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      James Ward-Prowse sent off in Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest clash as fans say ‘thought he was playing rugby’

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST ace James Ward-Prowse was sent off against Chelsea following a bizarre challenge.Ward-Prowse, 29, started for Forest in their Premier League clash against the Blues at Stamford Bridge, where the visitors picked up a 1-1 draw.Nottingham Forest ace James Ward-Prowse was sent off after lunging to the ball with his handsWard-Prowse was shown a second yellow card against ChelseaCredit: RexBut the midfielder was shown a second yellow card in the second half as he chased Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson down the halfway line for a loose ball.The England international lunged for the ball but lost his balance and fell on it with his torso.And he ultimately fell on the ball, grabbing it with both hands.The referee had no option but to give the West Ham loanee his marching orders in the 78th minute after booking him in the first half.Read More on FootballFans were left baffled by the ex-Southampton star’s reaction as it looked like he was playing rugby or cricket, rather than football.One fan tweeted: “Ward-Prowse thought they were playing rugby.”Another commented: “Bro, James Ward-Prowse just jumped on the ball like it was a fumble.”A third wrote: “Ward-Prowse just did one of the most comical actions in a football pitch ever.”Most read in FootballThis fan said: “That’s the dumbest red card I’ve seen all season, what is James Ward-Prowse thinking.”And that one posted: “Ward-Prowse. Red card. Cricket level fielding. This is the funniest thing of the day.”Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest: Player Ratings and Team PerformanceWard-Prowse joined Forest on loan from West Ham on transfer deadline day last summer.The central midfielder has since amassed five appearances across all competitions with the Tricky Trees.Chelsea player ratings vs Forest: Madueke shines again but hot-head Jackson too busy arguing CHELSEA were held by ten-man Nottingham Forest as frustration filled Stamford Bridge.Noni Madueke cancelled out Chris Wood’s opener but the Blues couldn’t find a winner.And frustrations boiled over with a mass brawl in added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Figg rated the Blues stars.Robert Sanchez – 8Excellent positioning to snuff out Forest counter on hour mark and made two sensational late saves to deny the visitor’s a winner.Malo Gusto – 6Wasn’t able to prevent Nikola Milenkovic’s flick on to set up Wood’s opener but he produced a great block to deny Gibbs-White in the box.Wesley Fofana – 7Forming a good partnership at the back with Colwill. Finally some consistency at centre-half for Chelsea.Levi Colwill – 7Made a huge block to prevent Yates in the first half. John Terry-esque defending.Marc Cucurella – 5Lacked attacking creativity down the left having filled in at centre-back at times. Failed to form much of a threat with Sancho.Moises Caicedo – 6Agonisingly close to getting ahead of Wood to prevent the Forest opener. Took the role as deep-lying midfielder in front of back line.Enzo Fernandez – 5Still looks to be finding his best position under Maresca. Not a natural holding midfielder but denied preferred advanced role by Palmer.Cole Palmer – 6Looked lively when afforded space in the centre but the Chelsea superstar saw a huge chance saved thanks to Matz Sels double save.Noni Madueke – 8Constant threat down the right side with his goal well deserved. But the winger finds himself guilty of making the wrong choice in the final third.Jadon Sancho – 4Largely absent throughout the match with Aina doing a stellar job in keeping the tricky forward quiet. Lacked killer instinct going forward.Nicolas Jackson – 4Apart from pressing, quiet throughout. Slow to react in the box in a frustrating sign of inconsistency after recent goalscoring form. Spent more time arguing with team-mates at points.SubsJoao Felix (for Fernandez 80 mins) – 6Christopher Nkaunku (for Jackson 80 mins) – 6Mykhailo Mudryk (for Sancho 89 mins) -5Pedro Neto (for Madueke 89 mins) – 6Tosin Adarabioyo (for Colwill 90+3 mins) – 5 More

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      My uncle is an England legend, now I’m a Premier League player making my way under Man Utd icon

