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      Major Mykhailo Mudryk update as banned Chelsea star ‘passes lie detector test’ in bid to clear his name

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      MYKHAILO MUDRYK has passed a lie detector test in a bid to clear his name as a drugs cheat, it is claimed.The troubled Chelsea star is currently suspended while awaiting a further result on a urine sample which tested positive for the banned substance meldonium.Mykhailo Mudryk has not played for Chelsea since NovemberCredit: APMudryk signed from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk two years ago and the CEO of his former club says the player underwent a Polygraph test organised by his lawyers.Sergei Palkin said: “I have spoken to Mudryk many times since this doping issue arose.”He doesn’t understand how it could have happened. He has no clue. No idea at all.“So his lawyers organised for him to take a lie detector test, which he passed. It will form part of the evidence showing he didn’t intentionally do anything wrong.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”Mudryk has been clear, it’s not his fault that he tested positive. We now need to find out how this has happened, and who did this. His lawyers are trying to find out.”Unknowingly taking banned substances is no defence and Mudryk faces a ban of up to four years.He has not played since November 28 last year when he scored for Chelsea against Germans Heidenheim in the Conference League.Traces of meldonium were discovered in a routine urine sample submitted while on international duty.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKPalkin admits his club is on Mudryk’s side because they are still owed money as part of the transfer deal which could rise to £88m with add ons but only if he plays regularly.Mudryk, 24, has disappeared from public view since news broke of him failing a drugs test. He has not been seen at Chelsea’s training ground for months.Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk facing FOUR YEAR ban after failing drugs testUkrainian football has been ravaged by the invasion of neighbours Russia in 2022, leaving many clubs in dire financial straits.Palkin told GiveMeSport: “There are still no results from the B-sample, so that remains open. Nobody knows what’s happened. I wish Mudryk all the best. He’s a top professional and a very good person. He should be protected.”Shakhtar also has a vested interest. There are bonuses from his move to Chelsea linked to his performances.“If he’s not playing, it causes problems for us because we could potentially lose €30m (£25m). So Shakhtar, Chelsea and Mudryk, we are in one boat. We all support Mudryk, and hope he is allowed to continue playing football soon.“Selling Mudryk to Chelsea was a crucial deal for us.“Without the Mudryk fee, I don’t understand how we would have settled many, many, many issues.”Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeHow long are drugs bans in football?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK could be banned for up to four years after failing a drugs testBut what are the rules regarding drugs in football?There is a big difference between recreational drugs and performance-enhancing substances.Recreational drugs – such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD and MDMA – carry a six-month suspension.However, this ban can increase to up to two years if a drug is detected when a player is tested after a match.But performance-enhancing drugs carry a far more severe punishment.And crucially the alleged drug Mudryk tested positive for, meldonium, falls under that category.The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code’s standard ban is four years.That is how long Paul Pogba was suspended for following his failed drugs test – although it was later reduced on appeal to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.The FA follows the UK Anti-Doping code under the WADA authority so will follow their lead and procedures.Should Mudryk’s follow-up secondary ‘B’ sample also test positive, he is likely to be hit with at least an 18-month ban but it could be as high as four years.The only person in football currently banned on the UKAD sanctions list for anti-doping rule violations is Craig Campbell.The former Scottish striker was banned for four years in December 2022 after being convicted of dealing cocaine.  More

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      Theory emerges over why Darwin Nunez hasn’t started a game for Liverpool for weeks as transfer agreement revealed

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      DARWIN NUNEZ has fallen out of favour at Liverpool in recent months.The 25-year-old has started just eight of the club’s 30 Premier League games so far this season.Darwin Nunez has started just eight Premier League games this seasonCredit: GettyArne Slot criticised the striker’s work rate earlier this yearCredit: AlamyHe also has just five Champions League starts to his name.Liverpool boss Arne Slot was highly critical of his work rate earlier this year.In February, he said: “I helped him by saying you can miss a chance.”I wasn’t only hard on him. But for the second time in a row I wasn’t happy with his work effort, against Wolves and against Villa.READ MORE IN SPORT”I can’t accept if a player doesn’t give everything. That is clear. I can accept it once, but twice was a bit too much. That’s why I addressed it.”The striker has started just one Premier League match since then, fuelling rumours that he may leave Anfield this summer.But a report from Portuguese outlet A Bola has appeared to suggest that there could be another reason for his lack of game time.Nunez has started 49 Prem and Champions League games combined for Liverpool since joining from Benfica in an £85million transfer almost three years ago.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSReports in Portugal have claimed that the Reds could be forced to pay Benfica another £4.3million when he makes his 50th start.Despite the little-known clause, many Liverpool fans believe that Nunez remains out of the starting line-up due to his form.Sky Sports presenter praised by fans after rarely-seen move in interview with Liverpool matchwinner Darwin NunezThe striker has managed just seven goals in 42 appearances across all competitions this season.He also has seven assists to his name. More

