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      Rapist footballer David Goodwillie FINALLY released by Raith Rovers eight months after they signed him

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      DAVID GOODWILLIE has finally been RELEASED by Raith Rovers.Goodwillie joined Raith from Clyde in January this year but his signing caused huge uproar at the club.
      David Goodwillie while playing for Clyde
      Goodwillie watching Raith vs Queen of the South shortly after signing for themCredit: SNS
      They attempted to send him back to Clyde but the Cumbernauld-based outfit performed a U-turn after being told by the local council, who own Broadwood Stadium where they play, that he would not be allowed to enter the building.
      He was promptly axed by Raith following a backlash from livid supporters but his contract was never formally ripped up, despite the club announcing in February that they would terminate it.
      Eight months on, he is officially no longer a player at the club.
      Raith released a statement on their website that read: “The club can confirm that David Goodwillie has been released from his contract with immediate effect. The club will make no further comment.”
      Stark’s Park went into meltdown over the signing of Goodwillie, who was convicted in a civil court in 2017 of having raped a woman.
      Author Val McDermid, a lifelong Raith fan, decided she could no longer support the club following the move to bring Goodwillie in and withdrew her sponsorship of the team.
      Other sponsors and celebrity fans called out the Kirkcaldy outfit too, while long-serving board members resigned and the women’s team disbanded.
      Raith initially doubled down on their decision to sign him, citing his record as a “proven goalscorer”.
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      Eventually, manager John McGlynn came out and publicly apologised for the debacle.
      Goodwillie and then-teammate David Robertson, were accused of raping Denise Clair in 2011.
      After not being found guilty in a criminal court due to lack of evidence, Ms Clair took her case to a civil court.
      It was the first of its kind in Scotland.
      A judge then found that both men were guilty of raping her and ordered them to pay £100,000 in compensation. The civil proceedings did not need corroboration, unlike the criminal case.
      Ex-Scotland international Goodwillie, 33, has also played for Dundee United, Blackburn Rovers, Crystal Palace, Blackpool, Aberdeen, Ross County and Plymouth Argyle during his career.
      He won three caps for Scotland, scoring one goal, between 2010-11.

      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Chelsea escape with warning as Uefa fine eight clubs including AC Milan, Juventus and PSG £149m for FFP breaches

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      CHELSEA, Manchester City, West Ham and Leicester have been warned they face Uefa financial fair play punishments if they cannot get their books back in balance this season.The four Prem sides were among 19 European clubs that Uefa experts ruled had only met the requirements because of Covid 19 emergency measures or historical break-even results.
      Chelsea spent over £271million this summer on new signings including defender Wesley FofanaCredit: Getty
      Former Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined the Blues on deadline dayCredit: Getty
      Uefa allows clubs to record a loss of just £25m over a three year period, a significant contrast to Prem rules that allow clubs to lose £35m a season.
      And as it announced fines totalling £149m against eight European clubs, Uefa said the Prem sides will now face extra scrutiny.
      Uefa said: “The Club Financial Control Body reminded these clubs that as from financial year 2023 these exceptional Covid deductions and consideration of historical financial results will no longer be possible. 
      “These clubs were further asked for additional financial information and will be monitored closely in the upcoming period.”
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      The English quartet may not be terribly bothered though, as Uefa also confirmed that despite levying the fines against the errant eight, only £22.5m must be paid now – with the rest waived if the clubs comply with new financial regulations by the 2025-26 season.
      PSG and the Italian quartet of Juventus, Inter, Roma and Milan were joined by French duo Monaco and Marseille and Turkish side Besiktas on the Uefa naughty step.
      The French champions copped the biggest fine, of £56.2m, but with just £8.65m due immediately.
      Uefa said the punishments had been imposed after studying the accounts of the clubs from 2018 through to this summer, taking into account the effect of the pandemic.
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      Euro chiefs said: “These amounts will be withheld from any revenues these clubs earn from participating in UEFA club competitions or paid directly.
      “The clubs agreed to comply with the football earning rule during the 2025/26 season. 
      “They undertake to reach intermediate annual targets, and to the application of conditional financial and sporting measures should these targets not be met.” More

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      Chelsea rip up Ross Barkley’s £110,000-a-week contract with Rangers showing free transfer interest

