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      ‘Get him out’ fume Southampton fans after captain Jack Stephens sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair

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      JACK STEPHENS had Southampton fans pulling out their hair after he tried to do the same to Marc Cucurella’s. The Saints were down 2-1 to Chelsea when the defender was involved in a penalty box clash with Cucurella. Jack Stephens was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hairCredit: Amazon PrimeCucurella went down in a heapCredit: ReutersStephens was slammed by Saints fansCredit: AFPAnd replays revealed he pulled on the Spanish left-back’s hair – causing Cucurella to fall to the ground. Upon VAR replays, Tony Harrington was left with no choice but to show the Southampton captain red. And one Saints fan fumed: “Strip him of the club captaincy. Ridiculous.”Another raged: “Jack Stephens once again getting himself sent off? Pathetic excuse of a captain.”READ MORE IN footballOne said: “When we self destruct it’s always special how we go about it”Another added: “GET HIM OUT OUR F***ING CLUB RIGHT NOW.”Stephens was banned for three games earlier in the season after his sending off against Manchester United in September. Axel Disasi opened the scoring on seven minutes following a corner but Joe Aribo levelled soon after. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollowing a mishap at the back, Christopher Nkunku restored Chelsea’s lead before Noni Madueke made it 3-1. Stephens was then shown red five minutes from the break to leave Southampton with an almighty task of turning the game around. Chelsea ended the game as 5-1 winners with Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho adding to the scoring. More

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      Former Premier League star, 33, leaves China in tears after earning £175m in seven years as ‘bubble’ era comes to an end

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      FORMER Chelsea star Oscar has left the Chinese Super League after earning £175MILLION in seven years. The Brazilian joined Shanghai Port in 2017 for £60m and went on to win three league titles in the Far East. Chelsea star Oscar has left Chinese Super League Shanghai PortCredit: https://www.instagram.com/oscar_emboaba/Oscar was left in tears as he bid goodbyeHe leaves with three league titles in ChinaBut now his contract, worth around £25m a year, has expired leaving him a free agent aged 33 meaning he is the last of the Chinese Super League “bubble” to leave.And the midfielder was left in tears after his last game for Shanghai as he waved goodbye to fans. Oscar was recently linked with a move back to Europe while Internacional in his homeland Brazil are also monitoring his situation. Inter manager Eduardo Coudet said: “Our only goal, the player we are going to try moving forward, is Oscar. I want to bring in Oscar.READ MORE IN football”I’ve already spoken to his manager, he can’t stand me anymore. I want Oscar.”The board ask me not to talk, but sometimes I talk too much.”Oscar left Internacional in 2012 when Chelsea landed the exciting star.He spent four-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge where he racked up 38 goals in 203 appearances for the Blues.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDuring that time, the 48-cap Brazil international won two Premier Leagues, the League Cup and the Europa League as well as the club’s Goal of the Season award twice.But he stunned fans when he became one of the highest-profile footballers to leave for the Chinese Super League.The ex-Sao Paulo star surpassed 200 games for Shanghai Port and captained the side. Oscar guided the Red Eagles to the Chinese Super League title in both 2018, 2023 and 2024 – as well as the FA Super Cup in 2019.How Ruben Amorim unleashed Rashford with game-changing Zirkzee role ahead of Man Utd v Arsenal More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Salah scores twice in draw with Newcastle, Chelsea thrash Saints and City win – updates