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      Man Utd close in on Matheus Cunha transfer with £62.5m Wolves star ‘swayed’ after Ruben Amorim tunnel chat

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on a deal to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves, according to reports.There is set to be yet another revamp of the squad this summer with the Red Devils looking to freshen up their attack.Man Utd are closing in on a deal to sign Matheus CunhaCredit: GettyCunha and Ruben Amorim spoke in the tunnel at Old TraffordCredit: BEIN SPORTSRuben Amorim has already laid down some of the groundwork by talking to key target Cunha, 25.The pair reportedly spoke at Molineux and were spotted conversing at Old Trafford as Wolves beat United 1-0 at the weekend.United are inching closer to securing a deal to sign the Brazilian but are still yet to activate his £62.5million release clause, according to the Daily Mail.Newcastle are set to rival United for Cunha with Eddie Howe said to be planning to use the forward as support for Alexander Isak on the left flank.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother player in Amorim’s sights is Liam Delap.The Ipswich star has scored 12 goals in his maiden Premier League campaign and will be available for a cut price of £30m when the Tractor Boys are relegated.Chelsea are also considering activating his release clause with other Prem clubs likely to keeping tabs on the striker.United could also freshen up their attack by signing Antoine Semenyo and Eberechi Eze.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever their eye-watering price tags of £70m mean any deal hinges on who leaves Old Trafford.Players on big wages like Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho may have to depart before further transfers are completed. ‘Better than what we currently have’ – Man Utd fans drooling over Wayne Rooney’s son Kai’s goal for academy team More

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      Man Utd fans say Antony ‘deserves another chance’ as loanee nets stunning volley with weaker foot for Real Betis

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      MANCHESTER UNITED player Antony continues to impress during his loan stint at Real Betis.The winger joined United in 2022 following a staggering £86million deal with Ajax.Manchester United loanee Antony scored for Real Betis with his weaker foot at GironaSome Man Utd fans believe Antony deserves a second chance at Old TraffordBut the Brazil international never lived up to his billing at Old Trafford as he only managed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances.The 25-year-old ultimately fell out of favour upon Ruben Amorim’s arrival at the dugout and was thus loaned out to Betis during the January transfer window.However, Antony has drastically improved in Spain, where he already counts a total of six goals and four assists in 17 appearances across all competitions.The ex-Ajax star continued to impress during Sunday’s LaLiga clash at Girona where he helped Manuel Pellegrini’s side pick up a 3-1 victory.Read More on Man UtdAntony scored Betis’ second with a clinical right-footed volley after a beautiful cross by Romain Perraud on 39 minutes.In fact, the Brazilian hit the back of the net with his weaker foot, which left Man Utd fans in absolute awe.So much so, that some United supporters urged the club to give the loanee another shot next season.One fan tweeted: “He deserves another chance IMO.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother commented: “Anthony balling.”A third wrote: “What a finish too. Antony for Ballon D’Or!”Antony shows his excitement as he joins Real Betis This fan said: “Guy is back.”And that one stated: “Come back!” More

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      Tottenham 1 Nottingham Forest 2: Nuno’s men take huge step towards Champions League as Spurs suffer further humiliation

