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      ‘It has upset me so much, please stop’ – Pochettino fiercely defends Gallagher as Chelsea ace slammed over mascot ‘snub’

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO has fiercely defended Conor Gallagher following a barrage of criticism that the Chelsea captain ignored a mascot.Video shows Gallagher appear to leave the young kid hanging when he holds out his hand for a high five in the tunnel before Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with Burnley.Chelsea say this tunnel moment involving Conor Gallagher and the mascot has been ‘taken considerably out of context’Gallagher was shown focusing intensively ahead of the Burnley game but at one stage also had his arms around two mascotsIt has prompted a wave of abuse on social media – to the extent that Chelsea issued a statement in support of the midfielder before boss Pochettino waded in.He said: “It has upset me so much because no-one wants to do something like this, with this intention.“He did so well, with so many photos, videos and photography with both mascots. When you play football, you are focusing on so many things, to play, to start the game, that sometimes it can happen.”People always try to find things to create a mess and to abuse people. I know Conor.READ MORE TOP STORIES”There is no intention. Conor is a great kid, always caring about everything. I hate it when people feel free to abuse on social media.”It is so easy and it gives too much attention to people that want to create this type of situation or mess. Please, stop.”Who believes Conor wanted to ignore a mascot? Come on. It makes me sad because Conor doesn’t deserve to be abused.“No-one deserves to be abused but him? Come on.”Most read in FootballThe incident was branded ‘shameful’ and ‘embarrassing’ in the more extreme reactions on social media.It prompted the Blues to publicly back their player, who has been with them for 16 years.Erik Ten Hag previews Man United’s Premier League clash with ChelseaA statement read: “Chelsea Football Club is aware of a video clip circulating on social media from Saturday’s fixture against Burnley, which has been taken considerably out of context.”The subsequent level of abuse and defamatory comments directed towards Conor Gallagher is completely unacceptable.“We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.”Whether words from Pochettino or the club will ward off the trolls is open to doubt but it means Gallagher will be under more scrutiny when Chelsea face Manchester United on Thursday night.There is no intention. Conor is a great kid, always caring about everything. I hate it when people feel free to abuse on social media.Mauricio PochettinoHe is already favourite to leave the club come summer as owners Clearlake Capital bid to raise cash to avoid breaking Profitability and Sustainability Rules for overspending.With barely a year left on his contract things are coming to a head.Thursday’s clash underlines how things have not changed at Stamford Bridge when it comes to muddled negotiations with players – particularly home grown ones.Mason Mount is due back at Stamford Bridge nine months after being sold to United for £60m when he was in precisely the same position as Gallagher is now.The symmetry is compelling and should be concerning for Chelsea as they prepare for another summer clearout to stay on the right side of spending rules.Mason Mount hopes to face old club Chelsea on Thursday after grabbing his first goal for Man Utd in Saturday’s 1-1 Prem draw at BrentfordCredit: AlamyThere is just a year in age between Gallagher and Mount. Both grew up at Chelsea’s renowned academy and forced their way into the first team. They have worn the captain’s armband.Talks about a new deal for Mount drifted and he ended up leaving last summer under a cloud with just a year left on his contract. What should have been the easiest deal to negotiate collapsed.Gallagher is approaching that point whilst remaining popular with the fans as ‘one of our own’.His energy and ability to score vital goals in the nick of time makes him highly prized – just like his old stablemate.Man Utd vs Chelsea – so what? They’re sinking towards irrelevance, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea were the two dominant forces in English football when Sir Alex Ferguson and Roman Abramovich were in their pomp.
      But when they meet at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night it will be a ‘so what?’ match between dysfunctional clubs lurching in and out of crisis.
      On Saturday, Erik ten Hag’s United failed to build on an FA Cup win over Liverpool and were poor in the 1-1 draw at Brentford.
      And Mauricio Pochettino put out a Blues side that failed to beat ten-man Burnley at home.
      Will either be in a job next season? And will it make much difference?
      United have only won a League Cup in seven years and Chelsea’s last domestic honour was the 2018 FA Cup.
      Both clubs are sinking towards irrelevance.

