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    Premier League clubs given vote on new one-season PSR rule with Champions League side concerned after points deductions

    PREM clubs have the chance to vote to loosen loss limits for next term by £30million this week.Aston Villa are urging an increase in the “permitted losses” in Prem Profitability and Sustainability Rules from the current £105m to £135m over a three-year period.Premier League clubs have the chance to vote to loosen loss limits for next seasonCredit: GettyEverton and Nottingham Forest were deducted points last term for PSR breaches.Promoted side Leicester are facing a similar penalty this coming season.The proposal to up the limits after more than a decade is to be tabled by Villa at the Prem AGM in Harrogate but it is unclear how much support it will receive.League chiefs also want to agree the principle of the planned PSR replacement based on Uefa-style “squad cost ratios”.Read More on FootballPortsmouth currently hold the Premier League record following their nine-point deduction for entering administration in 2010.Sheffield United, meanwhile, will start the Championship season minus two points relating to the 2022-23 campaign.Leicester’s predicament stems from breaches prior to their relegation in 2023 after nine seasons in the top flight.The club avoided a points deduction last term after launching a legal case accusing the Premier League and EFL of “unlawfully conspiring” over the charges.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Foxes also asked for an injunction against a penalty before the end of the campaign.Everton were slapped with an eight-point deduction this season while Forest were docked four points.Premier League managers’ salaries revealed with Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna set to become one of highest paidThe Toffees started the new cycle £89.1m in the hole, meaning they can only afford to suffer £15.9m more in losses before breaking the £105m cap again. More

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    Southampton release FIVE players after promotion to Premier League as Euro 2024 star becomes unemployed

    PROMOTED Southampton are offloading five players – including Scotland’s Euro 2024 midfielder Stuart Armstrong.The long-serving star won’t be returning to the Premier League with the Saints following their Wembley play-off joy.Stuart Armstrong is on Scotland duty ahead of Euro 2024 but will be without a club when his Southampton contract expires later this monthCredit: GettyArmstrong helped the Saints back up to the PremCredit: GettyThe announcement comes just days before the 32-year-old takes part in only the Scots’ third-ever Euros.The Saints are also releasing Jake Vokins, Dynel Simeu, Matt Carson and Luke Pearce.Armstrong has netted 50 goals in 214 appearances for Southampton since arriving from Celtic in 2018.The former Dundee United ace, who has 50 caps, will depart St Mary’s Stadium when his contract expires later this month.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSouthampton also revealed negotiations with two other club stalwarts are continuing – one being a Scotland team-mate of Armstrong.Striker Che Adams, 27, has played 30 games for the Tartan Army.Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, 34, is the second experienced player facing an uncertain future.He won his only England cap in 2018, two years after joining the Saints from Crystal Palace.Most read in FootballNamesake Adam Armstrong hit Southampton’s play-off final winnerCredit: RexBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSouthampton said the duo were “approaching the end of their contracts, with talks ongoing regarding potential new deals”.And of outgoing Armstrong, the south coast side added: “The club would like to thank Stuart for his commitment and effort during his time as a Saint, and we wish him the very best in whatever comes next.”Scientist predicts Germany v Scotland Euro 2024 result – using deadly E. coli bacteriaRussell Martin’s men landed an instant return to the Prem with a 1-0 play-of final triumph over Leeds.In fact, the victory helped ensure the name Armstrong will live long in the mind of Saints’ supporters.Stuart himself didn’t play but namesake frontman Adam did – firing a clinical clincher on 24 minutes.Russell Martin’s managerial career
    MK Dons (2019-21): 80 games, 30 wins, 19 draws, 31 losses – 37.5 win %
    Swansea (2021 – 23): 99 games, 36 wins, 27 draws, 36 losses – 36 win %
    Southampton (2023-present): 54 games, 30 wins, 11 draws, 13 losses – 55.5 win % More

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    Kepa could make unlikely Chelsea return with £72m flop to hold Maresca talks and Real Madrid only offering free transfer

