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      Joao Felix pulls out of Chelsea squad for Man City clash as he is given leave to fly home for family bereavement

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      CHELSEA star Joao Felix will not feature against Manchester City this afternoon after flying home due to a family bereavement.Felix, 25, has been granted compassionate leave by the Blues.Joao Felix will not feature for Chelsea this afternoonCredit: RexThe Portuguese may have been in contention to feature against City, but will now be unavailable on compassionate grounds.Felix rejoined Chelsea last summer on a permanent deal, following a previous loan spell in 2023.He has made 20 appearances in all competitions this season, including 12 in the Premier League.The attacker has been linked with a Chelsea exit this month, having only earned three Prem starts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEarlier this week, boss Enzo Maresca opened up on Felix’s lack of game time.He said: “Joao is a Chelsea player. The problem, unfortunately, for Joao and Christo [Nkunku], the manager plays most of the games with one attacking midfielder and that is Cole Palmer.“We have decided to play with an attacking midfielder in most of the games, so this is the reason why Joao and Christo struggle to get minutes – not for any different reasons because they are both fantastic players, fantastic guys who work well.“The reason why is only because most of the games I decide to play with one attacking midfielder in terms of balance. This is the reason why.”Most read in FootballFurther quizzed if Felix could leave before the end of the transfer window, Maresca added: “I am not saying that, I am not saying that.”I am saying that I like both but the reason why they struggle is because most of the time I play with one attacking midfielder.”Chelsea player ratings: Chalobah back with a bang but Sanchez drops 2/10 horror show in Wolves winIn further Chelsea team news, Levi Colwill and Enzo Fernandez will be late decisions having both suffered with knocks.Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia all remain out with thigh injuries. More

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      Football should trial return of pints in the stands… but can minority of fans be trusted to show we’re past dark days?

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      AS ladies say ‘cheers’ to drinking alcohol in the stands at Women’s Championship matches, the chance of a return to a beer or two on all the men’s terraces are about as high as Accrington Stanley winning League Two.Actually, Accrington’s average attendance of 2,509 would be a very good ground at which to start serving alcohol as policing any noisy drunks would be a simple process.There isn’t a measurable risk of violent drunks at Women’s Championship matchesCredit: GettyKarren Brady is happy to let responsible drinkers drink, it’s the rest of them she worries about . . .Credit: PABut it isn’t going to happen at Wham Stadium which, incidentally, is not named after (the late and great) George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s pop pairing.Nor anywhere else, at least not in the near future.Drinking alcohol within view of the playing field was stopped in 1985 after a sequence of events involving noisy, sometimes violent, spectators.There are no moves to change the law although there are many ways of buying alcohol beyond a pitch view, and a recent study showed Chelsea fans top the beer table, drinking on average six pints a game.Read More on FootballAt that rate, they might need a half-time substitution for their liver more than their team.The police and stewards are on the look-out for drunks or people bringing alcohol into grounds although some still try. A Leeds supporter succeeded in 2012 and, should anyone need convincing that the ban should end, the facts were he assaulted Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland after running on to the pitch.It transpired that the offender drank countless cans of lager and a bottle of vodka on the journey to the ground. In Sheffield he then drank at least seven pints of cider.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesI feel woozy even writing that. He was jailed for 16 weeks and banned from football grounds for six years.There isn’t a measurable risk of violent drunks at Women’s Championship matches and it made sense supporters should be able to drink wisely during this trial.Watch Ireland captain Katie McCabe star in hilarious Adidas ad ahead of new WSL season with ArsenalIt’s a different crowd, reflected in the fact government data revealed there had been no arrests recorded at women’s football matches.The end of restrictions is positive for several reasons — extra revenue, another attraction for people to attend, and even a tot to cheer fans of the losing side.Supporters of a return to drinks during play can point to rugby and cricket for freedom from limitations.At the Ireland v Scotland match a record 137,000 pints of beer were sold at Stade de France.There was a mass brawl, but that was on the pitch between the players. Drinkers at cricket are often asleep anyway.Women tend to follow the rules rather than consider them a nuisance. We despise violence and bad behaviour, both of which are much more prevalent among men and it is unlikely many will see pie-eyed woman causing trouble at matches.Maybe solution lies in compromiseI would love to make a bonfire of all restrictions but I don’t think it would be possible or responsible.Ultimately, the question isn’t just about alcohol — it’s about trust. Have fans moved on from the dark days of the 80s? Can clubs strike the right balance between modernisation and maintaining order?In football, intensity and passion run high. Add alcohol to this and it can be a problem.The last thing clubs or fans want is a descent into chaos because of a few irresponsible drinkers.The landscape of football has been transformed in those 40 years. Stadiums are safer, crowds are more diverse, and family-friendly atmospheres have replaced toxic environments of the past.Perhaps the solution lies in compromise. Limited trials at selected matches could provide data on whether ending the ban works.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuidelines would have to be stringent and include steps such as alcohol-free zones, stricter ID checks, and time-limited drinking.I am happy to let responsible drinkers drink, it’s the rest of them I worry about . . . More