      A player’s value is considered  highest with two years left on a contract. Mount slipped past that point and Chelsea have let it slide with Gallagher too.Accountants can argue that £60m was a good price for Mount. He has been injured much of this season and needs to start paying back on the investment.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he scored his first goal for United on Saturday so is primed to return to Stamford Bridge and hit his old club hard.Ironically, rookie academy first-teamer Alfie Gilchrist signed a new two year contract just two days ago but Gallagher is still swinging in the wind like a mascot’s hand. More

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      Newcastle set to wear one-off mystery kit ‘unique from any in the club’s history’ for huge Tottenham clash

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      NEWCASTLE will reportedly adorn a one-off jersey when they host Tottenham at St James’ Park next week.And the fresh kit is unique from any other worn in the club’s storied history.Newcastle are set to donate their front-of-shirt sponsorship to a charity for when they host Tottenham next weekCredit: AFPAccording to The Mail Online, the kit will be missing the usual Sela sponsorship, with the Saudi Arabia-based events company donating the front of shirt space to a charity instead.The new sponsors eyed-up a televised game against a top-six opponent – so ensuring maximum exposure for the chosen charity.Talks have been ongoing for several weeks and the charity will be announced closer to its April 13th matchday. It is understood that Spurs has long been earmarked for the occasion.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt means the likes of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon will sport a jersey that will be unique from any other in the club’s history. There will also be additional tie-ins related to the cause on matchday.It is hoped the one-off kit change will provide a longer-term historical impact as Newcastle look to beat Spurs once again after last season’s memorable 6-1 home thumping.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe limited-time kit change comes ahead of Newcastle’s incoming shirt deal with Adidas which will start this summer. Most read in FootballIt is understood new 2024-25 season kits have already been designed and will go on sale following the refurbishment of the club shop in June.Newcastle finalised a £25m-a-year shirt sponsorship deal with Sela last year.This is not the first special initiative Sela have come up with since becoming Newcastle’s shirt sponsor.Hilarious moment Newcastle Utd ballboy snubs West Ham star Mohammed Kudus as he asks for his seat for iconic celebrationThe company organised a drone show above St James’ Park ahead of the 4-1 Champions League win against Paris Saint-Germain earlier this season.They also handed out free scarves ahead of the FA Cup victory at Sunderland in January and a Sela-backed ‘Howay’ bus is now in operation for away games.The upcoming St James’ STACK fan zone at Strawberry Place is also officially ‘powered by Sela’.Fans were quick to praise their sponsors eye for charity, with one supporter writing: “Sela donating £10m. I can get behind this.”Another added: “Love this idea!” More

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      Man Utd ‘in talks’ to sign France star from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s other club – with five stars available to fund transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly in talks to sign Nice defender Melvin Bard.The Red Devils are expected to spend big this summer following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent takeover.Man Utd are interested in signing Melvin BardCredit: GettyA new full-back is understood to be at the top of Erik ten Hag’s priority list.And, according to The Standard, Bard has emerged as a target.They say Man Utd are already in contact with the 23-year-old.He is being discussed among the club’s hierarchy ahead of the transfer window.Read More on Man UtdA move to Old Trafford will likely benefit both clubs as they are each affiliated with INEOS – Ratcliffe’s company.Man Utd have been plagued with defensive injury issues this season.Luke Shaw has missed 23 games since the start of the campaign due to a muscle injury.Tryell Malacia is yet to feature this season due to a knee issue.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd vs Chelsea – so what? They’re sinking towards irrelevance, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea were the two dominant forces in English football when Sir Alex Ferguson and Roman Abramovich were in their pomp.
      But when they meet at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night it will be a ‘so what?’ match between dysfunctional clubs lurching in and out of crisis.
      On Saturday, Erik ten Hag’s United failed to build on an FA Cup win over Liverpool and were poor in the 1-1 draw at Brentford.
      And Mauricio Pochettino put out a Blues side that failed to beat ten-man Burnley at home.
      Will either be in a job next season? And will it make much difference?
      United have only won a League Cup in seven years and Chelsea’s last domestic honour was the 2018 FA Cup.
      Both clubs are sinking towards irrelevance.