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      ROSS BARKLEY and Chelsea have mutually agreed to TERMINATE his contract.Barkley was at best a bit part player at Chelsea and consequently they were considering ripping up his £110,000 per week contract – as SunSport revealed on Saturday.
      Ross Barkley in action for ChelseaCredit: Getty
      And earlier today The Blues announced the termination of his contract.
      However, according to Alan Nixon Barkley could soon join Scottish side Rangers.
      Rangers, who recently qualified for the Champions League after defeating PSV, are prepared to offer Barkley a chance of game time north of the Anglo-Scottish border.
      In a statement on the club’s website, Chelsea said: “Ross Barkley has left Chelsea by mutual consent and becomes a free agent.
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      “The midfielder, who joined from boyhood club Everton in January 2018, made 100 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, scoring 12 goals.
      “The most memorable was his injury-time equaliser against Manchester United in his first full season at the Bridge.
      “At the end of that campaign he helped us win the Europa League, scoring a spot-kick in the shoot-out victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the semis and then coming off the bench in the brilliant Baku triumph against Arsenal.
      “Barkley’s final game was against Watford in May, and it was his late header that secured all three points in our last game of the season.
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      “We would like to thank Ross for his contribution to Chelsea and wish him well for the rest of his career.”
      Barkley joined Chelsea from Everton in a £15million deal and a five-and-a-half-year contract.
      However, despite the promise he had showed at Everton Barkley failed to replicate the form he showed at Goodison Park down at Stamford Bridge. More

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      Roy Keane set for further talks with Hibs with Man Utd legend ready to quit Sky Sports role to return to management

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      HIBERNIAN will hold further talks with Roy Keane’s representatives over their vacant manager’s job.The Manchester United legend is interested in succeeding former Celtic team-mate Shaun Maloney at Easter Road.
      Hibs will hold further talks with Roy Keane’s representatives over their manager’s jobCredit: Getty
      Former Sunderland and Ipswich boss Keane is the favourite for the post with Ross County boss Malky Mackay also in the frame.
      Hibs’ hierarchy will speak to Keane’s people again over the coming days as part of a lengthy recruitment process.
      Maloney was sacked eight days ago after just four months in the job.
      First-team coach David Gray is caretaker-boss for the rest of the season.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}READ MORE ON SUNSPORT.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}ON HIBERNIAN’S SECRET SERVICE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Roy Keane 6/4 to be next Hibs manager… or 500/1 to be 007
      SunSport understands the quality of applicants for the post this time around is stronger than when former Celtic star Maloney was appointed last December.
      Chief exec Ben Kensell and head of recruitment Ian Gordon travelled to London for informal talks with a number of potential candidates.
      Those discussions were held to gauge interest from both sides, after which a list of names will be drawn up for consideration.
      And only then will the formal interview process of finding a new boss begin as Keane and others press their claim to land the role.
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      The old United skipper was was asistant to Martin O’Neill with the Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest, the latter being his most recent coaching job.
      Keane also had a brief spell as Paul Lambert’s No2 at Aston Villa.
      SunSport understands Keane is ready to ditch his punditry duties with Sky Sports in order to have another crack at the management game.
      Roy Keane and Martin O’Neill pictured in 2018Credit: Reuters More

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      Sacked Soccer Saturday pundits Le Tissier, Nicholas and Thompson launch rival TV show with Paddy Power

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      AXED Soccer Saturday stars Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas and Matt Le Tissier have shown it’s a game of two laughs – storming back with a new sitcom series called Pundits.
      The rival TV show by bookmaker Paddy Power reveals the house-sharing trio gagging to rebuild their careers.

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      Charlie Nicholas begins the new series hoping to become a stand-up comedian – but soon resigns himself to a return to punditry

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      Alan Curbishley, second from the right, joins the lads as they bare more than their souls and show what life is like under the table as well as in front of the cameras

      The famous three slip seamlessly from their former life of discussing play-acting superstar footballers to acting as ex-players bemoaning their luck.
      Judging by the first episode, released on Saturday, the dramatic skills of Arsenal maverick Nicholas and Southampton legend Le Tiss are particularly impressive  – perhaps reflecting the flair of their playing days.
      The middle-aged pals, whose sacking shocked fans last month, are joined in the opening show by ex-West Ham boss Alan Curbishley – as he settles down in an armchair with a four-pack of beers and insists Nicholas invited him.
      But using an ancient camcorder, and with the entirely-original name Score Saturday on a bedsheet, it’s Curbs who digs deep to help the lads get back on their feet.

      It’s a rollercoaster ride, though – with practical and emotional sagas.
      First the Sky old boys must decide if they can get away with using illegal streams.
      Then Thommo’s feed is ruined by pop-ups informing him of “hot singles in his area”.

      And Le Tissier screams out as loudly as ever… only this time it’s not about goals or red cards but because his (The) Dell laptop keeps “buffering”.

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      Axed Sky Sports pundit Matt Le Tisser gives his expert analysis on the dangers the trio would face if they watch games using illegal streaming
      Meanwhile, Nicholas has to be coaxed down from his bedroom, where he is practicing for his dream job as a “stand-up comedian”… not the sort who tells jokes, but the kind who tells stories – “like Billy Connolly”.
      In the later, weekly episodes, the forward-thinking three wil be seen preparing for a new opportunity in TV, learning about the modern world of football and, finally, contacting the spirit world for some pointers.
      Maybe that last venture will go some way to easing their pain after what many football followers believed was a huge own ghoul by Sky in releasing the popular bunch.
      And the bookie is certainly glad to sign them up.

