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    Fans furious as James Maddison escapes red despite appearing to punch Nottingham Forest star Ryan Yates

    TOTTENHAM star James Maddison escaped a red card despite appearing to lash out at Ryan Yates.The Nottingham Forest ace fell to the floor after he was seemingly hit in the stomach by the England midfielder.James Maddison appeared to punch Ryan YatesThe Nottingham Forest star fell to the floorCredit: Sky SportsThe incident went unpunishedCredit: APMaddison did not receive a red card after a VAR checkCredit: ReutersReferee Simon Hooper did not spot the off the ball incident just before half-time – but VAR did take a look.However, they decided not to punish Maddison.Fans have been left fuming over the decision, with one saying: “So Maddison can punch someone very CLEARLY and it isn’t an automatic red? Cheers again VAR.”Another added: “How has Maddison not been sent off for that? Clear punch.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third reacted: “Maddison should be off. Punching the Nottingham Forest lad on the stomach is a red. Not even a yellow given.”Others thought Yates was lucky to not receive his marching orders as he signalled for the referee to check VAR.He was already on a yellow card and a player would normally get a booking for such a gesture.Pundit Jamie Redknapp said at half-time that “there was not enough in it”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, Roy Keane slammed the way Yates fell to the floor, calling him “a nice kid” – but said he goes down easily too often.After the game, Forest gaffer Nuno Espirito Santo said: “I was surprised. Maddison lost composure and punched Yates in the stomach.Inside James Maddison’s personalised private box at Tottenham with incredible mural on the wall “What they saw clearly is not the same as we saw. I wouldn’t speak if I wasn’t 100% sure.”Yates told Sky Sports: “Maddison is a good player, I know he makes them tick. It’s my job to disrupt the momentum.”A few decisions probably didn’t go our way but we’ve seen the inconsistency in the Premier League this season.”Spurs went ahead in the game when Murillo turned a cross into his own net.But Forest levelled things before the break as Chris Wood smashed the ball home beyond Guglielmo Vicario.Spurs then regained the lead as Micky van de Ven’s powerful strike flew into the top corner.And Pedro Porro made it 3-1 as Spurs moved into the top four. More

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    Fans say ‘that’s the Chris Wood we knew and loved at Newcastle’ after ‘miss of the season’ against Spurs

    CHRIS WOOD produced a contender for miss of the season as he fluffed his lines against Tottenham.The striker failed to hit the target from a point-blank position, having already scored for Nottingham Forest in Sunday’s Premier League clash.Chris Wood produced a contender for miss of the season against TottenhamCredit: Sky SportsThe Nottingham Forest star somehow missed from point blankCredit: Sky SportsWith the score at 1-1, Forest surged forward on the attack in search of a second goal.Ryan Yates pulled the trigger on a fearsome strike from outside the box.And his effort was turned away by Spurs goalie Guglielmo Vicario.However, the Italian failed to get the ball away properly.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe ended up spilling it straight into Woods’ feet.The Kiwi striker was just yards away from the goal mouth and had the net at his mercy.But instead of placing the ball home, Woods instead decided to go for a powerful hit.And he ended up smashing the ball against the outside of the post, leaving fans bewildered.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIndeed, many joked it was more like the form Woods showed at previous club Newcastle, where he managed just four league goals in 12 months.One said: “That’s the Chris Wood we knew and loved at Newcastle.”Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersAnother declared: “Surely contender for miss of the season.”One noted: “Oh Chris Wood, how did you miss that?”Another added: “How do you not score from there?”Tottenham had opened the scoring after just 15 minutes after an own-goal from Forest defender Murillo.But Woods fired back with his 12th goal of the campaign to level things up after half an hour.Spurs regained the lead in the second half though, with Micky van de Ven netting in the 52nd minute.And the game was effectively put to bed moments later when Pedro Porro pounced to make it 3-1.READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Burnley star Wood joined Forest on an initial loan deal from Newcastle in January 2023, with the move made permanent for £15million last summer.He has become a key player under Nuno Espirito Santo and remains the captain of New Zealand’s national team.Chris Woods’ career statsThose amazing numbers in full

