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      Man City fans taunt Man Utd supporters with cheeky Glazers chant after Sir Jim Ratcliffe takeover update

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      MANCHESTER CITY fans taunted rival United supporters with a cheeky chant about the Glazers. The American Old Trafford owners have been under pressure by the United faithful to leave the club after 13 unpopular years.
      Man City fans taunted rival United supporters with a cheeky chant about the GlazersCredit: Getty
      And they looked set to finally do so having put the footballing giants up for sale.
      United fans looked on course to celebrate new owners after Sheikh Jassim closed in on a multibillion deal.
      But that was until he withdrew his £5BILLION offer – leaving Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the clear to take over.
      Britain’s richest man has since agreed a £1.35billion deal for a 25 per cent takeover of the Red Devils.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      It will mean the Glazers will still remain at the club – something City fans are clearly happy with.
      They chanted during their home match with Brighton: “Glazers staying 10 more years.”
      Despite a slight delay to that being confirmed, the Ineos chief wants to be granted control of football operations at United. 
      And he is hoping to be in charge for the January transfer window.
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      Ratcliffe is believed to be an admirer of under-pressure boss Erik ten Hag.
      But the futures of Richard Arnold and John Murtough under Ratcliffe remain unclear.
      A number of the six strong Glazer family members on the United board were happy to sell to Sheikh Jassim entirely.
      But Joel Glazer, in control of the process, was in favour of keeping majority shares in the club, unless Jassim upped his bid again.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe is closing in on a Man Utd takeoverCredit: AFP

      Avram and Joel GlazerCredit: AFP More

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      Sir Geoff Hurst leads Sir Bobby Charlton tributes as last survivor of England World Cup winning squad hails ‘true great’

