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      Leicester break dismal record that’s stood for 32 years as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side hurtle towards relegation

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      IN THE midst of a turgid season, Leicester City have picked up another unwanted accolade.Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Foxes sit 19th in the table with 17 points from 30 games played, only slightly better than Derby County’s 2007-08 campaign – their 11 points the fewest in Premier League history.Goals from Grealish and Marmoush damned Leicester to yet another defeatCredit: GettyLeicester’s defenders, including Wout Faes, have been heavily criticised as the Foxes are on track for a historically poor seasonCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy seems to be running out of ideasCredit: GettyWhile they may not be the worst Premier League side ever, they have picked up another unwanted piece of history after losing 2-0 to Manchester City on Wednesday night.Jack Grealish opened the scoring after just four minutes with his first goal since December 2023, which he later donated to his late brother. Omar Marmoush doubled the Champions’ lead in the second half.His contribution marked the 25th time this season that Leicester had conceded first in a match, more than any other team in Premier League history.Read more footballThey surpass previous record holders Ipswich Town, who in 1994-95 conceded first in 24 of their 38 games on their way to a 22nd place finish.That record had stood for thirty years.Defence, unsurprisingly, is among Leicester’s leading problem areas as they stare down the barrel at a prompt return to the Championship.They have not kept a clean sheet since since beating Bournemouth 1-0 in their seventh match of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey are also on track to concede a club record number of Premier League goals this season, having shipped 67 so far.The score to beat is 80 goals against, a record set as Leicester were relegated alongside Ipswich in 1994-95.Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy gives his thoughts after Brentford defeat That leaves Leicester with eight matches to concede less than 13 goals – a tall order as Van Nistelrooy’s leaky backline have conceded an average of 2.3 goals per game in their last 10 outings.They failed to score in eight of those 10 matches, most recently finding the back of the net in a 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford on February 7, almost two months ago.One must look even further back for their most recent win, which came away to Tottenham Hotspur in late January after goals from Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss.Van Nistelrooy has won just three of 20 matches since taking over from Steve Cooper in December, with Leicester now twelve points adrift of safety.The Dutchman took over the club after a brief stint as Manchester United’s interim manager during which he won three of four games before Ruben Amorim was signed from Sporting CP. More

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      James Tarkowski SHOULD have been sent off for horror lunge vs Liverpool say PGMOL but won’t face any punishment

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      PGMOL bosses admit James Tarkowski should have been sent off in the Merseyside derby.Everton defender Tarkowski only saw yellow for a horrible tackle on Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Alister as he cleared the ball on the edge of his own box in the first half of the Anfield clash.James Tarkowski avoided a red card for this tackle on Alexis Mac AllisterWhile former England defender Tarkowski clearly played the ball first, his out of control follow through saw him clatter into the Argentine midfielder‘s calf.Referee Sam Barrott judged it to be a “reckless” challenge and worthy of only a booking.But PGMOL chiefs agree it should have been deemed serious foul play and that VAR Paul Tierney was wrong not to intervene and recommend a review at the pitch side monitor.Despite the private admission, under FA rules there is no possibility of retrospective action for Tarkowski.The Everton defender apologised to Mac Allister after the final whistle and the pair appeared to kiss and make up.But commentators, pundits and former refs unanimously agreed Tarkowski should have saw red.Gary Neville suggested he was “lucky” not to be sent off and ex-Prem official Mike Dean confirmed his view.Dean said: “The follow through is awful. He hasn’t got his leg planted, luckily enough.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”But it’s a red card – speed, intensity, force – the lot. He gets the ball but the follow through… it’s a terrible challenge.”For me he (Barrott) should have gone to the screen, should have sent Tarkowski off – 100 per cent.” Fury as James Tarkowski escapes red card for horror tackle on Mac Allister just minutes into Merseyside derbyAt half-time, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said of Barrott: “He’s in a great position, he has to see that.”Carragher then added: “For Paul Tierney not to give that on VAR, shocking.” More

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      What James Tarkowski did at full-time spotted after avoiding red card for horror lunge in Liverpool vs Everton clash