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      Premier League TV games for March announced including Arsenal’s massive games against Man Utd and Chelsea

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE have officially announced the broadcast selections for March.Ten matches from the English top flight will be aired live on television.Arsenal’s trip to Old Trafford is among the Premier League matches to be aired on TV in MarchCredit: PAThe Gunners’ clash with Chelsea will also be aired on the teleCredit: GETTYSky Sports have landed seven of those games, with rivals TNT Sports bagging three.Struggling defending Prem champions Manchester City kick off March’s televised matches on March 8 with a trip to Nottingham Forest.The pick of the bunch is Mancheser United’s clash with Arsenal on March 9, which will be aired on Sky at 16:30.Sky have also landed a tasty London derby between the Gunners Chelsea on March 16.READ MORE PREMIER LEAGUE NEWSA kick-off time for the match, however, has not yet been finalised. Liverpool’s showdown with Aston Villa is set to be the early kick off (12:30) on March 15.But the match could be rescheduled if the Kop club reach the Carabao Cup final or if Villa play in the Champions League the Wednesday before.The televised fixtures don’t just feature the Premier League’s current highfliers.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBroadcasters have also picked up matches involving the league’s relegation battlers.Brentford vs Aston Villa, Wolves vs Everton, Tottenham vs Bournemouth, West Ham vs Newcastle, Bournemouth vs Brentford and Manchester United vs Leicester make up the remainder of March’s televised fixtures.Sky Sports presenter praised by fans after rarely-seen move in interview with Liverpool matchwinner Darwin NunezUnited’s trip to the King Power on March 16 will be the final Prem match before the fourth international break of the season,The break will commence from March 17 and finish on April 1. More

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      West Ham technical director Tim Steidten AXED after fall-out with two managers and £127.5m splurged on transfers

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      WEST HAM are finalising the exit of technical director Tim Steidten.The German, who has clashed with two of the three Hammers managers he worked with, has been frozen out of the club’s January business.West Ham are set to axe technical director Tim SteidtenCredit: PASteidten, 45, was banned from the club’s Rush Green training ground by former boss Julen Lopetegui in December.He was also barred from the first team changing room at the London Stadium by ex-gaffer David Moyes.It would seem he fell out with both managers because he was openly working on their replacements while they were still in the dugout.Chairman David Sullivan took more control of transfer business this month after being concerned by the level of signings in the summer when £127.5million was spent with little impact.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThere have been eyebrows raised over deals for Luis Guilherme, Guido Rodriguez and Niclas Fullkrug.Fullkrug arrived on a four-year-deal for £27.5m from Borussia Dortmund but will miss six months of his first season at the club due to injury.Teenage winger Guilherme was signed for an initial £20m from Palmeiras but has played just 50 minutes of football for West Ham and talks have already been held over selling him to Saudi Arabia.Steidten was involved in the early stages of Graham Potter’s appointment, but vice-chair Karren Brady took charge to agreed the deal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe ex-Chelsea boss has also moved to bring in his long-term recruitment expert, Kyle Macaulay, from Stamford Bridge.Macaulay started this week as the club’s new head of recruitment, effectively replacing Rob Newman who left that post in the summer.West Ham manager Graham Potter gives update on Michail Antonio after horror injury Potter insisted that Macaulay’s arrival would not impact Steidten’s position, but it has long been expected that the German would leave the London Stadium this year.Moyes and Steidten clashed over recruitment policy, with the Scot preferring targets with Premier League experience over the options the technical director proposed.Steidten has landed some key signings for the Hammers, including Mohammed Kudus from Ajax, but often rubbed colleagues up the wrong way by posing for pictures with new signings on private jets.While Sullivan and Brady are taking an active involvement in any deals this month, Potter will have significant influence and Macaulay’s arrival backs that up.The two have worked together since Potter’s days at Ostersunds and during his spells at Swansea, Brighton and then Chelsea.Potter said: “Kyle’s in. Kyle’s been part of my staff for the last ten, however many years I’ve been coaching since Sweden.”I know him well and he knows me well. It’s a good link between the coach and the club in terms of recruitment.”In terms of the hours and depths of conversations that you have to have around recruitment.”It’s easier to have with Kyle than it is for me because clearly I’m on the pitch and I’m working with the 20-odd players that we’ve got here.”I’m really happy with that appointment. It’s something that was always going to happen. It was just a case of when. I’m obviously delighted he’s here.”Steidten arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in July 2023 having previously worked at Werder Bremen.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is not clear at this stage whether West Ham will look to appoint another technical director in the near future.The Hammers have won just seven of their 22 games this season.Macaulay (right) has already taken on many of Steidten’s dutiesCredit: Getty More