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      SIR GEOFF HURST led the tributes for Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton, who has died aged 86. The 1966 World Cup winner passed away after a brave battle against dementia for the past three years.
      Tributes have been paid to Sir Bobby Charlton following his death aged 86Credit: Getty
      Sir Geoff Hurst, now the last survivor of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team, led the tributesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Sir Bobby was hailed by Gary Lineker as the greatest-ever English footballerCredit: Getty
      Hurst, now the last surviving member of the 1966 World Cup-winning team, led the way with an emotional tribute.
      He tweeted: “Very sad news today 1 of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him & nor will all of football
      “A great colleague & friend he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone. Condolences to his family & friends from Geoff and Judith.”
      Gary Lineker hailed Sir Bobby as the greatest English footballer in history.
      READ MORE ON SIR BOBBY
      He tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear that Sir Bobby Charlton has died. A truly wonderful footballer and genuinely lovely man.
      “A World Cup winner, Man Utd great and, for me, England’s greatest ever player. He may no longer be with us but he’ll have footballing immortality. RIP Sir Bobby.”
      United icon Gary Neville wrote: “So sorry to hear the news of Sir Bobby Charlton.
      “The Greatest English Football player and Manchester United’s greatest ambassador.
      Most read in Football
      Charlton, bottom right, scored twice in England’s 1966 World Cup final win over West GermanyCredit: Getty
      Sir Bobby’s older brother Jack passed away in 2020Credit: PA
      “A champion on and off the pitch and a Busby Babe that paved the way for all to come at United. Rest In Peace Sir Bobby.”
      England football’s Twitter account said: “It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton.
      “An integral part of our 1966 FIFA World Cup winning campaign, Sir Bobby won 106 caps and scored 49 times for the Three Lions.
      “A true legend of our game. We will never forget you, Sir Bobby.”
      Ex-United striker Eric Cantona said: “Rest in peace dear Sir Bobby Charlton. One of the best of all time
      Former England and Chelsea captain John Terry said: “RIP Sir Bobby Charlton Heartbreaking news.
      “A True great and a wonderful man. My condolences are with the Charlton family at this terribly sad time. LEGEND.”
      TalkTV host Piers Morgan said: “RIP Sir Bobby Charlton. Survived the Munich air disaster to become England’s most iconic footballer.
      “Won the World Cup. Won the European Cup. Won the Ballon d’Or.
      “Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the game he loved. A legend and a gentleman.”
      talkSPORT presenter Jamie O’Hara said: “RIP to a football icon Sir Bobby Charlton.”
      A message from Uefa read: “On behalf of the entire European football community, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the game’s true greats. Rest in peace, Sir Bobby.”
      The Premier League tweeted: “The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest players in English football history.  
      Sir Bobby is one of United’s most legendary playersCredit: PA:Press Association
      Sir Bobby remained involved at United long after his retirementCredit: PA:Press Association
      “Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Sir Bobby’s family and friends, and to all at Manchester United.”
      United’s rivals Arsenal said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton.
      “Our thoughts are with Sir Bobby’s family, friends and everyone connected with Manchester United at this time. May he rest in peace.”
      Chelsea noted: “Everyone at Chelsea Football Club is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton.
      “Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family, friends and those at Manchester United at this difficult time.”
      Former boxer Frank Bruno said: “Bobby Charlton RIP certainly one of the greatest English players of the 60’s & 70’s. We met on many occasions he always called me Big Man or Big Frank.
      “When you look at his life story from being 1 of the Busby Babes and his amazing goals just revisit them on the net. He was a Legend with a capital L sad day for World football.”
      Musician and Black Sabbath bass guitarist Geezer Butler tweeted: “Sad to hear of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, an absolute legend, probably the greatest ever English footballer, and a thoroughly nice man.
      “I was honoured to meet him when Man Utd played Aston Villa in 2010. RIP Sir Bobby.”
      A statement from Sir Bobby’s family on Saturday afternoon confirmed his passing.
      It read: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning.
      “He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him.
      “We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.” 
      Former club United paid with an emotional statement ahead of tonight’s Premier League game at Sheffield United.
      It said: “Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club.
      “Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.
      Sir Bobby was a survivor of the 1958 Munich air disasterCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      Sir Bobby’s achievements will never be forgotten by England and Man Utd fansCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      “He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game.
      “A graduate of our youth Academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup.
      “For England, he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals for England, and won the 1966 World Cup. Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club with distinction as a director for 39 years.
      “His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever etched in the history of Manchester United and English football; and his legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation.
      “The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him.”
      Sir Bobby, whose brother Jack died in 2020, made his name at United where he won three league titles, an FA Cup and the club’s first European cup.
      He helped lift the club from the ashes following the devastation of the Munich air disaster, which killed eight of his team-mates. Sir Bobby survived the crash.
      Along with George Best and Denis Law, he was part of the Busby Babes side that famously lifted the European Cup at Wembley in 1968, captaining the side to a 4-1 win over Benfica.
      He played 758 games in red, scoring 249 goals.
      Charlton served as a member of United’s board of directors and even had the South Stand of Old Trafford named after him.
      As an England star, he scored twice in the Three Lions’ 4-2 World Cup triumph over West Germany in 1966 and retired with 106 caps and 49 goals.
      After leaving United in 1973, Charlton moved to Preston for a year before taking his career on the road, playing in Ireland and Australia.
      Read More on The Sun
      Charlton was knighted in 1994 for his services to English football and remains one of our most influential players. More

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      Chelsea vs Arsenal LIVE: Saka and Martinelli START for Gunners – Stream, Premier League latest updates

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      CHELSEA are up against big rivals Arsenal in a tasty Premier League clash TONIGHT at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are coming into the game off the back of two wins over Fulham and Burnley while the Gunners overcame Manchester City before the international break.

      Start time: 5.30pm BST
      Stream/TV: Sky Sports PL
      Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Cucurella, Silva, Mudryk, Sterling, Enzo, Palmer, Caicedo, Colwill, Gusto, Gallagher
      Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Jorginho, Rice, Ødegaard; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli

      CHELSEA – ARSENAL GET 30/1 ON 1+ GOAL TO BE SCORED
      Follow all the action with our live blog below…
      Poch hoping to earn Spurs
      Maurico Pochettino is no stranger to the importance of matches against Arsenal, having taken charge of Tottenham in 13 North London derbies.
      And now the Chelsea faithful will be hoping he can bring a bit of his magic to the Bridge.
      Pochettino has never lost a Premier League home game against the Gunners, winning three and drawing three of his six such meetings.
      Overall, his sides have only failed to score in two of his 13 league meetings with the Gunners, though they’ve never scored more than twice in a match.
      Arsenal welcome back Saka
      The big news in the Arsenal camp is that Bukayo Saka has recovered from his recent hamstring trouble.
      The England star is joined in Mikel Arteta’s front three by Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, who is rewarded with a start after his match-winning contribution against Manchester City last time out.
      Meanwhile, Jorginho starts in midfield against his former club as David Raya continues in goal; Aaron Ramsdale isn’t even on the Arsenal bench with Karl Hein named as the visitors reserve keeper this evening.

