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    Steven Gerrard ‘closing in’ on return to management after foregoing £10MILLION upon Al-Ettifaq exit

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    LIVERPOOL icon Steven Gerrard could be poised to make a return to Rangers, according to reports.Rangers interim manager Barry Ferguson left the club following Saturday’s match against Hibernian.Steven Gerrard could make a return to RangersCredit: GettyGerrard won the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers in 2021Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe 47-year-old took over on a temporary basis following the dismissal of Philippe Clement in February.Rangers are now on the hunt for a permanent successor.And the Daily Mail has claimed that Gerrard is on a shortlist.The Liverpool legend is joined on the list by former Southampton manager Russell Martin and Davide Ancelotti.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he is understood to be the preferred candidate.The recruitment process is being led by new sporting director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart.Gretar Steinsson of 49ers Enterprises – the consortium in talks to take over Rangers – also has a level of input.Gerrard previously spent three years at Rangers before leaving in 2021 to become Aston Villa manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDuring his time at the club he won the Scottish Premiership title and finished the 2020-21 league season unbeaten.However, he failed to impress while at Villa Park.Steven Gerrard spotted at major sporting event as he gives personal update after Al-Ettifaq exitGerrard was sacked by Aston Villa less than a year after joining the club.He was then appointed as the manager of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq but left by mutual consent earlier this year with the club just above the relegation zone.The former England midfielder waived £10million in order to avoid getting a relegation on his managerial record.Al-Ettifaq’s head of football Hatim Al-Mashaal said: “Gerrard waived half of his contract with Al-Ettifaq, and the other part has been scheduled.”He waived £10million because if the club had been relegated with him, it would have caused a crisis in his coaching career.”So the agreement to leave was a mutual one between the club and the coach.” More

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      SFA to review ‘corrupt’ Rangers TV comments made by Ibrox hero in wake of Hibs ‘ghost goal’ controversy

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      THE SFA are launching an investigation into comments made by former Rangers defender John Brown whilst appearing on the club’s official TV channel.Brown, 63, sounded off on-air on Rangers TV about the failure to award Rangers a second goal against Hibs in the first half.Nicolas Raskin thought he’d put Rangers 2-0 up against HibsCredit: PABut Nick Walsh didn’t give it and Hibs went up and scored at the other endCredit: Willie VassNicolas Raskin had ran through and beat goalkeeper Jordan Smith to the ball, poking it under his body.The ball appeared to cross the line but referee Nick Walsh didn’t signal for it and he wasn’t called to review the incident by VAR.Gers interim boss Barry Ferguson later criticised Walsh for his attitude on the park and called the decision “baffling”.But in the immediate aftermath of the flash point, Rangers TV co-commentator Brown was even more incredulous and his remarks could land him – and the club – in hot water.The nine-in-a-row hero branded it “corrupt”, before lead commentator Tom Miller said: “Well, I’m not sure we can actually say that.”Those are not necessarily the views of Rangers Football Club.”Brown continued: “Well, I am saying it.””That’s a disgrace and it’s the worst decision I’ve seen in all the years I’ve been in football.”Most read in FootballMiller added: “John Brown obviously has his own opinion there, but it’s certainly questionable.”Those comments have caught the eye of the SFA’s Compliance Offer and a charge could be forthcoming.Dundee Utd fan ‘caught mocking Ibrox disaster’ during Rangers clash days after Celtic supporter lost jobAccording to The Herald, the SFA believe there are grounds for action under article 29.2 of the rules which reads: “A club or recognised football body which publishes, distributes, issues, sells or authorises a third party to publish, distribute, issue or sell a match programme or any other publication or audio/visual material of any description in any media now existing or hereinafter invented, including but not limited to the Internet, social networking or micro-blogging sites, shall ensure that any such publications or audio/visual material does not contain any criticism of any match official calculated to indicate bias or incompetence on the part of such match official or to impinge upon his character.”Celtic were previously subject to a review when club legend and club TV pundit Tom Boyd alluded to referee John Beaton drinking in a Rangers pub.He said in 2019: “If he doesn’t know that’s a penalty he should not be in the middle of the park refereeing a football game.”He’ll probably be welcomed down his pub tonight again.”Celtic rushed to defend club legend Boyd after his misdemeanor and it remains to be seen if Rangers do the same with Brown. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Tony Docherty dramatically SACKED by Dundee with ex-Celtic star in frame for Dens Park manager role

