Scottish Premiership

SHEFFIELD UNITED owner Prince Abdullah has claimed Chris Wilder wanted to resign TWICE and asked for a £4MILLION pay-off to do so. The former Blades boss was axed earlier this month after a series of bust-ups with the owner, leaving the club rooted to the bottom of the table.
Chris Wilder wanted a huge pay-off to resign, Sheffield United’s owner revealedCredit: PA
The Premier League basement boys sit a huge 14 points from safety with just nine games to play, with a return to the Championship looking inevitable.
Prince Abdullah said he told Wilder his job would be safe – even if they lost every game until the end of the season.
And admits he was astonished at the amount of cash the club legend – who took the Blades from League One the the Premier League – demanded to resign.
The Sheffield United co-owner told Sky Sports: “In December, Stephen [Bettis, Sheffield United CEO] told me that Chris had talked about resigning. I was really worried and I knew that a phone call or a Zoom call would not do the trick, I had to sit with him.
“I told Chris, if we lose every game until the end of the season, we are not going to fire you.
“We need you to be our coach. I am not talking about emotion, I just believe you are the best manager to bring us back to the Premier League.
“I told him recruitment could be better and that we could sit down after the season and talk about how we could make it better.”
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Prince Abdullah said he told Wilder his job would be safe even if they lost every gameCredit: PA:Press Association
Discussing why he wanted to leave, Prince Abdullah added: “Chris explained in a one-hour call why he wanted to resign.
“He sad that he felt the team needed a change, a new voice.
“We were very clear and said we don’t want to fire you but if you want to resign, you can, but we will not pay you the same money as if we were firing you.
“The emails started between his representatives and our financial guy and we were astonished to find he had asked for £4m to resign.

“We said ‘no way are we going to pay you £4m, you are resigning, we are not firing you, why would we have to pay almost one year’s salary?'”
Sheffield United face the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton in a tough end of season run in.
Paul Heckingbottom is currently in interim charge of the Blades.
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FOOTBALL club Dundee United’s name is a bizarre insult in NIGERIA. Folk in the African country use it when referring to one another as an idiot.
The name ‘Dundee United’ is bizarrely used as an offensive term in NigeriaCredit: The Sun
The odd offensive phrase derives from an ill-fated tour the Scottish Premiership club made to Nigeria in the 1970s.
The Tangerines played very badly in their matches and there were also off-field problems.
Jim McLean’s side won from just one of their five games against local amateur teams, ending the two-week trip with an embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Stationery Stores.
Locals fans who had turned out in their thousands to see the Scottish top-flight side were left majorly disappointed and an article published in the Nigerian Daily Express was even headlined ““Don’t Come Back” as United returned home.
Fan Liam Kirkaldy did some research into the origins of the insult of calling someone a ‘Dundee United’.

DONS DEAL Celtic skipper Scott Brown offered two-year player-coach deal in chance to join Stephen Glass at Aberdeen

He said the club – whose Tannadice Park holds just 14,000 fans – is more famous in Nigeria – which is 4,500 miles away – than Scotland.
Scotland has a population of just 5.4million people compared to Nigeria’s of 201million.
He said: “I’m quite pleased with the club’s fame.

“When you think about it, there aren’t that many people in Scotland, and Dundee United isn’t a very well known team.”
A TV advert shown in Nigeria for an anti-malarial drug in the 1980s even used the club’s name in vain.
Liam, of Nutmeg magazine, added: “So there are actually more people worldwide who know Dundee United as the word for an idiot than know it as a football team.”