      Arsenal (4-3-3): 22 Raya; 4 White, 2 Saliba, 6 Gabriel, 35 Zinchenko; 8 Odegaard, 20 Jorginho, 41 Rice; 7 Saka, 9 Jesus, 11 Martinelli
      Substitutes: 31 Hein, 5 Partey, 10 Smith Rowe, 14 Nketiah, 15 Kiwior, 19 Tomiyasu, 19 Trossard, 24 Nelson, 29 Havertz

      Gusto back for Blues
      Mauricio Pochettino makes two changes to the side that he sent out at Burnley before the international break.
      The Argentina welcomes back Malo Gusto in defence, and his inclusion at right-back means that Marc Cucurella reverts to his favoured left-back position while Levi Colwell moves into the centre; Axel Disasi drops to the bench.
      Meanwhile, Mykhailo Mudryk returns in place of Armando Broka to face the club that he almost joined in January. The Ukrainian plays in a front three with Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer, and could yet operate through the middle.
      Conor Gallagher captains the side in a midfield trio with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.

      Chelsea (4-3-3): 1 Sanchez; 27 Gusto, 6 Silva, 26 Colwill, 3 Cucurella; 23 Gallagher, 25 Caicedo, 8 Fernandez; 20 Palmer, 10 Mudryk, 7 Sterling
      Substitutes: 28 Petrovic, 2 Disasi, 5 Badiashile, 11 Madueke, 15 Jackson, 16 Ugochukwu, 24 James, 29 Maatsen, 36 Washington

      Tide turning between rivals
      Chelsea have enjoyed much of the 21st century when it comes to matches against Arsenal, but that hasn’t been the case in recent season.
      The Blues have lost five of the last six Premier League meetings with the Gunners – as many defeats as they had endured in the previous 25 games against them.
      The recent run of defeats include the last three meetings at Stamford Bridge, and another today would mean a new Premier League record.
      The last side to win four consecutive league visits to Chelsea were Watford between 1981 and 1986.
      Gunners favourites for capital clash
      Chelsea’s upturn in form hasn’t been impressive enough to stop the bookmakers from chalking unbeaten Arsenal up as favourites for this Londond derby at Stamford Bridge. In fact, a home victory is the outside bet of the three possible outcomes.

      Chelsea win 11/5
      Draw 21/10
      Arsenal win 13/10

      Odds from Paddy Power correct at the time of post publication.
      Good afternoon from Stamford Bridge
      Welcome to live SunSport coverage of the Premier League clash between Chelsea and Arsenal.
      It’s the first instance of North London taking on West London in the top-flight this weekend, but ahead of Tottenham’s home match with Fulham on Monday, this is a chance for Arsenal to regain top spot.
      The unbeaten Gunners will move back to the summit with a win, but face a Blues outfit recently rejuvenated by Mauricio Pochettino.
      The Stamford Bridge have won their last two matches on their travels and now need to translate that goalscoring, winning football to games on home soil.
      However, Mikel Arteta’s men are one of the sternest tests in English football right now, and could yet be boosted by the return of Bukayo Saka.
      It’s a 5.30pm kick-off in the capital, and team news will be with us very shortly. More

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      Bobby Charlton was the greatest player England ever had – I feel sorrow for the millions who never saw him in the flesh

