue to operate around the family home while the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) are investigating the threats. The UKFPU is working with social media companies to track down the senders of the online messages. Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey slams decision not to overturn Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in Arsenal’s win over WolvesA spokesperson said on Monday: “Officers from the UKFPU have launched an investigation after a number of abusive messages were directed toward a referee following a Premier League match.“On Sunday January 26 police were contacted by the UK Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in relation to social media messages directed towards referee Michael Oliver.“Enquiries are in the early stages and officers are working closely with social media providers, including Facebook and X, to identify those responsible for the messages.”The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) released their own statement on Sunday condemning the atrocious abuse.It said: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced.”We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.”Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.”We will continue to support all investigations.”Arsenal were hoping the PGMOL would overturn the decision – as they did when Bruno Fernandes was “wrongfully” sent off against Tottenham in September.But on Tuesday the North Londoners officially lodged an appeal against the red card. As for Oliver, he will return to refereeing on Wednesday when he takes charge of Barcelona vs Atalanta in the Champions League.The official then was handed a huge relegation six-pointer on Saturday as Ipswich host Southampton – but will not be involved at the Emirates on Sunday when Arsenal host Manchester City.READ MORE SUN STORIESOliver, though, did get given the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park with Liverpool making the short trip to face Everton on February 12 in a game rearranged from December due to the storms.The decision to show the red card stunned manyCredit: GettyArsenal players, staff and fans were furiousCredit: GettyThe Gunners have officially launched an appealCredit: Getty More

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      Police open investigations as ref Michael Oliver subjected to ‘abhorrent attacks’ after controversial Arsenal red card

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      POLICE have opened an investigation after referee Michael Oliver was subjected to “abhorrent attacks”.The official sent off Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly during the Gunners’ 1-0 win against Wolves.Michael Oliver has been targeted by ‘abhorrent attacks’Credit: GettyIt has followed his sending off of Myles Lewis-Skelly against WolvesCredit: AlamyThe decision was deemed as controversial and was not changed by VAR.The defender, 18, tripped Matt Doherty as he looked to break away.Replays showed that the Arsenal star’s studs caught the Wolves player.The Premier League confirmed that VAR supported the decision as Lewis-Skelly was guilty of “serious foul play”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe PGMOL have now released a statement confirming that the police have opened an investigation into abuse targeting the referee.It read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced.Most read in Football”We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.”Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.Mikel Arteta ‘absolutely fuming’ after controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red cardMARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly oneJamie Redknapp hit out at the abuse sent to OliverCredit: Sky Sports”We will continue to support all investigations.”Former Tottenham player Jamie Redknapp hit out at the abuse sent to Oliver.Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “It is absolutely disgraceful.”We are getting to the point now with referees where if you are right, you’re right and if you are wrong you are corrupt.”If we get to that point we won’t have any young referees wanting to work in the game.”Michael Oliver is by far the best referee we have I don’t think it is close.”Everyone makes mistakes, they are honest mistakes, we can probably count on one hand how many he has made in his career.”If I was to play one more match in my life he would be the referee I would want to do it.”I hope whoever is giving this abuse is found out.”Meanwhile, former head of the PGMOL Keith Hackett believes Oliver should be dropped following the red card.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was fuming with the decision as he spoke to the media after the match.He said: “It is that clear that I leave it to you guys. I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you – because it is that obvious. I don’t think my words are going to help.”I think it is obvious that we don’t need any comments today, and hopefully, the right thing will happen after today.”Hopefully, we don’t need to (appeal) and, if we have [to], it happened and it’s a really good precedent what happened with Bruno this season as well.”So, hopefully, okay we were in a position we shouldn’t be in.READ MORE SUN STORIES”At least, let’s be in a position that we should be in for the next few weeks and allow that player to continue to do his job.”The manager could even be seen giving Oliver a death stare at full-time.Arsenal legend Ian Wright hits out at Myles Lewis Skelly red card decisionIAN WRIGHT has joined the long-list of former professionals and pundits to be left reeling by the decision to send off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly on Saturday.The cynical challenge left most fans expecting a yellow card, but the Hale End graduate was shown red by referee Michael Oliver instead.Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes led the on-field protests as Arsenal’s players showed their frustration at the decision.And now Gunners icon Ian Wright has weighed in on the incident, claiming that it’s “never a red”.In a video posted on social media by the former Premier Legue bagsman, he fumed: “It’s a joke!”Anyone that has ever played the game, and I’m not even talking Premier League, I’m talking five-a-side, Sunday league, knows that it’s never a red.”Yellow card, nobody says a word. Time and time again, this level of refereeing [and] the decisions in the Premier League… the inconsistency, the excuses, the apologies.”All of them are just the centre of attention for me. We can’t criticise too hard because, where are the refs going to come from? Where are we going to get them?”But I’m sorry, this is the highest level of football and we do not have the highest level of referees. When will the Premier League bring the best refs into the so called ‘best league in the world’?”Because at the moment, with this level of refereeing, we’re nowhere near it. Nowhere near it.” More