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CELTIC skipper Scott Brown is leaving after 14 years to become Aberdeen player-coach. The former Scotland midfielder, 35, will assist Stephen Glass at Celtic’s Scottish Premiership rivals. 
Brown will bring an end to 14 years at CelticCredit: The Sun
Brown travelled north on Thursday to have a medical before agreeing terms on a two-year contract which will see him play in red next season. 
He said: “There is no doubt I had a lot to deliberate when deciding my next steps, particularly after enjoying fourteen successful years at Celtic. 
“However, the opportunity to join Aberdeen, a Club entering an exciting new period with my former team-mate Stephen now at the helm, was one I couldn’t pass up.
“Once this season concludes, I’m looking forward to joining Stephen, the playing and coaching staff and everyone at Aberdeen FC.
“I am totally committed to the challenge that lies ahead in meeting the ambitions of the club and its fans.
“I still feel I have got a lot to give, not only on the pitch, but in a broader capacity as I embark on my coaching journey. I will be relentless in my quest for success for Aberdeen.”
Stephen Glass has appointed Scott Brown as his assistant
His decision to move on brings the curtain down on a hugely successful spell with the Hoops where he lifted a total of 22 TROPHIES. 
Capturing Brown is a major coup for Glass, who will officially take over next month before the Dons face St Johnstone, as he bids to rebuild the club over the summer.
Glass said: “The opportunity to bring a player of Scott’s calibre, a leader who has more European appearances for Celtic than any other player, is a huge coup for me and for Aberdeen.
“His experience will be invaluable on the pitch and he is someone who will help set the standards we expect at this Club.
“A born competitor, with a strong appetite to win, his hands-on approach and desire to nurture will hugely benefit the development of the young, emerging talent we have here.
“Scott will be a big part of my coaching team and whilst his impact will undoubtedly be felt on the pitch where I believe he still has much to give, I am looking forward to assisting his transition into coaching.
“He is excited about coming to Aberdeen and working with the current playing, and wider coaching and support staff already in place.
“I’ve no doubt he will be a success here.”
RUSSELL TARGETED
Chairman Dave Cormack will back him in the summer with funds to sign players in a bid to challenge at the top end of the Premiership. 
But Glass is building his backroom team first and moves are now underway to land England coach Allan Russell as co-assistant manager. 
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Russell, who is currently with Gareth Southgate’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers, has been earmarked for the other backroom berth. 
His arrival will hinge on whether England give him permission to combine his current strikers coach role with working full-time at Aberdeen. 
If Glass gets his man, he will spend the summer with Southgate’s squad at the Euros before heading north. 
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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THIS is the moment Brora Rangers’ players celebrated one of the biggest giant killings in Scottish Cup history.The semi-pro Highland League outfit sensationally knocked out last season’s cup runners up on Tuesday evening with a stunning 2-1 win.
Brora Rangers enjoyed wild celebrations after their Scottish Cup giant killing of Hearts
Brora No2 Craig Campbell posted the clip on social media
Brora will play Stranraer in the next round
Brora Rangers players celebrate their shock giant-killing of Scottish giants HeartsCredit: Ken Macpherson
Robbie Neilson’s Hearts – who had been to the last two finals – trailed early through Jordan MacRae, but they seemed to have averted the crisis when they pulled level through a Christophe Berra volley.
But the Highland outfit weren’t finished there – not by a long chalk.
Within five minutes they swept back up the park and got their noses back in front through Martin McLean.
Despite late pressure from the Jambos, Brora held on for one of the most famous victories in the history of the competition.
Hearts are currently top of the Scottish second tier while Brora have not played since January as their league is suspended because of the Covid-19 lockdown.
In fact, Brora – a village approximately 200 miles north of Glasgow – have managed just three games all season and are a semi-professional side in the fifth tier of Scottish football.
And in true giant killing spirit, the Brora players rightly celebrated in raucous dressing room scenes that were captured on camera.
A video has emerged of the full squad jumping and dancing around the home changing room, singing along to Mark McCabe and Sunset Bros’ ‘I’m Feeling It’.
The winning goal by Martin McLeanCredit: Ken Macpherson
The clip was posted online by the club’s assistant manager Craig Campbell.
It was all the more remarkable considering they hadn’t played since the first week of January.
Brora boss Steven MacKay said: “In a normal season this would be an astronomical result but you throw into the mix the circumstances which surrounded this game.
“We haven’t played a game since the first week of January, we’ve had 5 training sessions and one friendly and that is it.
“We had no right to win this game but the character of this group of players is unbelievable. I am so privileged to be manager of this incredible team.”
“It’s the single biggest feeling in my football career as player or manager.
“We gave an incredible account of ourselves and I don’t think anybody who watched that game would have grudged us the win.
“We said we wanted to bed into the game in the first 10-15 minutes.
Christophe Berra levelled the game for Hearts – but Brora struck back five minutes laterCredit: Ken Macpherson
“We got through that 20 minute spell then Jordan has popped up with an unbelieveable strike.
“I said to the boys they had the knack of producing when the odds were against them.
“This will come as a surprise to most people but internally we are not really.
“To be honest with you they got their goal back and it was a bit of a scrappy goal but these players have got unbelievable character and I wasn’t surprised we went up the park and scored again.”
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson admitted the result was an embarrassment to the football club – and said it proved he still had to clear out the dead wood from the club’s relegation campaign.
He said: “We have remnants of the relegation season still there. We need to deal with it and get it moved out.