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      FOOTBALL fans were treated treated to a midweek special with a lorry load of blockbuster Premier League clashes earlier tonight. League leaders Liverpool scrapped for a point in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Newcastle.Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest to end their run of seven games without a win. Elsewhere, Chelsea kept up their unbeaten run in Premier League as they thrashed struggling Southampton 5-1. Kick off times: 7.30pm/8.15pm GMTTV/Stream FREE: Amazon Prime VideoFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Not awareMikel Arteta insists he had no idea Liverpool had dropped points going into the final quarter of an hour of Arsenal’s game with Manchester United.Do we believe him?He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I didn’t know as I was so happy celebrating in the dressing room.”We got that news, but it is difficult to win this league. It is still very early.”Copy linkCopiedNever an issue with PepKevin de Bruyne has rubbished rumours of a falling out with Pep Guardiola after starring for Manchester City in their win over Nottingham Forest.He told BBC Sport: “Today is hopefully a first step to improve.”It’s good to change the momentum. In some games we lost there were periods we weren’t playing bad.”I know a lot has been said. There have never been issues between me and Pep. He knows I’ve been struggling. It’s painful and uncomfortable. I want to be back on the pitch. I felt good at the start of the season. I’m working hard to get back with my body. Maybe it’s going to be an up and down moment from now.”Hopefully I can get back to my body with not much pain and then I’ll be fine.”Copy linkCopiedStill a couple of games to goIt’s been some midweek already – and it’s not finished there.Two more games to come on Thursday night:Fulham vs BrightonBournemouth vs TottenhamCopy linkCopiedLost outRuben Amorim says the concession of goals from set pieces killed the game and believed there was nothing in the game outwith that.He told Match of the Day: “The set pieces changed the game. We could’ve been more aggressive towards the Arsenal box. Until the set pieces the game didn’t have too many opportunities for both sides, the set pieces killed the game.”They can put a lot of players near the goalkeeper and it’s almost impossible to fight for the ball but we have to manage to defend them and we already know we have to be better.”We were committed and we lost to the set pieces.”Copy linkCopied’Special day’Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal could’ve scored more than the two they did from set pieces today on a special milestone for the club.He told Match of the Day: “A special day, 500 games in this stadium. We scored two set pieces, but we could’ve scored from open play many more. We lost two massive players for us in our backline but the team are still responding.”The game opened up a little bit and we looked a real threat. Very pleased. It’s a joy to play in this stadium with that energy, it’s something incredible.”It was one of the best [set-piece performances], we could’ve scored more and I’m very pleased with that.”Copy linkCopiedMad gameIt certainly was an eventful night at St James’ Park – and the stats back that up.Twice trailing, Liverpool thought they’d won it late on before Fabian Schar’s late equaliser.33 shots at goal across the night. Terrific.Copy linkCopied’Really proud’ Eddie Howe has revealed he’s proud of his players after a dramatic draw with Liverpool.He told Amazon Prime Sport: “How do I feel? Positive, that was much better from us. You know with the quality Liverpool have off the bench we could have an issue and that’s what happened.”But our mental quality came to the fore and we got the equaliser. We had chances to make it 2-0, we scored three goals and looked dynamic and energetic.”I am really proud. We went toe-to-toe and matched them, it’s our best of the season. Our gameplan was to be ourselves which is difficult against a team like Liverpool, it’s a delicate balance.”Copy linkCopiedBacking his keeperMore from Arne Slot, who has backed his goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher after his costly mistake for Newcastle’s late equaliser.He told BBC 5 Live: “He has done remarkably well for us and even today he was good for us.”Unfortunately, he misjudged the situation.”Copy linkCopiedSpeaking of O’NeilSpeaking after tonight’s drubbing, he said he has ‘no concerns’ about his position.He said: “It was nowhere what it takes to compete at this level. We spoke about the physicality and test it would bring and we didn’t manage to cope. “We gave ourselves no chance again in the game. To concede the first goal, not being able to get the wall in the right place after the work that goes in.“The amount of goals we concede and how vulnerable we look from direct play and when teams put us under pressure is something that needs fixing and incredibly quickly.“It’s going to take a lot of work to fix it.“There’s a large part of me and a large part of the players who need to fix it. We’re working very hard to make sure we do fix it.  “I understand it (the chants towards him) fully. I’ve been here for what feels like quite a long time now. We’ve had some incredible moments, we’ve achieved some incredible things, some away wins, Stamford Bridge, West Brom, the ease in which we were able to move away from relegation last year despite what everyone thought, and so far this esason we’ve not been able to replicate that and I’m happy to accept my part of the blame.