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      Premier League referee David Coote SUSPENDED as video appears to show him calling Klopp a ‘c***’ in anti-Liverpool rant

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      PREM referee David Coote has been suspended pending investigation after a shocking viral video allegedly showed him blasting Liverpool.The highly experienced FA official also appeared to launch a foul-mouthed tirade at former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.A leaked video appearing to show Coote calling Liverpool ‘s***’ and Jurgen Klopp a ‘c***’ is being investigated by PGMOLCredit: XThe video has gone viral on social mediaCredit: GettyFormer Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp clashing with Coote back in 2022The 42-year-old refereed Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday in which he was at the centre of a few controversial decisions.In the shocking footage, which appears to be from several years ago but was leaked on social media today, Coote is allegedly seen speaking with a fellow man. In the brief conversation, he refers to Liverpool as a “s*** club” and extraordinarily dropped the C-bomb to describe ex-Reds boss Klopp.The PGMOL are investigating the video with the referee now facing the sack after being suspended.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe man, who appears to be Coote, said: “Liverpool were s*** .Klopp is an absolute c***. “Aside from having a right pop at me when I was refereeing them against Burnley in lockdown, he accused me of lying and then had a right f***ing pop of me.”I have no interest in speaking to someone who is f***ing arrogant. So I do my best not to speak to him. James Milner is all right, I get on with him. “You can see me there with a ‘mask’ on. But, my god, German c***, f*** me.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn a second video, the man added: “Just to be clear, that f***ing last video cannot go anywhere, seriously.”It is unclear what triggered his comments, but Coote was indirectly targeted by Klopp for criticism as recently as last December.’Serious problems at PGMOL’ Ex-Prem ref blasts VAR after baffling decisions at Liverpool and WolvesDuring Saturday’s match between Liverpool and Villa, Coote was the man in the middle.He appeared to deem Leon Bailey’s last-man challenge on Mo Salah not to be a foul prior to Darwin Nunez scoring.Later in the match he opted not to award Villa a penalty despite Conor Bradley tugged Pau Torres’ shirt in the box.Coote was also the VAR official on the day that Jordan Pickford inflicted an ACL injury on Virgil van Dijk in the Merseyside derby in October 2020.The Everton goalkeeper escaped without any form of punishment.Shocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”He was also on VAR duty when Liverpool were denied a clear penalty against Arsenal after Martin Odegaard handled the ball inside the Anfield box during their 1-1 draw last December.Referee Chris Kavanagh allowed play to continue and the game was not halted for a VAR check.READ MORE SUN STORIESCoote has been a top-flight referee since April 2018 and hails from Nottinghamshire.He belongs to the Select Group of Referees in England and officiates primarily in the Premier League.Liverpool were denied a penalty by VAR when Martin Odegaard appeared to handle the ball in the box last season More

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      ‘There’s something seriously wrong’ fumes ex-Premier League referee after baffling decisions at Liverpool and Wolves

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      MARK HALSEY claims there is “something seriously wrong” with officiating in the Premier League after Southampton saw a goal controversially disallowed.The 63-year-old was a top-flight referee from 1999 to 2013.Southampton saw a goal chalked off after a coming together involving Matheus Fernandes and Nelson SemedoRyan Manning’s effort would have made the score 1-1, but they went on to lose 2-0Credit: RexRussell Martin had ‘every right to be aggrieved’Credit: GettyMark Halsey was a Premier League referee for 14 yearsCredit: AFPEvery week, Halsey joins SunSport to look back at the weekend’s most contentious refereeing decision, with Southampton’s 2-0 loss to Wolves taking centre stage.In the early season relegation six-pointer, the Saints thought they had made it 1-1 in the first-half when Ryan Manning fired in.But the goal was controversially chalked off by VAR for a foul in the build-up by Mateus Fernandes on Nelson Semedo. Halsey told SunSport: “It’s a clear and obvious error by VAR to get involved. That’s for sure. For me, it’s not even a foul.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Russell Martin’s got every right to be aggrieved with that incident. “Why is VAR getting involved in that incident? “I keep saying it, something is seriously wrong with the training and education with the PGMOL officials. We have it week in, week out.”They need to come out and explain it don’t they.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I’m sure that will get missed off or mic’d up with Howard Webb. I bet that gets brushed aside, that incident.”Halsey also felt there was inconsistency from Stockley Park man Chris Kavanagh for not recommending a review on Wolves’ second goal.’Something seriously wrong!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to huge Man Utd call which saw Erik Ten Hag sackedMatheus Cunha scored brilliantly from outside the box after two Saints players went down claiming fouls in the build-up.Halsey took issue with Kavanagh’s contradiction of himself, saying: “Well, again, we talk about inconsistency with VAR. “In that phase of play that leads up to the goal, VAR can look at that and recommend a review because clearly there are two fouls leading up to the goal. “So if VAR get involved in disallowing Southampton’s goal for a foul, then surely, they have to get involved in this and recommend a review.”It’s absolutely nonsense disallowing the first goal, recommending the review and then not recommending a review with that. “Then obviously the referee, Thomas Bramall, has got to be strong enough when they go over to that screen and say, ‘no, there’s no foul there’.”Halsey was also unhappy with the refereeing performance by David Coote, who took charge of Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, labelling him “bang average”.Darwin Nunez opened the scoring as Mo Salah grabbed the assist after a brilliant charge forward on the counter-attack.The Egyptian was floored by a desperate Leon Bailey as he approached the goal, but luckily for Liverpool, his team-mate was on hand to score instead.But Halsey was left baffled by how the ref did not spot the Villa star pulling Salah to the deck, with an advantage not played.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also found it bizarre that the visitors were not given a spot-kick for a clearest shirt pull on Pau Torres by Conor Bradley.And the ex-Prem ref is unhappy with the wording of the laws, explaining: “I get fed up with listening to this ‘sustained holding or fleeting holding’. It’s nonsense.”Halsey could not believe Bailey escaped punishment for his foul on Salah when he was in on goalCredit: TNT SPORTSBradley appeared to pull Torres’ shirt More