    Waikato FC, 2007-08: 5 games 0 goals

    West Brom, 2008-11: 27 games 3 goals

    Barnsley (loan), 2010-11: 7 games 0 goals

    Brighton (loan), 2010-11: 31 games 9 goals

    Birmingham (loan), 2011-12: 29 games 11 goals

    Bristol City (loan), 2011-12: 19 games 3 goals

    Millwall (loan), 2012-13: 19 games 11 goals

    Leicester, 2012-15: 62 games, 20 goals

    Ipswich Town (loan), 2014-15: 8 games 0 goals

    Leeds, 2015-18: 88 games 44 goals

    Burnley, 2017-22: 165 games 53 goals

    Newcastle, 2021-23: 39 games 5 goals

    Nottingham Forest, 2022-24: 35 games 14 goals

    New Zealand: 74 games 34 goals

    Trophies: League One title (Brighton); Championship title (Leicester); OFC Nations Cup (New Zealand) More

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    Forgotten Man City star told he ‘needs to leave’ after heartbreaking video from bench in Crystal Palace clash

    MANCHESTER CITY fans have been left heartbroken after Pep Guardiola’s brutal substitution U-turn.The champions were leading Crystal Palace 4-1 yesterday when the boss was about to turn to his bench for the third time.Sergio Gomez was ready to come on – only for Pep Guardiola to change his mindSergio Gomez has barely played this seasonCredit: ReutersGuardiola was going to bring on forgotten star Sergio Gomez, who has started just four matches in all competitions this season.The left-back was seen on the bench pulling his shirt on with a beaming smile on his face.But Odsonne Edouard then pulled one back for Palace to make it 4-2.The goal saw Guardiola change his mind and with him not in the mood for taking chances amid the title race, Gomez was told to sit back down in the dugout.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans felt sorry for the 23-year-old Spaniard as he again failed to make an appearance.One said: “I feel so bad for him at this point.”Another added: “He’s 23, turning 24 around the start of next season. He has to go in the summer to save his career.”A third commented: “I feel bad for him, not because he didn’t play but because Pep basically said he doesn’t trust him with a two-goal advantage. Must be the worst feeling as a player.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMore reacted: “I feel sorry for him he’s so good. I don’t know why he’s not getting some minutes.”Some fans believe he lost Guardiola’s faith when he was sent off in the Champions League group stage game against Copenhagen last year.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanGomez was a youngster at Barcelona and got his breakthrough at Borussia Dortmund.He convinced Man City to sign him on a four-year deal in 2022 after impressing at Belgian side Anderlecht.Gomez has featured 13 times in all competitions this season and he was in the starting XI on just ten occasions last term as City won the Treble. More

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    Antony held back from referee by Man Utd team-mate after ‘going CRAZY’ during Liverpool clash

    ANTONY had to be held back from the referee after “going crazy” during Manchester United’s draw with Liverpool.The winger was left raging at the officials late on in Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford.Antony had to be held back by Sofyan Amrabat as he shouted at referee Anthony TaylorCredit: PAThe winger was booked for his protests after he did not win a foul against LiverpoolCredit: GettyReferee Anthony Taylor had chosen not to give a foul after Antony went down when challenging for a header with Andy Robertson.Luis Diaz then pounced on the loose ball but was unable to keep his effort down.The United man felt he had been pushed to the ground and immediately confronted Taylor.Despite being shown a yellow card, the Brazilian continued to protest the decision.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe was only saved from further punishment when Sofyan Amrabat stepped in to push him away from the referee.Speaking on commentary, Gary Neville explained: “Antony needs to be careful.”He’s going mad at the referee and Amrabat is having to pull him away. He feels he’s been pushed by Robertson.”Fans also reacted to the incident on social media, with one commenting: “Fair play, Amrabat. Keep your mouth shut Antony.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, another added: “Antony and Amrabat beefing. United in shambles.”The Moroccan midfielder appeared angry with his team-mate as he attempted to calm him down, fearing a second yellow and a red card.Man Utd break unwanted record in diabolical first half against Liverpool as fans say Erik ten Hag ‘has to go’Antony had replaced Marcus Rashford earlier in the second half after the England star was forced off with an injury.Fortunately for Antony, his protests failed to land him a second yellow card as United held on for a point.The 2-2 draw leaves the Red Devils sixth in the Premier League, eight points adrift of Tottenham in fifth place.But it put a massive dent in Liverpool’s title bid as it handed top spot to Arsenal. More

