Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Referees don’t understand football!’ – Ex-Prem official slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea and Liverpool errors

      by

      FORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey has criticised officials for their knowledge of the game following controversial decisions over the weekend.Halsey, 63, took charge of top-flight matches in England from 1999 to 2013.Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi avoided a red card for this challenge on Chelsea’s Cole PalmerCredit: GettyLiverpool were awarded a penalty after the ball struck Southampton defender Yukinari Sugawara’s armCredit: AFPFormer Premier League referee Mark Halsey has slammed the PGMOL for last weekend’s decisionsNow he is a SunSport analyst and columnist and regularly gives his take on decisions made by the current crop of Premier League referees.And in the latest episode of The Whistleblower he highlighted two particular calls he believes were mistakes.The first of those was the penalty Liverpool were awarded which won them the game against Southampton after the ball struck Yukinari Sugawara’s arm in the box.Halsey went on to insist it is the type of decision which highlights referees’ lack of knowledge of the game outside the written laws.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I thought it was a bit harsh [the Sugawara handball]. You can’t run with your arms by your side. You can’t jump with your arms by your side.”It’s come off his chest onto his arm. They’re in a natural position for that phrase of play.”That’s what I’m saying about training education with our referees about incidents like that with handball. It’s about knowing the game.”It’s all right knowing the laws of the game. It’s about knowing the game of football.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHalsey has also taken umbrage with Wilfred Ndidi only being shown a yellow card for a challenge on Cole Palmer during Leicester’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.Ndidi appeared to rake his boot down the Achilles of the England international, but avoided a straight red.Premier League referee David Coote update after statement from UEFA and revelation that referees don’t get drug testedYet Halsey saw the incident very differently, describing it as a “career-threatening challenge”.He added: “I thought it was a very, very poor challenge when I saw it again.”In real time Andy Madley hasn’t recognised the intensity of the challenge.”I was surprised when the Premier League match centre came out and said there was no intensity.”But I’ll say it again, I said it earlier, when a player lunges at an opponent in that manner, from one or two feet, from the front, from the side, from the back, it has to be sanctioned a serious foul play.”That was the worst challenge of the weekend. And I was very, very surprised that Paul Tierney, the VAR, did not recommend a review.”That was a career-threatening challenge. It’s the training and education of VAR, when to come in and when not to come in.” More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Are Man City football’s biggest one-man team? Stats lay bare the misery for Pep Guardiola’s side without Rodri