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      Man Utd ‘plot shock transfer move for Christopher Nkunku’ with Chelsea star ‘unhappy’ at lack of minutes

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly enquired about Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku.The Red Devils could dip into the January transfer market following the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim.Christopher Nkunku is allegedly open to leaving ChelseaCredit: AlamyAnd French outlet L’Equipe claims Nkunku could be at the top of their wishlist.The 26-year-old is reportedly unhappy with his lack of game time at Chelsea.Nkunku has started just one Premier League match for the Blues this season.And manager Enzo Maresca is allegedly open to letting him leave.Read More in FootballThe Frenchman has attracted interest from a number of clubs, including United.It remains to be seen whether Chelsea would allow him join a Prem rival.Nkunku still has five years remaining on his contract with the Blues.The forward joined Chelsea in a £52million transfer from RB Leipzig last June.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis first season at Stamford Bridge was marred by a series of injury problems.Nkunku has now scored 13 goals in 31 Chelsea appearances – 10 of which have come this season.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca comments on Cole Palmer injury after draw with Arsenal Man Utd could sign him to replace Joshua Zirkzee, who has failed to impress at Old Trafford since joining in the summer.SunSport revealed last week that ex-manager Erik ten Hag did not even want to sign him. More

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      Arsenal star Jurrien Timber ‘fools’ commentators with gaffe you ‘couldn’t do if you tried’ in Chelsea clash

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      ARSENAL fans are convinced Jurrien Timber “fooled” the referee and commentator by faking a hilarious gaffe.The Gunners drew 1-1 with Chelsea yesterday as they slipped nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.Jurrien Timber dropped the ball as he attempted a throw-inCredit: Sky SportsKai Havertz was being bandaged up at the timeCredit: AlamyIn the second-half, there were ironic cheers from Blues fans when Timber seemingly messed up a throw-in.The Dutch defender somehow chucked the ball into his own back and was allowed to retake it as it had not entered the pitch.Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury laughed that you “couldn’t do that if you tried.”But Arsenal, who hit the headlines earlier this season for their use of the “dark arts”, have potentially used their rule-bending playbook again.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt turns out Timber’s throw-in blunder occurred while team-mate Kai Havertz was off the pitch receiving treatment after a cut in his head re-opened and blood began to pour down his face.And Gunners fans reckon it was a deliberate action to waste time as they were a player short with the German being patched up.One supporter said: “The commentators and the ref thought that was a genuine attempt. Bro fooled them.”Another added: “Incredible bit of acting, had me fooled until I realised Havertz was off the pitch.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third commented: “Now this is the dark arts I wanna see.”More reacted: “‘You couldn’t do that if you tried’ to something Timber did very deliberately.”Other fans said: “100 per cent time wasting cause we had ten-men on the pitch from an injury.”Jamie Carragher SAVAGES Arsenal on Monday Night Football and says they’re ‘like a Mourinho team without the trophies’Arsenal ratings v ChelseaHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:David Raya – 7Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.Ben White – 5Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.William Saliba – 6Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.Jurrien Timber – 6Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.Thomas Partey – 6Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.Declan Rice – 6Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.Martin Odegaard – 7Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.Bukayo Saka – 5Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.Kai Havertz – 6Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head. More

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      Ipswich star and former Arsenal academy product shows true colours with gesture to Tottenham fans after stunning victory