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    Man Utd ratings: Kobbie Mainoo already looks like legend in the making but flop team-mate just can’t hack it anymore

    MANCHESTER UNITED battled bravely to pick up a point against Liverpool.The Red Devils trailed 1-0 in the second half following an opening strike from Luis Diaz.Kobbie Mainoo was the star man as Man Utd drew 2-2 with LiverpoolCredit: APCasemiro was United’s worst player on the fieldCredit: PAHowever, a wonder hit from Bruno Fernandes saw United get back on level terms.And the hosts ended up going ahead after another cracker from Kobbie Mainoo.Liverpool ensured the points were shared as they nabbed a late equaliser from the spot.But who was the best player for United?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd did anyone have a game to forget?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence delivers his Man United player ratings from today’s game at Old Trafford…ANDRE ONANA – 9He had a rocky start to his Old Trafford career but this is a goalkeeper who continues to grow in stature- as proved with a spectacular series of save in this.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDIOGO DALOT – 5Distribution is questionable at best – much like his defending because he is too often stranded up-field after bombing forward with no thought of any danger behind him.Man Utd break unwanted record in diabolical first half against Liverpool as fans say Erik ten Hag ‘has to go’WILLY KWAMBALA – 8Another teenage talent showing that the future may not be as bleak as it might look – the centre back remained calm within the chaos of his first clash with Liverpool.HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Yup he’s not the quickest, he’s not great on the ball and Eric ten Hag would have let him go last summer but the England man again showed he’s got guts.AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 5Deployed on the opposite side of the pitch from his usual right back spot and looked fine – until a terrible lunge on Harvey Elliott gifted Mo Salah his equaliser.CASEMIRO – 4He looks finished, sadly, a pale imitation of his glory days at Real Madrid and five Champions League success – just can’t get around the pitch anymore.KOBBIE MAINOO – 10Difficult to believe the midfielder is still ten days short of his 19th birthday for he already looks like he will become a United legend and…what a goal!Marcus Rashford also had a poor gameCredit: GettyBRUNO FERNANDES – 6All drama queen and Hollywood passes as usual but what looked like becoming a dire day suddenly changed thanks to his 40 – yard equaliser from nowhere.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8Ryan Giggs he probably never will be but another of United’s bright young sparks who provides pace, finishing ability and real belief.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Nobody can doubt his work rate or commitment and it would be a help if those around him provided more chances for the Danish striker to shine in the box.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Has turned into the ultimate enigma, one minute looking like the best wide striker around, the next sullen and seemingly disinterested in taking part.SUBSAntony for Rashford (66) 5READ MORE SUN STORIESAmrabat for Garnacho (79) 5Mount for Mainoo (84) 5 More

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    Man Utd star Andre Onana spotted lathering gloves in VASELINE during Liverpool clash – but there’s a good reason why

    EAGLE-EYED fans spotted Andre Onana smothering his gloves in Vaseline – but there is a clever reason behind the bizarre move.The rain poured at Old Trafford as Manchester United took on Liverpool.Andre Onana covered his gloves in VaselineHe faced several Liverpool shots in the first-halfCredit: GettyAnd not long into the clash, the cameras picked up Onana standing on his line with a pot of Vaseline in hand.Fans were left baffled, with one saying: “No wonder Onana can’t catch the ball when he’s putting Vaseline on his gloves.”Another questioned: “How does lubing your grip up help you catch the ball?”But it turns out it could actually improve grip as Vaseline can supposedly help soak up water.READ MORE ON MAN UTDTherefore, some believe inside the goalkeepers union that putting it on your gloves helps grip the ball in rainy conditions.Ex-Premier League stopper Shay Given has revealed he used the Vaseline trick during his playing days.Onana had plenty of work to do in the first-half as Liverpool were constantly on the attack.They had 15 shots in the opening 45 minutes compared to Man Utd’s zero.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Vaseline theory
    Vaseline supposedly helps goalkeepers grip the ball in rainy weather.
    The product, usually used for lips, can be smothered on the palms of keeper gloves in the hope it will result in improved “holding power”.
    Shay Given and Ben Foster have confirmed it is a commonly used trick by No1s.