      Spokesman Paddy Power said: “The Premier League is back in our lives once again, but there are some familiar faces that won’t be on our screens for the first time in years.
      “Or so you thought. We’ve managed to get the gang back together, and we see what their lives are like now as they live together and try to navigate the new world of football.
      “We cannot confirm or deny how accurate it is to the truth.”

      Matt Le Tissier jokes he’s keeping his ‘chins’ up after Sky Sports sacking and thanks fans for support More

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      Pep Guardiola’s Man City will beat reigning champs Liverpool to Premier League crown.. by a whisker

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      WE’VE seen it many times before — outstanding teams win the Premier League but then fail to strengthen.
      And are we about to see champions Liverpool make the same mistake?

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      Pep Guardiola should see Man City regaining the title they lost to Liverpool – with newcomer Nathan Ake improving their wobbly defenceCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Jurgen Klopp risks missing out on a title repeat after failing to strengthen his side, but luring Thiago Alcantara would change all thatCredit: EPA

      At the very least, it will give other teams a chance and I’m expecting a much closer title race than last season, which has to be a good thing.
      I’m 50/50 over whether it will be City or Liverpool who lifts the trophy in May.
      But if I had to go one way I’d go with Pep Guardiola’s men — only just though . . . maybe 51/49!
      I might feel differently if Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp can sign Thiago Alcantara, who is a wonderful player.

      And with their outstanding front three of Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, they won’t be far away.
      But experience tells us that title winners need to invest in their squad rather than stand still.

      Chelsea will push harder this time and at Old Trafford, I can see United continuing to make progress under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

      You only need to look at Manchester City last season to see that.This summer Guardiola has set about strengthening the areas that let him down last season.
      I really like Nathan Ake and believe he’ll fit in well under Pep — and I’d expect another centre-back to be following him to the Etihad.

      While I’m going for the same top two, I expect Chelsea and Manchester United to provide more of a  challenge.
      The Blues have backed Frank  Lampard in the transfer market with eye-catching signings like Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Thiago Silva.
      Of course, bringing in new faces doesn’t automatically make you better and Frank will have to work out what his best side is.

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      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Chelsea counterpart Frank Lampard should both see continued improvementCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Gary Lineker is predicting a neck-and-neck season at the top – with the lower reaches of the Prem far harder to assessCredit: PA:Press Association
      And I’m also not sure if they have the right goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero to choose from.
      But they will push harder this time and at Old Trafford, I can see United continuing to make progress under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      He has added another good young player in 23-year-old Donny van de Beek and are looking to sign Jadon Sancho. So I think there are exciting times ahead again for them and I expect United to finish in the top four again.
      Of the sides most likely to break into those Champions League places, I would go for Arsenal.
      The only money they’ve spent so far is on the Brazilian defender Gabriel. But keeping hold of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is bigger than any new signing.

      He has shown in the games at Wembley since the re-start what a top-class forward he is and it was crucial that the Gunners kept him.
      For me they are more likely to trouble the top four than Tottenham.
      My old club have a few players who are coming towards the end and to me they look a bit light.
      And if Harry Kane or Son Heung-min  got injured then they’d be really light, despite the arrival of Pierre-Emile  Hojbjerg and Matt Doherty.
      At Goodison, another of my old stamping grounds, I would love to see James Rodriguez recapture the form he showed us at the 2014 World Cup.
      TOP-NINE BREAKAWAY?
      Manager Carlo Ancelotti managed to get the best out of him for one season at Madrid so let’s hope he can do it again on Merseyside.
      Along with Wolves and Leicester, I think you might see the top nine breaking away from the rest of the pack this season.
      Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves were very consistent last season and despite not being in Europe they are spending again — notably £35million on 18-year-old Fabio Silva.
      Burnley might have something to say about my prediction of a break-away group at the top of the table.
      Even though they’ve not added to their squad yet, Sean Dyche knows exactly what he is doing and they’ll continue to ruffle some feathers.

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      Wolves shattered their transfer record to sign Porto starlet Fabio Silva for £35mCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Leeds’ promotion-winning boss Marcelo Bielsa is something of a ‘mad genius’Credit: PA:Press Association
      As for the relegation spots, it could come from any of the rest.
      There’s been some worrying signs at West Ham with the captain Mark Noble going public with his views on Grady Diangana’s sale to West Brom.
      Aston Villa only survived by the skin of their teeth last season but Dean Smith knows what he is getting with £28m signing Ollie Watkins and will hope he gives them more breathing space this time.
      Of the new boys, I think Leeds have the best chance of staying up.
      It’s great to see them back in the top flight after a 16-year absence and I’m fascinated to see how manager Marcelo Bielsa does.
      There is something of the ‘mad genius’ about the Argentine but his team were brilliant against Arsenal in the FA Cup last season.

      I can’t wait to see more of them against the big boys and what a way to start for them — away at Anfield, the home of the champions.
      The only thing I wish is that the fans were there to see it.
      Gary hosts the first Match of the Day of the season tonight on BBC1 at 22.20 More