      And Lisandro Martinez has been limited to just 11 appearances.United’s budget will depend on outgoings with several players at risk of being axed.Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, Antony, Raphael Varane and Casemiro could all be sold this summer.Meanwhile, the Red Devils have been linked with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo and Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise. More

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      Man City vs Aston Villa LIVE SCORE: Pep’s Treble winners host Unai Emery’s top four chasing Villans – Prem updates

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      MANCHESTER CITY host Aston Villa in a thrilling Premier League midweek clash – and three points are crucial for both sides.Pep’s title-chasing side will want to keep the pressure on league leaders Liverpool after dropping two points at home against Arsenal.Whereas Unai Emery’s need the points if they want to stay ahead of top-four rivals Tottenham.
      Kick-off time: 8:15pm BST
      Live stream: discovery+
      TV channel: TNT Sports 1
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      Brentford vs Brighton LIVE SCORE: Bees look to build on dramatic Man Utd draw with a win against Seagulls – Prem updates

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      BRENTFORD host European chasing Brighton in a midweek Premier League clash.Kristoffer Ajer’s 99th-minute strike rescued a point for the Bees in their recent thrilling encounter against Manchester United.While Liverpool snatched a win from the Seagulls who were leading from the 2nd minute.
      Kick-off time: 7:30pm BST
      Live stream: discovery+
      TV channel: TNT Sports 3
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      I’m ex-Arsenal star who won five trophies under Wenger, now I’m a presenter on famous US sport team’s TV channel

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      FORMER Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs is now enjoying a new career in football broadcasting.The 34-year-old now helps to produce Inter Miami content for streaming service Apple TV.Former Arsenal star Kieran Gibbs now works in football broadcastingCredit: PA:Press AssociationGibbs is now a presenter, providing insight into Inter MiamiCredit: YouTube @ Inter Miami CFHe is also host of The Inter Miami Show.Gibbs was handed the new role last year following the mutual termination of his player contract.Discussing his job at the time, the former full-back said: “I’m delighted to have transitioned into this new exciting role as Inter Miami’s Club On-Air Talent.”I’m looking forward to this great opportunity to share my experience and insight of the Club through the amazing content that will be available on Apple TV.”Read More on ArsenalGibbs joined Inter Miami from West Brom in the summer of 2021 and made 28 first team appearances.But he spent the majority of his playing career with Arsenal.The full-back joined the Gunners in 2004 and signed his first professional contract three years later.He made his professional debut in October 2007 and went on to make 229 appearances.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGibbs won three FA Cups and two Community Shields during his time in north London.He was also capped 10 times by England while playing for the Gunners.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars? More

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      Premier League cult hero’s head ‘went straight through the ceiling’ after ridiculous training ground exercise

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      KENWYNE JONES once put his head through a ceiling during a ridiculous training ground exercise.The former Premier League striker became a cult hero with his acrobatic somersault celebrations.Kenwyne Jones once put his head through a ceiling during a training ground exerciseCredit: Phil Richards – The SunJones’ former Stoke team-mate Peter Crouch lifted the lid on the incidentCredit: GettyHowever, his jumping ability did not come without issues as he once damaged a training ground ceiling.Jones’ former Southampton and Stoke team-mate Peter Crouch has now revealed how the forward’s leap left him in shock.In the latest episode of That Peter Crouch Podcast, the ex-England international explained: “I remember the jump test in the gym, obviously I’m tall right but I jumped, it’s ok, decent jump but I didn’t go anywhere near the roof.”Kenwyne Jones went straight through the roof. I’ve never seen a f***ing leap like it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You know he used to do that backflip, didn’t he, well he just jumped and his head went straight through the ceiling.”You know like the school ones where they’re like flimsy squares. Straight through the square, unbelievable.”I remember going ‘f*** me I’m about two feet taller than him, I better have a go at this’. So I did manage it but I had to try so hard and put my head through.”Jones scored 40 goals across 195 Premier League appearances for Sunderland, Stoke, Cardiff and Southampton.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe also appeared for Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 World Cup as well as having spells in the UAE and USA.After retiring aged 33 in 2018 he turned to coaching and later became manager of the Trinidad and Tobago women’s national team.Peter Crouch ranks Premier League’s top five strikers but major omission sends fans into meltdown However, Jones has been out of the dugout since leaving the role in 2022. More

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      Conor Gallagher tipped to leave Chelsea as Todd Boehly makes same transfer mistake for THIRD time