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      DUNDEE have sacked manager Tony Docherty. SunSport understands the Dens Park gaffer was told this morning the club plan to move in a new direction. Tony Docherty has been axed by DundeeCredit: Kenny RamsayA Lyall Cameron double saw Dundee secure their top flight place on the final dayCredit: Kenny RamsayEx-Celtic star Shaun Maloney is in the frame for the Dens Park vacancyCredit: GettyThe former Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and St Johnstone number two took the job in the summer of 2023 and rebuilt the squad quickly following promotion from the Championship. Docherty led Dundee to the top six last season, their first top-half finish in nine years, and was nominated for the Manager of the Year awards. The 54-year-old couldn’t replicate the feat this season, with several injuries to key players crippling his defence. As a result, they had the worst defensive record in the Premiership and only stayed out of relegation trouble on the final day by beating St Johnstone 2-0. Dens owner Tim Keyes and managing director John Nelms have decided to make a change, with former Hibs boss Shaun Maloney in the frame. The ex-Celtic winger is currently out of work after leaving crisis-hit Wigan in March.He previously held talks about becoming Dee boss in 2022 but no agreement was reached.Docherty also lost star man Luke McCowan to Celtic, who splashed out £1 million to sign him late in last summer’s window.Most read in FootballHis backroom team have also left the club.Dundee have confirmed Stuart Taylor, Alan Combe and Graeme Henderson have all departed with immediate effect.Moment Dundee fans invade pitch after securing safety against St Johnstone at McDiarmid ParkIn a statement, the Dens Park club stated that this season had “not met the standards expected by the club.”They’re also planning to restructure the club’s football department while they begin their search for the next manager.Dundee said: “Dundee Football Club can today confirm that manager Tony Docherty, Stuart Taylor, Alan Combe and Graeme Henderson have been relieved of their duties at the football club with immediate effect.”Tony was appointed manager of Dundee FC in May 2023 after the club was promoted to the Scottish Premiership and in his first season in charge guided the club to a top six finish in the league.”Stuart was brought in as assistant manager to Tony in June 2023.Alan has been with the club since 2021 as goalkeeping coach and Graeme joined last summer as head of performance.”Sunday’s result confirmed the club’s place in the Scottish Premiership for next season. However, this season the results of the team have not met the standards expected by the club.”With the club finishing the season in tenth position, one place above the relegation play-off position, the club have taken the decision to relieve Tony of his duties.Shaun Maloney’s careerJoined Celtic as a trainee in 1999 and made first team debut in 2001Scored 37 goals in 138 appearances during first spell with HoopsSpent 18 months with Aston Villa between 2007 and 2008 before returning to CelticWon five SPL titles and three League Cups across his two spells with the HoopsReturned to England with Wigan in 2011 before a brief stint in the USA with Chicago Fire in 2015Career ended with at two-year spell with Hull CityWon 47 Scotland caps and scored seven goalsMoved into coaching role with Celtic in 2017 before taking first team coach gig with Belgium in 2018Appointed Hibs manager in December 2021 and was in charge until April 2022Previously entered talks about becoming Dundee manager in 2022 but no deal was agreedTook charge at former club Wigan in January 2023 and spent just over two years in the role”The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Tony, Stuart, Alan and Graeme for all of the work they have put into the club during their time at Dundee FC. We wish them all the best for the future.”The club intends at this juncture to restructure the football department and the process to appoint a new management team begins immediately.Read More on The Sun”The club shall be making no further comment at this time.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Celtic fans fight in the streets during title party as Glasgow’s Trongate left strewn with litter