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY’S recent collapse has coincided with the absence of their key talisman.But just what do the stats say about the importance of Rodri?Rodri’s immense impact on Manchester City is undeniableCredit: GettyThe midfielder won the Ballon d’Or for his performances for club and countryCredit: GettyThe star man will miss the rest of the season after knee surgery in a massive blowCredit: ReutersPep Guardiola is trying to figure out how to win without his key manCredit: PAThe Spanish midfielder, 28, was agonisingly ruled out for the season after injuring his ACL against Arsenal in September. The damage required surgery and the lengthy recovery will keep him out of action until the 2025-26 campaign. And that means he will have to relinquish the Ballon d’Or trophy he collected in Paris last month as he was crowned the best footballer on the planet thanks to his exploits for City and Spain. Asked about being the world’s best footballer, Madrid-born Rodri told Esquire: “It’s hard to explain and when you put it in those words, it’s even more astonishing, it’s scary. I never thought about it. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Life surprises you and it’s an example that dreams can come true.”Never looking beyond, but living day by day, trying to grow… in the end you realise that a boy like me, from a normal neighbourhood, can become the best in the world.”The midfield metronome’s spell on the sidelines is being felt harder than even the most devout Rodri fans and Pep Guardiola could have expected.City limped to a 1-1 draw with Newcastle and – after unconvincing one-goal wins against the likes of Fulham, Wolves and Southampton – have lost their last five matches in all competitions.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe nightmare run started at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Carabao Cup before Bournemouth secured a 2-1 win on the south coast.Ruben Amorim’s Sporting stuffed City 4-1 in the Champions League and then Brighton won 2-1 at the Amex.Meet Man City’s Nico O’Reilly: Rodri’s heir?Then on Saturday, Spurs thumped Guardiola’s men 4-0 in a jaw-dropping result. And that result added further clout to the reliance on Rodri’s role in the team.This season, Rodri has featured in just three matches – coming on at half-time in the 2-1 win over Brentford, the 0-0 draw with Inter Milan and then went off after 21 minutes after sustaining the horror knee injury against Arsenal. It means he has missed 16 of City’s matches this season – and they have won nine, drawn two and lost five of those at a win rate of 56 per cent.But looking back to the start of the 2022-23 Treble-winning season, when the Rodri Rolls-Royce truly started rolling at new levels, the stats laid bare make for astonishing reading. From February 12, 2023 to May 19, 2024, Rodri was unbeaten for Manchester City – a staggering 74-match streak that was finally ended by rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley.Of course, he scored some hugely important goals in that time, too – including against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan on their way to lifting the Champions League then versus West Ham on the final day of last season to clinch yet another Premier League crown. Across all competitions, Rodri has started 103 times for City in that time.Of those matches, City have won 75, drawn 23 and lost just five.They average 2.5 goals scored and 0.8 goals conceded with a win rate of 73 per cent and a loss percentage of just five.However, of the 35 matches he has not started across the same period, City have lost 11 – more than double despite a sample approximately a third of the size – as the loss rate soars to 31 per cent. The 35 matches also feature 22 wins and two draws as the win rate falls to 63 per cent.City also score fewer (2.3 goals per game) and concede more (1.2 goals per game) when Rodri does not start. And the Premier League figures within that time tell a similar story with the win rate dropping from 75 per cent to 58 per cent – while the loss rate jumps from six per cent with Rodri to 37 per cent without. The goals scored tally takes an even bigger hit, too, from 2.6 per game to just 1.8. And the points per game rate is a staggering 2.4 with Rodri and 1.8 without. All in all, the facts are clear.City suffer without Rodri and lose six times more matches when he is not in the starting XI.Guardiola is reluctant to make sweeping changes – backing up his stance with a trophy cabinet overflowing with medals. Speaking ahead of the Champions League clash with Feyenoord, he said: “What should I change? What should I change? “If I had changed in my first season when I was asked to change we would not have won six Premier Leagues in seven years.”Now I’m not going to change. We are big believers in the process and the fundamentals we have to do. “Injured players have to come back to their best form, players who have played a lot of minutes because of the injuries need rest, one good result can change our mind.”When we were winning a lot I was thinking this too shall pass and right now this too shall pass. Nothing is eternal. “What we have to do is insist. 26 [shots] is not enough? Create more, and try to concede fewer. READ MORE SUN STORIES”One day we’re going to win a game and our mind will be clear. I hope Tuesday, if not Sunday. The desire is there and we are going to try.”But with Rodri not coming back into the team anytime soon, Guardiola needs to figure out his midfield minefield – and figure it out fast – to get back to winning ways consistently before the season completely collapses. Rodri scored the winning goal in the 2023 Champions League finalCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe Spanish star injured his ACL against Arsenal in SeptemberCredit: ReutersCity are feeling the effects of his absenceCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      What fan ‘was REALLY arguing with Roy Keane about’ when Man Utd legend ‘offered him out in car park’

