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    Peter Schmeichel reveals hotel corridor fight with Roy Keane and moment Man Utd legend was busted by journalist

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Peter Schmeichel has recalled a bust-up he once had with former team-mate Roy Keane.Schmeichel joined the Red Devils from Danish side Brondby in 1991 and quickly established himself as one of the most important players in Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad.Peter Schmeichel has recalled his bust-up with Roy KeaneCredit: Stick to FootballThe two United stars clashed at a hotel in SingaporeCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe goalkeeper went on to make 388 appearances during his eight-year spell at Old Trafford and won 11 major trophies.But things were not always perfect behind the scenes.Schmeichel once came to blows with fellow United icon Keane while on a trip to Singapore.Discussing the clash on the Stick to Football podcast by Sky Bet, Gary Neville said: “You ended up wrestling on the floor in a hotel corridor in Singapore with each other.Read More on Man Utd”It was two o’clock in the morning, it was late at night and you two ended up in the corridor with each other, basically brawling.”Schmeichel went on to explain: “You can take any footballer who has been in situations like that, and I don’t see that as important.”It irritates me that things like that are brought up sometimes because it’s so irrelevant. It goes back to the same thing.”We were those kinds of people back then and would do anything to win. It kept you in a certain mentality.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Then you start playing and you become like that. There’s no way I can be like this now, it’s too much energy.”The former goalkeeper then added: “We were in Tokyo the next day and I had to do a press conference, and it was funny. I had a little scar, and the media asked where I got that from. Roy [Keane] hurt me.Sir Alex Ferguson picked on me after a Man Utd game but nearly sacked me for my reaction “They thought I was taking the p***, but it was just funny that we had to do that the next day.”Schmeichel left Man Utd on a high after winning the treble at the end of the 1998-99 campaign.He went on to play for Sporting Lisbon, Aston Villa and Manchester City. More

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    Premier League fans vote for major rule changes they would make including VAR scrapped and offsides gone

    FOOTBALL fans revealed what they would change about the beautiful game – including bigger goals, an all-star match and fans live voting for substitutions. And scrapping VAR was not the No1 priority – with better scheduling and travel support for away games among the top picks. Football fans had their say on the changes they want to seeCredit: GettyPlenty of supporters want to see the back of VARCredit: PAA poll of 2,000 adults who attend football matches found 54 per cent think their away-day experience could be improved as fans bemoan inconvenient kick-off times and not being able to drink at their seats.One in four fans felt that better scheduling of away games should become a key focus for rulemakers. Two-thirds (67 per cent) reported increasingly feeling like an ‘afterthought’ from football’s authorities, with trouble tracking down tickets also among the reasons even the most loyal football fans miss out on attending games.But the most in-demand change was to introduce a salary cap for all teams. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe research was commissioned by UK shot brand, Fireball, which whisked away four Salford City fans with a thrilling helicopter ride to and from their team’s recent match against Newport County.Ex-England star and club co-owner Paul Scholes also surprised the supporters as they headed off on the 400-mile round trip to South Wales.He said: “We wanted to show fans that we massively value their support both home and away, and want to make the game day experience as fun and exhilarating for them as possible.“We’re already known for offering subsidised away travel, something which this research shows football fans clearly care about.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAccess to safe standing within football grounds emerged as one of the top three changes that fans want.Meanwhile, 19 per cent think managers should be able to challenge refereeing decisions.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowAnd more than a tenth (12 per cent) would be happy to see an ‘All-Star’ game, made of two sides featuring the league’s best players.Among the more bizarre responses to what changes fans would like to see in the game were adding half-time musical performances (ten per cent) and half-time cheerleader displays as standard (13 per cent).There were even suggestions of live tweets and memes displayed around the pitch and binning offside altogether as well as fancy dress-themed matches and even the chance for regular punters to take to the field.The typical respondent who took part in the study by OnePoll.com stated they watch as many as 11 games live each year, with 70 per cent believing it is important for football rules to adapt and evolve in line with modern technology and play styles.Top 20 changes football fans wantIntroduce a salary cap for all teamsGreater travel support from clubs in getting to away gamesBring back/increase the number of safe standing terraces in stadiumsBetter scheduling of away gamesBanning VARAllow managers to challenge refereeing decisionsBan foreign ownership of clubsLetting fans drink alcohol at their seats in stadiumHalf-time cheerleader showsCreate an All-Star game with the league’s best playersDigital billboards showing funny football memes and live tweets mid-gameGetting rid of offsides so there are more goalsThe chance for regular people in the crowd to get brought onto the pitchSuperbowl-style half-time musical performancesPost-match fireworksLetting fans decide substitutions by live-votingIntroduce pre-game penalty shootouts to break potential tiesIncrease goal sizes to encourage more goalsIntroduce multi-ball for the last ten minutes of the gameFancy-dress themed matchesLorenzo Farronato, spokesperson for Fireball Whisky, said: “Our research has shown that the match-going experience isn’t always a party, especially for away games that often involve long journeys, late nights and high costs.“We think game day – as well as all other experiences shared amongst friends – should be fun and that fans should always come first.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Football is a dynamic and evolving sport, and fans are always seeking ways to make the game even more exciting.“We brought the heat to midweek for Salford fans, we’ll continue to infuse more fun and mischief into the moments they share with us.”Drinking in view of the pitch was another top priority for manyCredit: FireballPaul Scholes surprised four Salford City fans with a helicopter ride to and from NewportCredit: FireballCheerleaders were key for some supportersCredit: AFP – GettyFancy dress even made it into the top 20Credit: PA More