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      JAMES TARKOWSKI was lucky to avoid a red card in the Merseyside derby but he produced a touching gesture at full-time.The Everton defender caught Alexis Mac Allister high on his leg with a risky follow-through after making a tackle.James Tarkowski appeared to say sorry to Alexis Mac Allister at full-timeCredit: X @SkySportsPLMac Allister seemed to accept the apologyCredit: X @SkySportsPLThe Everton defender caught Mac Allister with a dangerous follow throughTarkowski initially won the ball but the aggressive nature of his tackle posed a danger to his opponent.He was booked and VAR did not deem the challenge worthy of serious foul play – a red card offence – but the likes of Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher believe he should have been dismissed.PGMOL chiefs agree it should have been deemed serious foul play and that VAR Paul Tierney was wrong not to intervene and recommend a review at the pitchside monitor.Despite the private admission, under FA rules there is no possibility of retrospective action for Tarkowski.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the centre-back realised the serious nature of his tackle and after the final whistle he spoke to Mac Allister.The Everton ace appeared to issue an apology to the Argentine and at the end of their discussion Mac Allister appeared to forgive him.Some fans appreciated the gesture but not everyone responded compassionately.One supporter reacted saying: “Touch of class.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “Even he knew it was a red.”A third wrote: “So even he knows he’s a very lucky boy!”Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntAnd another commented: “Fair play. Both players classy here.” More

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      Premier League’s first black referee Uriah Rennie learning to walk again after rare condition left him paralysed

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      FORMER Premier League referee Uriah Rennie has opened up about the rare condition that left him paralysed from the waist down.Once described as the “fittest” referee in England’s top division, the 65-year-old is now learning to walk again.Uriah Rennie has revealed he is learning to walk againCredit: GettyThe 65-year-old has been diagnosed with a rare neurological conditionCredit: AlamyAfter experiencing intense back pain while on holiday in Turkey last year, Rennie was admitted to Northern General Hospital in October.He told the BBC: “I thought I had just slept funny on a sun lounger, I was hoping to go paragliding but because of my backache I couldn’t go.”By the end of the holiday I couldn’t sleep a wink from the pain, and by the time I got home I could barely walk.”I spent a month laid on my back and another four months sitting in bed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”They kept me in hospital until February, they found a nodule pushing on my spine and it was a rare neurological condition so it’s not something they can operate on.”I have had to learn to move all over again, I’m retraining my legs.”He continued: “It was strange – I went from running around the city to in essence being in traction for such a long time.”I didn’t have any previous back problems but quite suddenly I wasn’t able to move and was in a spinal unit.”Most read in FootballHaving been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned for issues such as improving equality and inclusion in sport, Rennie was on the verge of starting a new role as Sheffield Hallam University chancellor when he first went into hospital.He now spends much of his time in physiotherapy and completing movement exercises at his home.Describing his current state of movement, he said: “I can move my feet and I can stand with a frame attached to my wheelchair but I need to work on my glutes.”I rock around in my chair doing my exercises, I’m a very good, compliant patient.”It has been frustrating but family and friends have been invaluable, the hospital was absolutely superb and the university has been exceptional.”Half a year on from his hospital admission, Rennie is now due to start his role as a university chancellor next month. And he is determined not to give up on walking again.He concluded: “Lots of people are in wheelchairs, but it doesn’t define them.”It has made me resilient and forceful and I will never give up – I’m not on my own, there is a village helping me.”I recognise how brittle things are in life now.”I don’t know if I am going to walk fully, but I know what I need to do to try and you must never give up hope.”Read More on The SunRennie made history in 1997 when he became the Premier League’s first black referee, officiating a match between Derby County and Wimbledon.He is also a kick-boxing and aikido expert. More

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      ‘If he manages it, there will be a statue’ – Ange Postecoglou told what it takes to become Tottenham legend this season