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      CONOR GALLAGHER is tipped to leave Chelsea this summer.Just as he was in January, last summer and the January before that.Conor Gallagher looks set to leave Chelsea this summerCredit: GettyGallagher finds himself in a similar situation to the one Mason Mount was in last yearCredit: AlamyTodd Boehly could come under more criticism from fansCredit: AlamyAt some point something has to give and with barely a year left on his contract things are coming to a head.Tomorrow’s clash between Chelsea and Manchester United is a timely reminder of how things have not changed at Stamford Bridge when it comes to muddled negotiations with players – particularly home grown ones.Mason Mount is due back at Stamford Bridge nine months after being sold for £60m when he was in precisely the same position as Gallagher is now.The symmetry is compelling and should be concerning for Chelsea as they prepare for yet another worrying summer of transfer dealings as they hover dangerously close to breaching strict spending rules.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSThere is just a year in age between Gallagher and his old stablemate Mount.Both grew up at Chelsea’s renowned academy in Surrey and saw off competition from within and from outside to force their way into the first-team set up at one of the most successful clubs in the world.But with the change of ownership two years ago, came a change in priorities from above that coincided with a clampdown on reckless spending.Most owners are thinking twice now about splashing the cash because of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNot so Americans Todd Boehly and his sidekick Behdad Eghbali. A £1billion super-spend on an entirely new squad means the money has to be clawed back by other means.Mount was the first victim of this. With roughly two-and-a-half years left on his contract, negotiations collapsed.Simon Jordan slams ‘pathetic’ Chelsea fans for criticising Todd Boehly They never really resumed. And with 12 months left on his deal, Mount left the club he had served since aged eight.The fee is logged as pure profit and it will be the same with Gallagher, when and if Tottenham finally do get their a****s in gear and strike a deal for the midfielder who has carried his team for a significant part of this stuttering season.Gallagher is popular with the fans as “one of our own” – his energy, drive and ability to score vital goals in the nick of time makes him valuable in every sense.Player transfer value is at its highest when they have two years left on their contracts. Mount slipped past that point and Chelsea have let it slide with Gallagher too.Accountants can argue that £60m is a good price for Mount. Unfortunately, he has been injured much of this season and needs to start paying back on the investment.He scored his first goal for Man Utd at the weekend and football fate is primed for him to return to Stamford Bridge and do further damage. What should have been the easiest contract in history to thrash out became a standoff and ultimately a bitter parting of the ways.Chelsea have to make up their minds about Gallagher. It is evident that they set the bar too high in transfer dealings.Demanding £50m for another academy graduate, Armando Broja, last January proves that. He is now on loan and warming the bench at Fulham.Although it was under the previous regime, Antonio Rudiger was allowed to walk away from Stamford Bridge into the arms of Real Madrid for nothing. Same for Andreas Christensen and Barcelona.READ MORE SUN STORIESEghbali and Chelsea overlord Paul Winstanley need to get a grip and get realistic. If Gallagher does not sign a deal this summer or is sold, it will be another stick for the already frustrated fans to beat the new owners with as they look up at their rivals from the bottom half of the table.WHAT IS FFP?SunSport’s Martin Lipton breaks down what it is all about…
      FFP – or Financial Fair Play – is a concept originally introduced by Uefa in 2009, officially to prevent clubs from spending money they could not afford.
      Yet many critics have rounded on the system, accusing it of being a protective instrument, drafted by the so-called “legacy clubs” to prevent insurgent and wealthier clubs from buying their way onto the top table.
      The Premier League introduced its own FFP regulations which came into effect for the 2013-14 season and which, while less stringent than Uefa regulations, they do impact on club spending.
      Under the current Prem “Profitability and Sustainability” regulations, clubs who are constant members of the top flight for a three-year period are allowed total losses of £105m over those three campaigns.
      But it is not as simple as totting up outlay and income.
      The biggest outlay, of course, is transfer fees. The 20 Prem clubs spent a total of around £2.4bn in last summer’s transfer window.
      Yet that does not mean they “spent” that money as far as the Prem rules are concerned.
      Transfer fees are “amortised” over the length of the contract, so, for example, a £100m fee for a player who signs a five-year deal is amortised at a cost of £20m per season for each of those five campaigns. More