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    A quarter of footy fans claim to have ‘encyclopaedic’ knowledge of game as Newcastle legends stage pub takeover

    A QUARTER of football fans reckon they have an “encyclopaedic” knowledge of the game.And can reel off facts about their club’s history, stadiums around the world and former pundits of footy shows.
    A quarter of footy fans claim to have ‘encyclopaedic’ knowledge of the gameCredit: Reuters
    A poll of 2,000 fans of the beautiful game found 26 per cent could list the players who wore the armband for their team, and 24 per cent could discuss random managers from back in the day.
    Nostalgia plays a big part in the knowledge of football fans – as 23 per cent are in their element chatting about players from the ‘90s.
    And 16 per cent love reminiscing about retro kits from their childhood. 
    It also emerged that 54 per cent think football conversations are the best way to break the ice – and 52 per cent have found themselves nattering to a stranger in a pub about it.
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    The research was commissioned by Budweiser Brewing Group, who alongside TNT Sport set up a pub takeover in Newcastle.
    It was hosted by former stars Nolberto Solano and Andrew Cole, and presenter Will Brazier – ahead of the Magpies clash against Paris Saint-Germain next Tuesday.
    The research went on to find that 65 per cent have learnt their knowledge about football by sitting through hours and hours of matches over the years.
    While 41 per cent have learnt from talking with other fans, and 37 per cent attribute it to reading articles online.
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    Whereas 24 per cent believe they have gathered their know-how because of the time they have spent in the pub watching games with other fans.
    When it comes to catching a game at the local, 53 per cent love the lively atmosphere it generates, and 42 per cent enjoy the big screen experience.
    Nearly one in three (31 per cent) of pubgoers enjoy being able to watch the action unfold with their favourite pint, and the same percentage love being able to celebrate with other fans.
    More often than not, 38 per cent always try to catch the really big games at the pub, as 56 per cent agree it is the next best place to watch football after being in the stadium itself.
    On average, viewers arrive nearly 25 minutes before kick-off – with 58 per cent of those polled via OnePoll wanting to get there early to grab a drink before the game gets underway.
    Jean David Thumelaire from Budweiser Brewing Group said: “We know that for football fans, pubs are among their favourite places to enjoy the beautiful game.
    “And we can only imagine the excitement for Newcastle fans, seeing their club back playing European football.
    “To celebrate our partnership with TNT Sport, helping pubs create memorable experiences for their customers, we can’t wait to open the doors for a night to remember – no matter the outcome.”
    Budweiser is inviting fans to watch the Champions League clash on Tuesday, November 28th at The Grove and take part in a Q&A with the former St James’ Park favourites.
    Top 25 football trivia fans know all aboutThe research was commissioned by Budweiser Brewing Group who surveyed 2000 footy fans
    1. The history of the club they support
    2. Former captains of the club they support
    3. Who used to present and be pundits on football shows (e.g., Match of the Day)
    4. Random managers from back in the day
    5.  Stadium names from around the world
    6. Past winners of certain competitions
    7.  Random players from the 1990s
    8.  Nicknames of certain players
    9. Wondergoals scored throughout the years
    10. Club chants
    11. Retro kits from back in the day
    12. Football games they played when growing up (e.g., FIFA or Football Manager)
    13. Former club shirt sponsors
    14. Record transfer fees
    15. How much certain players cost
    16. Terrible refereeing decisions from games over the years
    17. Player’s hairstyles from when they were growing up
    18. Different competitions which no longer exist (e.g., UEFA Intertoto Cup)
    19. Seemingly meaningless matches from when they were growing up
    20. The hometowns of football players
    21. The next big player coming through their club’s academy
    22. How many goals certain players scored in their careers
    23. Capacities of stadiums across the country
    24. How certain players wore their kits (long-sleeved shirts, socks down low, etc)
    25.  How many international caps do certain players have More

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    Fulham ‘ahead of Man Utd and Liverpool in Brazil wonderkid race as Marco Silva targets huge double transfer’