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      TIM SHERWOOD believes that Tottenham will stick with under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou.And the former Spurs boss, 56, reckons that a statue will be built of the Aussie if he can turn things around.Ange Postecoglou has come under intense pressure at TottenhamCredit: GettyTim Sherwood managed Spurs during the 2013-14 seasonCredit: Action Images – ReutersIt has been suggested that Postecoglou’s future may hinge on Tottenham’s Europa League fate, with the Lilywhites set to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals next week.Speaking exclusively to SunSport, via OLBG, Sherwood said of his former club: “There’s going to be a lot of pressure on everyone involved if they don’t win the Europa League, but that’s part and parcel of managing at a big club.”If you don’t get success, there is a chance that there might be a change. But genuinely, I don’t believe Daniel (Levy) wants to do it (sack Postecoglou), and I don’t think he will.”I would like to see Postecoglou stay at the club and get some more players in.READ MORE ON TOTTENHAM”I think he needs help in the transfer market, in recruitment. I think Daniel spends the money, but I think what they’re spending it on has not been fantastic.”Sherwood still reckons that there could be a STATUE of Postecoglou erected in North London, should Spurs win the Europa League.He added: “They were winning football matches and everyone was really encouraged going into this season and they did get crippled with a bad injury list, but they would like to have done better.”But I still believe they can win the Europa League. They can win it and they can go to the Champions League next season on the back of it and there will be a statue of Ange Postecoglou outside of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium if he manages it.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHow a statue of Ange Postecoglou could look outside Tottenham Hotspur StadiumPostecoglou himself has admitted that he may end up managing somewhere else next season.He said: “I know what my responsibilities are. I’m sure if the club decides to go in a different direction, there’s some outstanding candidates out there for it.Moment Ange Postecoglou is confronted by fuming Tottenham fan and pulled away by own players after defeat at Fulham “And you know what, maybe someone will think, ‘Ah Ange Postecoglou’s not a bad coach, maybe we’ll take a punt on him’.“It doesn’t rock my world. It doesn’t consume me. I’m here, I’m passionate about what we’re doing.”I was brought in to change the way the club plays, rejuvenate the squad, bring success, I’m focused on that. That’s what I’ll keep doing.”‘I DON’T THINK HE’LL SACK HIM’With Spurs going into tonight’s clash with Chelsea languishing in the bottom half, patience appears to be wearing thin – with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola a contender to replace Postecoglou at the end of the season.But Sherwood would like to see his old side give Postecoglou a third campaign – and doesn’t believe that Daniel Levy, who sacked him in 2014 after coming sixth, will pull the trigger.The former England international said: “I don’t think Daniel Levy wants to sack Ange Postecoglou and I don’t think he will sack him.Read More on The Sun”I really don’t. I just think he appreciates what he’s brought to the club since last season.”I think he realises that it’s been a difficult year but there have been mitigating circumstances to why they haven’t picked up the results, but I would still say he thinks they should’ve done a bit better.”Sherwood, 56, knows what it’s like to work with Daniel LevyCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Juventus ‘make contact’ over Sandro Tonali transfer as they prepare £33million-plus-player swap deal for Newcastle star

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      JUVENTUS are considering a cash-plus-player offer to tempt Newcastle into selling Sandro Tonali, according to reports.The midfielder switched AC Milan for Tyneside in 2023 for a fee of £55million.Juventus are ready to launch an ambitious move for Sandro TonaliCredit: ReutersDouglas Luiz could be offered to Newcastle as Tonali’s replacementCredit: GettyDusan Vlahovic could be involved in talks as Juve are looking to sell him this summerCredit: RexBut just two seasons into his five-year contract, Italian giants Juventus are making an ambitious move to bring him back to his homeland.The Old Lady are said to have “made contact” with Newcastle and are ready to offer them cash and a player to seal the deal.La Gazzetta dello Sport claim Tonali is valued at between £50m and £58m.Juventus are reportedly going to offer the Toon £33m and one of three stars they want to offload.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDouglas Luiz is top of the list after failing to settle into life in Turin following his switch from Aston Villa last summer.The Brazilian would give Newcastle a like-for-like replacement should they lose Tonali this summer.Eddie Howe’s side showed an interest in centre-back Federico Gatti before and he is another who could be offered to them.Juventus are aware Newcastle may be in the market for a striker if they cash-in on Alexander Isak and are therefore weighing up throwing Dusan Vlahovic into discussions.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Serbian goal machine, who has found the back of the net 14 times this season, is out of contract at the end of next season.Juventus are therefore looking to get rid of him this summer or risk losing him on a free.’I wish he would have hung on for one more year’ Alan Shearer chokes up in tribute to his dad at Newcastle paradeThe report states that the transfers will only be possible should the Italians qualify for the Champions League.They currently sit fifth just one point behind the all-important top four places.Juventus chiefs are hopeful of striking a deal as they have a good relationship with Newcastle after signing Lloyd Kelly in January.But conflicting reports from The Chronicle claim they cannot afford to sign Tonali.Newcastle previously showed interest in Federico Gatti and he could be offered as part of the bidCredit: Rex More