“We can’t deal with that tonight. It is an embarrassment, an embarrassment for the football club.
“I knew when I came in here that I was turning round a ship that was heading in the wrong direction.
“We have turned it round in areas but there is still work to do here. This should stay in the memory of everyone involved.
“It is something we can always go back to – if things aren’t good enough, this is what happens.”
Brora will play Stranraer in the fourth round, due to be played on April 3.
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POLICE have arrested and charged a teenager in connection with the alleged racial abuse of Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos.SunSport exclusively revealed how the Rangers ace had been targeted by an individual in a video circulated on social media during the derby clash with Celtic.
Rangers star Alfredo MorelosCredit: Getty
The 24-year-old breaks his Old Firm duckCredit: Getty
The Gers forward scored his first goal against the Hoops in Sunday’s 1-1 draw after four seasons of playing in Scottish football.
The Colombian, 24, netted at the back stick following a knockdown from Leon Balogun midway through the first half.
However, his goal was marred by a clip shared on social media platform Snapchat, in which a male allegedly directed racist language towards Morelos.
Police launched an investigation into the offensive video following a series of complaints.
Now, cops have confirmed that a boy, aged 17, has been arrested and charge in connection with the incident.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We’ve arrested and charged a 17-year-old male youth in connection with an offensive social media post during the Celtic v Rangers SPFL match yesterday.”
It is understood Rangers are aware of the footage, as they called on social media companies to help stamp out the abuse being aimed at their stars. 
An Ibrox source said: “Our captain highlighted the ongoing targeting of footballers online.
“Now is the time for social media companies to act and eradicate people making offensive comments like this.”
It comes just days after complaints of racism from Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela towards Light Blues midfielder Glen Kamara.
Kamara released a statement to say he was called ‘a f***ing monkey’ by Slavia Prague’s Kudela during Thursday night’s Europa League tie at Ibrox, a version of events which was backed up by his team-mate Bongani Zungu.

Kudela denied the allegations – claiming he said “you f***ing guy” when he was spotted covering his mouth and whispering something in Kamara’s ear.
The Czech player also claimed he was punched by Kamara in the tunnel after the game.
Celtic and Rangers stars made a powerful anti-racism message stand by REFUSING to take a knee before yesterday’s Old Firm match.
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RANGERS ace Alfredo Morelos was targeted by a vile racist following Sunday’s Old Firm derby.The Colombian forward, 24, scored his first goal against Celtic after four seasons of playing in Scottish football.
Rangers star Alfredo Morelos was racially abused after he scored the equaliser in the Old Firm derby against CelticCredit: PA
The sick individual repeatedly aimed racial slurs at Morelos
Morelos netted at the back post following a knockdown from Leon Balogun midway through the first half.
The striker’s goal levelled the proceedings after Mohamed Elyounoussi headed the home side into an early lead in the game, which finished 1-1 in Glasgow’s east end.
However, in a sick video posted on social media, Morelos became the latest victim of yet another disgusting case of racial abuse.
The short clip, initially posted on Snapchat, showed the man filming himself directing a torrent of racial slurs towards the Rangers hero – including calling him a ‘monkey’.
The individual repeatedly used the discriminatory language while watching Morelos celebrate breaking his Old Firm duck.
The clip sickeningly included an emoji of a monkey on the screen.
And Police Scotland later confirmed they had launched an investigation into the matter.
A spokesperson said: “An investigation is underway after Police Scotland received a number of complaints regarding an offensive social media post. Our enquiries are ongoing.”
The striker nodded home from close range in the 1-1 drawCredit: Getty