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      SIR BOBBY CHARLTON was an inspiration to his Manchester United and England team-mates and to everyone else who knew him as a man of unimpeachable integrity.Charlton received his knighthood in 1994.
      Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away at the age of 86Credit: Getty
      Charlton won the World Cup with England in 1966Credit: Getty
      He made 758 appearances for Manchester UnitedCredit: PA
      Charlton will forever be a Manchester United iconCredit: Getty
      Because of his brilliance as a player, his high principles and humility on and off the field, he was treated with the kind of esteem worldwide usually reserved for Royalty.
      Roy of the Rovers was every schoolboys’ comic hero from the moment he made his unforgettable Manchester United debut in 1956.
      It’s pertinent that 17-year-old Charlton, the Geordie boy from the mining village of Ashington, and the real-life version of Roy of the Rovers, signed professional forms for United the very same year.
      He pulled United’s famous red jersey over his head on 758 occasions and the one with a Three Lions badge 106 times.
      Read More on Sir Bobby
      And to emphasise the manner in which he conducted himself as a proud servant of his club and country, Charlton was cautioned just twice.
      The first was against Argentina in the 1966 World Cup quarter-final at Wembley.
      The second against Chelsea — probably after being on the receiving end of one of Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris’ leather-studded calling cards.
      Charlton scored no less than 249 goals for United and 49 for England winning the World Cup, European Cup, First Division championship and FA Cup.
      Most read in Football
      And he also received the Ballon d’Or in 1966 — awarded to the best player in Europe at that time.
      He retired in 1973 which means only the fans who are well over 50 had the good fortune to see the midfield maestro in the flesh.
      When Charlton was in his prime, football was completely different to what it is now.
      It’s like comparing a horse and buggy to a Rolls-Royce.
      It seems ludicrous today but back in the 1950s and 60s there was only one game allowed to be seen on TV — the FA Cup final. Match of the Day didn’t even start until 1964.
      When I was a teenager the only way I could see the Gods of the English game, superstars of their era like Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Tom Finney, Wilf Mannion, John Charles, Bert Williams, Len Shackleton, Nat Lofthouse and Johnny Haynes was to go through the turnstiles.
      Watching the great players on TV is rewarding but there is no real substitute for the thrill of soaking up the atmosphere of a live performance.
      That’s why I feel a pang of sorrow for the millions who never had the opportunity to see Charlton racing at defences with the speed and grace of a gazelle — not easy with a ball glued to your feet.
      And it was a never-to-be-forgotten sight whenever he finished the run with a rocket shot that flew past the goalkeeper and into the net.
      Charlton was the United and England engine room. Everything flowed through him.
      He controlled the action because of his intelligent reading of the game and the pin-point accuracy of his passing. He split defences with the ease some football writers split infinitives.
      As a West Ham fan I’ve had my own heroes to drool over — Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst and Sir Trevor Brooking being just three.
      When it comes to Charlton, tribalism doesn’t exist. I have no doubt he was the greatest all-round footballer this country has ever seen.
      And it’s possible a few Liverpool Kopites might even agree with me.
      There isn’t a shadow of a doubt he ranks among the giant talents that majestically plied their trade on foreign fields — Pele, Diego Maradona, Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, Johan Cruyff, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
      Charlton incredibly survived the Munich air crashCredit: Getty
      And if anyone needs confirmation about Bobby’s bravery and strength of character the mental fortitude he showed  after the Munich air crash in 1958 is hard to believe.
      Pulled unconscious from the carnage by keeper Harry Gregg he spent a week in hospital before going home to Ashington to recuperate.
      You can’t imagine the anguish he must have gone through having seen eight of his Busby Babes mates killed. He was only 20.
      Yet just 15 days after leaving Munich he played for United in a sixth-round FA Cup tie against West Bromwich Albion.
      The modern multi-millionaire stars would probably need counselling for a month before they recovered sufficiently to play again. 
      I was lucky enough to have seen most of the 12 goals Charlton scored against the Hammers and quite a few of the 22 he hit for England at Wembley.
      But there’s one that stands out. It was as important as it was beautiful.
      England were awful in the goalless draw against Uruguay in the opening game of the 1966 World Cup.
      They badly needed a win against Mexico.
      Picking the ball up in his own half, Charlton went on one of those thrilling runs he was famous for, streaking straight at the heart of the Mexican defence.
      With the defenders backing off him, Charlton unleashed a 30-yard right-foot shot that screamed into the net.
      Charlton was admired and respected all over this planet.
      He was modest and humble to a fault. Wherever he travelled he was recognised and often seemed embarrassed at the adulation he received.
      Read More on The Sun
      The United icon continued to be a significant presence in and around Old Trafford after retiring from footballCredit: Getty
      Sir Geoff Hurst, paying tribute to him on his 80th birthday, summed him up perfectly when he said: “He’s a self-effacing individual who didn’t recognise how great he was. He was probably one of the most gifted players of this or any other generation.”
      We realise there’s no such thing as perfection — but I humbly submit where Sir Bobby Charlton is concerned he was pretty damned close to it. More