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      Bournemouth 1 Ipswich 2: Tractor Boys keep slim survival hopes alive as Cherries’ Euro charge takes shock dent

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      NATHAN BROADHEAD and Liam Delap secured Ipswich’s first win of the year at Champions League-chasing Bournemouth.Town’s first league victory in Dorset for nearly 72 years gave Kieran McKenna renewed hope for their survival chances.Ipswich Town rekindled their slim Premier League survival hopesCredit: GettyNathan Broadhead opened the scoring for IpswichCredit: ReutersLiam Delap scored the winner against BournemouthCredit: RexEvanilson put Bournemouth back in the game against IpswichCredit: AlamyBut the Tractor Boys still have a big job ahead digging their way out of trouble, trailing fourth-bottom Wolves by nine points.Former Everton man Broadhead stunned the home side when he fired his 34th-minute shot through Cherries goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s legs.Then striker Delap showed just why he is being chased by a host of clubs when he lashed home his 11th goal of the campaign on the hour.Brazilian striker Evanilson did pull a goal back for the Cherries but it was not enough to save them from losing four successive Premier League home games for the first time.Read Moreon FootballRested Ipswich made six changes from the side that played 18 days ago – and lost 4-2 at home to Nottingham Forest.Bournemouth made five changes from the team that saw their Wembley FA Cup semi-final dreams ended by Manchester City on Sunday.Gaffer Andoni Iraola took out three of his four defenders, bringing back fit-again Adam Smith plus Milos Kerkez and Illia Zabarnyi who had served their FA Cup suspensions.Iraola was desperate to put the spark back into Bournemouth’s Champions League bid after winning just one of their last six league games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBoth teams made a tentative start until, on 15 minutes, Dango Ouattara’s driven cross was cleared off the line by Ipswich’s Dara O’Shea.The hosts were constantly pinging the ball around the visitors’ box without finding the breakthrough centre or pass.How Pep broke Iraola’s high press with genius midfield diamond masterclassWhen Ouattara tried his luck on 23 minutes the winger’s vicious drive curled the wrong side of the post.Ipswich’s first shot in anger arrived two minutes later when Julio Enciso found himself with a bit of room from a long throw but his drive was blocked by Kerkez.Then Enciso let rip from 30 yards but his handsome long-range effort dipped just over the bar.Antoine Semenyo then tried his luck with a powerful effort which Town goalkeeper Alex Palmer comfortably punched clear.But really the Cherries should have gone ahead on 33 minutes when Alex Scott was left with a simple opportunity but his under-hit effort allowed O’Shea to clear again.And that miss was compounded up the other end 60 seconds later when Broadhead gave the Tractor Boys the lead.Breaking the deadlockThe home defence allowed Enciso to run at them before he slipped the ball through to Broadhead who simply fired the ball through Kepa’s legs.No wonder the world’s most expensive goalie looked glum having been nut-megged by City’s Omar Marmoush at the weekend.Blues fans were loving the fact they had taken the lead as a sense of shock and disbelief descended on the Vitality Stadium.And there was nearly a shock start for Bournemouth seconds into the second half when Scott’s shot was tipped over the bar by Palmer.This roused the home faithful who next saw Ryan Christie’s tame effort effortlessly saved by the visiting stopper.But Ipswich weren’t going to surrender their precious lead without a fight and instead doubled the score on 60 minutes.Conor Townsend cleverly picked out the unmarked Delap who thumped the ball home from 10 yards.Read More on The SunBournemouth were awarded a penalty two minutes later when Axel Tuanzebe tripped Semenyo but VAR ruled the offence had taken place outside the area.But Evanilson was soon celebrating a home goal on 67 minutes when Palmer could only push Lewis Cook’s shot into his path – but the damage had already been done. More

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      Liverpool 1 Everton 0: Diogo Jota scores stunning winner as Beto is made to rue missed chance

