Premier League

FULHAM have been urged to ditch plans to build a pier coming out of Craven Cottage.The West Londoners have spent £80million in the last two years on constructing a new-look Riverside Stand.Craven Cottage’s new Riverside Stand could include a pier going into the ThamesCredit: GettyAn artist’s impression of the Riverside Walk once it’s fully open to the publicThere was initially a jetty sticking out of the stadium in artist designsIt sees the capacity of the stadium increase from 25,700 to 29,600.And the new stand, which is due to be completed this year, will include a restaurant, hotel, market and event spaces.The redevelopment has seen the river wall that backs onto the Thames move outwards by nine metres. But Fulham’s grand plans are not done yet as they hope to install a pier that would allow fans to travel to the ground using a ferry service.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the idea has received huge backlash from some locals, with a “Stop the Pier” petition amassing over 17,000 signatures.Those against the expansion of Craven Cottage claim it will hurt sailing clubs, schools and impact the iconic Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge.British Rowing chief Mark Davies said: “That stretch of water will become pretty well unusable.”I’m not sure people understand just how many people use that course from all over the country.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Major events take place, but it’s also the major training venue. It’s like Wembley and St George’s Park.”Meanwhile, Putney MP Fleur Anderson is also against the proposal.West Ham fans delayed getting to Craven Cottage for Fulham clash as boat CRASHES into Hammersmith Bridge She added: “If the plans go ahead, they will mean very large ferries coming down a relatively safe piece of river, which is used by thousands of people, lots rowing clubs, school clubs and youth clubs.”They all say it’s going to be too dangerous.”Talk of the pier has gone quiet amid construction of the new stand – but The Telegraph report that “planning permission may yet be sought”.The original artist’s impression of a floating jetty sticking out across the Thames has been scrapped.Fulham claim the design “would create substantial and obvious benefits to the local community”. The Boat Race
This year, the famous Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge will take place for the 169th time.
In 2023, Cambridge extended their lead over their rivals after holding off a late charge.
It was a double for Cambridge last year as they also triumphed in the women’s race.
This year’s event takes place on Saturday, March 30 – the women’s race kicks off at 2.46pm GMT and the men’s takes place after at 3.46pm GMT.
It will be broadcast live on the BBC.
In the men’s Boat Race, Cambridge have won 86 times and Oxford 81 times.
In the women’s, Cambridge are lead 47 to 30.

Fulham have spent £80m on the new standCredit: Rex More

CHELSEA owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have been targeted by their own fans with a brutal sticker campaign depicting them as clowns.The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust wrote to Blues bosses earlier this month warning them they face a tide of “irreversible toxicity” if they do not address the club’s status as a “laughing stock”.Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are receiving major backlash from Chelsea fansCredit: GettyStickers depicting the co-owners and director Jose Feliciano as clowns has appeared on the Stamford Bridge concourseCredit: The TelegraphMauricio Pochettino’s men sit 11th in the Premier League table and face finishing in the bottom half for a second successive season.The club never placed lower than 10th in previous owner Roman Abramovich’s 19 years at the helm.And with Chelsea fans growing increasingly frustrated with Boehly and Co, one organised campaign against the ownership has now begun.As reported by The Telegraph, stickers were seen on the concourse at Stamford Bridge during their 4-2 win over Leicester in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.One depicted Boehly, Eghbali and director Jose Feliciano as clowns.And it also referenced the private equity firm Clearlake Capital which has a 61.5 per cent share in the club, saying: “Clownlake, three ring circus.”Underneath the clown-inspired mock-ups of the trio, it read: “Get them out, we want our Chelsea back.”One sticker was placed next to another of ex-Chelsea man Abramovich – who Chelsea fans have chanted for this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt is not known who is responsible for the stickers.Financiers Boehly and Eghbali spearheaded a £2.5billion takeover of Chelsea in 2022 when the club was facing oblivion due to sanctions imposed on Abramovich.I was an hour away from getting on the plane to sign for Chelsea – now I play for their Premier League rivalsThe two men have overseen a £1bn spend on new players but have so far only a Carabao Cup final defeat at Wembley against Liverpool to show for it.The result led to the players being labelled “billion pound bottlers” by former Manchester United star and TV pundit Gary Neville.The supporters are just as angry at what they say is the lack of “public-facing vision” from the new ownership which they say has created an overwhelming sense of helplessness.Boehly and his sidekick are also accused of breaking promises on prices for fan travel, replica kit, food and drink and ticket prices.There are fears among many Chelsea supporters that season ticket prices are poised to go through the roof. This season they range from £750 to £940 for an adult.Many feel this is to help bankroll the record-breaking transfer spending and the need to keep within strict Profitability and Sustainability Rules that have seen Premier League sides Everton and Nottingham Forest deducted points this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe CST demands better communication between the club and the fans on a multitude of themes, including stadium redevelopment or moving to a new ground.They want a “clear explanation of the journey” that Boehly and his pals from Clearlake Capital are taking Chelsea on. More