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Liverpool have suffered a blow in their battle to sign Brazil star Andre Trindade, according to reports.SunSport exclusively revealed that Fulham were desperate to beat their Premier League rivals to the signing of the Fluminense  midfielder.
    Andre Trindade could join Fulham in JanuaryCredit: Getty
    The Cottagers are in the market for a playmaker amid interest in Joao Palhinha, who nearly joined Bayern Munich in the summer.
    And The Standard are now reporting that Fulham are leading the chase for Andre.
    He has emerged as one of the best talents in South America and has three Brazil caps to his name.
    The 22-year-old has been on the radar of Liverpool for some time and they tried to sign him in January.
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    But Fluminense refused to sell during their Copa Libertadores campaign.
    And it proved to be a wise decision, with the Brazilians going on to win the South American equivalent of the Champions League.
    Now, with the domestic campaign ending next month, they are open to selling the player.
    Club president Mario Bittencort even has an agreement with the him that he could leave in January.
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    They are set to demand a fee of £30million for Andre.
    Fulham reportedly moved ahead of Man Utd and Liverpool after chief Alistair Mackintosh flew to Brazil for face-to-face talks last week.
    He was there as Fluminense beat Boca Juniors in the final of the Copa Libertadores too.
    Fulham are also potentially in for a new striker after losing Aleksandar Mitrovic prior to the start of the season.
    Marco Silva will supposedly be backed in the transfer market after penning a new contract at the club and he is keen on Wolfsburg ace Jonas Wind.
    The 24-year-old Dane has interest from many sides and has nine goals in 13 games this season.
    Jonas Wind is attracting interest from several sidesCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd fans say ‘someone should take the chequebook off Ten Hag’ after attempt to complete transfer for 34-year-old ace

    MANCHESTER UNITED boss Erik ten Hag tried to sign Thomas Muller in January, according to reports.The Dutchman is claimed to be a big admirer of the Bayern Munich veteran.
    Thomas Muller has scored one goal for Bayern Munich this seasonCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag is seeking January reinforcementsCredit: Getty
    Ten Hag, 53, coached Bayern’s second team between 2013 and 2015 while Muller was a key player for Pep Guardiola.
    According to German outlet Bild, the Red Devils boss wanted to bring Muller to Old Trafford last season.
    They add that it was felt that the 34-year-old’s experience could benefit United.
    And that Ten Hag and Co could try again for Muller in this season’s January transfer window.
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    The German has had an hugely decorated career: lifting 12 Bundesliga titles, six DFB Pokals, two Champions Leagues and the World Cup.
    In total he has played 680 times for Bayern, scoring 237 goals and laying on 261 assists.
    His importance to the German giants has been on the decline, however.
    This season he has started just four of his side’s 15 Bundesliga and Champions League games.
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    He has netted one goal, and laid on a further four assists.
    Seeing links with Muller, some United fans were unimpressed.
    One wrote on social media: “Someone needs to take the cheque book off Erik.”
    While a second fumed: “These are signings should have made in the previous decade.”
    A third blasted: “In a team that has no physicality or energy, Erik wanted to sign a player who’s legs have gone? Luckily transfers wont be in his hands soon.”
    Another added: “Just need to purchase a good walking stick.”
    Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to take over football operations at United when he completes his imminent 25 per cent partial takeover.
    The Ineos chief is set to back Ten Hag with a transfer war chest in January.
    Man Utd currently sit sixth in the Prem, five points off the top four. More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea dealt huge transfer blow as wonderkid signs for agency who represent hatful of Tottenham stars