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      IPSWICH TOWN defender Harry Clarke left fans in stitches with a cheeky gesture following Sunday’s shock win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.The Tractor Boys earned their first Premier League victory in 22 years at the weekend.Harry Clarke was caught making a gesture towards the Tottenham fansCredit: X / @7ontheshirtClarke led the celebrations at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: ReutersSammie Szmodics and Liam Delap both scored as Kieran McKenna’s side clinched a 2-1 win over Tottenham.Travelling fans stayed in the away end long after the final whistle to celebrate, with pop superstar and boyhood Ipswich fan Ed Sheeran also in attendance.Former Arsenal academy star Clarke – who was an unused substitute for Ipswich – led the full-time celebrations.And he was even caught making a cheeky gesture towards the Tottenham fans.Read More in FootballWhile walking with his team-mates, Clarke was filmed flicking two middle fingers up at the home supporters.Sky Sports viewers were quick to spot the gesture and took to social media to react.One person wrote: “I know what’ll cheer you up, seeing how Hale End’s Harry Clarke celebrated his win at spurs today towards the spurs fans.”Another commented: “Once a Gooner. Good lad Harry.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third quipped: “Hang it in the Louvre!”While a fourth said: “Once a Gunner…”Mikel Arteta ‘disappointed’ by Chelsea draw as Arsenal lose ground in title race Clarke also took to X after the match to share an image of himself celebrating on the pitch.He captioned the post with: “Huge win on the road,” alongside a fire emoji and a blue heart.The win over Tottenham took Ipswich out of the relegation zone and up to 17th in the Premier League table. More

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      Frustrated Mikel Arteta admits misfiring Arsenal are suffering ‘engine trouble’ with title hopes hit by more injury woes

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      MIKEL ARTETA fears “engine trouble” is damaging Arsenal’s drive for a first Premier League title in 21 years.Blowing the lead at Chelsea means they now sit nine points behind leaders Liverpool with no wins from the last four league games.Mikel Arteta says injuries have forced him to chop and changeCredit: GettyArsenal’s star Englishmen Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka went offCredit: RexAt least Arteta welcomed back playmaker Martin OdegaardCredit: GettyAnd boss Arteta reckons injuries to key players are forcing him to chop and change so much that the season is stalling.The Spaniard said: “We had a very clear intention of what we could do as a team and that was about making the pieces in the car much better, more efficient and unpredictable.”But what we found out was that every day we had to change something big – the engine, the wheels or the steering wheel because we have problem after problem.“There’s nothing that we can do about that. What I’m praying is that after the international break we have the team fully physically equipped.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“That they are available and that they are fit, because it’s been a nightmare for eight weeks.“Doubt after doubt, issue after issue, not only with the ones that are not able to play, but with the ones who are able to play only for certain moments and not able to play.“So I’m just asking that, because the desire the team has and how much we want it there’s no question. It’s going to come. We just need that on our side to be more consistent.“When it gets nasty, show your teeth and show how much you want it.Most read in FootballAs Arsenal’s form dips through injuries, Arteta himself took a slide, as he fell over in despair after a last-gasp Leandro Trossard missCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”When it’s Disneyland it’s very easy. Everybody’s next to you, telling you how beautiful you are. When it gets dark and difficult and everybody’s questioning it, that’s when I want to see people.”Arteta himself took to tumbling over – accidentally crashing to the floor in frustration after Leandro Trossard wasted a gaping chance at the deathChelsea Player Ratings vs ArsenalArteta’s woes worsened when his England duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka asked to come off with knocks.He has welcomed back skipper Martin Odegaard to help Arsenal ‘flow’ again but also blames lack of concentration for letting the lead slip.They did the same twice in the same game against title rivals Liverpool last month.Gabriel Martinelli put Arsenal ahead on 60 minutes only for Pedro Neto to smash a stunning equaliser ten minutes later.Arteta said: “I’m very disappointed with how we conceded their goal. That’s nowhere near the standards of our defensive habits, how we allowed it.“The moment you give space and time to any of their players with the quality that they have you’re going to get punished, so that’s not bad luck.“That’s not very much like us. I think today in that sense with the way we conceded, we have to fault ourselves. “That’s something that we have to do better, especially when you’re not scoring two or three goals and, at the moment, we are not.“I’m disappointed with the result because I think we deserved more. And at the same time very proud of the team for the way we played against this opponent in this stadium.“Chelsea have battered everyone here and it wasn’t the case today.“After their goal the team showed its teeth. We took risks, we were very aggressive, we created three big chances. Unfortunately we weren’t able to put the ball in the net, but we deserved to win it.”Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca believes his team is still some way behind clubs like Arsenal, who finished second last season.But the Italian is convinced that his young squad is only getting stronger. Winger Noni Madueke stomped off down the tunnel when he was substituted in the 68th minute.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaresca said: “Very soon, we are going to win these types of games. For sure, we at least 100 per cent deserved a point.“The problem is that when you change a player, they are never happy. But it’s not only about Noni, it’s about all the players.”Enzo Maresca believes Chelsea are close to matching the Prem eliteCredit: Getty More