    KEPA ARRIZABALAGA will seek talks with new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca as he faces up to an uncertain future.The Spanish keeper’s loan at Real Madrid is up after he slipped to third in the reckoning behind Ukrainian Andriy Lunin and fit-again Thibaut Courtois.Kepa Arrizabalaga would be ‘happy in London or Madrid’Credit: GettyChelsea chief Enzo Maresca will return from holiday to talk to KepaCredit: ReutersKepa, 29, has just one season left on the world record £72.1 million deal that took him to Chelsea in 2018 but is now at a crossroads.There may be a chance of staying in Madrid with no2 stopper Lunin unhappy at being overlooked for last weekend’s Champions League final and open to offers to move.The arrival of new man Maresca at Stamford Bridge also means there may be a way back into the Premier League – but Kepa would only return if he gets guarantees of game time.That would require a heart-to-heart with new Chelsea head coach Maresca when the Italian returns from holiday later this month.READ MORE TOP STORIESMadrid would be happy to give Kepa another 12 months with a fresh loan or secure him on a free transfer.But that seems unlikely with Chelsea looking to raise cash through players sales.His only other options are to find an alternative club or see out the remaining 12 months of his contract before leaving on a Bosman free transfer at the end of next season.A source said: “The uncertainty over Chelsea’s next manager has put everything on hold for a couple of weeks. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Kepa also wanted to make the most of winning LaLiga, The Spanish Supercup and of course the Champions League.”He will need to talk to Maresca and see what the future holds. Jose Mourinho instantly rules out bringing two of his former players to Fenerbahce as ex-Chelsea boss plans transfers”He would be happy in Madrid or in London. If Lunin leaves Madrid that could make it easier for everyone.”Kepa has now won the Champions League twice having also been part of the triumphant Chelsea side of 2021 which beat Manchester City in Porto.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo Maresca
    ENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.
    Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
    His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
    He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
    His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
    Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
    He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
    He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
    Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
    He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
    During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi. More

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    Andy Carroll heads on Newcastle star’s wild Ibiza stag do as they bump into ‘most random footballers you could think of’

    ANDY CARROLL joined a Newcastle star on his wild stag do – as they bumped into the “most random footballers you could think of”.Carroll linked up with fellow Geordies Elliot Anderson and Paul Dummett to celebrate Toon goalkeeper Mark Gillespie’s upcoming wedding.Mark Gillespie bumped into Newcastle team-mate Sandro Tonali on his stag doCredit: Instagram @markjgillespieThe group also saw Atletico Madrid skipper KokeCredit: Instagram @markjgillespieThe clan jetted out to IbizaCredit: Instagram @markjgillespieAndy Carroll enjoyed himself on the stag doCredit: Instagram @markjgillespieThe quartet of Newcastle players past and present headed to Ibiza with a few other pals, including Preston’s Brad Potts, for a chaotic bender as Gillespie prepares to start married life with interior designer Wag Sally. They jetted off from Newcastle – with Gillespie inexplicably wearing a Sunderland bucket hat – before starting the partying in sunny Spain.And it was there that things took a bizarre twist, as they bumped into a series of unexpected footballers. Gillespie, who has played just three League Cup games for the Magpies in four seasons at the club, took to his Instagram story to share a snap of the group out on a night out – and seeing Sandro Tonali.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe playmaker is admittedly a Newcastle player – although he has not represented the club since October due to his betting ban – but the 24-year-old Italy international is not an obvious choice to be hanging out with the Geordies. The stag do then appeared to head to a festival, where they met Atletico Madrid captain Koke as well as former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina. The chaotic photos prompted social media star Geordie Josh to tweet: “Mark Gillespie has found Sandro Tonali and Athletico Madrid’s Koke on his stag.”But the goalkeeper quoted that post to share another brilliant picture, this time a selfie with former Tottenham ace Toby Alderweireld.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCarroll then shared his own pic with Gillespie, newly-unemployed Dummett and the rest of the clan, captioning it: “It’s been a pleasure. See you in Italy,” suggesting the wedding could be on the continent. The content from the stag do prompted Geordie Josh to create a superb TikTok video of the trip and led to some fantastic comments from utterly bewildered fans.Football icons’ strange hobbiesGeordie Josh said: “This looks nothing more than absolute carnage.”You will not believe the three footballers that they met in Ibiza, honestly the most random ones you could have thought of.”What on earth is Sandro doing in Ibiza? “Where are all these footballers coming out from man?”One fan joked: “Nearly a full starting XI.”Another replied: “Most random link-up ever.”And a third added: “Can’t think of many weirder football link-ups than Mark Gillespie and Koke.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCarroll himself knows a thing or two about a wild stag do.The former Liverpool and England striker, now with Amiens in France, ended up falling asleep in a bed in a luxury Dubai hotel alongside two blondes – bar manager Taylor Wilkey and fitness instructor Phoebe Robb.Gillespie shared a selfie with Toby AlderweireldCredit: Instagram @markjgillespieThe Toon ace also saw fellow goalkeeper Pepe ReinaCredit: Instagram @markjgillespiePaul Dummett was part of the celebrations following his release from NewcastleCredit: Instagram @markjgillespieGillespie wore a Sunderland bucket hat for the journey outCredit: InstagramThe group seemed to have plenty of fun on the tripCredit: InstagramPreston ace Brad Potts was on the tripCredit: Instagram @markjgillespieThe lads showed off their beach bods in sunny SpainCredit: Instagram @markjgillespieCarroll opted for a matching grey outfitCredit: Instagram @joey_brackThe ex-Liverpool striker hinted the wedding is taking place in ItalyCredit: Instagram @andytcarroll More