      by

      ROY KEANE’S heated exchange with an Ipswich Town supporter was sparked by an issue that dates back over 10 years, according to a witness.The 53-year-old was filmed confronting the fan after Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with the Tractor Boys at Portman Road on Sunday.Roy Keane got into an altercation with a fan following Man Utd’s 1-1 draw with IpswichIn one of the videos he could be heard saying: “I’ll wait for you in the car park.”Keane previously managed Ipswich for 21 months from 2009 to 2011 while they were in the Championship.And his behaviour during that time allegedly sparked the argument between the Irishman and a fan at the weekend.Neil Finbow, who witnessed the incident unfold by the sidelines, has suggested the supporter in question voiced his frustration over Keane’s behaviour towards his children years ago.Read More in FootballThe instigator apparently claimed that Keane had been rude and denied them autographs during his managerial tenure.Finbow told the Daily Mail: “The argument all stemmed from an issue with his children. The fan’s issue was about getting autographs back in the day when he was the manager here. The guy was basically saying Roy Keane ruled with fear. “You could see him pointing to the car park because that is where the autographs were done, and that’s where he had the issue with Roy all those years ago. So, it makes sense they were pointing over there.”He went on to say that Keane’s car park comment was likely misinterpreted, adding: “What Roy said back could have been misconstrued.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He might have wanted to talk in the car park as that’s where it all happened.”It’s hard to tell. But yeah, he could have meant ‘I’ll talk to you in the car park,’ but it came across as if he was inviting him out [for a fight].” ‘If he wants to pay’- Roy Keane accepts Ruben Amorim’s offer to meet Man Utd legend live on TVFinbow also admitted he was surprised by the lack of security while the altercation was taking place.He continued: “There was no security or anything, which I was surprised about. Roy was directing his comments towards the fan who had the big issue because of his kids. There were a few choice words said about that.”The situation eventually calmed down before stewards told the fans to move on.Meanwhile, Keane resumed his punditry duties on the Sky Sports panel. More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Forgotten former Chelsea star reveals Mauricio Pochettino tried to sign him before awkward ‘who’s that’ comment

      by

      FORMER Chelsea defender Malang Sarr has criticised Mauricio Pochettino for “forgetting” his name while he was at the club.The 25-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge in 2020 but made just eight Premier League appearances in four years.Malang Sarr has hit back at Mauricio Pochettino, claiming the manager DID know who he was at ChelseaCredit: GettyPochettino claimed he did not know who Sarr was last summerCredit: GettyHis last outing for the Blues came on the final day of the 2021-22 season – when Thomas Tuchel was still in charge.Sarr did not even train with the first team when Pochettino was at the helm.As a result, the manager claimed he did not know who the defender was last summer.Asked in a press conference about the Sarr’s future, Poch replied: “Who?”Read More in FootballBut the Frenchman hit back in a recent interview, claiming Pochettino did know who he was.He even claimed the manager tried to sign him for Tottenham during his time at White Hart Lane.Sarr told L’Equipe: “I took it badly. It shouldn’t have happened. He knew me.”He even tried to sign me at Tottenham. I didn’t ask for an explanation.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSarr now plays for RC LensCredit: RexThe centre-back had his Chelsea contract terminated in July.He subsequently joined RC Lens in a free transfer.Gianfranco Zola reveals Cole Palmer pledge as Chelsea icons meet for first time after EA FC comment Chelsea player ratings vs LeicesterBy Graham HillCHELSEA survived a late Leicester fightback to win 2-1 at the King Power Stadium.SunSport’s Graham Hill rated each of the players in action.Robert Sanchez – 6He had a few shaky moments playing out from the back, which gave Leicester hope of getting back into the game before the break, but he will not be happy to have missed out on a clean sheet in stoppage time.Wesley Fofana – 7Booed on his second return to Leicester – but he refused to let it unsettle him, the fans could not put him off producing an assured display in the Chelsea defence.Benoit Badiashile – 7Controlled display at the back, he showed some superb vision at times but, apart from a spell in the first half, he was rarely troubled.Levi Colwill – 7Cool, calm and collected in defence – even when Leicester threatened to get back on level terms. A controlled second half display helped keep the Foxes at bay.Marc Cucurella – 7Looked a threat out left going forward and created some of Chelsea’s best opportunities of the game – including their second goal and he knew how to frustrate Leicester when he needed to.Moises Caicedo – 8Booked for dissent at a time when Leicester almost came back into it, but kept his head to make sure Chelsea stayed firmly in command of the game.Enzo Fernandez – 8Set up Jackson’s goal and is making a habit of providing key assists – this was fifth in his last three games.Headed number two from close range for good measure.Noni Madueke – 7Brought an excellent first half save from Mads Hermansen – who then stopped him scoring Chelsea’s second before the break.Blocked a certain Palmer goal though.Cole Palmer – 8Got some unwanted attention midway through the first half after a terrible challenge from Wilfred Ndidi – hit Maduke when he should have scored, otherwise he was excellent.Joao Felix – 6Peppered some shots in early on and proved a thorn in Leicester’s side, but drifted in and out of the game despite being part of a dominant Chelsea display.Nicolas Jackson – 7The opening goal – his seventh of the season – rounded off a powerful run and clinical finish after some help from Fernandez in the build-up. Also had a hand in Chelsea’s second.SubsChris Nkunku: for Joao Felix 81mins – 6Romeo Lavia: for Caicedo 81 mins – 5Jadon Sancho: for Maduke 84mins – 6Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: for Jackson 90 + 1mins – 5 More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim hints at part of Man Utd job he already hates in tense statement at end of Sky Sports interview