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      Ange Postecoglou appears to angrily STARE DOWN Tottenham fan as flops are booed off after Ipswich shock

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU appeared to angrily stare down a Tottenham fan after his flops were booed off the pitch against Ipswich.Spurs looked to be flying high several weeks ago when they dumped Man City out of the Carabao Cup.Ange Postecoglou appeared to angrily stare down a Tottenham fanThe incident came as Spurs lost 2-1 at home to IpswichCredit: GettyThey then thrashed Champions League outfit Aston Villa 4-1 at home.And despite seeing their B team lose 3-2 in the Europa League to Galatasaray, supporters were extremely confident of a big victory against struggling Premier League newbies Ipswich.Kieran McKenna’s promoted side were yet to win a game this season.But the Tractor Boys upset the odds to seal an incredible 2-1 triumph in North London.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpurs fans were left enraged by the result as they jeered players off at the final whistle.However, that wasn’t the only incident at full time.As Tottenham boss Postecoglou headed to the tunnel, he zoned in on one fan giving it large.It is not known what the supporter – or supporters – said or did.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Postecoglou was clearly annoyed by it. And he stopped dead in his tracks at the tunnel entrance before looking upwards and staring at the naughty fan.Chelsea fans LOVE Eden Hazard’s reaction as Blues legend is pranked by barber with Tottenham shirtThe result marked Ipswich’s first win of the seasonCredit: GettyPostecoglou insisted he should take the blame for Spurs’ inconsistencyCredit: GettyTottenham’s boss held his glare for several seconds, with some staff members also joining him.But Postecoglou eventually headed inside and undoubtedly gave his Spurs players a dressing down.Speaking in the tunnel, the Australian said: “We were very passive, we didn’t get the tempo or intensity right. Ultimately, it’s my responsibility.“It’s got nothing to do with the players. The inconsistency we’re having this year is down to me.“I’ve got to make sure that I try and find a way for us to become a more consistent side.“The fans will be disappointed, they have a right to be. Like I said, the responsibility lies with me to fix it.”Big Ange also hit out at Ipswich for perceived time wasting, adding: “I think it’s the way the Premier League is going.“It’s pretty strategic now. It’s funny – I always liked the Premier League because it wasn’t like that.“You’d watch teams play in Europe and get frustrated by it, but now it’s part of the game here as well. There’s nothing we can do about it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“For us, if we want to mitigate those things – because we don’t do it and we want the game to be played – then we shouldn’t give opportunities for the opposition to do that.”Postecoglou has the international break to “fix” things – then faces Man City away in the first game back. More

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      Kai Havertz gets instant karma as he SHUSHES Chelsea fans after scoring against former side but VAR ruins it immediately

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      KAI HAVERTZ received instant karma for shushing Chelsea fans in a goal celebration as VAR ruled the effort out for offside.The German was heavily involved in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with the Blues at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.Kai Havertz received instant karma as he shushed Chelsea fans after scoring against his old sideCredit: GettyThe Arsenal star was deemed offside by VAR as the Gunners drew 1-1 at Stamford BridgeGabriel Martinelli opened the scoring in the second half with a pinpoint strike at close range.But Pedro Neto’s blaster from distanced ensured Chelsea bagged a point at home.Things could have turned out differently though had an earlier Arsenal goal from Havertz been allowed to stand.The former Blues star was routinely booed by the Stamford Bridge faithful, 16 months after swapping West London for the capital’s north.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, despite Havertz scoring the goal that secured Chelsea’s second Champions League triumph in 2021, it appeared the feeling ran both ways.The German slipped in behind during the first half of the game to slot past Robert Sanchez and give Arsenal the lead.Havertz immediately burst into jubilant celebrations and even SHUSHED Chelsea fans as he goaded them with gleeful intent.The Bridge was shocked into silence at seeing a former son come back to haunt them in such brutal fashion.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the smirk was quickly wiped from Havertz’s face when it was announced that VAR was taking a look for a potential offside.Refs back at Stockley Park took their time to examine Havertz’s body when he moved to receive the ball.Arsenal player ratings v Chelsea (1)Havertz looked to have given Arsenal the lead against ChelseaCredit: GettyVAR quickly intervened as fans reacted to Havertz’s choice of celebrationCredit: GettyAnd the lines were then drawn up to reveal he was fractionally offside.Chelsea fans cheered loudly as Havertz’s goal was then ruled out on the big screen.The forward’s head immediately dropped as karma took its course instantly.And supporters reacted on social media in mixed fashion.One said: “Shame on him.”Another declared: “This is so painful.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “He will score again.”Another added: “Was he meant to not celebrate?” More