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      CELTIC fans have been filmed fighting in the streets of Glasgow during their team’s league title party.The Hoops had their trophy day celebrations today after the team drew 1-1 with St Mirren in the final Premiership match of the season.The Trongate area will require a major clean up operationIt was far from all smiles at the Celtic title partyThe moment a female fan jumped on another and started punching themJames Forrest scored a late equaliser in the game, which gave him the unique record of scoring in all 16 seasons he’s been a Celtic player.After the full-time whistle, fans began to descend on the Trongate area – despite warnings not to attend.We told you how local residents and businesses were fearing for the events of today, with an Orange Walk also talking place in the city this afternoon.Indeed there was a stand-off between Hoops fans and some marchers earlier this afternoon, before cops swooped in.Thousands of Hoops supporters defied the government warnings and headed to take over the Trongate and Merchant City areas for their league-winning bash. Many were filmed climbing lampposts and setting off pyro as the boozy street party kicked off at around 3pm.They set off green, white and orange flares, launched fireworks into the air and waved flags and banners in the glorious sunshine.Fans also belted out favourite club chants and posed for pics and videos and indeed the majority of punters didn’t cause trouble and there weren’t many major escalations.Most read in FootballCops were on guard as alcohol flowed as the crowd grew, with bottles from underage revellers being confiscated at the fringes of the gathering.But as the evening went on, fights did break out among some of the supporters.Celtic fans start to gather in Glasgow as they celebrate their team winning the Scottish PremiershipVideos shared on social media show the uglier side of the party.A woman was spotted sitting on top of another woman and punching her, and at the same time two men were kicking off at one another.In a separate video, two groups of young males are seen scrapping and throwing kicks at each other, with bottles also being smashed in the vicinity.Another incident saw a man bleeding from his head being taken away by cops and paramedics.All of this was taking place as the streets themselves became strewn with litter from broken bottles, empty cans and other pieces of rubbish.Estimates for the crowd are of around 25,000 revellers.By around 7.30pm the party was all but over and coppers began to turn people away from the Trongate and attempting to clean up some of the mess.Read More on The SunPolice Scotland have been contacted for comment.This fan was left with a bloodied head and taken away by the emergency servicesAnother video which showed groups of fans squaring offKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Rangers ‘question effectiveness of VAR’ after Hibs no-goal controversy as Barry Ferguson calls out Nick Walsh

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      RANGERS have issued a damning statement after they were controversially denied a goal in today’s game against Hibs.Cyriel Dessers had opened the scoring for Gers after three minutes but Nicolas Raskin thought he had put the Light Blues 2-0 up when he flicked the ball past Jordan Smith and it trundled towards the net.Barry Ferguson couldn’t believe his side were denied a 2-0 lead at HibsCredit: PARocky Bushiri was trying to recover and managed to get his foot to the ball but it looked like it had already crossed the line by that time.However, referee Nick Walsh didn’t signal for a goal and VAR didn’t intervene either.What made matters worse for Gers is that moments later, Hibs went up the other end and scored through Kieron Bowie.The match itself ended 2-2 with Raskin scoring in the second half before Martin Boyle struck with his 99th goal for the club to equalise.At full-time, Ibrox interim boss Barry Ferguson couldn’t hide his frustration with the contentious decision.And his fury was followed up by an official statement from the club.Ferguson said: “I’ve got to be careful what I say. I don’t want to get myself into trouble.”But that is baffling.Most read in Football”I seen it when it happened, I seen it again at half-time and I seen it again at the end of the game. What’s the point?”Ferguson was then asked if he’d spoken to referee Walsh but he said: “Nah, he won’t speak to you.Dundee Utd fan ‘caught mocking Ibrox disaster’ during Rangers clash days after Celtic supporter lost job”The fourth official was brand new but the referee? Not interested.”I’ve seen it all season with bad decisions. Not just with Rangers but with other teams.”But that today was just mind blowing.”I don’t think you need goal line technology for that one. It’s clearly over the line.”Ferguson also highlighted the penalty that was awarded during to Dundee in their midweek clash against Ross County by Walsh, which was also slammed by fans.A Rangers spokesperson added: “Incidents like this again bring into question the effectiveness of VAR and also highlight the need to introduce goal-line technology in Scottish football.”Our supporters, players and staff deserve better. Read More on The Sun”We will raise this with the Scottish FA and continue to press for initiatives which improve the accuracy of decision-making.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Shock moment Aberdeen star requires medical treatment after being hit by seat thrown from OWN FANS after pitch invasion