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    Micah Richards calls out winner of Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson after training session with Kate Abdo’s husband Malik Scott

    MICAH RICHARDS wants to fight the winner between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson after training with Kate Abdo’s husband. The former Manchester City defender was taken on the boxing pads by coach and ex-fighter Malik Scott, who married presenter Abdo in September. Micah Richards wants to fight the winner between Jake Paul and Mike TysonCredit: CBS SportsMalik Scott training Richards on the padsRichards showed off his boxing skillsKate Abdo is now married to boxing coach ScottCredit: Instagram / katescottRichards fires off combinations to the surprise of his CBS panel including Jamie Carragher and Thierry Henry. Host Abdo asks: “Very nice. Misfits Boxing? Celebrity fight, will that be calling for you? “Have we got any beef with anyone we can settle? Let’s make some money.”Richards, 36, replied: “Jake Paul’s fighting Mike Tyson, isn’t he? So, I’m next. Iron Mike Jr is what they’re calling me.”READ MORE IN footballBut Arsenal legend Henry warned: “Be careful what you wish for.”YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, 27, faces heavyweight boxing icon Tyson, 58, on November 15 in a controversial clash. Tyson has not fought professionally since 2005 and was forced out of the original July 20 fight after suffering an ulcer flare up in his stomach. But he has been deemed medically fit to resume training and will undergo additional brain and heart exams ahead of the fight. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPaul, who is 10-1 as a boxer, spoke out amid criticism of the bout, which will be Netflix’s first live boxing event. He told the Daily Mail: “I would say say it to Mike Tyson’s face and see what happens.Mike Tyson sends chilling warning that Jake Paul ‘has to go’ as he claims ‘I started his career, now I’ll finish him’ “Mike does what Mike wants to do, and he’s the one that you know wanted to make this a pro fight. “He’s still wanting to do it, and he believes he can beat my ass truly behind the scenes. “To him, age is just a number, and he does look athletic, he does look strong, and he does look good on the mitts so we’ll see how it translates to the ring.”Mike Tyson faces Jake Paul on November 15Credit: Getty More

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    Former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew reveals why he axed Hatem Ben Arfa despite him being an ‘unbelievable talent’

    FORMER Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has revealed why he axed cult hero Hatem Ben Arfa from the first team.Ben Arfa joined the Magpies in a permanent transfer from Marseille in 2011 and quickly became a fan favourite.Alan Pardew has revealed why Hatem Ben Arfa left NewcastleCredit: PA:Empics SportBen Arfa left the Magpies in January 2015Credit: Action Images – ReutersHe showed flashes of brilliance throughout his stay at St. James’ Park but struggled with consistency, largely due to a series of injury problems.The attacking midfielder eventually joined Hull City on a short-term loan before being released by Newcastle in January 2015.Ex-manager Pardew has now revealed why Ben Arfa didn’t always play despite being such a “talent”.Speaking on talkSPORT, the 63-year-old said: “Unfortunately for Hatem – who was an unbelievable talent and if you asked which player you’d want to give the ball to to beat two defenders of the players I’ve had in the past it would be him – but I did not play him all the time.Read More in Football”He antagonised staff and players. He had this way of upsetting the camp. His defensive work was zero. But he was a tremendous talent on the ball.”After leaving Newcastle, Ben Arfa joined French side Nice in a free transfer and was able to reignite his career.He scored 18 goals and provided seven assists in his first full season at the club.His impressive form saw him earn a move to Paris Saint-Germain.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe midfielder has since played for Rennes, Real Valladolid, Bordeaux and Lille.However, Ben Arfa has been without a club for the last two years.He left Lille on a sour note back in 2022 after falling out with several team-mates and then-manager Jocelyn Gourvennec.SunSport has contacted Ben Arfa for comment.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers More