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM jokingly admitted that he’s struggling to come to terms with one key aspect of being the manager of Manchester United.The Portuguese tactician bemoaned the intense media spotlight that comes with being the Red Devils gaffer.Ruben Amorim already hates one aspect of the PremThe 39-year-old said he’s already done more interviews at United than he did during four years at SportingAmorim’s first game in charge was a largely underwhelming affair with United sharing the points with dominant Ipswich at Portman Road.Marcus Rashford got his new boss off to a perfect start when he opened the scoring inside 81 seconds.But Man of the Match Omari Hutchinson’s brilliant strike levelled the scores with the scrappy encounter going on to finish 1-1.Amorim joined pundits after the match and discussed the differences between managing United and his former club Sporting.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “This week I spoke more to the media than I did in four years at Sporting. I just want to work with my players. Nothing more.”It came after host Kelly Cates said: “One of the things you are going to learn as Manchester United manager is the number of media commitments that you have after a game.”Amorim shook his head and said: “This is the last time. When you speak too much and don’t win it’s really hard for everybody.”It’s one week. And only one week. I just want to work with my players and nothing more but I understand it’s a different game here.”Most read in FootballThe Amorim era got off to the perfect start when Marcus Rashford scored inside two minutesBefore Omari Hutchinson’s stunner pegged Amorim’s side backUnited were dominated by Ipswich in large parts of their 1-1 drawFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the 39-year-old was the picture of respect as his comments came after the interview was over.Amorim had no complaints with regards to the effort of his new group of players but accepted it will take time to improve. Ruben Amorim gives instant verdict on Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho and Zirkzee in revealing Sky Sports interviewHe added: “It is hard to expect anything now. It is not a surprise but you have to see it in the game. “That is why I was a little bit anxious, because you cannot understand what will happen in the game. I felt that.”What I understood today is that they are trying, they are really trying. “They stay in the positions, they receive information and they try to use it in the game. That is very important.”Even in the difficult moments, I felt they were doing the things we said for them to do.Amorim needs A LOT of time on training pitch to fix Man Utd… unfortunately he won’t get it, writes Charlie WyettIN theory at least, the only way is up for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.We are nearly a third of the way through this Premier League season and it is still staggering to see United lurking in 12th place.They have managed just four wins with a goal difference of 0. Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less.It is certainly not a false position and a point at Ipswich illustrated the massive job that Ruben Amorim faces.United’s fans sang the name of their new manager throughout the game.They also gave the players rapturous applause on the final whistle and although this was an improvement on some of the performances this season, the bar has been set pretty low.The club’s optimistic supporters will see that their team is only six points off the top four.  Ultimately, though, it is difficult to see United even reaching last season’s final position of eighth as they look worse.United’s patched-up defence will improve – and a three-man formation at the back will help them – but you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from. Marcus Rashford struck after 81 seconds and then went missing for the rest of his 68 minutes on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were also introduced in that double change midway inside the second half but added absolutely nothing. What a terrible couple of signings they have proved to be and United’s fans would swap both of them for Ipswich’s Liam Delap.Amorim did not celebrate the Rashford goal and paced around his technical area throughout looking uneasy.Each time there was a break in