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      NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO will have dreamt of delivering Champions League football at Tottenham once upon a time.The Portuguese never came close to it unfortunately because Daniel Levy sacked him after only 17 games in charge back in 2021.Nottingham Forest got back to winning ways at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: GettyElliot Anderson’s deflected effort opened the scoring in the fifth minuteCredit: GettyBefore Chris Wood doubled Forest’s lead 11 minutes laterCredit: RexRicharlison scored late on to give the home side hopeCredit: GettyBut Nuno took a huge step to qualifying for Europe’s elite club competition at Spurs as his Forest side recorded an easy win back on his old stomping ground.Early goals from Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood, who also had another ruled out for offside, did the damage to send the Tricky Trees up to third, even though Richarlison got one back late on.And despite a recent wobble of back-to-back defeats, plus the quality competition they face to finish in the top five, Nuno’s men will fancy themselves now given their favourable run-in.After Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City – in itself a massive fixture in Forest’s recent history – their last five to complete the term are all very winnable.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBrentford on the beach at home, then away to a Crystal Palace side who could be preparing for a cup final.A home-banker to relegated Leicester is followed by a trip to a West Ham side desperate to see the end of the campaign.Then a final-day hosting of Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, who are in the mix for the Champions League but hardly look invincible. Indeed, they may look the most likely to miss out.Most read in FootballNuno Espirito Santo’s side got back to winning ways at his old groundCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn an already a dream season, they could not have hoped for a better crack at it than this.As for Spurs, where’s that meme of a gutted Ange Postecoglou slumped over on the touchline when you need it.Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt From the high of Thursday’s win at Eintracht Frankfurt to an 18th league defeat of the season.Spurs had had one of their best nights in ages with that gritty 1-0 in Germany.Not only did it put them into the Europa League semi-finals and keep their trophy dream alive.But it most probably saved Postecoglou from the sack and was convincing evidence that his players are still playing for him.This, however, was a reminder of why the Aussie was under such pressure in the first place as an abysmal league campaign got worse.And to old boss Nuno, to rub further salt into the wounds of the Spurs fans who bothered to turn up in a stadium dotted with unoccupied seats all around.It was not just the result that left home supporters feeling empty but the manner of the performance.Once again, Spurs were so easy to play through and create chances against.Ange Postecoglou looked devastated as Spurs were beaten for the 18th time this seasonCredit: ReutersTottenham played a lot better in the second half, but it wasn’t enoughCredit: GettySpurs have lost four of their last five Premier League gamesCredit: GettyFor a team in such good nick as Forest, breaking down Postecoglou’s brittle backline was easy.Morgan Gibbs-White fired a warning shot on four minutes which Guglielmo Vicario dived low to his left to push away.A minute later and Nuno’s side were ahead through a preventable goal, from Spurs’ perspective.Pedro Porro tried to clear Anthony Elanga’s corner but his header was weak.It fell perfectly outside the box for Anderson, whose powerful drive deflected off Rodrigo Bentancur and fizzed up past Vicario.One looked to have become two only five minutes on when Wood converted Anderson’s pinpoint cross but VAR spotted the New Zealander to have been narrowly offside.Ultra-focused Forest shook off the frustration and on 17 minutes it was definitely 2-0, with Wood bagging his 19th Prem strike of the season.The powerhouse forward, whose former clubs Burnley and Leeds both won promotion back to the big time on Easter Monday, rose to meet Elanga’s cross and flicked it into an empty net.Vicario had attempted one of his Superman-esque punch-outs to clear the delivery but got nowhere near it.The Italian’s effort to keep out the goal summed up Spurs’ display in the opening 20 minutes: misjudged, sluggish, not good enough.Forest fans were in dreamland though, singing ‘Up the Champions League we go’ as their team threatened to run riot. Spurs did have chances to get back in it from there. Of course they did, this is Postecoglou’s side after all.Mathys Tel lashed well wide after Neco Williams had got a clearance all wrong.Harry Toffolo cleared one off the line just after the hour markCredit: ReutersRicharlison then somehow headed the wrong side of the post from a few yards, possibly being put off by Pape Matar Sarr being in his eyeline.After the break, Harry Toffolo’s outstanding volley on the goal-line to hack the ball away was the only thing stopping Dejan Kulusevski’s header from pulling one back.Then Matz Sels stepped up as he has done so often this season to deny Richarlison’s shot.Postecoglou finished the game with four forwards as he sent on Dominic Solanke and Forest old-boy Brennan Johnson to join Tel and Richarlison, who was again denied by a stunning Sels save.But Nuno’s brave Forest withstood the pressure.The question is, can they do the same and hold on in the race for the Champions League?This display, back at the place he very briefly called home, will have given their manager renewed belief that they can.Read More on The SunRicharlison did grab a goal back in the 87th minute, powerfully heading home Pedro Porro’s cross.But it proved only to be a consolation – albeit one that injected some late tension into the clash – as Nuno’s side held on for a precious win in the Champions League race.Richarlison did grab a goal back late on after heading home Pedro Porro’s cross More

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      Fire alarm at Stockley Park sees VAR SCRAPPED in middle of Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest match as statement released