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      I feared I was blind for life and panic every time I hear a noise, says Yoane Wissa after alleged acid attack

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      BRENTFORD star Yoane Wissa has revealed his torment at allegedly having acid thrown in his face – insisting he could have been blinded for life.And the Bees’ record Premier League goalscorer, 28, said he has been left in fear ever since.Yoane Wissa has become a fan favourite at the GtechCredit: RexA woman has gone on trial in France accused of attacking Wissa at his home in July 2021, days before he joined Brentford from Lorient for £8.5million.Named only as Laetitia P., the 36-year-old is also accused of attempting to kidnap the player’s baby daughter – as well as actually taking another woman’s baby the following day.She faces up to 30 years in jail if found guilty.The court at Vannes in Brittany heard Wissa deliver an emotional account of the alleged events.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe striker said he let the woman into his Lorient apartment after she had called round earlier that day seeking his autograph.He said: “I opened a door, and had liquid thrown in my face.  I screamed and could not breathe.”My wife called the emergency services, and they told me to get under the shower to rinse my eyes.”At the hospital they told me my eyes were burned.  Someone had to come and rinse them out every hour.Most read in Football”It has been a nightmare.  Since then I panic every time I hear a noise, and the only thing that kept me going was knowing my children are safe.”I had surgery on both eyes, and the doctor told me I will need to use eye drops for the rest of my life.I was a goalkeeper until my mum told me to move outfield – now I’m playing up front in the Premier League”It took me six months before I fully got my sight back.”Had I not been treated so quickly, the consequences would have been far worse.”The days afterwards were traumatic for me. I know I will never feel the same as I used to.”I recognised the accused woman straight away.  She was wearing sunglasses even though it was 11pm.”I want justice.  Why has this happened to me?  My wife and I will suffer the after-effects for the rest of our lives.”This hugely delayed my move to Brentford. I missed their pre-season, and when I arrived the manager [Thomas Frank] said he had already drawn up his first team.’I HAVE BECOME MORE WITHDRAWN'”He sympathised with me, and gave me time to adapt – but I got injured quickly as I wasn’t feeling great.”After the attack I reacted like a father more than a footballer, and told myself at least my kids are unharmed even though I am blind.”Since that time I have become withdrawn. I can no longer tolerate being around people I don’t know.”I don’t now express as much love as I used to, and when I’m walking I instinctively look behind me.”And at nights I can no longer get to sleep if I am by myself.”My kids often ask me what I have done to my face, but they are too young for me to tell them what happened.”I have been offered an operation. But I have refused, as this is part of my personal history.”My wife and I have to see a psychologist, and she suffered depression. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We got married soon after the incident, as you never know what fate holds in store for you.”The trial continues. More

