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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?

    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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    Wrexham stars including ex-Premier League ace party with Hollywood hunk Channing Tatum after Cambridge draw

    RYAN REYNOLDS reunited with Deadpool co-star Channing Tatum… in a Wrexham pub.The Hollywood A-listers chatted with locals and later partied with Dragons aces – the only downer being a 2-2 draw with Cambridge United.Channing Tatum found a new way to send good luck to Wrexham as he joined club owner Ryan Reynolds in a Welsh pubPerhaps Tatum putting a single finger up was his accurate prediction of the Dragons only earning one pointReynolds and Tatum surprised patrons of the Fat Boar – albeit before the League One side made a pig’s ear of seeing out victory.Lowly Cambridge netted an 89th-minute penalty point-saver as Wrexham – chasing a third successive promotion – dropped to third.However, Reynolds again charmed residents of his Welsh “second home” after flying in from the US.Punters took selfies with the movies heroes as they Chann-elled their inner silver screen- before the Canadian actor took the microphone for an even more crowd-pleasing development.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe star of The Proposal and three Deadpool films said: “I’m buying a round for everyone in here! “He added jokingly: “Although they might be bussing in another 100 people as we speak – but that’s fine.”Reynolds then revealed his special showbiz plans for later that night.He said: “I’m going to get the f*** out and go to bed. Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I have four kids and this is a night off where I get to just go to bed when I want to, which I am very excited about..”If I don’t come and visit each and every one of you tonight, in your homes, I just want to say happy holidays and my best to your families.”Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LATatum – who was voted People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2012 – shared in the relaxed evening at the pub.And he posed for some wacky snaps alongside Reynolds and what could be called a Deadpool mannequin.But the big-names got even wilder for antics with Wrexham aces – including ex-Premier Leaguers James McClean and Steven Fletcher – later.Dragons’ co-owner Rob McElhenney also posted a snap of the pair at the Ryan Rodney Reynolds Memorial Park – a huge new green community space under development in the town.McElhenney wrote: “Wow bringing another man to OUR spot @vancityreynolds.”He and Reynolds are also dreaming of another new spot over a similar timescale – in the Championship next season. More

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    Oleksandr Usyk puts Tyson Fury rivalry aside and invites Gypsy King to the pub to ‘drink beer’ and cheer on Man Utd

    OLEKSANDR USYK would happily sit down for a pint with Tyson Fury if he were to spend the day with his fierce rival.The pair renew their rivalry in Saudi Arabia next Saturday just seven months after their historic dust-up for all the heavyweight marbles.Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will renew their rivalry a week on SaturdayCredit: PAThe trash talk has wll and truly been flowing ahead of their rematchCredit: GETTYBut Fury’s recent verbal jabs haven’t put Usyk off from being willing to visit the pub with the Gypsy KingCredit: SKY SPORTSThe trash talk has ramped up in recent weeks but there remains a healthy respect between the pair, so much so that Usyk is willing to put all the Gypsy King’s “rabbit” jokes aside and visit the boozer with him.During an interview with Sky Sports, Usyk said: “Listen I can go to the pub, drinking beer.”After, we go to play golf and then we go to play football. Then we go horse racing.As he fought back fits of laughter, the fan favourite added: “Yes [a few beers]. No problem.”READ MORE ON USYK VS FURY 2As well as a love for boxing, both men have a soft spot for Manchester United, who they’ll be cheering on this Sunday when Ruben Amorin’s men take Manchester City.When asked which Premier League team he’d love to play for, Usyk said: “If I had a choice, I’d play for Manchester United.After being told both he and Fury will be on the same page during the Manchester derby, Usyk replied: “Yeah, of course, The same.”When asked to predict the result, the slick southpaw said: “I think Manchester United [will win]. Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But Manchester City have good players and a good coach.”Usyk became the first undisputed king of the heavyweights in nearly 25 years with a split-decision victory in his May melee with Fury.Moment Tyson Fury tells Oleksandr Usyk ‘you look like a sexy beast’ as heavyweight boxer shows off new lookFury, 36, insists the judges robbed him of fulfilling his childhood dream and has vowed to take the legacy-defining rematch out of their hands.The former unified heavyweight champion said: “I’ve always been a bad man my whole life, and I’m still one today at nearly 40 years old, a few years off 40.”I’m going to go in there with destroy mode. Last time, I went to box him, I was being cautious.”Anybody can get caught as we have seen in a lot of these heavyweight fights.”But this time I’m not going for a points decision. I’m going to knock that motherf****r out.”Tyson Fury has vowed not to leave his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in the hands of the judgesCredit: GETTYHe added: “There’s no secret. I’m going in there to knock you out.”Because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do.”I don’t think I’m going to get a boxing decision.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’m going to have to take it out of the judges’ hands like I did in America that time [against Deontay Wilder].”And I’ve got to get him out of there. Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.” More