“I have no idea (whether he’ll get the chance to continue). That’s not in my control. I have zero concerns about my position. I’ll give everything until I’m asked not to.”Copy linkCopiedManagers in troubleTell you something, it’s not been a great midweek for the managers under pressure.First Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham were thumped 3-1 at Leicester last night.Russell Martin watched his Southampton side ship five goals in a hammering from Chelsea.The only one to get a result was Sean Dyche, who inflicted huge pain on Gary O’Neil and Wolves, who must now be clinging onto his job given their current issues.Copy linkCopiedPep: “Win all that matters”Pep Guardiola admits tonight was just about getting three points, in any way possible.And he’s thrilled to have ‘incredible person’ Kevin de Bruyne back and available from the start – what a difference he makes.He told BBC Sport: “We won. All that matters. Today is a good day.”He [De Bruyne] played really good. Defensively he helped us a lot. Very good. I’m really pleased. “He’s an incredible person. What he’s done these years with us have been outstanding. When he’s fit, maybe he can’t play every three days, but hopefully he can help us like he has since coming from Germany.”Copy linkCopiedArne disappointementLiverpool surrendered two points at the top of the league after drawing 3-3 in a stunning game at St James’ Park.They twice came back from behind to lead 3-2 before Newcastle grabbed a 90th minute equaliser through Fabian Schar.And manager Arne Slot said: “Two times we were one goal down and then 3-2 up, so mixed feelings. “It feels like a disappointment to drop two points.“We were outstanding in the second half but not good enough in the first half. In the end maybe 3-3 was what the game deserved.“We made too many mistakes in the first half. We played a few times through them but the second half was so much better, we had much more dominance and control.“We had two very tough games and had one day less to recover than Newcastle. They were more intense, more aggressive and if you’re able to change the game in the second half, that’s a very positive thing.”Copy linkCopiedHow we standA look at how the Premier League table looks then after a bonkers Wednesday night.Arsenal closing the gap on Liverpool to seven points, though still trail second place Chelsea on goal difference.Man City keep pace with those after finally winning a game.Copy linkCopiedPremier League full time resultsOh what a night! Six games and 26 goals in a superb midweek special in the Premier League.Here’s tonight’s full time results: Everton 4-0 Wolves Man City 3-0 Nottingham Forest Newcastle 3-3 Liverpool Southampton 1-5 Chelsea Arsenal 2-0 Man UtdAston Villa 3-1 BrentfordCopy linkCopied’Stuck to the plan’Declan Rice hailed set piece coach Nico Jover as Arsenal scored both goals against Man Utd from set pieces.He told Amazon Prime Sport: “What a night. Manchester United have a new manager so we knew it would be a test. We stuck to the game plan and we could’ve had three or four.”When you go up for a corner it’s a chance to score a goal. To score both of them from corners, Nico [Jover, set piece coach] will be buzzing and I’m so happy. “It’s more just seeing clips and I know the weight I need to put on the ball and it’s just about repetition. I put a few good balls in and could’ve had a couple of assists so it was nice to get one.”Copy linkCopiedFull time view from Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkVilla cured their mid-season hiccups with a deserved victory to end their recent eight-game winless stutter.With Southampton next to visit Villa Park on Saturday, Unai Emery will be confident another home win will restore even more confidence.And he’ll be hoping to complete a busy week with a hat-trick of wins when Villa head to Leipzig on Champions League duty next week.Brentford’s dreams of playing in Europe will remain just that – until they cure their travel sickness.Copy linkCopiedFT! Aston Villa 3-1 BrentfordRogers, Watkins and Cash grabbing the goals as Villa end their winless run in emphatic fashion.Copy linkCopiedFT! Arsenal 2-0 Manchester UnitedHuge win for the Gunners who close the gap at the top.Ruben Amorim tasting defeat as Manchester United manager for the first time.Copy linkCopiedClosing stagesInto the latter stages now in the two later kick offs but the home sides both look in control.Arsenal will close the gap on leaders Liverpool with this result.Aston Villa will bring a long winless run to an end.Unless….Copy linkCopiedSecond half view of Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkMikkel Damsgaard has restored some pride for Brentford, who have picked up the pace after the break.The Dane pounced on Matty Cash’s headed clearance and cut inside Boubacar Kamara to slam the ball into the roof of Emi Martinez’s net to make it 3-1.Surely Villa couldn’t throw it away now …. could they?Copy linkCopied73 – GOAL! ARSENAL 2-0 Man UtdThe Gunners double their lead through WILLIAM SALIBA!Surprise, surprise – it’s from a corner! Saka swings it in this time from the right to find Partey all alone at the back post.He heads across the six-yard box and the ball flies into the back of the net off Saliba’s BACKSIDE and into the net.He jumps into the crowd, what a moment this could be!Copy linkCopiedWhat a save!What have we just seen!Stunning from David Raya, if slightly for the cameras.Arsenal’s attacking set pieces are good but they seemingly can’t defend them on this evidence as De Ligt looks to have equalised with a header on goal from 10 yards, only for Raya to spring to his left and keep it out on the goal line and claw it to safety.Cracking save and the Gunners still lead 1-0.Copy linkCopiedLatest scoresEverton 4-0 Wolves FTMan City 3-0 Nottingham Forest FTNewcastle 3-3 Liverpool FTSouthampton 1-5 Chelsea FTArsenal 1-0 Man Utd 67 minsAston Villa 3-1 Brentford 64 minsCopy linkCopiedFT! Everton 4-0 WolvesA memorable night for the Toffees who score four times to collect a vital three points.Less memorable for Craig Dawson who bags himself two own goals – yikes!Copy linkCopied54 – GOAL! Aston Villa 3-1 BRENTFORDComeback on at Villa Park? MIKKEL DAMSGAARD has one back…Villa don’t deal with a cross into the box and it’s helped on towards the back post where Damsgaard collects it near the byline.Villa are expecting the cross and the Bees’ man works room for himself inside the box onto his right foot and smashes beyond Martinez.Copy linkCopied More