    Luis Diaz opened the scoring with an acrobatic finish from a corner after being given “the entirety of Manchester” in space.But Bruno Fernandes levelled after the break, catching Caoimhin Kelleher off his line from distance.Man Utd and Liverpool’s Worst Ever Transfer XI worth £450mAnd then an incredible Kobbie Mainoo curler put Erik ten Hag’s side ahead. Onana’s use of Vaseline made no difference as Mo Salah sent him the wrong way from the penalty spot to set up a frantic finish from 2-2 with ten minutes remaining.But the points were shared and Arsenal are now top of the table on goal difference. More

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    Man Utd vs Liverpool LIVE SCORE: Mainoo puts United in front as Ten Hag’s men complete SHOCK comeback – latest updates

    MANCHESTER UNITED are hosting bitter rivals Liverpool in a Super Sunday special RIGHT NOW – and it has been an absolute thriller!Jurgen Klopp’s are looking for revenge at Old Trafford following their FA Cup quarter-final defeat last month.But Man Utd are aiming to dent Liverpool’s title hopes – as Jurgen Klopp’s men can return to the top of the Premier League table with a win at Old Trafford.
    Kick off time: 3.30pm BST
    TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League
    Live stream: NOW
    Man Utd team: Onana, Dalot, Kambwala, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka, Mainoo, Casemiro, Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund
    Liverpool team: Kelleher, Robertson, Van Dijk, Quansah, Bradley, Mac Allister, Endo, Szoboszlai, Diaz, Nunez, Salah
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd 2-1 Liverpool
    78. When Liverpool attack now, Man Utd are getting everyone behind the ball.
    They are confronted with a wall of red with no options available to the player in possession.
    Diaz shoots and Onana saves but Salah skies the rebound into the stands.
    That was a chance.
    Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Liverpool
    76. The referee has a word with Onana who is blatantly trying to waste time with his goal kick.
    You cannot get away with these things now as it will just be added on at the end of the game.
    Man Utd do not have good memories of time added on.
    Credit: Getty
    Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Liverpool
    74. Time is running out for the visitors.
    Klopp’s side have a habit of scoring late goals this season.
    Since the second goal they have stopped creating chance though.
    Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Liverpool
    72. This is a completely different game now, Man Utd are growing in confidence and Liverpool are going to complete opposite way.
    They do not even look like the same team.
    The remainder of this game will really test whether this Liverpool team have the minerals to be champions.
    Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Liverpool
    70. Unless they can change things in the next twenty minutes, Liverpool have given away the title today.
    They were in complete control until Quansah lost his head.
    Now they find themselves behind in a game they should be four-nil up in.
    Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Liverpool
    68. Mainoo receives the ball just inside the penalty area and looks to curl one in the far corner.
    Kelleher is at full stretch but can get nowhere near it.
    This is turning into a nightmare for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
    Copy linkCopiedGoal – Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd)
    Copy linkCopied
    Man Utd 1-1 Liverpool