MIKE ASHLEY is taking Newcastle United, the club he used to own, to the competition regulator in a major bitter row over football shirts.Newcastle United recently switched its kit provider from Castore to Adidas and as part of the agreement has struck an exclusivity to only sell football shirts through the club’s shop and arch rival JD Sports.Mike Ashley is embroiled in a kit row with his former club, NewcastleCredit: PAThe Sports Direct tycoon has now submitted a claim to the Competition Appeals Tribunal.Sports Direct alleges in its claim that: “The Club has abused its dominant position in the market for the wholesale supply of Newcastle United replica kit in the UK [in breach of competition law] by refusing to supply Sports Direct with the Club’s replica kit for the 2024/25 season and granting JD Sports, another UK sports retailer, exclusive rights as a third-party retailer of the Club’s replica kit”.A source close to Mr Ashley claimed that “football fans will ultimately suffer from higher prices”.It is understood that Sports Direct still used to sell 50,000 Newcastle United shirts, despite Magpies fans’ outrage about his ownership.Ashley owned Newcastle between 2007 and 2021.The 59-year-old became an unpopular figure in the Toon, and eventually sold to the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.The £300million deal resulted in Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund owning 80 per cent, with the billionaire Reuben brothers and financier Amanda Staveley taking 10 per cent each.Ashley made a £195million profit from the sale of the club, his Mash Holdings accounts revealed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAshley previously blew the whistle on price fixing of football shirts in 2004 case that involved his arch rivals Dave Whelan and JJB Sports.Two years after Ashley left, Newcastle qualified for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.Lee Clarke wants son Bobby to make ‘dream’ move to NewcastleHowever, they crashed out of the competition in the group stages. More

MANCHESTER UNITED’s new ‘Wembley of the North’ has been brought to life by AI.Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe dreams of building a stadium that can rival any football stadium in Europe.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has taken partial control of Manchester United and dreams of building a ‘Wembley of the North’, while leading the fallen giants back to past gloriesCredit: PAOld Trafford, which holds around 75,000, is badly in need of upgrading, with potential costs of bringing up to the standard required expected to be around £1billionCredit: GettyAI has imagined what the new Old Trafford could look like, if Sir Jim was to splash out on a new groundThe new stadium could feature all the latest technology such as a roof, with Sir Jim a big fan of the newer grounds including Real Madrid’s Bernabeu StadiumThe new stadium could have a 100,000 capacity with a curved roof wrapping around fans on matchdays, with Sir Jim hoping to bring big events to the North of EnglandHe has put together a task force chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe, and also featuring Gary Neville, to come up with a solution to United’s stadium issue.Old Trafford could be renovated at a cost of around £1billion, but Ratcliffe is dreaming of bigger and better.He wants to build a new structure on the same site as the current stadium, but to create a complex that would also feature shops and restaurants – all under the United brand.And at the centrepiece would be a New Trafford capable of seating up to 100,000 spectators.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ambitious project could cost around £1-2bn but Ratcliffe hopes his ‘Wembley of the North’ project can inspire funding from the government.Ratcliffe is a big fan of the renovated Bernabeu and he could also draw on inspiration from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and grounds in the USA.His proposed vision has been brought to life by OLBG using AI program Midjourney, and the results are spectacular.One version imagines a huge lower tier akin to Wembley, but with four distinct stands rather than a bowled style like The Emirates.Most read in FootballOld Trafford issues

Leaky roof – Heavy rain often leads to leaks, which were first spotted several years ago and still have not been fixed.
Crumbling concrete – Fans surfaced on social media of bits of concrete which had fallen from walls and ceilings in the stadium concourse.
Rodents – Mice have been spotted on the pitch and a few years ago spilled into offices at the ground
Rust and decay – Corrugated iron, graffiti and barbed wire outside the stadium, exposed metal on the roof arches where paint has peel and rust on the outside of the stands next to the ‘Welcome to Old Trafford’ sign
Tired seats – Years of sun damage have taken its toll on seats, causing them to fade