play, he called over players for instructions.Alejandro Garnacho headed over to the touchline on a couple of occasions while there were also words for Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Jonny Evans.Amorim, a manager with infectious enthusiasm, will be hopeful he can get his message across to all of the players in the next few weeks.But the problem for the Portuguese coach is that this was the first of 10 games in the space of 33 days.What he really needs are spells on the training ground without a midweek game but he does not have that luxury.”I know it is frustrating for the fans, but we are changing so much in this moment with a lot of games. “We are going to suffer for a long period and we will try to win games. This will take time, but I know we have to win games.”United – who sit 12th in the Prem – face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday before hosting Everton on Sunday.Former United captain Roy Keane expressed his concerns about the lack of quality at Old Trafford.He told Sky: “We saw the shape of the team but it is the same players and the same problems.”We talk about leopards and spots. Lack of goals and a lack of quality in the second half. Ipswich looked the better team.”It’s his first game. A lot to take in and it has been a mental week for him but ultimately he will be disappointed.”Keane also got into a furious bust-up with Ipswich fan after the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Irishman, who previously spent time as Ipswich manager, could be seen exchanging words with a group of home supporters.He appeared to tell one individual that he would “wait for him in the car park”.Man Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Onana saves Amorim from embarrassment in first game as bossMANCHESTER UNITED began the Ruben Amorim era with a 1-1 draw away at Ipswich.Marcus Rashford needed just 81 seconds to put the Red Devils in front at Portman Road, tapping home an Amad Diallo cross.But Ipswich hit back when Omari Hutchinson’s strike flew in via a deflection off Noussair Mazraoui.And it was the newly-promoted side who looked likelier to get a winner in the second half.Here is how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett saw the performances of the Man Utd players…ANDRE ONANA – 7/10United’s best player. Two key stops to deny Liam Delap but no chance for the deflected Omari Hutchinson goal.Then delivered an 87th minute save to keep out an effort from Conor Chaplin.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 5Slotted in on the right of the three-man defence but unfortunate with the deflection for the goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5Has been suspect this season and will probably be better suited to a back three although still given a tough time by Delap.JONNY EVANS – 5The 36-year-old was targeted by Ipswich for his lack of pace and no surprise he was replaced.AMAD DIALLO – 6Did incredibly well to bomb past Jens Cajuste and deliver the cross for Rashford’s early goal but offered little else.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5Some nice touches going forward but too lightweight in this position in front of the back three.CASEMIRO – 4Lucky to start ahead of Manuel Ugarte and was really poor.Struggled throughout before being subbed and could maybe have got a block to the Hutchinson shot.DIOGO DALOT – 5Not suited to left wing-back although stayed there when Luke Shaw arrived because the English international replaced Evans in the back three.BRUNO FERNANDES – 5Some of his link-up play was fine but United need a captain who can inspire this team and Fernandes is not the man.Sent a free-kick flashing past the post with 12 minutes left.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5Twice called over by Ruben Amorim in the first half for instructions.Denied by a decent save from Aro Muric 50 seconds into the second half.MARCUS RASHFORD – 6Criticised for his basketball trip to New York so to score after 80 seconds was two fingers up at his critics – but did not offer much after that.SubsUgarte (for Casemiro 56 mins) – 6Shaw (for Evans 56 mins) – 6Hojlund (for Rashford 67 mins) – 5Zirkzee ( for Eriksen 67 mins) – 5Mount (for Garnacho 87 mins) – 5 More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim planning shock transfer swoop for Wolves star Rayan Ait-Nouri