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      West Ham fans beg ‘please no’ as shock new manager target emerges to replace Julen Lopetegui

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      FORMER Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand has reportedly emerged as a shock contender to replace Julen Lopetegui at West Ham.Lopetegui’s future at the London Stadium is currently in doubt amid a poor run of form.Julen Lopetegui is at risk of being sacked by West HamCredit: PAFormer Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand has emerged as a potential replacementCredit: GettyThe Hammers sit 14th in the Premier League table, six points above the relegation zone.Some board members are now understood to be losing faith in the Spaniard.They are expected to make a decision on his future within the next 48 hours.And Florian Plettenberg has claimed that executives have already identified some potential replacements.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHjulmand is allegedly one of the candidates being considered by the Hammers.The 52-year-old, who most recently coached the Denmark national team, is prepared for a new challenge.However, West Ham fans are not happy with the potential new boss.One person took to social media to write: “Tim Steidten might just have to follow Julen Lopetegui out the door too.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother commented: “Behave! Another shocking decision if that’s one the club want to progress with.”A third said: “Just liquidate us at this point.”Moment huge brawl breaks out in West Ham end with punches thrown and fan knocked to ground in London derby vs ArsenalWhile a fourth wrote: “Done absolutely nothing at club level in his career ffs. Shouldn’t go near him one bit.”Hjulmand managed Danish sides Lyngby and Nordsjaelland as well as Mainz before being appointed Denmark manager in 2020.He spent four years with the national team before resigning.Former Benfica manager Roger Schmidt is also being linked with the job.SunSport revealed this week that Lopetegui had a blazing row with Hammers defender Jean-Clair Todibo during Saturday’s 5-2 defeat to Arsenal.Todibo vented his frustrations in the home dressing room at half-time, leading to a heated altercation with his manager. More

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      Marc Guehi breaks silence after escaping FA action for message on rainbow armband for two games