    66. Both managers opt to make some changes.
    Rashford is injured and not able to continue for the hosts and looks set to come off for Antony.
    Klopp brings on Gomez and Jones for Bradley and Szoboszlai.
    Credit: AP
    Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Liverpool
    64. Dalot clips a ball over the Liverpool defence towards Fernandes.
    He looks to hit the ball on the volley but completely misses the ball.
    The Man Utd skipper looks straight over to the assistant hoping to see an offside flag but there isn’t one.
    Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Liverpool
    62. At this stage normally you would expect Jurgen Klopp to make some changes.
    That said, Liverpool are looking by far the better side but one moment of madness has cost them their lead.
    Nunez looks to feed it through to Salah but it runs through to Onana in the Man Utd goal.
    Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Liverpool
    60. Just as Mac Allister was about to pull the trigger Mainoo gets there first to clear.
    A free kick is awarded to the hosts for the follow through.
    It gives the Man Utd defence a chance to have a breather.
    Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Liverpool
    58. Liverpool have let Man Utd back into a game they were not even remotely in up until that point.
    The crowd are behind the Red Devils now and it is a cauldron of noise at Old Trafford.
    Klopp’s side desperately need to ge the next goal silence the fans and make heads drop amongst the players.
    Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Liverpool
    56. Liverpool break once again with a five on two.
    Unbelievably they over-complicate it once again.
    Nunez hits a cross come shot which Dalot puts behind for a corner.
    Credit: Reuters
    Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Liverpool
    54. This game has turned on its head now.
    Man Utd are piling on the pressure.
    Liverpool have self-destructed here.
    Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Liverpool
    52. Jurgen Klopp must be fuming with his team.
    Rashford comes forward and the ball ends up with Garnacho who looks to shoot from outside the box.
    It deflects over for a corner.
    Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Liverpool
    50. Liverpool have completely gifted Man Utd a goal.
    Quansah makes a monumental error and passes it straight to Fernandes who hits a first-time shot from the centre circle.
    With Kelleher off his line, it ends up in the back of the net.
    Shocking from the young defender.
    Copy linkCopiedGoal – Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)
    Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Liverpool
    48. United look to go more direct with their passing.
    On this occasion Quansah towers over Rashford.
    Liverpool counter attack and Nunez gets a shot away in the box but it is blocked by Maguire.
    Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Liverpool
    46. As Erik ten Hag walks out of the tunnel he applaudes the fans like this is a Soccer Aid match.
    You have to be worried if you manager feels the fans’ input is so relevant to his teams’ performance.
    Liverpool continue to press, looking for that second goal.
    Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Man Utd 0-1 Liverpool
    We are back underway at Old Trafford.
    Big half of football for both sides ahead.
    Liverpool get the second half started.
    Copy linkCopiedHT: Man Utd 0-1 Liverpool
    Man Utd failed to have single shot in that first half, replicating a stat they have not seen since 2015.
    Liverpool need to put the hosts to the sword if they want to ensure all three points at Old Trafford.
    Erik ten Hag needs to change something to get his side into this game after the interval.
    Copy linkCopiedHT: Man Utd 0-1 Liverpool
    Liverpool’s school report for finishing would read ‘could do better’.
    They have been dominant in that first half but should have this game already won.
    In the FA Cup game they paid the price for not putting the game to bed and could suffer the same fate unless they become more clinical in front of goal.

    Copy linkCopiedHT: Man Utd 0-1 Liverpool
    The referee brings the first half to a close.
    It will be music to Man Utd’s ears.
    Klopp will have a few words for his players at the interval.
    Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Liverpool
    45. Man Utd will be happy to hear the half-time whistle right now.
    They are struggling to string more than two passes together without giving the ball away.
    Liverpool have had enough chances already to put this game to bed.
    We are going to have two additional minutes.
    Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-1 Liverpool
    43. Bradley comes forward and squares it towards Nunez.
    He steps over it and leaves it for Diaz but his shot is deflected wide for a corner.
    You kind of feel Man Utd are there for the taking at the moment but if Liverpool do not capitalise and score they may pay the price later in the game.
    Copy linkCopied More

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    Marcus Rashford looks distressed as he is forced off injured in Man Utd’s clash against Liverpool

    MARCUS RASHFORD was forced off injured during Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool.The forward appeared in discomfort as he sat on the pitch at Old Trafford before being replaced by Antony.Marcus Rashford was forced off with an injury against LiverpoolCredit: Sky SportsThe Manchester United winger appeared distressed before he was replaced by AntonyCredit: AFPHis concerned team-mates could be seen comforting the distressed United star before he limped off the pitch.It was unclear what caused Rashford’s injury with the winger going down off the ball.However, it was quickly apparent he would not be able to continue as he gestured to the bench before walking off with his head in his hands.After hobbling off, Rashford was joined by a member of the United medical staff as he headed down the tunnel.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFans were quick to voice their frustrations with the latest injury set back on social media, whilst others shared their concerns for Rashford.One supporter wrote: “Rashford injured. My god what is this season.”Another added: “Rashford out injured. I concede, this club is cursed!”They were soon given something to cheer, though, as Kobbie Mainoo completed the Red Devils’ turnaround.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe teenage midfield bent a stunning effort past Caoimhin Kelleher to put the home side in front.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More