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      Sir Bobby Charlton dead: Manchester United and England World Cup hero dies aged 86 after dementia battle

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      ENGLAND’S 1966 World Cup winning hero Sir Bobby Charlton has tragically died aged 86.The former Man Utd legend passed away after a battle with dementia just a week after celebrating his birthday.
      Sir Bobby Charlton has died aged 86Credit: Getty
      The legendary midfielder is considered one of England’s greatest talentsCredit: PA
      Sir Bobby’s wife Norma revealed his battle with the disease in 2020Credit: PA
      His heartbroken family confirmed today that the Sir Bobby “passed away peacefully” during the early hours of Saturday morning, surrounded by his loved ones.
      A statement from the family read: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning.
      “He was surrounded by his family. His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him.
      “We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”
      Read more on the footballing legend
      Manchester United also paid their respects to the legend and said the club is in mourning following the news.
      They said: “Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.”
      His brother Jack, who died aged 85 in July 2020, had also suffered with the disease in his later life.
      And brother Gordon died in January aged 79 after a battle with cancer and dementia.
      Most read in Football
      Sir Bobby is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
      He played in the Three Lions’ World Cup triumph in 1966 and went on to win Ballon d’Or later that year.
      He also scored 249 goals in 758 games for Manchester United – helping them to their first ever European Cup win in 1968.
      Despite playing as a midfielder, Sir Bobby netted a further 49 times in 106 games for England.
      He spent almost all of his playing career at Man Utd and was renowned for his passes and long-range shots.
      Sir Bobby survived the Munich Air Disaster in 1958 that killed eight of his teammates.
      His wife Lady Norma revealed the star’s battle with dementia in November 2020 in a bid to “help others”.
      The sad news furthered calls to investigate the link between football and dementia more vigorously.
      Nobby Stiles, Martin Peters, Jack Charlton and Ray Wilson have all died since 2018 after living with dementia.
      Sir Bobby was born on October 11, 1937, in mining village of Ashington, Northumberland.
      He joined Utd when he was 15 and made his league debut against Charlton where he scored twice despite a sprained ankle.
      The star’s manager Matt Busby said of Sir Bobby: “There has never been a more popular footballer.
      “He was as near perfection as man and player as it is possible to be.”
      In his personal life, Sir Bobby famously fell out with brother Jack, who also helped steer England to World Cup glory.
      Jack accused his brother of not visiting their mother Cissie before her death in 1996.
      Sir Bobby then revealed his wife Norma had been locked in a rift with Cissie and the footballer had taken his spouse’s side.
      In 2007, he spoke of their tumultuous relationship after claiming Jack said some ‘absolutely disgraceful’ comments about his wife.
      Bobby told the Guardian: “[Jack] came out in the newspapers saying things about my wife that were absolutely disgraceful. Nonsense.
      “Ask anybody that ever met my wife: ‘hoity-toity’ is not a word they’d use.
      “My brother made a big mistake. I don’t understand why he did it. He couldn’t possibly have known her and said what he said. I was astonished.”
      MANCHESTER UNITED STATEMENT IN FULL
      Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club.
      Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world.
      He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game.
      A graduate of our youth Academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup. For England, he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals for England, and won the 1966 World Cup.
      Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club with distinction as a director for 39 years.
      Read More on The Sun
      His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever etched in the history of Manchester United and English football; and his legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation.
      The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him.
      Sir Bobby played in England’s World Cup triumph in 1966Credit: Getty
      He won the Ballon d’Or as the world’s best player in the same yearCredit: Rex
      Nobby Stiles with Bobby and his brother Jack on Brocton Hall Golf Course in StaffordshireCredit: Getty
      Sir Bobby pictured with his brother JackCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Bobby is pictured with Sir Alex Ferguson and Mark Hughes after an FA Cup win More

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      Fans ask ‘how do I turn the Rio Ferdinand feature off?’ as TNT Sports pundit apologises for Merseyside derby commentary