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    Bukayo Saka left looking ‘so helpless’ in bizarre moment Conor McGregor tries UFC moves on Arsenal star

    CONOR McGREGOR had Bukayo Saka left looking “so helpless” after trying some of his famous UFC moves on the Arsenal star. The Irishman was a special guest at the Emirates as the Gunners beat PSG 2-0 thanks to goals from Saka and Kai Havertz. Conor McGregor tries his UFC moves on Bukayo SakaDeclan Rice and Saka pose with McGregorCredit: @thenotoriousmmaMcGregor poses on the Emirates pitchCredit: @thenotoriousmmaHe was the star of the show in North LondonCredit: @thenotoriousmmaMcGregor poses with the Arsenal VIP boxCredit: @thenotoriousmmaDespite the scoreline, McGregor was the real star of the show as footage emerged of him on the pitch with the likes of Declan Rice. But he hilariously gave Saka a quick MMA masterclass and began kicking and grappling the England international. Saka, not really knowing what to do, had fans feeling sorry for him. One said: “Saka looked so helpless.”READ MORE IN football Another added: “He literally tried to knee stomp the best player at Arsenal. Saka must have been so worried for his career.”One joked: “Dude’s like get off of me HAHAHAHA.”Another said: “When he went to grab Saka, I honestly thought he was going to take him down.”Manchester United fan McGregor posted behind-the-scenes snaps of his trip to North London. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe enjoyed a kickabout on the pitch and posed for photos with Rice and Saka while showing off his view from the VIP box. McGregor, 36, has not fought since 2021 when he broke his leg in the cage.And he suffered further setback when his June 29 comeback bout against Michael Chandler, 38, was cancelled amid a toe injury. McGregor now hopes to return to the octagon by next year. Conor McGregor names his top five MMA fighters of all time including WWE legend and actor nicknamed ‘The Handsome One’ More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo admits ‘I haven’t got much time left’ as Man Utd legend drops biggest retirement hint yet

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has hinted that retirement might be on the horizon after admitting “I haven’t got much time left”.The Manchester United icon claimed he has changed his focus away from individual accolades after scoring the winner for Al-Nassr on Monday.Cristiano Ronaldo has implied that he’s edging closer to retirementCredit: ReutersAfter scoring for Al-Nassr against Al-Rayyan on MondayCredit: GettySpeaking after their 2-1 win, Ronaldo said: “I’m just enjoying playing football now as I know I don’t have much time left on the pitch. “It is not important to me now to be the best player or to win awards. “What is important to me now is to enjoy and help my team.”The Portugal star dedicated his goal to his late father Jose Dinis Aveiro after scoring on what would have been his 71st birthday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe five-time Ballon d’Or scored his 904th career goal – the first to achieve such a feat – and continues to play for Portugal.Ronaldo’s retirement hint comes just a month after he admitted that he realised his career was entering its final phase.Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Ronaldo said: “I’m going to miss the adrenaline of scoring a goal, and the feeling of being nervous.”I think I’m going to miss that other part of me, but I can control that. I have good people around me, good business, I have good things.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I give everything, to 40, 41, it doesn’t matter. I give my body for 25 years of football and I cannot give more because age doesn’t allow it to go further.”Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr contract expires next summer and it is unclear if the striker will pen a new deal or seek a move elsewhere. Cristiano Ronaldo ‘agreed to rejoin Man Utd with Real Madrid star in £200m deal’ Ronaldo is yet to win a Saudi Pro League title, having to settle for second best to Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, since his 2022 move from Man Utd.The 39-year-old remains in outstanding shape and shows no signs of relenting as a player.Monday’s notch, means he has now officially scored more goals in his 30s (441) than he did during his 20s (440).His deadly left foot finish was his seventh in eight appearances this term.Since leaving European football he has scored 65 times in 72 outings for Al-Nassr.The Euro 2016 winner has represented the likes of Man Utd, Real Madrid and Juventus, amassing 33 major trophies in that time. More

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    Bukayo Saka shares hilarious picture with Arsenal Invincibles icon who ‘almost lost legend status’ for shock statement