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      VAR was temporarily axed during Tottenham’s clash with Nottingham Forest after a fire alarm at Stockley Park.Referee John Brooks and assistant Dan Robathan were forced to flee the west London officials hub at half-time.VAR was axed mid-game due to a fire alarm at Stockley ParkCredit: ReutersForest were leading Spurs 2-0 when VAR went downCredit: GettyNuno Espirito Santo’s side went in at the break 2-0 up after goals by Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood.And by the time the second 45 minutes begun, the refs were still unable to return to the building in West London.A brief Premier League statement confirmed the news, which read: “The match will be operating without VAR until further notice due to a fire alarm at the VAR Hub at Stockley Park.”Technology was out of use for around eight minutes in second-half before things returned to normal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA second Prem tweet said: “VAR is now back up and running”.The system was fortunately not called upon while it was out of action.But fans found the situation hilarious, with one saying: “We had freedom for about one minute.”Another added: “Whoever set the fire alarm off deserves a raise.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA third laughed: “Quick, someone go break the emergency glass again.”By the time of the fire alarm, VAR’s new semi-automated offside technology had already been used at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt Wood had headed the ball into the back of the net but the goal was chalked off as the Forest striker went too early.Yet it took him just seven minutes to score a goal that did stand after heading home an Anthony Elanga cross.Tottenham improved after the break, and Richarlison netted a late goal. But Spurs couldn’t find another and Forest won 2-1 to boost their Champions League qualification hopes. More

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      Troy Deeney SENT OFF just minutes into return to football as clash descends into chaos

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      TROY DEENEY was sent off on his return to football following a cynical challenge.Deeney, 36, laced up a pair of boots for the first time after his retirement with Forest Green Rovers in 2024 when he rolled credits on a 20-year career.Troy Deeney was sent off just minutes into his Baller League debutDeeney was shown a red card after pushing opponent Tareiq Holmes-Dennis off the ballChaos quickly ensued with Holmes-Dennis looking to return the favour to DeeneyThe former striker rolled back the years on Baller League as he was called up to compete for Wembley Rangers, who are managed by Arsenal legends Ian Wright and Chloe Kelly.Wright and Kelly decided to utilise their “wildcard rule”, which allows teams to bring in a player for one match. And their pick was EFL cult hero Deeney, who stepped up for the Baller League match against FC RTW at the Copper Box Arena in Stratford.But just minutes into his debut, the Watford legend lost the plot and lunged onto opponent Tareiq Holmes-Dennis with a reckless push off the ball.Read More on FootballThat led to an intense melee with both teams clashing on the pitch in front of the live crowd.Holmes-Dennis was furious as he ran back towards Deeney and returned the favour.The FC RTW ace was so incensed that even referee Mark Clattenburg couldn’t calm him down.In fact, Holmes-Dennis also shoved Clattenburg – albeit in a much lighter way.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat incident gave the legendary Premier League ref no other option but to send Deeney off.Wembley Rangers went on to lose the match 4-3, which left them 10th in the 12-team table.I grabbed director of football by the throat and picked him off the floor in front of my team-mates, reveals Troy Deeney This marked Deeney’s return to a football pitch for the first time since January 2024 when he was let go as player-coach at Forest Green Rovers. More

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      Granit Xhaka prepares for life after football as former Arsenal star becomes head of fashion brand

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      EX-ARSENAL star Granit Xhaka has swapped football for fashion – by heading up a clothing brand.The Swiss midfielder spent seven years with the Gunners, captaining the side and winning two FA Cups.Bayer Leverkusen star Granit Xhaka has swapped football for fashionEx-Arsenal ace Xhaka is heading up a clothing brandHe joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2023, and has since won the Bundesliga title and German Cup.Xhaka, 32, co-founded the Grajo streetwear label two years ago.  He has now taken full charge of the company.The Switzerland international said: “We have agreed that I will take complete control, and go full steam into the future.”I have turned the company’s focus more towards my own vision.   Besides streetwear, we have customers who favour a more elegant style.Read More on Arsenal”There is a broad spectrum from comfort to stylishness. I offer my new collections to my Leverkusen teammates.”Their reactions have been positive.  Many of them like the styles, and are happy to wear the clothes.”At present we sell online, as that is the best way to bring our collections direct to the public, but this is only the start.”I can foresee us opening shops as well.  Social media plays a central role, and I want us to become established in both Europe and the USA.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I am learning new ways of manufacturing the clothes.  It’s really interesting for me to see.”I have always lived for fashion, and all the more so now with my own!Why Xhaka is Football’s Greatest Comeback”My wife Leonita supports my fashion and style completely. That means a lot to me.”Xhaka made 297 Arsenal appearances, scoring 23 goals, following a £35million move from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016.The Basel-born ace has since gone on to break Switzerland’s caps record, scoring 14 times in 135 games. More