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      ODELUGA OFFIAH may be the nephew of rugby legend Martin Offiah.But the 21-year-old is making his own way as a footballer under Manchester United legend Steve Bruce.Odeluga Offiah is making his own way as a Premier League footballer with BrightonCredit: GettyHe is currently on loan at Blackpool with Man Utd legend Steve BruceCredit: GettyUncle Martin was a top rugby league and union player in his primeCredit: AllsportOffiah, who plays in defence, is on loan at Blackpool from Brighton.He has also spent time with Scottish giants Hearts.And the ace, who has 10 Premier League appearances for Brighton, has plenty of famous relatives.Uncle Martin is a former rugby league star who won 33 Great Britain caps and 5 England caps.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe also enjoyed a career resurgence in union during his later years with Bedford and Wasps.And Martin’s son Tyler Offiah is now hoping to follow in his footsteps after signing a pro contract with Bath on the back of his England U18s debut.Meanwhile, Martin’s nephew Odeluga has been making a splash in the beautiful game after joining Blackpool this summer.He has made two appearances for the Seasiders since United hero Bruce replaced Neil Critchley earlier this month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut uncle Martin reckons Odel is on his way to being a star – mainly thanks to his dad Chike.Martin told the Argus: “Odel was playing rugby and football as a kid.Premier League fathers and sonsOdeluga was on loan at Hearts last seasonCredit: Willie VassThe ace hopes to have as much success as uncle Martin did in rugbyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd“I said to Chike, ‘What is he going to do, be a rugby player or a football?’“He said he liked football, and I said, ‘You need to get him into an academy’.“I knew he was talented and played with adults at the park but he needed to get some coaching and people needed to see him.“They took him to Bromley and Odel was quite a late starter.“He tried to get into Crystal Palace and Charlton so Brighton was his third club.“I think Odel had the love more for football than rugby. Football was what he loved to do.“He is young with room to develop but he is already a bit of a beast.“He has got that Offiah speed.”Odeluga will be hoping to make his debut in tonight’s clash at Huddersfield, with games against Burtno and Lincoln also on the horizon.Speaking after his loan move, he said: “It feels good to be here. I’m really excited to show what I can do at this Club.READ MORE SUN STORIES“As soon as I heard of the interest I wanted to join, as this is a big Club with huge history and I want to be part of that.“I’m just excited to get going and get out on the pitch and play for this Club.”Can you name the famous fathers? More

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      Astonishing XI of England stars who could have played for Ireland including Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney and Jack Grealish

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      LEE CARSLEY will be hoping to get one over his former side the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League on Saturday.Interim England boss Carsley has wasted no time stamping his mark on the senior squad after including four stars from his European Championship-winning U21 side.Jack Grealish was allowed to switch allegiance from Ireland to EnglandCredit: GettyEngland icon Wayne Rooney was eligible to play for IrelandAs was Harry Kane through his paternal grandparentsDeclan Rice might be the subject of boos on Saturday after he switched allegiance in 2019Ireland have often played second-fiddle to players who are eligible for both the Boys in Greens and the Three Lions.Carsley himself was born in Birmingham but after failed attempts to break into the England, he was called up to Ireland, earning 40 caps.But who else from England could have played for Ireland?Let’s start with a current Three Lions superstar who actually represented Ireland’s senior side – Declan Rice.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSThe London-born midfielder qualified for Ireland through his Irish-born parental grandparents and his three appearances came in friendlies, but if Rice had played in ONE more game he wouldn’t have been able to switch allegiance.He then elected to play for England to the dismay of Irish fans, earning 35 caps and becoming a midfield staple for Gareth Southgate.Jack Grealish is another player who was in the Irish system and had represented the underage teams for several years.The Birmingham-native qualified for Ireland as three of his grandparents were Irish and he was named the U21 Player of the Year.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGrealish would switch also allegiance and initially play for England’s U21 team before making his senior debut in September 2020.Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane and Paul Scholes all have strong Irish roots through their paternal grandparents.Kyle Walker shows his true colours as he reveals conversation with Lee Carsley after being dropped from England squad The Bayern Munich star surpassed Rooney’s scoring record with 53 goals for England in March 2023.Meanwhile, Real Madrid midfield star and Ballon d’Or nominee Jude Bellingham is eligible to play for Ireland through his father, Mark.Jude Bellingham wearing an Ireland top as a toddlerAaron Lennon was entitled to play for Ireland through his mother, but a some glittering early-career performances earned him a call-up to England’s 2006 World Cup squad while still a teenager.Chelsea legend Gary Cahill could have starred for the Green Army through his Irish grandmother, but the Derby-born legend only had eyes for England.The Champions League winning centre-back went on to earn 60 caps for England between 2009-2018.While 81-capped Rio Ferdinand turned down the opportunity to play for Ireland through his Irish grandmother.Harry Maguire, who missed out on Euro 2024 through injury but broke back into Carsley’s squad last week, could have worn the green jersey through both sets of grandparents.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy’s one England cap in 2018 prevented him from playing for those across the Irish Sea.Rio Ferdinand said was always going to choose EnglandGary Cahill could have played for IrelandPaul Scholes perhaps did not have the England career he wanted, but earned 66 caps More