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    Tottenham unveil new kit with bizarre advert starring Gavin & Stacey actor, Maddison playing darts and Peter Crouch

    TOTTENHAM’S advert for the launch of their new kit includes Gavin & Stacey star Matthew Horne, James Maddison playing darts, and a touching tribute to former manager Terry Venables.Spurs unveiled their home strip for the 2024/25 season – a white jersey with blue sleeves.Actor and Tottenham fan Matthew Horne starred in the video while talking to a Spurs cockerelCredit: Instagram @spursofficialSon Heung-min and James Maddison were playing darts in the barCredit: Instagram @spursofficialMaddison threw a no-look dart – his trademark celebrationCredit: Instagram @spursofficialMaddison’s dart perfectly struck the treble 20The Tottenham cockerel made more and more noise as the video went onCredit: Instagram @spursofficialBut they did so in an unorthodox manner with a 65-second clip shared on X.The video centres around actor Horne, 45, a big Spurs fan known for his role as Gavin Shipman in the hit-BBC comedy series Gavin & Stacey, sitting in a bar.It begins with three people in the pub showing off their new Tottenham shirts – which attracts the attention of Maddison and club captain Son Heung-min, who are playing darts at the end of the room.It then cuts to Horne who is talking to a Spurs cockerel as he launches into a passionate speech.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe says: “Spurs too? What do you reckon for the season? Exactly, I can’t wait to go again. Feel that atmosphere.”As the cockerel makes noises at him, he continues: “So true, unbelievable talent in the squads. Full of that daring spirit, playing the way we should.”As fans score a goal while playing table football and Maddison hits a no-look treble 20, Horne says: “[Playing] with flair, with style, our way. The Spurs way.”Keeper Guglielmo Vicario and midfielder Yves Bissouma fist-bump in response to Horne’s words, while the cockerel begins to get even louder.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIncluded in the clip was a nod to legendary Spurs player and manager Terry VenablesVenables, who won the FA Cup as Spurs boss in 1991, passed away seven months agoCredit: PAGuglielmo Vicario and Yves Bisouma also appeared in the adA photo of cult hero Peter Crouch was seen winkingThe camera also pans to the engraved bar which reads “El Tel’s Spot”, referencing former manager Venables, who won the FA Cup with Spurs as a player and manager and passed away in November last year. On the wall is a picture of Tottenham cult hero Peter Crouch giving a cheeky wink.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonHorne adds: “Whatever the odds, til the very end. In the pursuit of glory, together.”The cockerel lets out a huge cry which sees Dejan Kulusevski look up from his paper, before Horne, who has now removed his jacket to reveal the new Spurs top in all its glory, says: “Thanks, it’s new.”Tottenham’s new “elite” home shirt is available for both men and women at £125, while the “stadium” shirt is £85.Dejan Kulusevski was reading a paper in the barHorne stood up at the end of his passionate speech to display a close-up shot of the new shirtCredit: Instagram @spursofficial More

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    Gary Neville tells Sir Jim Ratcliffe the three things that will get Man Utd back to the top