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      RIO FERDINAND’S commentary on the Merseyside Derby generated a mixed response from football fans this afternoon.The Manchester United legend was on punditry duty for TNT Sports ahead of the game, but he moved up to the commentary box after kick-off.
      Rio Ferdinand was on co-commentary during the Merseyside DerbyCredit: TNT Sports
      Ferdinand reacted to a chance from Dominik SzoboszlaiCredit: AP
      Ferdinand, 44, joined Ally McCoist in providing analysis throughout the match.
      But he jokingly issued a quick apology to viewers after reacting to a shot from Dominik Szoboszlai.
      As the midfielder unleashed a powerful strike from around 30 yards out, Ferdinand shouted: “Wow!”
      Which prompted commentator Darren Fletcher to say: “I think Rio thought he was in!”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Szoboszlai’s shot narrowly flew over the crossbar, but Ferdinand was convinced that Jordan Pickford wouldn’t have been able to save it if it was on target.
      Ferdinand then added: “If that was on target I don’t think Pickford’s got enough to get it.
      “Sorry guys, I can’t control myself up here!”
      Fans took to social media to react to Ferdinand’s commentary, with one person writing: “Hi @tntsports – how do I turn the Rio Ferdinand feature off?”
      Most read in Football
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      Another added: “Rio Ferdinand on co comms 😴.”
      A third fan said: “Please get a microphone away from Rio Ferdinand.”
      While a fourth commented: “I speak for every football fan when I say please keep Rio Ferdinand as far away from that commentary box as possible in the future.”
      However, some fans loved hearing the ex-England defender on commentary.
      One person said: “Rio Ferdinand is like a fan commentating on the game but I actually love it.”
      Liverpool went on to win the Merseyside Derby 2-0 thanks to goals from Mohamed Salah.
      Liverpool won the match 2-0 thanks to goals from Mohamed SalahCredit: Reuters More

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      Liverpool 2 Everton 0: Salah seals controversial Merseyside derby win against ten-man Toffees after VAR awards penalty

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      MO SALAH produced as he always seems to do at Anfield with the bullet that sent Sean Dyche and his players deep towards the blues.The Egyptian superstar marked his 150th home game with a scorcher from the spot and nobody can argue that for all Jurgen Klopp’s £150m summer re-brand he remains the inspiration of the side.
      Mo Salah celebrates after he broke the deadlock from the penalty spot against EvertonCredit: PA
      Ashley Young was given his marching orders for the Toffees in the first halfCredit: Reuters
      Salah’s second eight minutes into time added on confirmed Liverpool’s 99th Merseyside derby victory.
      He has now been involved in 29 goals in his last 24 Premier League clashes and has hit the net a spectacular 18 times in that stunning sequence.
      Yet Dyche rightly headed away furious that having seen Ashley Young sent off for a second yellow in the first half Liverpool were not also reduced to ten men a dozen minutes before Salah decided this off-colour affair.
      For Ibrahima Konate, surely, should have walked.