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    Former Premier League star sees plans to open new pub right outside stadium REJECTED for bizarre reason

    FORMER Premier League midfielder Scott Arfield has seen his plans to build a pub in Glasgow rejected by the local council.The 35-year-old wanted to convert a former bookies into a pub next to Ibrox Stadium, the home of his beloved Rangers.Scott Arfield’s plans to build a pub next to Ibrox have been rejectedCredit: Willie VassThe old bookies, situated next to the stadium, is the proposed site and has been abandoned for two yearsCredit: Andrew BarrBut his proposal was turned down due to the potential impact on neighbours and bin storage concerns.An appeal was subsequently launched on behalf of the ex-Rangers ace – who now plays for Bolton – which claimed the venue would serve as a “mini fan zone” on match days.Councillors were split on whether to grant permission but the proposal was rejected after planning review committee chairman, Cllr Ken Andrew, SNP, made the decisive vote.Glasgow Live claim Cllr Andrew wanted more clarity over a number of issues including noise impact and waste storage.Read More in FootballA noise impact assessment was provided but officials said environmental health staff found it to be “quite inadequate”.The appeal suggested Arfield’s plan would “upgrade and repair” the property – which has been empty for over two years.It was also argued that the opening hours could be limited to Ibrox matchdays and ticketed events to ensure minimal impact on local residents.And it said the opening of the pub would create jobs in the area and waste would be handled within the property by a private removal firm.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe bar was considered to be a “major boost” for the local economy by Cllr Imran Alam, Labour.He said: “The building has been lying empty for a couple of years now.Rangers legend Scott Arfield reveals what happened during ‘goosebumps’ moment he bumped into WWE superstar in a lift”We know what happens when buildings stay vacant for a long time, they become rundown and impossible to renovate and improve.”Cllr Thomas Kerr, Conservative, appeared to agree and said: “I think the economic benefits outweigh any of the possible concerns that have been raised by officers.”Two neighbours objected to the initial application due to concerns.One claimed “anti-social behaviour” already takes place in the area on matchdays due to alcohol consumption.Arfield spent five years with Rangers between 2018 and 2023.During that time he scored 43 goals in 233 appearances.Before joining the Scottish giants, the midfielder played for Burnley and Falkirk.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter leaving Ibrox he spent a year in the MLS with Charlotte FC.He now plays for Bolton in League One. More

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    Emma Hayes bizarrely holds USA press conference in iconic North London pub

    EMMA HAYES kicked off her UK homecoming in style – by holding a press conference at an iconic London pub.The former Chelsea boss will take charge of her first match back in England this weekend, six months after leaving the Blues to become head coach of the USA women’s national team.USA coach Emma Hayes behind the barCredit: PAEmma Hayes enjoys a pint of beerCredit: ReutersEmma Hayes held a press conference at the World’s End in CamdenCredit: https://x.com/SandraBrobbey78A ‘Welcome home Emma’ sign was shown above the doorsCredit: https://x.com/SandraBrobbey78The pub was transformed into a makeshift press conference roomCredit: PAHayes discussed her love for CamdenCredit: PAShe is preparing to face England in a highly-anticipated friendly at Wembley Stadium.To mark her return to London, Hayes called a pre-match press conference at one of her favourite pubs – the World’s End in Camden.The WSL icon posed outside the venue for pictures ahead of the conference.She then sat down in front of a huge crowd of journalists to preview Saturday’s match.Read More in FootballPhotographers and videographers were positioned on a raised stage area while reporters sat in the centre of the makeshift conference room.”I think Camden is the greatest place on earth not only for the multicultural diverse place it is, but also for the opportunities it gave me,” she said.Hayes ended her 12-year spell with Chelsea in May to become USWNT head coach.Within three months, she led the team to a gold medal at the Olympics in Paris.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, the Lionesses are continuing their preparations for Euro 2025.Sarina Wiegman has given first-time call-ups to Laura Blindkilde Brown and Ruby Mace for the upcoming friendlies against the USA and Switzerland.English manager Emma Hayes makes Team USA captain cry after leading them to Olympic gold as star says ‘what the hell’Meanwhile, Manchester United full-back Gabby George has been named in the squad for the first time in two years.Lauren Hemp, Ella Toone and Lauren James are all unavailable due to injury. More

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    Shock moment Scottish football ultras clash on busy Glasgow street as fans chased by rival hooligans into pub doorway