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville advised new chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe to do three things that will restore the club back to the top.United have been lagging ever since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 as they have been unable to challenge for major honours and finished eighth this term, which is an all-time Premier League low.Gary Neville advised Manchester United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe to do three thingsCredit: PANeville’s advice to Ratcliffe focused on Man Utd’s ageing Old Trafford groundCredit: AlamyThe Red Devils’ ageing Old Trafford ground has also had issues as recent footage showed the stadium needs a revamp and it all came to a head last month when rainwater leaked through the roof.Neville, 49, is a member of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, which has been created to explore options for regenerating the Old Trafford area of Greater Manchester.The project aims to develop a world-class football stadium, but many United fans don’t understand whether that will mean the building of a brand new facility or the redevelopment of their existing home.The Sky Sports pundit admitted he does not know which of those two outcomes is most likely – this of course comes after Ratcliffe’s controversial plan to build the “Wembley of the North”.Read More on Man UtdBut the ex-England international insists that no matter what the outcome United chiefs need to make sure the club has the best stadium and training ground in the world.The former full-back is also adamant the Manchester giants need to have a winners’ mentality reinstated in the dressing room.Neville told the UTD Podcast: “There are three things I feel that Manchester United have to do, or at least two they have to do and one they should try and do.“One is that we have to have the best stadium in the world. Two is that we have to have the best training ground in the world and three is that we have to win. Most read in Football”The third one, actually, I’m a little patient on. I’m a Manchester United fan; things move in cycles. You can’t always win.“But if number one and two are right, and if you have the right people in the club, you’ve got a great chance of number three happening.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe sets five strict rulesRatcliffe is facing a very difficult choice as he will have to decide on Erik ten Hag’s future after the Dutch tactician won the FA Cup against all odds during an injury-stricken campaign.SunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flopsSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.
    Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
    Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
    Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
    Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
    Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
    Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
    Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
    Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
    Victor Lindelof – GO:  Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
    Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
    Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
    Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
    Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
    Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
    Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
    Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
    Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
    Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
    Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
    Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
    Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
    Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
    Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
    Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
    Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season. More

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    ‘Gang posed as FANS wanting a selfie to lure Spurs star Yves Bissouma’ before stealing £260k watch in tear gas mugging

    TOTTENHAM star Yves Bissouma was lured by a gang posing as fans wanting a selfie before he was tear gassed and mugged, police have revealed.The Spurs midfielder, 27, was robbed of his £260,000 Richard Mille luxury watch as he arrived at a French hotel with his girlfriend in the early hours of Sunday morning.Spurs midfielder Yves Bissouma had his £26,000 Richard Mille watch stolen after being tear gassed and mugged by masked men posing as fansCredit: RexThe Mali international seen seen wearing one of the luxury watchesCredit: instagramBissouma is known to show off his impressive clothing and jewellery collectionCredit: InstagramThe Premier League midfielder pictured standing in front of his car wearing another of his luxury watchesCredit: InstagramTwo masked men also ripped three diamond rings off his unidentified partner fingers as they tried to check into the five-star Majestic Barriere hotel in Cannes at around 4am.Officers in the French Riviera resort described how the pair were confronted by the criminals, with Bissouma telling police he tried to take refuge inside the five-star property – but its doors were locked.”They were clearly part of a very well organised gang,” a local judicial police source said.”Both were waiting outside the hotel, and struck when the couple were dropped off by a chauffer-driven limousine at about 4am.Read more in Football”At first the men acted as is they want to pose for photographs with the star, but then it became clear they were wearing masks.”The couple tried to get into the hotel, but were confronted with a locked door, and then gas was sprayed in their faces.”A Richard Mille watch was taken, along with three diamond rings, before the men escaped in a Renault Megane.”Bissouma and his girlfriend were so shocked and dismayed by the attack that they returned to London within a few hours. Most read in FootballThey had been due to spend several days’ holiday at the French resort.A spokesperson for Tottenham told The Sun: “We are aware of the incident that took place and we will continue to check on the welfare of Yves and his family.”Newcastle’s £100m striker Alexander Isak’s mansion hit by gang of robbers in latest raid on Prem aces’ homesProsecutors in Cannes have opened a criminal enquiry into the robbery, while police and gendarmes try to find those responsible.They are hoping that some of the attack may have been captured on CCTV, along with the car’s number plate. The source said such attacks were increasingly common across France, and especially in upmarket towns such as Cannes in recent years, with over 30 incidents reported since January 2023.Two watches worth around £200,000 each were stolen during the annual Film Festival last month, which attracts celebrities from all over the world, and especially Hollywood. Brands such as Richard Mille, Patek Philippe and Rolex are targeted because they can easily be sold off for more than cost price on the secondary watch market.Bissouma was born in French-speaking Ivory Coast, but now represents Mali as an international. The shocking incident comes as a second major blow to the midfielder this year, having contracted malaria while on international duty in January during the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. READ MORE SUN STORIESBissouma spent four seasons with Brighton & Hove Albion, scoring six goals in 124 games, before Spurs paid £30million for him in 2022.The defensive midfielder also spent two seasons with French club Lille before moving to the UK.Recent footballers targeted by thieves
    By Tom Malley
    Alexander Isak – April 2024
    Newcastle forward Alexander Isak is one of the most recent footballers to be targeted by thieves after his luxury home was raided in April.
    Professional robbers struck the Swede’s luxury home just 48 hours before he played in the Toon’s 1-0 win at Fulham on April 5.
    It was not known whether Isak, 24, or any family were at home at the time but cops confirmed a car was stolen and later found abandoned three miles away from the property.
    Kevin Volland – February 2024
    Germany and Union Berlin striker Volland had his £150,000 watch stolen by a street performer whilst on a night out in Berlin in February.
    Volland had been celebrating Union Berlin’s 1-0 win over Hoffenheim alongside team-mate Jerome Roussillon when his watch was nabbed while he was distracted.
    Roussillon subsequently ran after the perpetrator and caught him before retrieving the watch.
    Joelinton – January 2024
    Like his Newcastle team-mate Isak, midfielder Joelinton was also the subject of a sickening home break-in when three burglars entered his mansion.
    The injured Brazilian had been watching his team take on Man City from the sidelines when he got an alert that thugs had entered his house.
    While at St James’ Park he immediately contacted the police who raced to the address in Northumberland, only to find the attackers had already fled.
    Jack Grealish – December 2023
    In December, Man City star Jack Grealish’s £5.6million Cheshire pad was raided by thieves while he was playing.
    His loved ones, including partner Sasha Attwood, were forced to take cover as cops rushed to the £5.6million home to avoid a potential hostage situation.
    The robbers made off with £1million worth of jewellery and watches, while Grealish’s family were left “really shaken” in the horror.