      by

      WOLVES star Rayan Ait-Nouri is high on the wishlist of new Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.The Algerian’s contract expires in the summer of 2026 and he is believed to be eyeing a move away from Molineux.Rayan Ait-Nouri is wanted by Man UtdCredit: AlamyRuben Amorim believes he perfectly suits his style of playCredit: GettyThat has put United are on red alert for a player as Amorim has made signing a left-back a priority. He wants to boost his options give Luke Shaw’s injury record. Shaw could also eventually move into the back-three once the former Sporting Lisbon manager fully instils his 3-4-3 system at Old Trafford.Ait-Nouri, an attacking wing-back, ticks all of the boxes for Amorim and the style of the football he likes to play.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 23-year-old has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, but United will be keen to ensure Amorim’s wishes are met.Ait-Nouri is currently on a deal of £33,000-a-week at Wolves and the Red Devils would be able to tempt him with a substantial uplift in his wages.The fan favourite has plenty of Premier League experience under his belt, making more than 100 appearances since joining from French side Angers in 2020. He has found the back of the net eight times and registered a further six assists along the way.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWolves are likely to want to keep the him until the summer amid the threat of relegation.United may have to wait until the end of the season to get their man.Ruben Amorim hints at part of Man Utd job he already hates in tense statement at end of Sky Sports interview Amorim could also go shopping back at Sporting and he is thought to be keen on striker Viktor Gyokeres and midfielder Morten Hjulmand.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans call for ‘Man City admin to be sacked’ after ’embarrassing’ video posted following 4-0 battering by Tottenham

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY fans were left furious after the club posted a “highlights” video of Saturday’s humiliating 4-0 defeat to Tottenham.The reigning Premier League champions suffered their fifth straight loss at the hands of Ange Postecoglou and his team at the weekend.Man City suffered a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham at the weekendCredit: GettyCity’s social media team posted a ‘highlights’ video of the lossCredit: AlamyJames Maddison broke the deadlock after just 13 minutes and quickly went on to score a second.Pedro Porro then made it three at the start of the second half.And Brennan Johnson sealed the victory with a strike in added time.The result left City second in the Premier League table, just one point ahead of Chelsea, Arsenal and Brighton.Read More in FootballJust a few hours after full-time, City shared a “highlights” video on social media.The clip understandably left supporters furious, with one person writing: “I hate this admin man. You should be sacked.”Another said: “Thanks for ruining our weekend with this clip.”A third wrote: “You’re not serious.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile a rival fan commented: “What team posts a highlight comp of a 4-0 home loss 😭.”City boss Pep Guardiola was left shell shocked after the match and said: “Of course everything is not fine. In eight years we have never lived this kind of situation. In this moment we are fragile.Pep Guardiola says Man City is not ‘in a dark place’ despite Sporting Lisbon loss “There are no fairytales in life and sport. Sometimes you have to live through these situations.”You have to accept it. You can’t blame each other, you have to stay together.”It would be a mistake to change. Run away? Absolutely not, we have to stand up more than ever. What will define us is when we fail, we stand up and face it.”Liverpool went on to beat Southampton on Sunday, increasing their advantage over Guardiola’s side to eight points. More

    • 313 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I feel sick when I look at him,’ says fan who Roy Keane ‘offered out’ after Man Utd clash as he opens up on row