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Roony Bardghji.The 18-year-old star burst on to the Champions League scene in Copenhagen’s dramatic 4-3 victory over the Red Devils.
    Roony Bardghji has been linked to Premier League clubsCredit: AP
    The Copenhagen star with new agent Christian EmileCredit: Instagram @christianemile
    Bardghji scored the winner in the 87th minute to leave United in danger of crashing out of Europe.
    Despite his young age, he has already made 66 first-team appearances and he has scored ten goals in 23 games this season.
    The winger has been tipped to become a future star and he has been snapped up by agency CAA Base.
    His new representative Christian Emile said: “He’s one of the most exciting talents in the world and also the future of Swedish football since Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
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    “It’s natural that he is being monitored by major clubs.”
    On the chance of him leaving Copenhagen, Emile added: “It’s too early to say now but one thing is for sure, you’ll get used to seeing Roony perform on the biggest stage.”
    Man Utd, Chelsea and Newcastle are all reportedly keen on signing the wonderkid.
    But Tottenham will now fancy their chances of tempting Bardghji to North London.
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    This is because CAA Base look after several Spurs players.
    They already have James Maddison, Heung-min Son, Richarlison, Pedro Porro, Pape Sarr and even manager Ange Postecoglou on their books.
    CAA Base have plenty of experience in the Premier League as they also represent Eberechi Eze, Raphael Varane, Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier. More

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    I’m a Brazil legend now working for Disney… Erling Haaland is a Mickey Mouse finisher compared to me

    BRAZIL legend Luis Fabiano insists he would have done a lot better than Erling Haaland if he had the same opportunities as the Manchester City superstar.Haaland has set the world alight with a staggering 69 goals in 71 appearances for City since moving to the Etihad from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
    Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland has broken a raft of records alreadyCredit: Getty
    Luis Fabiano insists he would have eclipsed Haaland’s exploits if he had the same chancesCredit: Instagram @luisfabianooficial
    Fabiano was one of the most prolific Brazilian goalscorersCredit: AFP
    Many claim the Norway international is already one of the best strikers in the history of the game despite the fact he’s only 23 years old.
    The ex-Red Bull Salzburg star broke Premier League records on his debut season .
    One of them saw Haaland become the Prem’s all-time leading goalscorer in a single campaign.
    However, Fabiano insists he would have eclipsed all of the Norwegian star’s exploits if he had the same chances as him.
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    The former Sevilla hero was no slouch himself as he amassed a total of 229 goals in 489 appearances throughout his 19-year career.
    The ex-Porto ace also registered 28 goals in 45 caps with Brazil until his retirement in 2017.
    And the 43-year-old, who now works as a commentator for Disney, argues he would have made a much bigger impact if he had the same team-mates and opportunities in front of goal as Haaland.
    Fabiano told Benja Me Mucho: “I would also break all the records that Haaland has.
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    “With that team there, with the opportunities he has? I would still break his record. Now, do ‘one, two’ with him.
    “Thanks to my team-mates too [when I scored]. But then there’s my quality in front of goal.
    “Haaland has 30 opportunities and scores three goals. If I had 30 opportunities, I would score 10 or 20 goals. That’s it. the difference.” More

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    Why is Man City vs Liverpool on Sky Sports at 12:30pm instead of TNT Sports?

    MANCHESTER CITY and Liverpool go to war for the Premier League’s top spot – but there has been a slight altercation on where to watch it.The Treble winners will be determined to return to winning ways after letting two points slip at Stamford Bridge before the international break.
    Manchester City thrashed Liverpool 4-1 when the sides last metCredit: AP
    While red-hot Liverpool are hoping that they can build on a solid 3-0 victory against Brentford that same weekend.
    However, fans are confused as the match will be televised in an unusual time slot on Sky Sports.
    Why is Man City vs Liverpool on Sky Sports at 12:30pm instead of TNT Sports?
    A local safety advisory group – which includes members of the police – were concerned about the prospect of an early evening kick-off when Manchester City face Liverpool.
    There have been several issues with fan trouble and behaviour surrounding the fixture in the past, so Premier League chiefs have made the decision to bring the match forward instead.
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    In December a 15-year-old girl was left ‘scarred for life’ after being struck by a pot weighted with coins that had been thrown from the away section.
    Arsenal were initially scheduled to take on Thomas Frank’s Brentford side at 12:30pm on Saturday, November 25.
    However, the fixture has now been moved to 5:30pm.
    When is Man City vs Liverpool?

    Manchester City’s thrilling Premier League encounter against Liverpool will take place on Saturday, November 25.
    It is scheduled to get underway at 12:30pm GMT
    Etihad Stadium is the allocated arena for this huge top-of-the-table clash and it can host approximately 53,400 fans.
    Pep Guardiola’s men thumped Liverpool when the sides last met in April.