    THIS is the shock moment Scottish football hooligans clashed on a busy Glasgow street on a Saturday afternoon. Footage shared on social media shows fans of Hamilton Accies and Partick Thistle scrapping ahead of today’s Championship meeting between the two teams at Firhill. Fans attempt to pile into the pubOne set of ultras was spotted chasing the otherA group of Thistle fans barricaded themselves in the doorway of the pubOn the pitch, it was the home side who came out on top, by five goals to one. But there were ugly scenes beforehand as anything up to 100 fans clashed on Maryhill Road. Footage shows Thistle fans apparently being chased by their Accies counterparts, with some running away and others attempting to barricade themselves in the doorway of the Munn’s Vaults pub.The fans in the doorway are wearing black, red and yellow balaclavas in the colours of Partick Thistle – who attempt to bring down the shutters for their own protection and finally succeed in doing so.There’s been claims online since about fans carrying knives and various other weapons.Scottish Sun has reached out to Police Scotland for comment.Only in September, an Airdrie fan who did a Nazi salute during a Partick Thistle game was banned from football matches for four years.Lewis Baillie, 22, made the offensive gesture at Firhill Stadium in Glasgow’s Maryhill on January 22 2022.Most read in FootballBaillie, of Airdrie, Lanarkshire – then aged 19 – had earlier been spotted punching an unknown man to the ground after the match.The Jags hosted Airdrie that day in a Scottish Cup match in which the home side went on to win 1-0 despite going down to 10 men.Wild moment coach sent off for confronting player on pitch as SPFL play-off clash ends in rammy and pitch invasionBaillie pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to conducting himself in a disorderly manner and commit breach of the peace.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Mexico manager left with blood pouring down face after being hit with beer can thrown from crowd

    MEXICO manager Javier Aguirre was left bloodied after a yob hit him with a beer can to the head.Aguirre, 65, saw his team suffer a miserable 2-0 loss at Honduras in the Nations League on Friday at the Francisco Morazan Stadium.Mexico manager Javier Aguirre had a beer can thrown to his headA yob threw the object on Aguirre after Mexico’s loss at HondurasAguirre, though, remained unfazed as he shook hands with Honduras boss Reinaldo RuedaAguirre had blood pouring down his face after the incidentAguirre appeared to refuse treatment after the attackThe Mexican went to shake hands with the opposition’s manager after full-time.That was when the crowd sitting behind the visitors’ dugout started pelting several objects towards him amid sickening scenes.And one of those yobs managed to hit Aguirre on the head as he was about to greet Honduras manager Reinaldo Rueda.The ex-Atletico Madrid manager was unfazed by the incident even after blood started pouring down his face.Read More on FootballMedics rushed to the Mexico boss’ side but he appeared unwilling to receive treatment as he continued walking down the tunnel.The former Espanyol boss continued to show a stiff upper lip when asked about the incident insisting there is “no need to mention it”.Aguirre said: “Nothing, it is just football. The game was hard fought, and they played better.”Regarding the other [the incident], there’s no need to mention it, I’m not one who complains, it is just football, nothing happened.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRueda condemned the incident immediately after the match and described it as “sad”.The Honduras boss went on to apologise to Aguirre as well as Mexico.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup gamesRueda said: “I’m sad for what happened at the end of the match, because he is a human being.”I want to apologise to the Mexican people and to Aguirre, this cannot happen.” More

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    Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squad

    JACK GREALISH was seen on FaceTime with Aston Villa fans after being left out of Manchester City’s Champions League squad.Villa and City were both in action this week in Europe, with Grealish’s old side taking on Club Brugge on Wednesday and his current taking on Sporting CP on Tuesday.Jack Grealish was seen on FaceTime with Aston Villa fansCredit: XIt came after he was left out of Man City’s team to face Sporting CPCredit: XGrealish was not present as Pep Guardiola’s team suffered a 4-1 defeat to the Portuguese side on Ruben Amorim’s final home game in charge before he takes over at Manchester United.However, the 29-year-old opted to spend some of the evening on FaceTime with fans of his former club.A video shared to social media showed Grealish on a video call with Villa fans following their game in Bruges, where they lost 1-0 following an inexplicable handball from Tyrone Mings.But seeing Grealish on the phone while they were in the pub seemed to brighten their spirits.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were heard chanting about Grealish during the call.It went: “Take me on up to the spirit in the sky. “It’s where I want to go when I die. “When I die and they lay me to rest, I’m going to go on the p*** with Jack Grealish.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGrealish was expected to be out of action until after the international break.But earlier today he was named in Lee Carsley’s final England squad before Thomas Tuchel takes over the team.Jack Grealish owes Trent Alexander-Arnold £500 as he’s made to regret wager within seconds during England clashGrealish has had a stop-start season after missing out on Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for Euro 2024.He has made 10 appearances and has two assists to his name, but is yet to score.The defeats in the Champions League this week were the first for both Villa and City in the competition this season.This weekend Man City pay a visit to Brighton, while Unai Emery’s Villa are away at league leaders Liverpool. More