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      Former Premier League club ‘set to share stadium with rugby side Wasps’ after being banished from top tier

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      FORMER Premier League outfit Charlton Athletic are set to share their stadium with rugby team Wasps, according to reports.Wasps are looking for a new home after being relegated from the Premiership in 2022 when the club went into administration.Wasps could be set to share a stadium with a former Premier League clubCredit: AlamyThe rugby club are reportedly planning on sharing The Valley with Charlton AthleticCredit: RexWasps were banished from the Premiership when they went into administration in 2022Credit: RexAccording to The Times, that new home could be Charlton Athletic’s ground, The Valley.They claim that Wasps are eyeing both a return to professional rugby and a spot inside the 27,000-seater stadium at the same time.Once a top flight club, Wasps’ £95m debt saw them banished from the Premiership and set for a drop all the way down to the TENTH TIER of the English rugby union system.However, it’s claimed by The Times that the club are hoping to have their place in the Championship reinstated for the 2025/26 season after rugby execs began laying the foundations for them to be parachuted into the second tier.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd if those plans do go ahead, Wasps look likely to share their home with League One football club Charlton.Wasps are said to be hoping to set up in Kent, with the area a supposed hotbed for community clubs and regrowing Wasps as a national side.The Valley isn’t actually located in Kent, but is situated very close by in south east London.Wasps had bid to build their own 28,000-seat stadium in Sevenoaks, but have faced strong local opposition to their proposed plans – forcing them to look at other options.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWasps had previously shared Coventry City’s Ricoh Arena before they went bust in 2022.They also played at Wycombe Wanderers’ Adams Park and QPR’s Loftus Road in the past.Iconic stadium unrecognisable amid ‘groundbreaking’ £1.3BILLION renovation as incredible pics show host of new featuresThe move to The Valley could prove difficult going forward with Charlton’s men’s side not the only team to use the stadium as things stand.The Addicks’ women’s team made the permanent move to the former Premier League ground for the 2024/25 season.Three teams playing in one stadium could throw up issues regarding fixture congestion.Charlton do not currently own the stadium, rather they rent it from the club’s controversial former owner Roland Ducharelet.Their current lease is set to expire in 2035.Wasps used to share their stadium with Coventry CityCredit: PA More

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      New Wales boss Craig Bellamy names Aaron Ramsey as captain before hailing Liverpool teen star Lewis Koumas