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      THIS is the shock moment an Aberdeen star required major medical treatment after being struck by a SEAT thrown by one of his own fans.Trouble flared at the end of today’s Aberdeen vs Dundee Utd clash at Tannadice when jubilant United fans streamed onto the ground to celebrate the 2-1 win which saw them finish fourth.Aberdeen’s Jack Mackenzie is seen being attended to after being struck by a chairCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Utd pitch invasion sparked mayhemSunSport understands that a seat was thrown by the visiting fans in response but it only succeeded in catching Dons full back Jack MacKenzie on the head.The Scotland fringe man subsequently required major treatment from medical staff on the Tannadice pitch in a shocking incident.It’s believed he DIDN’T require hospital treatment but images show him blooded and bruised with a head wound requiring significant taping as he was carted off the field on a stretcher.United trailed early on in clash through Jeppe Okkels’ 15th minute opener but they roared back through Declan Gallagher and a Sam Dalby penalty on 63 minutes to secure all three points. There’s no love lost between followers of the two sides but questions will be asked after such a serious incident. The match could well be MacKenzie’s LAST as a Dons player, with his contract expiring this summer. He’s had interest from down south – having previously been on the radar of Preston, Sheffield United and Stoke City.EFL Championship club Plymouth Argyle are interested in a move for the left-back.Most read in FootballKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      England’s biggest crisis club relegated THREE divisions after being left with no pitch and playing 70 miles away

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      NO senior football club in England has gone from nightmare to nightmare like debt-riddled Farsley Celtic.But it’s somehow got worse – AFTER the season finished.Farsley Celtic hope to set up a new groundshare for next seasonCredit: RexCeltic were not able to use their ground this seasonCredit: RexFans blasted an “absolutely crazy” situation as Celtic have been relegated THREE DIVISIONS.Crisis upon crisis has descended upon the semi-professional Yorkshire club following a failed decision to put in an artificial pitch at their Throstle Nest ground last year.It never got built – so Celtic played most of their 2024-25 ‘home’ games 70 miles away in Buxton, Derbyshire.They famously lost ex-Leeds star Neil Redfearn as manager in February after just three weeks in charge.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSControversial chairman Paul Barthorpe then departed – with Celtic forced to field youngsters on the way to finishing bottom of the National League North.But instead of dropping into the Northern Premier League, they have been booted all the way down to the ninth tier – the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.Low points of the season included a 6-1 defeat to then-bottom Needham Market – when Redfearn was absent without explanation.Women’s team manager Izzy Roads and youth coach Phil Lake took the reins, with Redfearn later revealing he had resigned days earlier.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKUnder-fire Barthorpe soon quit too after six years steering a club that had went bust in 2010 but reformed in 2015.Now homeless Celtic have been denied a licence to play in Steps 1-4 – the four highest levels below the EFL.The club said: “As a board we recognise this will be as disappointing for our fans as it is for us. It’s not what we wanted. “But sometimes you need to take a step backwards in order to move forwards, and pragmatically we believe this move to be necessary to protect the long-term financial future of our club.”One fan responded: “It’s absolutely crazy that Farsley Celtic has dropped three divisions to now the 9th tier of the English football pyramid. “It’s an absolute joke, should never have got this far out of hand.”Another wrote: “Triple relegation to Step 5… what a mess!”However, a third supporter took a longer-term view.He posted: “Like any fan I want to get back up ASAP but we need time to stabilise behind the scenes and then get back up where we belong. “I’d say 2-3 seasons hopefully then we go back up with a sustainable model.” While we could have appealed against this decision, the long-term future of the club remains our priority Club statementCeltic issued a lengthy statement on being booted down the leagues – insisting a groundsharing deal has already nearly been sorted for next term as they rebuild gradually.They said: “At the end of the last season we said our efforts would be concentrated around ensuring the financial stability of the club. “A season playing all our games away from The Citadel was always going to leave us with a financially challenging summer.”The debts facing the club have continued to mount in recent weeks.”We are in a situation where we have to be pragmatic. NCEL offers us significantly lower travelling costs and running costs in general as we seek to stabilise the club.”Celtic are finally hoping to get a new surface so they can return home.Their statement added: “Our funding bid for a new pitch will be decided by the Football Foundation next month. “Our planning application for new energy efficient and reliable floodlights is being considered by the council and is subject to a funding bid. “A ground share for the start of next season is almost agreed, and we are still working on securing a lease for the ground.Read More on The Sun”While we could have appealed against this decision, the long-term future of the club remains our priority and a lot of work is being put in by the board and others to ensure Farsley continues to have a semi professional football club. “The long-term future of our first team, Deaf, Junior and Women’s sides continues to be our priority.” More