      The central defender was booked soon after the break for whipping Amadou Onana’ legs from under him.
      He then blocked the turn of substitute Beto – who had replaced Dominic Calvert-Lewin – but referee Craig Pawson showed leniency when he had not earlier to Young.
      Dyche, it was, who got a yellow instead for remonstrating on the touchline, and few could blame him given the parameters set by Pawson.
      His opposite number Klopp certainly knew he had dodged a different type of bullet than the one fired by Salah.
      Most read in Football
      Within seconds Konate had been hooked in favour of Joel Matip – a tacit admission by the Liverpool boss that he knew his side had got lucky.
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      Everton were then raging as Ibrahima Konate escaped a second yellow for this foulCredit: TNT Sports
      The French defender was then instantly taken off and replaced by Joel MatipCredit: TNT Sports
      To rub salt into Dyche’s wounds the penalty award that saw Salah open the scoring in the 76th minute came as a result of a VAR decision that sub Michael Keane had handled.
      The centre back right arm was dangling as Diaz crossed from the left and the ball clearly made contact.
      Referee Pawson didn’t look convinced but VAR David Coote advised him to go to an on-field review and the Toffees’ fate was effectively sealed.
      Salah finished it off in style, too.
      He cleverly kept himself on – side during a late, late counter attack before accepting Darwin Nunez’ pass and sliding the ball beyond Jordan Pickford.
      Dyche fumed in his trademark white shirt but Young’s dismissal, the 23rd red card of this derby in the Prem era, really was black and white.
      Veteran Young, 38,  stormed down the tunnel yelling at Klopp but he only had himself to blame.
      He had already been booked 18 minutes in for a cynical clip on Diaz and not long later referee Dawson should also have cautioned him for kicking the ball away.
      Young was brought in by Dyche to add his vast experience but he looked like a young buck trying to make a name for himself as he then dived in on the Colombian on the edge of the box.
      This 243rd clash between the Stanley Park locals had hardly been much of a passion play up to that point.
      But Young’s rush of blood momentarily changed all that.
      Beaten on the outside by his opponent the right back clearly caught him in his desperation to prevent a cross.
      Salah sealed the win in additional time after a Liverpool breakawayCredit: PA
      The fury he then displayed will, deep down, really have been directed at himself. He should have known far better.
      Young departure forced Dyche into trying to close up shop in the second half, wingers Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil sacrificed for Nathan Patterson and Keane.
      Yet has the Everton manager sent his players out to dig trenches he will have known that Calvert-Lewin had missed the best chance of the match up to that point.
      There were only 55 seconds on the clock when Alexis Mac Allister fluffed a pass on the edge of his box.
      McNeil pounced and delivered a delicious cross.
      Calvert-Lewin climbed well above a statuesque Virgil van Dijk but headed straight at Allison who would go on to become the first goalkeeper since the legendary Ray Clemence in the Seventies to keep four successive clean sheets in a Merseyside derby.
      Liverpool have now only lost one of their last 29 meetings against the Toffees but this was not one to brag about.
      Dyche’s side went into the game having won three of their last four games in all competitions and while they gave up 73% possession in the first half before Young saw red goalkeeper Pickford had a fairly easy time of it.
      He did spill a pile driver from Mac Allister in the 34th minute before gratefully making up for that error but Klopp’s men were mainly reduced to a clutch of showboat strikes.
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      Pickford did produce a stunning tip – over to deny another sub in Harvey Elliott as the game moved into overtime.
      But for Dyche this was a matter of what might have been had referee Pawson stuck to the letter of the law with Konate just as he had done with Young. More

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      in Soccer

      TNT Sports cameras zoom in on Pickford’s penalty cheat sheet on water bottle… moments before Salah scores from spot

      by

      JORDAN PICKFORD’S penalty cheat sheet was spotted before Mohamed Salah scored from the spot.TNT Sports cameras zoomed in on the Everton keeper’s water bottle as he prepared to face Salah’s penalty.
      TNT Sports cameras zoomed in on Jordan Pickford’s water bottle
      Pickford’s cheat sheet could not help him save Mohamed Salah’s penalty
      Liverpool were awarded a spot-kick following a VAR review after the ball struck Michael Keane’s outstretched arm.
      As Salah lined up to take the penalty, Pickford could be seen picking up his water bottle.
      Once he had put it down, cameras zoomed in on the bottle, showing he had a breakdown of Liverpool’s penalty takers printed onto it.
      The cheat sheet appeared to show where the Reds players put their penalties and their success rate.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      However, it did not help the Toffees keeper as Salah sent him the wrong way to break the deadlock.
      In scoring, Salah notched his 200th career league goal as well as tallying his 28th goal contribution in his last 24 league appearances.
      Reacting to Pickford’s bottle on X, formerly Twitter, one fan joked: “Jordan Pickford had a bottle of Mo Salah’s penalty percentage and still didn’t save it.”
      Another Liverpool supporter wrote: “Looks like Pickford’s water bottle didn’t help.”
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      Everton had defended well to frustrate their Merseyside rivals prior to the goal.
      Despite being reduced to 10 men before the interval as Ashley Young was shown a second yellow card.
      Pickford has previously used a penalty cheat sheet when facing spot-kicks for Everton.
      Eagle-eyed fans spotted a chart on his bottle back in May after he saved a penalty from James Maddison against Leicester.
      A similar breakdown of spot-kicks was also seen in 2021 during a match against West Ham. More