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      Man Utd ‘admit they ARE at risk of PSR breach and ask FANS to foot the bill amid £300m black hole in shock letter’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have admitted they are at risk of breaching PSR in a shock letter written to their fan groups.The club posted losses before tax of £312.9million over the last three years.Man Utd have admitted they are in danger of breaching PSR rulesCredit: PASir Jim Ratcliffe has since implemented cost-cutting measures including reducing the salaries of club ambassadors Denis Irwin, Andy Cole and Bryan Robson.The club state in a letter to The 1958 fan group that the current level of losses is not sustainable – with PSR (profit and sustainability rules) limiting clubs to a total loss of £120m across three years.United are seeking ways to avoid a breach which could mean selling an academy graduate as they guarantee pure profit – Alejandro Garnacho has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea this month.And they have now written to fans’ groups after they voiced concerns that the need to cut losses could result in ticket prices increasing.READ MORE ON MAN UTDEarlier this season United introduced a flat rate ticket for members costing £66, without consulting fans.A letter sent to The 1958 and FC58 Coalition read: “As previously communicated, we are however currently making a significant loss each year – totalling over £300 million in the past three years. “This is not sustainable and if we do not act now we are in danger of failing to comply with PSR/FFP [financial fair play] requirements in future years and significantly impacting our ability to compete on the pitch.“We will get back to a cash positive position as soon as possible and we will have to make some difficult choices to get there.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMan Utd squad transfer verdictSunSport gives its verdict on what Man Utd stars should stay or go in the first phase of Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild:Andre Onana – StayDespite being guilty of some erratic performances, Andre Onana remains a world-class goalkeeper and United would struggle to find better in the market.The defence has begun to look more solid in recent weeks now Amorim has had time to coach the structure into the team, and hopefully, that will be converted into clean sheets going forward.Noussair Mazraoui – StayThe best signing from the summer window so far, Noussair Mazraoui has proven to be everything Man Utd needed and more.Versatile, reliable and passionate no matter whether he plays at wing-back or centre-back, it is a no-brainer to keep the Moroccan.Leny Yoro – StayAfter a pre-season injury, Leny Yoro has taken some time to bed in but he has shown some superb moments in a Man Utd shirt already like his lung-busting run to block a Liverpool shot in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month.At the age of 19 he will only get better and while too much expectation should not be thrust on him just yet, the early signs suggest he could be a mainstay in defence for years to come.Harry Maguire – GoThe last time we did this list Harry Maguire was one of our main defensive options to be sold, but since Amorim has come with the back three the England international has barely put a foot wrong.The issue with Maguire is that while he is perfectly suited to a back three, he will be 32 in the summer and has just one year left on his contract, so if a serious offer comes in he should regrettably be sold.Matthijs de Ligt – StayMatthijs de Ligt has been very hit or miss since arriving in the summer. Capable of heroic last-ditch tackles like he did at Arsenal and also capable of some very silly passages of play like his handball against Liverpool.In many ways, the Dutchman seems like a younger version of Maguire and given some more time to bed in he should improve even more.Lisandro Martinez – StayHas really started to grow into the Amorim system in recent games after a very sticky patch of form.He is one of the team’s best progressive passers in the build-up phase and has the dogged mentality this team will need to improve and claw its way up the table.Luke Shaw – GoIt’s been said that one of the best abilities is availability, and that rings incredibly true for Luke Shaw.World class on his day and is clearly still capable of finding those levels, as seen at less than full fitness with England at the Euros. But he is simply not available often enough to warrant keeping.Tyrell Malacia – GoTyrell Malacia is still recovering his match sharpness from his two-year injury layoff, so it is a bit harsh to make a verdict on him so soon.The current concern is that United will need to aggressively recruit specialist left wing-backs in the summer, and Malacia so far has not looked totally comfortable playing there.Manuel Ugarte – StayQuestion marks were being raised about him after his first few games. But under Amorim, Manuel Ugarte has once again become the lynchpin of his midfield.He knows the system inside out and is one of the Premier League’s most proficient ball winners. It would be madness to consider his sale next summer.Kobbie Mainoo – StayDespite reports that Chelsea and Bayern Munich want to sign the 19-year-old, Kobbie Mainoo should be one of the few genuinely untouchable stars at the club and his contract situation needs sorting ASAP.He has quality and aspects to his game not possessed by many other midfielders, and with improvements to the stars around him, he and Ugarte should be able to form an effective partnership for many years to come.Casemiro – GoCasemiro unfortunately seemed to lose his legs going into his second season at Man Utd. And with the 3-4-3 system demanding even more running from him, it is clear he simply does not fit the bill for what the club need going forward.It would also help the club’s financial goals to see him sold due to his massive £375,000-a-week wages being taken off the books.Bruno Fernandes – StayThe club captain, Bruno Fernandes has faced a lot of criticism since taking the armband for his erratic decisions and losing his temper.Yet he remains the best player in the squad by some distance and shows the mentality the squad needs to improve. Besides it’s not like United’s most famous captain of the Premier League era, Roy Keane, was exactly cool-headed.Antony – GoThere’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history, with games too often passing him by and lacking quality when he is involved.That being said, he has improved in a number of brief cameos when featuring as a wing-back under Amorim. But unless there is a plan for him to learn the position and become a specialist he should be moved on.Marcus Rashford – GoIt was not supposed to end like this. Once the darling of Old Trafford and Carrington, Marcus Rashford’s comments admitting he wanted a new challenge were probably the final nail in the coffin for his Man Utd future.There is a classy player in there if he can find the motivation to love his football again. A sale to a rival should be ruled out for fear of exactly that, while a sale overseas should be targeted and pushed by the club.Amad Diallo – StayHas taken a real liking to his role as either the right No.10 in the 3-4-3 or as the right wing-back.Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best players this season and was rewarded with a new deal as a result.Alejandro Garnacho – GoArguably the trickiest star on the list, Alejandro Garnacho has bags of raw talent to elevate him to being world-class. But recent off-field issues and poor form have doubt cast on his future.If, as reports suggest, a major bid of £60m from the likes of Napoli comes in there will be a tough decision to make. Though it may be the financial situation of the club which ultimately tips the scale.Joshua Zirkzee – GoJoshua Zirkzee has certainly been hit-and-miss at United so far. He has had some games and moments where he has looked very impressive, and others where he is simply not good enough.He has a very unique profile which makes him top drawer in the right system, it is just United will probably never play the right way for him to truly excel.Read our verdict on the full Man Utd squad here.”That has included a significant reduction to our workforce as well as cuts across many areas of spend across our club.“None of this has been easy, but we believe it is essential to restoring financial sustainability to the club which will underpin us as we work to get back to the top of English and European football.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?“We do not expect fans to make up all the current shortfall – but we do need to look at our ticketing strategy to ensure we are charging the right amount, and offering the right discounts, across our products for our fans.” More