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    Panel who gave Everton ten-point deduction will also decide on £300m lawsuit brought by Premier League rivals

    THE panel that hit Everton with a ten-point deduction will also decide if other clubs are due compensation. Teams impacted by the Toffees’ financial fair play breach could launch a £300million claim.
    The panel could hit Everton with a further punishmentCredit: PA
    Burnley, Leeds and Leicester are understood to be preparing legal action and could sue for £100m each.
    They have 28 days from receiving the ruling last Friday to formally make a complaint.
    The Premier League have confirmed that the independent regulatory commission that docked Everton ten points will also be in charge of any lawsuits.
    David Phillips KC, judge Alan Greenwood and ex-finance director Nick Igoe lead the group.
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    Phillips previously said: “I am satisfied that the applicant clubs have potential claims for compensation.”
    Everton broke the FFP rules after breaching profit and sustainability regulations.
    The club recorded losses of £44.7m during the 2021/22 season and it meant their three-year total losses were worth £124.5m.
    That amount is £19.5m above the Prem’s rules that do not allow any team to lose over £105m over three years.
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    Everton will appeal the decision and they will also appeal any compensation claims from other clubs.
    It has been reported that the club’s new owners 777Partners would be unable to pay up if hit with a £300m bill and they could be heading for administration.
    Further speculation says Burnley and Leicester have the strongest claims.
    The Clarets were relegated in the 2021/22 season, the year Everton breached the rule and would’ve stayed up if the ten-point penalty was sanctioned then.
    Sean Dyche’s side were charged in March and the Foxes went down last term after the commission did not decide on the punishment until this season.
    If Everton’s deduction were applied last campaign, Leeds and Southampton still would have been relegated.
    Everton are now in a relegation battle More

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    Former Man Utd star looks unrecognisable without long hair 24 years after one of worst Premier League blunders

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans will struggle to recognise one of the club’s most famous flops these days.The former goalkeeper joined United shortly after their Treble triumph in 1999 under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson to replace the great Peter Schmeichel.
    A Manchester United flop looks completely unrecognisable these daysCredit: Getty
    The now 53-year-old sported a set of brown floppy hair as he sat between the sticks for the Red Devils.
    But now Reggina’s former sporting director has traded his famous locks for a shaven cut his 6ft 3in frame has broadened.
    The Italian started strong at Old Trafford following his £4.5million move from Venezia but his performances quickly took a turn for the worse.
    The shot stopper put together a Man of the Match display on his debut against Liverpool at Anfield where United won 3-2.
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    The keeper than started in a 1-1 draw against Wimbledon and then committed one of the most infamous howlers in Premier League history, which led to a swift exit.
    That took place during a 3-3 draw with Southampton when a long-range shot from Matt Le Tissier went straight at the Italian who dropped to the ground to scoop the ball but it rolled underneath his body.
    His final appearance took place soon after in a 5-0 loss at Chelsea and that led to his departure in January 2000 as he joined Reggina.
    Have you figured the mystery man yet…?
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    But it’s of course none other than Massimo Taibi himself!
    Taibi went on to have quite a nomadic career playing for four different Italian clubs.
    His gaffe at Southampton is still remembered, but he insists it was an honest mistake.
    Taibi previously said: “It was just one of those things which happen to goalkeepers. I’ve seen plenty in England and Italy, believe me.
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    That is of course none other than Man Utd flop Massimo TaibiCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Taibi only played four times for Man Utd during his short stintCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Taibi is still remembered for his howler against SouthamptonCredit: AFP – Getty
    “Going through the legs, it looks ridiculous, but it happens often. It’s not the first, it wasn’t the last.
    “I had a similar incident like that at Torino. It happens. It’s an accident, not an error.
    “An error is to come out for the ball and miss it but an innocuous shot which goes through your legs is just a total accident.
    “Unfortunately, the week after, we went to Chelsea and lost 5-0 and as I couldn’t play in the Champions League having already been registered with [AC] Milan.
    “Ferguson decided, rightly, to sit me out for a little, to give me time to learn the language.” More