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      ARNE SLOT was hoping to land a Liverpool treble but at least he has avoided a wobble.Just when it seemed the club’s players had decided to cause panic among their fans with another poor result, Diogo Jota chose a good time to end his 10-game goal drought.Diogo Jota netted a stunning winner as Liverpool won the Merseyside derbyCredit: PABeto had a goal ruled out for offside as Everton lost 1-0 at AnfieldCredit: ReutersSo despite being booted out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain and then beaten by Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final,  Slot’s men continue their inevitable march to the Premier League title.As for David Moyes, who had overseen a tremendous nine-game unbeaten run at Everton, it was yet another disappointing night at Anfield where he has now failed to win any of his 22 matches at his least-favourite stadium.There was some degree of controversy over Liverpool’s winner with Luis Diaz coming from an offside position – with James Tarkowski playing the ball to stop it from getting to the Colombian – before Jota struck only his ninth goal of the season.Yet equally, Tarkowski was fortunate to be on the pitch as he should have been sent off at the start after a crunching tackle on Alexis Mac Allister.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut on the final whistle, there was relief all round as Liverpool restored the 12-point gap meaning they are sleepwalking to their first title in five years.At the end, there were smiles, hugs and fist-bumps all around from the players while the supporters sang about winning the league.Liverpool certainly did not play well last night despite having lots of the ball. The last two performances have whisked us back to the 2022-23 season when they finished fifth.Because like the loss to Newcastle at Wembley, they were sluggish in midfield, created very little in the final third and their two centre-halves, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, looked as though they have never played with each other.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEqually, Liverpool continue to miss the right-boot of Trent Alexander-Arnold at full-back although that is something they will have to get used to next season.Even Mo Salah, who is also out of contact, has suddenly suffered a major dip in form even though he will clean up in the end-of-season awards.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports But for Liverpool fans, there really is not much to grumble about. And Slot finished last night’s game in a much calmer mood than after the previous Merseyside derby when he was given a red card and told Michael Oliver that he would be to blame if they did not win the title.Because of the mayhem at Goodison, it was a surprise that the Premier League chose an inexperienced referee in Sam Barrott who had never taken charge of a top-flight game at Anfield.And he made the big call not to send off Tarkowski in the 10th minute after he delivered a crunching, studs-up challenge on Mac Allister despite winning the ball.Jota jinxed his way through Everton’s defence before burying home a lovely strikeCredit: EPAHis 57th effort proved to be the only goal of the gameCredit: AFPPaul Tierney on VAR at Stockley Park decided not to upgrade the yellow card to a red and Tarkowski – who scored the 98th minute leveller in the 2-2 draw at Goodison – got lucky.The next VAR check went in Liverpool’s favour when the decision to rule out a strike by Beto for offside was upheld.Beto, after shrugging off Van Dijk too easily, threaded a shot through the legs of Caoimhin Kelleher. Beto had put Everton ahead moments beforeCredit: ReutersThe striker’s effort was ruled out for offsideCredit: GettyAnd that was certainly a relief for the Irish keeper who replaced No1 Alisson as he was following FA concussions protocols after suffering a head injury while on international duty with Brazil.Kelleher was then grateful for the woodwork as Beto hammered a shot against the left post after capitalising on more ponderous defending from Van Dijk. Carlos Alcaraz could have scored with the last touch of the first half – with Liverpool’s defenders again switching off – but the Argentine’s header was poor.James Tarkowski made a huge challenge on Alexis Mac AllisterCredit: APIt resulted in just a yellow card for the defenderCredit: ReutersAnd while Liverpool once again had more of the possession after the break they were faced with a blue wall of players putting their bodies on the line, such as Jarrad Branthwaite who flung his head towards the boot of Salah to divert the ball away from danger.Yet while they were not at their best, Slot’s team were clearly desperate not to cock this up.James Garner was dispossessed in a dangerous area by Jota and then received the ball back courtesy of a wonderful flick from Diaz. A heated game saw plenty of clashes all over the fieldCredit: GettyDavid Moyes was not impressed by some decisionsCredit: GettyJota jogged past Idrissa Gueye then stuck a shot past Pickford on the penalty spot.After a VAR check focusing on Diaz, the goal was confirmed and everyone at Anfield breathed a little easier.Read More on The SunLiverpool are now 26 games unbeaten in the Premier League and while winning the treble would be nice, there is only one trophy that all the supporters really crave.Captain Van Dijk is looking particularly tired, right now, but he should still have enough strength to lift the Premier League trophy in a few weeks. 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