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut the pictures also include a roof, making it reminiscent of NFL stadiums in the US.Another appears to be inspired by Tottenham’s state-of-the-art arena, using a glass exterior but with stands curved at the top.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyleGary Neville won trophies galore at Old Trafford but now he could be back there helping redesign Man Utd’s new ground as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s task force that is headed by Lord CoeCredit: PAThe new ground could have a glass exterior like the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as part of the ultra-modern look, giving fans a tease of the action as they arrive More

MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane accused former team-mate Gary Neville of “insulting” him during a heated debate.The pair were discussing which position is the easiest to play on the pitch during an episode of the Stick to Football podcast by SkyBet.Gary Neville’s comments about midfielders prompted a debate with Roy KeaneCredit: YOUTUBE The OverlapKeane claimed right-back is the easiest position to playCredit: YOUTUBE The OverlapEx-midfielder Keane argued: “Right-back is the easiest position to play,” prompting Arsenal legend Ian Wright to agree, saying: “Yeah, you can see everything, you can get up the pitch.”But Neville, who played as a right-back for both Man Utd and England, claimed: “I think that’s, to be fair, subjective. Because I think if you’re playing against a wide player that’s quick and has got some skill, right-back is not easy.”Pointing at Keane, the England star continued: “If you’re in midfield against players who can’t pass a ball…”However, Keane quickly chimed in, saying: “Put it this way, I went to right back, listen. I done a decent job for the team. I know we were strong. You couldn’t go into midfield and do what I was doing.”Read More on FootballWright went on to say: “Because it’s (playing right-back) easier to do! You’ve done brilliantly at right-back, but it was easier to do.”Neville then joked: “I think for 10 years my career has been ridiculed,” before staking his claim that either centre-forward or goalkeeper is the hardest position.But eventually, after a lengthy discussion during which Neville suggested midfielders don’t tend to do as much running as full-backs, Keane said: “You’re kind of insulting me. There’s a couple of insults coming my way.”Following his senior debut in 1992, Neville made over 600 appearances for Man Utd.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, Keane made 476 appearances for the Red Devils during his time at Old Trafford.The pair also discussed how much Keane, who set United back £3.75million in 1993, would be worth in the current transfer market. ‘That didn’t feel right,’ says Gary Neville as Ian Wright opens up on FA Cup draw ‘fix’ claimsNeville argued: “What was Declan Rice? £100million. You’d be worth £100million.”And while Keane sipped his drink, he casually responded: “Thought so.” More

A FINANCIAL expert has warned that Chelsea face a “more severe” points deduction than Everton and Nottingham Forest if they are found guilty of breaking Premier League financial rules.The Blues have spent over £1billion on new signings since Todd Boehly’s arrival in 2022.Chelsea have been warned they face a huge points deduction if they breach financial rulesCredit: ReutersBut clubs cannot record a loss of more than £105million over a three-year period under the League’s profit and sustainability rules.Everton and Forest have both fallen foul this season, with each side receiving a points deduction.Everton have been docked six points by the league following an appeal.While Forest have been plunged into the relegation zone after a four-point hit.READ MORE ON CHELSEAChelsea are yet to face any charges, with the club having also sold plenty of players.More are likely to go this summer, with big earners such as Romelu Lukaku and Kepa Arrizabalaga linked with Saudi Arabia.However, the Blues could miss out on European qualification for the second season running.That would see their finances take a huge hit, especially with Boehly hoping to land a world-class striker.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd financial expert Stefan Borson reckons Chelsea would face a huge points deduction if they are eventually charged and found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules.He told talkSPORT: “Possibly more severe (than Forest and Everton).Chelsea fans turn on Mauricio Pochettino – but Blues boss uses prop in press conference to defend himselfTHE PSR STATE OF PLAYWhere clubs in danger stand…

Nottingham Forest
Deducted four points for breaching spending limit by £34.563m. Appeal is likely with final decision then expected by early May.
Everton
Initial 10 point deduction for 2021-22 breaches reduced to six points on appeal. But the club will have a hearing into its admitted 2022-23 breach next week and faces further points loss
Manchester City
Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
Chelsea
Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
Leicester
Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction next term if they are promoted back to the top flight.