    BUKAYO SAKA shared a hilarious picture with an Arsenal Invincibles icon who “almost lost his legend status” after a shock statement.Saka is already one of the Gunners’ star players at the age of 23.Bukayo Saka linked up with an Arsenal legend who made a shock statement last monthCredit: PAThe winger has already clocked up 235 games, scoring 60 goals in the process after netting in last night’s win over Paris Saint-Germain.And he’s just eight appearances away from a half-century of England caps too.However, Saka and his fans were left shocked after a huge call from an Arsenal hero.The winger was put up against Manchester City and Belgian rival Jeremy Doku to decide who the better player was.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe awkward question was put to none other than Invincibles star Robert Pires.He won two titles and two FA Cups in 284 games for the Gunners.Yet Pires astounded the Emirates faithful by declaring Doku to be better than Saka.Speaking last month he said: “Bukayo still lacks a certain level of consistency and experience, especially in the big games.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Perhaps this season, especially in the Champions League, he will show a more convincing face than season when it counts.“For example, in my opinion, Doku from Manchester City is a bit better because he is technically stronger, has better dribbling skills and is more imaginative.”Watch Thierry Henry awkwardly admit ‘I saw Bukayo Saka at the Arsenal academy and didn’t think he’d be that good’Robert Pires risked the wrath of fans by claiming that Jeremy Doku was better than SakaCredit: PAThe pair met up for a brilliant photo as Saka declared they were ‘friends again’Credit: Instagram @bukayosaka87Pires’ comments caused a backlash from Arsenal fans, forcing him into a grovelling U-turn last month.The Frenchman said: “I want to clarify that I think Bukayo Saka is an amazing player and I have huge respect for him.“A while ago I was asked to compare him to another player. I said the other player had better skills in some areas.“This does not mean the other player is better. I genuinely think Saka is better and a fantastic No7.”Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Havertz makes striker spot his own… but Calafiori shows chinks in his armourKAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie.But Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.DAVID RAYA – 7Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home.Helplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.A mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.GABRIEL – 7Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.DECLAN RICE – 7Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.THOMAS PARTEY – 8So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.BUKAYO SAKA – 7After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.KAI HAVERTZ – 9Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6Looked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/ANow, a day after Saka scored in Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League win over PSG, the hatchet appears to have been buried.Saka and Pires posed together for a smiley selfie in the home dressing room, with Saka cheekily captioning it: “Friends again.”This saw relieved Arsenal fans declare that Pires has been completely forgiven.One said: “Almost lost his legend status for that wild statement.”Another declared: “We almost cancelled this man because of you.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Future legend with legend.”Another added: “Still can’t believe of all people he tried to say Doku is better.” More

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    Ten Hag’s former Man Utd coach hints at ‘problem’ between fan favourite and manager and says ‘he needs to play more’

    FORMER Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has questioned whether Erik ten Hag has a “problem” with an exciting fans’ favourite.Boss Ten Hag is arguably under heavier pressure than at any time in his two-year reign ahead of two daunting away games in three days.Erik ten Hag must start Alejandro Garnacho more, says Benni McCarthyCredit: RexEx-assistant coach McCarthy spoke out on current United starsCredit: GettyThursday night’s Europa League clash at Porto is followed by a Premier League trip to Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.Ex-England chief Gareth Southgate and Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi have been talked up as possible replacements if Ten Hag departs Old Trafford.Former Porto and Blackburn striker McCarthy can now take a more detached look at things after leaving United in the summer when his two-year coaching deal ended.The South African has suggested Ten Hag lacks “fire and passion”.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd he’s also singled out two starlets he reckons should be leading the Red Devils’ revival bid.McCarthy is a big admirer of wingers Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.And it’s the Argentinian’s situation that appears to concern McCarthy most.The 46-year-old told zerozero: “I really like Garnacho, but he needs to play more regularly.Most read in Europa LeagueMarcus Rashford is rediscovering his best form, says McCarthyCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I don’t know if there’s a problem between him and Erik, but he hasn’t been a regular starter.”Meanwhile, McCarthy called Diallo an “incredible, incredible player, still little known”.’He’s done!’ | How woeful tactics & Dalot shocker saw Spurs smash Man Utd to spell end for Ten HagThe one-time West Ham man added: “He defends and attacks well, always makes the best decisions and knows how to score goals.”McCarthy also believes under-fire England frontman Marcus Rashford is “getting back to his best and could hurt Porto with some moves”.And he reckons United centre-back Lisandro Martinez could play “for any team in the world because he has the right mentality”.Whether Ten Hag agrees with all of that is unclear.That’s especially because McCarthy revealed he and the Dutchman have contrasting personalities.He claimed the former Ajax chief “lacks a bit of that fire, that passion. That’s where we differ, him and I”.Man Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5. More