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      MARC GUEHI has broken his silence after writing a religious message on his Premier League captain’s armband. Guehi – a devout Christian – was warned by the FA not to repeat his actions after writing “I love Jesus” on his armband for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle.Marc Guehi broke his silence after writing a religious message on his captain’s armbandCredit: PAHe escaped any FA punishmentCredit: GettyOn Tuesday night, the Eagles skipper ignored the warning as he wrote “Jesus loves you” on his armband as Palace beat Ipswich 1-0. Now, Guehi has spoken out for the first time telling Sky Sports: “I think the message was pretty clear to be honest. “It’s a message of love and truth as well and a message of inclusivity, so it speaks for itself.” The FA do not plan any formal disciplinary action towards Guehi – despite the breach of Rule A4.READ MORE IN football Instead, they have reminded Palace of the kit regulations that are in place.The Laws of the Game allow slogans “promoting the game of football, respect and integrity”.But the Laws forbid “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images”.Breaching this requirement is a strict liability situation with the Laws adding: “For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA.”Most read in FootballFA have disappeared down a rabbit hole again with absurd double standardsBy Dave Kidd Cast your mind back two years to the World Cup in Qatar.There, the FA and Harry Kane insisted that the England skipper would wear a rainbow armband in support of the LGBTQ+ community, after FIFA had awarded hosting rights to a nation which criminalises homosexuality.Six other western European nations were going to take the same stand.Until the point when FIFA insisted that those captains making this “political” gesture would be booked.Until the point where that gesture might have some sporting consequence – and therefore a more substantial meaning.At that point, the FA and their six allies all performed a late U-turn. They bottled it.That’s the thing with English football and its “support” for the LGBTQ+ community.READ THE FULL COLUMN HERE The Guehi issue, and Ipswich skipper Sam Morsy’s refusal to wear the rainbow armband on “religious” grounds, will put a spotlight on the campaign that has been part of the Premier League’s season since 2013.Guehi, whose dad is a minister, was one of 19 top flight captains who wore the armband in the weekend fixtures to support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign in support of LGBTQ+ rights.Ipswich’s Morsy was the only skipper to snub wearing the armband.Speaking after Tuesday’s game, which Palace won 1-0 to ease relegation concerns, manager Oliver Glasner backed his captain.Glasner said: “We respect every single player and especially Marc as our captain.”He’s a great guy, very humble and we shouldn’t make it bigger than it is. Keep it calm. He’s very respectful to everyone in the club.”In football we’re all against discrimination, against abuse, every single part. It was a great campaign and I think that’s it.”We spoke about it. I speak to Marc quite often, he’s my captain. He’s no child who is 15, he’s an adult person like every one of us.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He has his opinion and we accept and respect every opinion. This is the quote of this campaign, being tolerant and Marc is very tolerant so everything is fine.”Meanwhile, Man Utd’s players abandoned plans to wear a jacket in support of the LGBTQ+ community after Noussair Mazraoui refused to join the initiative ahead of their 4-0 win over Everton. More

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      The FA have disappeared down a rabbit hole again with absurd double standards over Morsy and Guehi rainbow armband row