“I think the scale of the losses they’re currently forecasting, to me, appear to be vastly in excess of both Everton and Nottingham Forest.”Explaining there’s already a black hole in Chelsea’s finances, he continued: “There was an assumption with Mason Mount, because he was announced on Manchester United’s website on July 1 that [his sale] had been put into this current season.”So the £55million of profit was in this season. It now transpires that Mason Mount appears to have been transacted in 2022/23 and that is how they got through [FFP rules].”Host Simon Jordan said: “Which means they’ve now got a £55m bigger hole this season.”Borson continued: “Correct, because we also know from the BlueCo accounts that they are currently, from the post-balance sheet events, that they are something like £48m in profit for this year.”But of course, this year from an operating perspective, is going to be even worse than last year because they’ve got no Champions League and no Europe at all.”Reflecting on potential Chelsea exits, he said: “It’s those sort of deals that need to be done. And by the way, they all need to be done by June 30. That, as we know, is articulated within the Forest decision.”There’s a whole conversation about how hard it is to sell players in the period before June. The Premier League actually suggested that more or less that it was impossible.”READ MORE SUN STORIESJordan then noted: “What Stefan is basically saying in the shortest of terms is that is absolutely inconceivable that by December of next year that Chelsea won’t be facing a charge from the Premier League for breaching Financial Fair Play, unless there’s a complete sea change in the rules or a complete re-rowing back from that perspective.”If you’re looking at Chelsea’s numbers, unless they’re going to sell somewhere in the region of £200m worth of players, so the players you think they’re least likely to sell, then Chelsea are going to be in the situation Nottingham Forest and Everton have been in this time next year.” More

GARETH SOUTHGATE is casting his eye over his squad ahead of the Euros – but what would his team look like if he based it on WhoScored ratings?The England boss has handed out first time call-ups to three players in his latest squad – Kobbie Mainoo, Jarrad Branthwaite and Anthony Gordon – but two of those miss out based on the stats.England would have a very different look if Gareth Southgate based his team on WhoScored ratingsCredit: PAThere would be no place for Kobbie MainooCredit: GettyThere are plenty of familiar faces in Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, but the defence looks markedly different.Mainoo, 18, does not feature despite impressing for Manchester United, and neither does England No1 Jordan Pickford.Here is how England would line up if Southgate picked the team using WhoScored ratings.Nick Pope – 6.72The Newcastle goalkeeper has been injured since December and his side having really missed his presence between the sticks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPope has 10 England caps to his name but faces a race against time to be fit in time for the Euros.Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.18Alexander-Arnold was fancied by Southgate in the last international break and even played in midfield against Malta.He hit a purple patch for Liverpool across winter and has two goals and four assists from right-back this season.Trent Alexander-Arnold will battle Kyle Walker for a place in the sideBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERJames Tarkowski – 7.07The Everton stalwart has won two caps under Southgate and has returned to his best this season, helping the Toffees keep eight clean sheets this term.Most read in FootballJarrad Branthwaite – 6.88The youngster has also impressed playing alongside Tarkowski at Goodison Park.And it is likely his ability to play as a left-side centre-back, as well as his youth, that has led to him being given the nod over his Everton team-mate.Kieran Trippier – 7.18The defender’s inclusion may raise some eyebrows as he has been rather error prone this season.But he has produced 11 assists for Toon in all competitions so is included ahead of Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell, who have been less reliable due to their injury problems.Declan Rice – 7.4Rice has gone from strength to strength since joining Arsenal and has started to add goals to his game in recent weeks, finding the net six times in the Premier League.James Maddison – 7.38Maddison staked an early claim for player of the season with his early season form before injury curtailed his season.He has four goals and eight assists this term but he will likely need to rekindle his previous form to make Southgate’s starting line-up.James Maddison offers England flexibilityJude Bellingham – 7.78Bellingham has been the star of the season for Real Madrid with an incredible 20 goals in his debut campaign.Bukayo Saka – 7.69The winger is finding his best form during a pivotal point in the season for the Gunners, and his 16 goals and 15 assists make him a shoo-in for the Three Lions.Phil Foden – 7.42Foden is arguably enjoying his best season to date. He has been one of Manchester City’s best players and has fulfilled a number of roles, scoring 18 goals in the process.Harry Kane – 7.87The England captain has the best WhoScored rating of any Englishman this season.That is no surprise considering he has scored 37 goals in 35 games in what has been an astonishing debut season for Bayern Munich.READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland would have a new-look defence based on WhoScored ratingsKobbie Mainoo called up to England squad for first time as Man Utd wonderkid is late addition to Gareth Southgate’s camp
WhoScored base their player ratings on every single event recorded in a game. These are calculated live automatically using their own algorithms, which comprise over 200 raw statistics. More