      by

      THE man who was allegedly “offered out” by Roy Keane has shed further light on the incident, according to reports.Keane, 53, was involved in a confrontation while working as a pundit at yesterday’s clash between Ipswich Town and Manchester United.Roy Keane was involved in a confrontation with an Ipswich fanThe incident was captured on cameraThe Irishman managed the Tractor Boys between 2009 and 2011.Following the full-time whistle, things got heated between Keane and a supporter.Video footage showed Keane walking round the Sky Sports desk to confront the fan by the sideline.He could be seen leaning in and gesturing with his hands as he spoke to the supporter.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt one point, Keane could be heard telling the animated supporter “I’ll wait for you in the car park.”According to the Mail, the supporter in question is named Neil Finbow – and took to Facebook after the incident.He is claimed to have posted: “New claim to fame. Just been offered out into the car park by Roy Keane after a few choice words.”Finbow is later said to have added: “Even Jamie Redknapp had to come over to get him away. Just your average Sunday evening out.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSResponding to a comment, he then allegedly wrote: “I was reminding him that he set us back five years and ruined our football club. I also mentioned how he wasn’t fit to step foot anywhere near our ground [Portman Road].”Oh, and I mentioned about him walking out on a World Cup and breaking Haaland’s leg and putting it in his autobiography.Man Utd player ratings vs Ipswich “I hate the bloke, and that’s been boiling up since he got sacked all those years ago.”Sky Sports’ live broadcast had been in an ad break when the incident unfolded.Keane was appearing on Super Sunday alongside Jamie Redknapp, Izzy Christiansen and presenter Kelly Cates.Finbow went on to write in a further comment: “The truth hurts, mate. I feel sick when I look at him.”He is later said to have added: “Few home truths thrown at him, he decided to bite. Very unprofessional. I’m sure he had worse when he was playing.”Finbow was not the only supporter to crowd around Keane during the incident.Another could be heard shouting: “F*** you Keane!”Amorim needs A LOT of time on training pitch to fix Man Utd… unfortunately he won’t get it, writes Charlie WyettIN theory at least, the only way is up for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.We are nearly a third of the way through this Premier League season and it is still staggering to see United lurking in 12th place.They have managed just four wins with a goal difference of 0. Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less.It is certainly not a false position and a point at Ipswich illustrated the massive job that Ruben Amorim faces.United’s fans sang the name of their new manager throughout the game.They also gave the players rapturous applause on the final whistle and although this was an improvement on some of the performances this season, the bar has been set pretty low.The club’s optimistic supporters will see that their team is only six points off the top four.  Ultimately, though, it is difficult to see United even reaching last season’s final position of eighth as they look worse.United’s patched-up defence will improve – and a three-man formation at the back will help them – but you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from. Marcus Rashford struck after 81 seconds and then went missing for the rest of his 68 minutes on the pitch.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were also introduced in that double change midway inside the second half but added absolutely nothing. What a terrible couple of signings they have proved to be and United’s fans would swap both of them for Ipswich’s Liam Delap.Amorim did not celebrate the Rashford goal and paced around his technical area throughout looking uneasy.Each time there was a break in play, he called over players for instructions.Alejandro Garnacho headed over to the touchline on a couple of occasions while there were also words for Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Jonny Evans.Amorim, a manager with infectious enthusiasm, will be hopeful he can get his message across to all of the players in the next few weeks.But the problem for the Portuguese coach is that this was the first of 10 games in the space of 33 days.What he really needs are spells on the training ground without a midweek game but he does not have that luxury.Keane took charge of 81 games as Ipswich boss, winning 28 of them.He was sacked in January 2011 and replaced by Paul Jewell.The Man Utd legend has not managed again, but has since worked as a No2 at Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and the Republic of Ireland national team.Yesterday’s incident came after an Arsenal supporter was found guilty of headbutting Keane.Scott Law was convicted of assaulting Keane at a match in September 2023.The married dad of two, who claimed he was acting in self-defence, was given a 12-month community order and a three-year match ban.Law has lodged an appeal against his conviction and sentence, but a date has yet to be set.Following the incident with Law, Keane admitted that he was getting tired with life as a pundit.He said: “I’ll struggle for the next 10 months doing this. I love football, but the hassle of matches, getting to games, and the hassle of fans.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was in court a few months ago with somebody headbutting me, do you think I enjoy that side of it? Absolutely not.”SunSport exclusively revealed at the time that Keane had been left “shaken” by the incident.Keane chats with new Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim during yesterday’s coverageCredit: PAKeane managed Ipswich between 2009 and 2011Credit: Getty More