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      CAST your mind back two years to the World Cup in Qatar.There, the FA and Harry Kane insisted that the England skipper would wear a rainbow armband in support of the LGBTQ+ community, after FIFA had awarded hosting rights to a nation which criminalises homosexuality.Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi wrote ‘I love Jesus’ on his rainbow armbandCredit: RexGuehi was then warned for writing ‘Jesus loves you’ on the armbandCredit: GettyIpswich captain Sam Morsy didn’t wear a rainbow armbandCredit: GettySix other western European nations were going to take the same stand.Until the point when FIFA insisted that those captains making this “political” gesture would be booked.Until the point where that gesture might have some sporting consequence – and therefore a more substantial meaning. At that point, the FA and their six allies all performed a late U-turn. They bottled it.Read More on FootballThat’s the thing with English football and its “support” for the LGBTQ+ community.They are happy to show them support by virtue signalling with meaningless gestures. Meaningful gestures, not so much.Two years later, the FA have disappeared down a rabbit hole again with their absurd double standards in allowing Ipswich captain Sam Morsy – a practising Muslim – not to wear a rainbow armband, while reprimanding Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi – a devout Christian – for daubing his armband with the words “I love Jesus” and then “Jesus Loves You”.This is patent nonsense. It is discrimination wrapped up in the excuse of a “rules is rules” technicality. Most read in FootballEnglish football wanted to make a stand against the staging of the World Cup in Qatar.But when it comes to allowing Newcastle to be funded by the Saudi regime – which subjugates women and criminalises homosexuality – or for the Abu Dhabi government to bankroll Manchester City, it turns a blind eye.England star Marc Guéhi’s talks about his father’s faith and missing church on Sundays When England defender Guehi – the son of a Christian minister – made his first stand in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle, visiting captain Bruno Guimaraes dutifully wore his rainbow armband.Yet the regime which is allowed to pay his wages clearly doesn’t share the values this armband supposedly represents.On Tuesday, by quirk of the fixture list, Guehi and Morsy – a British-born Egypt international – were pitted against one another, further highlighting the absurdity of one man being allowed not to wear an armband and another man being warned for writing on that armband.Then there is the case of Manchester United’s Muslim defender Noussair Mazraoui refusing to wear a specially-designed pre-match warm-up jacket to mark the club’s Rainbow Laces match against Everton.As a result, United decided none of their players would wear the jackets so as not to disrupt team unity.So United wanted to show support for LGBTQ+ rights – but only until the point that it became difficult for them.Lot of work to be donePersonally, I feel grateful not to have been brought up with any religion in my life and believe that any organised religion causes more harm than good.But I also recognise Guehi, Morsy, Mazraoui and anyone else with religious faith has every right to practice their beliefs.I also consider the principle behind the rainbow campaign to be a sound one.That people should be free to love whomever they want to love, and not have to hide their sexuality.In an increasingly secular society, most people agree with that basic statement.Inclusivity shouldn’t be a dirty word. Gay people have, with good reason, felt excluded from participating in football and attending matches.Sometimes it’s meaninglessThe fact that there still aren’t any openly “out” gay footballers in the Premier League suggests there remains a lot of work to be done.But when campaigns are besmirched by such absurdities as the FA’s capitulation in Qatar and the double standards shown to Guehi and Morsy, they simply stoke the beliefs of intolerant people and are self-defeating. They give credence to the idea that the FA are a fanatically “woke” organisation, when that isn’t the case.The FA, and English football in general, are simply desperate to recognise everyone and everything all the time.It is rare to attend an England match without a minute’s silence. Which usually turns into applause.Often with a recently-deceased former England player or manager being offered a silence in association with the victims of some terrible war or natural disaster overseas. Rendering it all pretty meaningless.Opposite of ‘wokeness’It also feels weird that before every England game, there are around 100 serving military personnel on the pitch.Even weirder when, last month, the opposition was the Republic of Ireland, whose population are understandably not keen on the sight of uniformed British squaddies.This is actually the opposite of “wokeness” – whatever that means – and it is jarring just the same.Then there’s Remembrance Day. I happen to wear a poppy – or, more often, I buy several and lose them all – as a personal mark of respect to relatives who fought and died, and a recognition of my own good fortune in not having had to suffer the same horrors as my grandfather and great-grandfather.But football has taken Remembrance Day to extreme degrees – with The Last Post being played and silences observed as early as October.And it also allows James McClean, an open supporter of IRA terrorism, to make his own views known. Views which are abhorrent to most of us.READ MORE SUN STORIESGesture politics in football have become an ugly moral maze – underlined by the idiocy surrounding the treatment of Guehi and Morsy.In an angry and divided nation, the only intelligent conclusion is that football should be a safe space – away from politics, religion, the military or any other cause. More

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      Erling Haaland just a ‘normal player’, says Van der Vaart as he slams Man City over summer transfer

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      FORMER Premier League star Rafael van der Vaart has slammed Erling Haaland amid Manchester City’s woeful form.The champions have not won any of their last seven games and their star striker has scored just three times in this run.Erling Haaland has been labelled a ‘normal player’ amid City’s poor runCredit: GettyRafael van der Vaart also slammed City’s recruitmentCredit: GettyEx-Tottenham cult hero Van der Vaart did not hold back in his criticism of Pep Guardiola’s side.The outspoken Dutchman brutally hit out at Haaland, claiming he is overrated.Van der Vaart told BetMGM: “Take away his pace, I see Erling Haaland as a normal player.“Technique-wise, he’s not good enough and he can get away with it when City are on form but not when they’re struggling.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I just think he is missing something that those top, top strikers have.”I might get criticised for that opinion, but I don’t see him at the same level as the top strikers I played with like Ruud van Nistelrooy.“Manchester City need Erling Haaland at the moment, but where is he? “That’s why he’s not among that select few world-class strikers.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVan der Vaart also claimed that City’s transfer business has been poor and their star players are out of energy after winning four Premier League titles in a row.He added: “I think the intensity that Man City have shown under Pep Guardiola for so many seasons is over. Erling Haaland does pull ups on cliff edge and runs with wolves as Man City ace stars in insane Beats by Dre advert “They look very tired to me. You can see it in their faces, Kevin De Bruyne for example, they’re not fresh anymore.“They need a rebuild. I’m not one who says they need to get rid of Pep, no chance. “I believe in his coaching methods but they need to get their transfers right.”Ilkay Gundogan was not what they needed in the summer.” More