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      Aberdeen vs Celtic SUSPENDED due to medical emergency in crowd as players raise the alarm

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      THE Scottish Premiership clash between Aberdeen and Celtic was suspended due to a medical emergency.Players on the pitch appeared to notice something was wrong and raised the alarm.Players attracted the referee’s attentionCredit: SKY SPORTSReferee Steven McLean immediately stopped the gameCredit: SKY SPORTSAberdeen and Celtic medics raced to the fan’s aidPlayers looked concerned as treatment was administeredCredit: PAMedical staff and police raced to the supporter’s aidCredit: Kenny RamsayStars from both sides could be seen waving their arms in the air in an attempt to attract attention.Referee Steven McLean noticed the pleas of concern and immediately stopped the match and waved the medics on.The Aberdeen medical team were seen sprinting across the pitch to head into the crowd to administer treatment and were joined by their Celtic counterparts.Players on the pitch looked visibly concerned as treatment was administered.Commentator Chris Sutton said: “Some things are more important than football.”After a sizable delay of a few minutes, commentator Ian Crocker provided a positive update.He informed viewers that the fan was now sat up and on his feet.Crocker then said the fan was placed in a wheelchair and taken away from the stand for further treatment.Most read in FootballPictures show the fan – appearing to be awake and alert – on the wheelchair at the side of the pitch.Applause could be heard around Pittodrie.Play was able to resume after a delay of seven minutes.A further update was then provided by the Sky Sports commentator at the start of the second half.Crocker revealed that the fan was now in a ‘stable’ condition.He did, however, add that the supporter had been taken to hospital.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Steven Gerrard lined up for emotional return to former club but faces competition from sacked Premier League bosses

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      STEVEN GERRARD could be set for a sensational return to Rangers.Gerrard, 44, has been a free agent since January after his acrimonious exit from Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq and is looking for his next challenge.Steven Gerrard has been pencilled in for a potential return to RangersGerrard won the Scottish Premiership at IbroxGerrard is a free agent after a hapless stint in Saudi ArabiaAccording to The Telegraph, that could lead the Liverpool legend back to Ibrox, where his managerial career officially kicked off.The former England international joined the Gers in 2018 and enjoyed tremendous success during his three-year spell as he won the Scottish Premiership in 2021.And Rangers are keen on a reunion with the Scouse tactician as they are seeking a permanent replacement for Philippe Clement, who was sacked in February. Former midfielder has been in temporary charge since.Gerrard is part of a long list of candidates that is said to run into double figures.Read More on FootballThe likes of former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, ex-Luton Town boss Rob Edwards and Russell Martin, who was recently dismissed by Southampton, are also being considered.O’Neil had a short but impressive stint with Bournemouth and Wolves before becoming a free agent.Edwards stood out at Luton as he led them to the Premier League two years ago.And Martin has history with Rangers as he underwent a loan spell as a player in 2018 before managing at MK Dons, Swansea and of course Saints.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThere are also foreign head coaches being monitored by club chiefs amid the closing stages of the season.Nevertheless, it is thought to be an open race with no clear favourite for the top job. Steven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq Rangers could offer Gerrard a second chance in his new career as he has seen his stock plummet after two unsuccessful stints at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq.The legendary midfielder joined Villa on November 2021 – the same year he ended Celtic’s nine-year dominance in the Scottish Premiership.After a positive first season at Villa Park, Gerrard failed to keep it up and was dismissed following a run of poor results and performances on October 2022.The Liverpool great then made the big leap to the Saudi Pro League in 2023 but left 18 months later with his team 12th in the table and five points above the relegation zone.Former Bournemouth and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil is also being targeted by RangersEx-Southampton boss Russell Martin is also part of Rangers’ longest of candidatesThe same goes for ex-Luton Town boss Rob Edwards, while there are also foreign candidates More