    Bissouma and his girlfriend were robbed outside the 5-star Majestic Barriere hotel in Cannes at around 4am on SundayCredit: GettyBissouma has since returned to England following Sunday’s attackCredit: RexThe former Brighton ace has already suffered one major setback this year when he caught malaria representing Mali at AFCON in the Ivory Coast in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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    Fans demand ‘extra game’ ban for Reece James after discovering incredible claims made by Chelsea in red card appeal

    FANS want Reece James banned for an additional match after finding out the incredible excuse being given for his red card against Brighton.The Chelsea captain lasted 19 minutes in just his second game since returning from injury before he was sent off against the Seagulls last month.Fans want Reece James’ ban to be extendedCredit: ReutersThe Chelsea captain was sent off last month for lashing out at Joao PedroCredit: ReutersJames, 24, was fouled by Joao Pedro and then saw red as he lashed out, kicking the Brazilian as he ran past.Chelsea appealed the red card and came up with a bizarre justification to try and get the defender’s ban overturned.According to the Daily Mail, the club claim James was disorientated after being fouled by Pedro.Chelsea add: “It had not been his intention to harm Mr Pedro, he was simply pushing him away with his foot.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJames missed the final game of the season against Bournemouth so has already served one game of his four-match ban, which was upped from the usual three as his red card against Brighton was his second of the season.But fans want the ban to be increased as they believe the grounds used for appeal are ridiculous.One supporter reacted saying: “Should get an extra game for stupid appeals like that.”Another added: “Why appeal? It was a clear red card offense.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “They should even add an extra for appealing.”And another commented: “Why did he appeal for his stupidity.”Why Leicester fans WON’T miss Maresca
    IT IS fair to say most Leicester fans were not exactly pleading with Maresca to stay, writes Graeme Bryce
    OK, they were not queueing up and offering to drive him to Stamford Bridge.
    But there will not be too many tears shed or much wailing at the King Power either.
    The fans’ attitude to losing their incredibly successful boss could be summed up in a word: ‘Meh’.
    Maresca failed to win over the paying public who never really took to his patient, possession-based style of football.
    Having been brought up — some would say spoiled — by the swashbuckling title winners of 2016, with Jamie Vardy spearheading manager Claudio Ranieri’s shock champions, Maresca never really got off the ground at the King Power.
    So it will be interesting to see what Chelsea’s notoriously impatient fans make of Maresca’s ‘death by a thousand cuts’ style of play.
    It was not long before some of the old-school Leicester fans started moaning that Maresca’s patient, play-out-from-the-back style was becoming too boring to watch.
    During a 3-1 win over Swansea which left them ten points clear at the top, there were moans and groans coming from the stands amid cries of, ‘Get the ball forward’.
    Fans accused him of stubbornly sticking to his Plan A — even when it was not working — and claimed he was way too slow to make substitutions.
    But one thing Blues fans can look forward to is his man-management and his attention to detail.
    And the Foxes players also adored their manager.

    Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo Maresca More