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      Man Utd LGBTQ+ group slam club for ditching rainbow jackets over Mazraoui decision with players ‘left unhappy’

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      A MANCHESTER UNITED LGBTQ+ supporters group has issued a statement in response to the team’s decision not to wear a rainbow jacket at the weekend.The Red Devils had planned to wear a pride-themed rainbow jacket prior to their Premier League clash with Everton on Sunday.A Man Utd LGBTQ+ supporters group has issued a statement after Noussair Mazraoui refused to wear a rainbow jacket at the weekendCredit: PAHis Man Utd team-mates chose not to wear the jacket with him, but captain Bruno Fernandes wore a Rainbow Laces armband during the matchCredit: GettyHowever, just a matter of hours before kick-off they made a collective decision not to.The Athletic has claimed that Noussair Mazraoui told his team-mates that he was not prepared to sport it due to his Muslim faith.As a result, the team did not want him to be the only person seen publicly refusing to wear the item of clothing and so decided that nobody would.It has been suggested that not everyone in the dressing room was happy about the decision.Read More in FootballMan Utd have now come under fire for the move, with LGBTQ+ group Rainbow Devils among those who have voiced their discontent.A statement from the supporters group read: “As part of this year’s Rainbow Laces campaign, Rainbow Devils worked closely with – and had great support from – Manchester United and the Fan Engagement team.”This has included working with the Manchester United Foundation to spread the message of inclusivity with local schools, to a Q&A with two Men’s first team players, to supportive messages from many Men and Women first team players (including an individual one from captain Bruno Fernandes). Even a pitchside event at Old Trafford on Sunday ahead of the Everton game.”On this latter occasion, which was United’s official Rainbow Laces game, the players were due to wear specially designed jackets pre-match to mark the occasion.Most read in Football”Shortly before the game, Rainbow Devils was informed that these jackets would not be worn. The reason being that one of the matchday squad had refused to wear the jacket on the grounds of their personally held beliefs. Therefore, to maintain the team ethos and togetherness, none of the players would be wearing them.”This was obviously a great disappointment to Rainbow Devils, but also to all those who had worked hard at the club to deliver this event.Tony Young dead at 71: Man Utd pay tribute to former star as he passes away “We are aware of who the player concerned is, but we feel it isn’t our role to single him out, and risk spoiling all the other positive things that the majority of those at the club have done.”We respect the right of this player to have his own views, whilst also feeling disappointed that he put the rest of the squad into a position where they felt that they couldn’t wear their jackets.”We also worry what kind of negative effect this incident might have on any player at the club who may be struggling with their sexuality.”Rainbow Devils will continue to work with Manchester United to support inclusivity, through the One Love initiative and others, as we all continue our work to ensure all LGBTQ+ people feel safe and welcome at Old Trafford, both on and off the pitch.”Man Utd have worn a pride-themed jersey and jacket ahead of certain games over the last two seasons during the Rainbow Laces period.Club captain Bruno Fernandes wore the Rainbow Laces armband throughout the Everton match, reflecting the club’s support for the campaign.He described wearing his rainbow-coloured armband as “a sign of respect” that makes LGBTQ+ fans “feel supported” by the players.Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy, who is also a practising Muslim, refused to wear a rainbow armband for religious reasons in his club’s two Rainbow Laces fixtures.And Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi was spoken to by the Football Association on Tuesday after writing a religious message on his.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuehi, 24, who is a devout Christian, was warned by the FA not to repeat his actions after writing “I love Jesus” on his armband for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle.But on Tuesday the Palace skipper ignored it and wrote “Jesus loves you” on his armband during the 1-0 victory at Ipswich.Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi wrote a message on his armband for the last two gamesCredit: PAMeanwhile, Ipswich Town’s Sam Morsy refused to wear itCredit: Reuters More