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      AARON RAMSEY will remain Wales captain but has been told to inspire Liverpool whizkid Lewis Koumas.New Dragons boss Craig Bellamy named his first squad on Wednesday with Ramsey leading a 24-man party into next month’s Nations League ties with Turkey and Montenegro.Craig Bellamy named his first Wales squad on the outskirts of Cardiff on Wednesday morningCredit: GettyLewis Koumas, 18, is in the squad and has scored two goals in his last two games for Stoke on loan from LiverpoolCredit: AlamyBellamy is adamant Cardiff midfield star Ramsey, 33, who has not played for Wales in almost a year, can make a positive impact on the likes of Stoke loanee Koumas, 18.Rambo has suffered a series of injuries since his last international against Latvia in September 2023.The 84-cap ace missed the summer friendlies with Gibraltar and Slovakia.But he has completed 90 minutes in each of Cardiff’s three opening Championship matches this season.read more in footballBellamy said: “He will be captain. I didn’t see any reason to change that for the time being. “I understand the role of the captaincy as I was captain for Wales through all the age groups and into the senior team.”I’m aware of what he’s doing, his training programmes. You can’t doubt his quality.  “We’re talking about one of the best players to ever play for Wales. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”A player that’s represented Arsenal, he’s won cups, played in a World Cup, gone to Juventus and his experience with Nice. “Young players are aspiring to be him and he can help them with that.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton break down the new changes for the UEFA Champions League format for 2024/25″If you watch his attitude and the details of what he does, that’s what has allowed him to play at a top level for so long. “That’s great to have around. He’s still got football in him.”Ramsey recovered from a horrific leg break after a shocking challenge by Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross in 2010 to play at three major tournaments for Wales and the next target is the 2026 World Cup. Bellamy, who kicks off his reign against the Turks in Cardiff a week on Friday, added: “He was able to come back from that and for what he has achieved in his career tells me he is mentally strong.”He still has a lot to offer and the way we want to play will help him a lot and be perfect for him. I still see a  good footballer.”Koumas, the son of ex-Wales midfielder Jason, is on loan at Stoke from Arne Slot’s Reds. The teen striker made his international bow in the friendly double-header in June, ex-boss Robert Page’s final matches in charge.The two-cap ace scored against West Brom in the league last Saturday as well as Tuesday’s 5-0 Carabao Cup win at Middlesbrough.Bellamy added: “I’ve got young Lewis who wants to become one of the top players. He’s just unbelievable to watch. “He’s fearless and I love that type of profile and player.”His father was incredible but I hope his attitude is better and he takes himself more seriously. “Every time he gets the ball then something positive happens. They are the players you love to coach.”I’m sure he would have looked up to Aaron for a number of years.”Now he gets to see what elite really looks like and I’d like to believe that will develop him quicker. He gets to see his actions, hear him talk and get certain information. “I was lucky I had Mark Hughes, Gary Speed, senior players who I had admired from afar, I caught the end of Ian Rush, who was my hero. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was able to pick up little bits and see what a serious player was. It benefitted me.”Wales squadDanny Ward, Adam Davies, Karl DarlowBen Davies, Owen Beck, Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Ben Cabango, Neco Williams, Connor RobertsJordan James, Ethan Ampadu, Josh Sheehan, Aaron Ramsey, Ollie Cooper, Sorba ThomasKieffer Moore, Lewis Koumas, Brennan Johnson, Harry Wilson, Daniel James, Mark Harris, Liam Cullen, Rabbi Matondo More

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      Wales’ Nations League clash moved at 13 days’ notice with stadium unfit for purpose and huge patches of grass missing

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      WALES’ clash with Montenegro has been moved due to the stadium being unfit for purpose.The Nations League fixture was scheduled to take place at the Gradski Stadium three days after Wales face Turkey in Cardiff.Wales’ match against Montenegro has seen the venue changeCredit: GettyCraig Bellamy’s side will now play in a 5,000-capacity groundCredit: GettyHowever, Craig Bellamy’s side will now play at the 5,000-capacity City Stadium, which is home to FK Sutjeska and regularly hosts Montenegro’s U21 matches.The original venue in Podgorica has been deemed unplayable due to concerns over the playing surface.A Football Association of Wales statement read: “Following concerns over the quality of the playing surface at the Gradski Stadion in Podgorica, Uefa has confirmed that the Nations League match between Montenegro and Cymru on 9 September will be moved to Nikšić.“The FAW acknowledges the inconvenience that this announcement will have on Cymru’s travelling fans, who have already planned for Podgorica.READ MORE IN SPORT“Therefore, the FAW is currently in discussions with UEFA and the Football Association of Montenegro to limit the disruption caused by this late announcement to the Cymru national team and The Red Wall.“The FAW will provide an update when further information is confirmed.”The pitch was visited by Uefa officials on the weekend in order to be examined.They found that it was dry and cratered in spots with large patches of grass missing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe switch will affect the 700 travelling Wales fans who had booked accommodation in Podgorica, who will now have to make appropriate arrangements.Bellamy was appointed as the Wales boss in July after leaving Burnley.Players rushed off the pitch as fire breaks out in stadium as cup game suspended with pitch engulfed in cloud of smokeThe Nations League fixtures will be his first as the national team coach.The former Premier League striker has been set the target of qualifying for the World Cup in 2026.Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney said: “We want to qualify for the World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico, and we felt that Craig was the right choice there.“It’s a really exciting appointment. We do see the Nations League as a chance for Craig to input his ideas, mindful of the fact that we would like to get some results in this Nations League as well, of course.“However, ultimately, here it’s about tournament qualification. That’s what it’s about.“We want to be in America, Canada, Mexico in 2026 and when we host the Euros here in 2028, we want to have a brilliant side that goes out there and represents Wales really well.“It’s fine to get to a tournament but, once you get to the tournament, it’s how you present yourself at these tournaments and how you deliver at these tournaments.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Inside abandoned stadium left overgrown and vandalised years after hosting Olympics, Six Nations and TWO euro giants