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      ‘Everything in this club is failing’ – Eagle-eyed Man Utd fans spot something very wrong with Amad Diallo’s training kit

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans made jokes at their club’s expense after taking a look at Amad’s dodgy training kit.United have had troubles on and off the pitch this season.Amad Diallo’s training top featured an upside-down crestCredit: ReutersThey are 13th in the Premier League table having lost 10 of their 22 league games, with Ruben Amorim even smashing a TV following their defeat to Brighton at the weekend.Off the pitch Sir Jim Ratcliffe has attracted criticism for his cost-cutting measures, which has led some to poke fun at the latest mishap.Players gathered for training as normal but there was one anomaly – Amad’s training top.That is because the United crest on the jacket was upside down.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFans joked that it has epitomised the state of the club in recent weeks.One reacted saying: “If you want to realise the depths of broke we are, Amadis wearing a tracky top off DH Gate”The club, and crest, is truly upside down.”Another added: “Lmfao what on earth.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third wrote: “As bad as being 13th in the league table 🙃🤡”And another commented: “We’re that broke huh?”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer destroys La Liga giants in first game with Besiktas as Man Utd fans work out exactly how he did it More

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      Italy boss tells Federico Chiesa he needs to LEAVE Liverpool after playing just 21 minutes all season

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      ITALY boss Luciano Spalletti has urged Federico Chiesa to quit Liverpool this month.The winger, 27, moved to Anfield in a £10m cut-price summer deal from Juventus but has struggled to make much of an impact.Italy boss Luciano Spalletti has urged Federico Chiesa to quit LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe star, who helped the Azzurri to win the Euros in 2021, finally got off the mark for Arne Slot’s side against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup this month.However, Chiesa has only managed 21 minutes of action in the top-flight for the Prem leaders and the last of his 51 caps for Italy came at Euro 2024.Now his national manager Spalletti has called for the attacker, who wants to fight for his place at Liverpool, to push for a return to Serie A.He said: “Yes, I would be very much in favour of having Chiesa under our watch in terms of the level of our football, to reintegrate him because those who have this quality of looking you in the eye and breaking the line in front of them to get to the next one… There aren’t many of them.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Indeed, he must get more consistent playing time.”When asked if he felt Chiesa’s move to England had been a failure, he added: “I don’t know, but perhaps now he knows some things that will help him develop further.“I think he can help any team in any league, but some steps forward in terms of physical impact are required.”There was speculation Chiesa could leave on loan this month in search of regular minutes.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSerie A league leaders Napoli, currently managed by Antonio Conte, are thought to be the front runners for his signature.Fiorentina and Inter have also been linked, but Napoli are best-placed to secure his services.Sky Sports presenter praised by fans after rarely-seen move in interview with Liverpool matchwinner Darwin NunezIt’s claimed that Chiesa’s agent, Fali Ramadani, held a meeting with Liverpool’s representatives in which both parties agreed to allow the forward to leave on loan this month. More