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      Joey Barton tells court he ‘has temper’ – but denies ‘kicking wife in the head as their kids slept upstairs’

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      JOEY Barton today told a court he can “lose his temper” but denied he kicked his wife in the head as their kids slept upstairs.The former footballer allegedly attacked Georgia Barton at their home in Kew, South West London.Joey Barton, pictured arriving at court today, is accused of shoving his wife to the groundCredit: RexBarton, seen with wife Georgia outside court today, allegedly attacked his wife before their anniversaryCredit: PABarton, 42, and Georgia had both drunk “four or five bottles of wine” with two other couples when a row erupted.Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard the ex-Man City star threatened to fight his wife’s brother and father in a “verbal disagreement about a family matter”.Barton then “grabbed [Georgia] and pushed her to the ground and kicked her in the head”, it was said.The court heard that as a friend tried to intervene, Barton “threw” him off and said “don’t disrespect me”.Read more court newsGeorgia, who was left with a lump on her forehead and a bleeding nose, called police shortly after 11pm to “report she had been hit by her husband”.During a tearful 999 call played to the court, she said: “Me husband’s just hit me in the house.”He’s in the house, I’m outside.”Asked if anything similar had happened before, she said: “No, it’s the first time,” adding that she had been hit “in the face”.Most read in FootballWhen police arrived at around 11:30pm, Georgia told them: “I’ve been pushed down and kicked about and stuff.”He said he was going to fight with my brother and my dad.”Barton was arrested at about midnight in his bedroom, where he had been asleep, and was still drunk.The couple are still married and living together, the court heard.Giving evidence, Barton admitted he had drunk “six to eight” drinks when the alleged attack unfolded.He told the court there had been a “disagreement” and he “stupidly took me mate’s side”.Barton continued: “We just got into petty name calling.”We ended up getting a bit more agitated and were close to each other.”The former footballer admitted he was someone that “on occasion” might lose his temper.But he denied the claims against him, saying: “If I kicked someone in the head there would be a lot more damage than what’s alleged in this case.”Barton was due to face trial in 2022 after pleading not guilty to assault by beating but this was halted when Georgia retracted her claims.The High Court ruled last year that the trial could go ahead and that the previous decision to drop the case was “wrong in principle”.Barton married his childhood sweetheart in a lavish ceremony in 2019 at a country house in Oxfordshire.The couple have two children together – a son born in 2011 and a daughter born in 2014.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Barton denies a single charge of assault by beating and the trial continues.Barton has denied assault by beatingCredit: PAHe allegedly attacked his wife, seen with Barton in 2011, after drinking up to five bottles of wineCredit: Getty – ContributorBarton married childhood sweetheart Georgia in 2019Credit: Instagram / Georgia McneilThe former manager’s trial continuesCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘Screams heard in tunnel’ after Benfica vs Barcelona clash with police forced to intervene in scuffle involving Raphinha

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      POLICE were forced to intervene after a mass brawl reportedly erupted between Barcelona and Benfica players.The Catalan giants staged an incredible comeback from 4-2 down to win 5-4 in the Champions League last night.Raphinha was involved in an altercation with Benfica players and the police supposedly intervenedCredit: RexBarcelona won the match with a controversial 96th minute winnerCredit: GettyBarca’s win was not without huge controversy as Benfica were adamant they should have had a penalty in 96th minute.But the referee did not give it and Raphinha immediately went up the other end to score a last-gasp winner.After a lengthy VAR stoppage, which would in effect decide the match in either way, the hosts’ spot-kick claims were denied and Barca’s goal stood.Emotions ran high at full-time and tempers supposedly boiled over in the tunnel.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere was reportedly a brawl between Barcelona and Benfica players and “screams” were heard.Police allegedly had to intervene, escorting Raphinha away and guarding the doors to both teams’ dressing rooms.Asked about the incident by Movistar, the ex-Leeds star said: “I’m a person who respects everyone, but when I was leaving the pitch there were people who insulted me. “I returned the insults. I know I shouldn’t do it, but I returned the insults. In the end we all got heated. Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”They could have understood the situation, but they preferred to insult me. “I’m a person who doesn’t take anything home, what they say to me, they’re going to hear it too. Ronaldinho scores stunning free-kick aged 44 as Barcelona legend proves he’s still got it in El Clasico Legends game “It was something that happened, we were all heated, but it’s normal in football after the end of a match like this.”In the crazy game, three penalties were given, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny wiped out his own team-mate as Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis netted a hat-trick and Barca star Ronald Araujo scored an own goal.Before his winner, Raphinha made it 4-2 with an effort called “the weirdest goal ever” by fans.Benfica stopper Anatoliy Trubin booted the ball up the pitch but it hit the Brazilian winger’s head from 25 yards out and flew into the open net.At full-time, the Portuguese club’s manager Bruno Lage delivered a passionate team talk on the pitch.Wojciech Szczesny charged out of his goal and wiped out his team-mate to leave Benfica with an open goalCredit: TNT SportsRaphinha scored a header from outside the box after re-directing the keeper’s clearanceCredit: TNT Sports More