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      A SPORTS STADIUM that once hosted an Olympic Games, several Six Nations matches and two Serie A giants has been left completely abandoned.The Stadio Flaminio in Rome was once the home of Italy’s national rugby union team, but it has also been used for football.The Stadio Flamino is now in a state of disrepairCredit: RexThe stands of the stadium are crumblingCredit: RexThe stadium has been abandoned and the pitch has become overgrownCredit: RexBuilt on the site of the demolished Stadio Nazionale PNF – which hosted the 1934 World Cup final – it opened in 1959 ahead of the 1960 Olympic Games.It became a hugely popular venue during the 1980s when some of the world’s biggest music artists performed there.Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Pink Floyd and U2 took to the stage in the late 80s in front of 45,000 to 65,000 fans.Following the music season, Lazio and Roma temporarily moved there while the Stadio Olimpico was being refurbished.Read More on FootballLower league side Atletico Roma later called it home.Between 2010 and 2011 the Stadio Flaminio hosted Italy’s Six Nations matches.It was due to be redeveloped before the 2012 Six Nations with a 42,000 capacity planned.However, the proposed renovations fell through and the Italian Rugby Federation moved to a new home.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn the years that followed, Stadio Flaminio became neglected.It is now in a state of disrepair with an overgrown pitch and crumbling stands.However, there is hope that given the adequate funding it can become a fully-functioning, multi-purpose venue once again.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersThe stadium previously hosted an Olympic games and Six Nations matchesCredit: RexMusic artists such as Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen have also performed thereCredit: RexThe pitch has become severely overgrownCredit: Rex More

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      England clash risks being first in DECADES not to be shown on live TV amid frantic rush to agree deal

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      ENGLAND’S clash with Japan next month is in danger of becoming the first Red Rose men’s Test not televised live in decades.Rugby chiefs are reportedly scrambling to agree a deal for the clash with ex-boss Eddie Jones’ new team in Tokyo on June 22.Eddie Jones might yet find his Japan team’s long-awaited home clash with England in Tokyo in June not shown live on TVCredit: RexRed Rose coach Steve Borthwick will take on Japan twice this yearCredit: GettyThe Times say negotiations have yet to result in a solution.And if no answer is found, the RFU could end up streaming England’s summer opener on its website.Japan – coached by ex-Red Rose boss Jones – will travel to Britain this winter.After playing New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, Steve Borthwick’s men will finish their packed November schedule against the Brave Blossoms.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut the fixture before that, in the Japanese capital in five weeks’ time, is causing concern off the pitch.Sky Sports signed a deal with Southern Hemisphere rugby chiefs (Sanzaar) to show England’s two summer tests against New Zealand.The Red Rose face the All Blacks in Dunedin and Auckland on July 6 and 13.But Sanzaar does not cover Japan, meaning there is currently a broadcasting hole for that matchMost read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland last played the Brave Blossoms in November 2022, registering a 34-12 win in a World Cup pool game at Nice Stadium.Japan have not visited Twickenham since a 52-13 defeat in November 2022.Meet the Six Nations WAGs cheering England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland stars onRed Rose chief Jones was sacked just a month after thatHe took charge of home country Australia for a second time in January 2023 – but resigned 10 months later after a dire World Cup saw the Wallabies slump to ninth in the world rankings.Jones then made it two spells leading Japan when they appointed him coach last December. More