It is understood Rangers are aware of the footage, as they called for social media companies to help stamp out the abuse being aimed at their stars. 
An Ibrox source told SunSport: “Our captain highlighted the ongoing targeting of footballers online.
“Now is the time for social media companies to act and eradicate faceless cowards making offensive comments like this.”
Celtic and Show Racism The Red Card have also been contacted for comment.
It comes just days after complaints of racism from Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela towards Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara.
Kamara released a statement to say he was called ‘a f***ing monkey’ by Slavia Prague’s Kudela during Thursday night’s Europa League tie at Ibrox.
His version of events were backed up by his team-mate Bongani Zungu.
Kudela denied the allegations – claiming he said ‘you f***ing guy’ when he was spotted covering his mouth and whispering something in Kamara’s ear.
The Czech player also claimed he was punched by Kamara in the tunnel after the game.
Celtic and Rangers players refused to take a knee before the Old Firm derby in a powerful anti-racism stanceCredit: The Sun
Celtic and Rangers stars shared a powerful anti-racism message stand by REFUSING to take a knee before the Old Firm match.
We told you how the Ibrox stars were considering ditching the gesture over fears over how Uefa would deal with complaints of racism from Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela towards midfielder Glen Kamara.
Ahead of the game, Rangers boss Steven Gerrard confirmed: “We won’t take the knee.
“I spoke to both of my captains yesterday and they’ve made the collective decision that they are going to stand and stand together side by side.
“We will support that and follow suit as a staff as well.”
On the decision Gerrard added: “I wasn’t aware of the chat that the players have had amongst themselves but James [Tavernier] and Connor [Goldson] came to see me yesterday.
“I totally understand the decision they have made and totally back it 100 per cent.
“And we will do the same as staff to show them the support.”
His opposite number John Kennedy added: “We’ll be the same. It is important everyone comes together.
“This is bigger than football, but football has a chance to send out a strong message. So we will do the same as them.”
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CELTIC skipper Scott Brown went out of his way to show his solidarity to Rangers rival Glen Kamara before today’s Old Firm kick-off. Pre-match footage of the incident showed the Hoops captain walking into the Rangers half during the pre-match warm-up.
Scott Brown greets Glen Kamara while the teams warm up
The pair shook hands and hugged in a brilliant moment of respect.
It was a nice touch as these two Glasgow giants prepared to do battle on the Old Firm stage.
And Brown said afterwards that it it was important for him to show solidarity.
Brown told Sky Sports: “Definitely, I think it is disgusting what has happened to be perfectly honest.
“It doesn’t matter whether it is a Rangers player or a Celtic player, or whoever it is throughout.
“It should never be part of the game, it just shows that we stand with them and is that little bit of respect as a fellow professional.”
The gesture came as both sets of players stood up and refused to take a knee before kick-off.
Glen Kamara released a statement to say he was called ‘a f***ing monkey’ by Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela during Thursday night’s Europa League tie at Ibrox, a version of events which was backed up by his team-mate Bongani Zungu.

Kudela denied the allegations – claiming he said “you f***ing guy” when he was spotted covering his mouth and whispering something in Kamara’s ear.
He also claimed he was punched by Kamara in the tunnel after the game.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Gerrard said: “We won’t take the knee.
“I spoke to both of my captains yesterday and they’ve made the collective decision that they are going to stand and stand together side by side.
“We will support that and follow suit as a staff as well.”

On the decision he added: “I wasn’t aware of the chat that the players have had amongst themselves but James [Tavernier] and Connor [Goldson] came to see me yesterday.
“I totally understand the decision they have made and totally back it 100 per cent.
“And we will do the same as staff to show them the support.”
And his opposite number John Kennedy told the broadcaster: “We’ll be the same. It is important everyone comes together.
“This is bigger than football, but football has a chance to send out a strong message. So we will do the same as them.”
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CELTIC and Rangers stars made a powerful anti-racism message stand by REFUSING to take a knee before today’s Old Firm match. SunSport revealed the Ibrox stars were considering ditching the gesture after the midweek incident involving Glen Kamara.
Celtic and Rangers players stood before their game today in a powerful anti-racism messageCredit: The Sun
Both dugouts also stood in solidarity before the Old Firm clashCredit: Rex
🟩🟦United against discriminationCeltic & Rangers players both stand in solidarity against racism before the match at Parkhead 🤝📺Watch the Old Firm from home – live on Sky Sports pic.twitter.com/kCDIKdeOdF— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) March 21, 2021

And the Glasgow rivals lined up in solidarity before refusing to take a knee before kick-off.
Rangers feared how Uefa would deal with complaints of racism from Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela towards midfielder Glen Kamara.
Kamara released a statement to say he was called ‘a f***ing monkey’ by Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela during Thursday night’s Europa League tie at Ibrox, a version of events which was backed up by his team-mate Bongani Zungu.
Kudela denied the allegations – claiming he said “you f***ing guy” when he was spotted covering his mouth and whispering something in Kamara’s ear.
He also claimed he was punched by Kamara in the tunnel after the game.
But the Ibrox side are demanding action from UEFA and there were debates amongst the squad as to whether the pre-match gesture sends out a strong-enough message.
Sick images posted by Slavia Prague ultras on Friday evening showed them holding a banner which contained a racial slur towards Kamara.
Kemar Roofe also shared messages which showed he was the victim of racist abuse on Instagram.
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Glen Kamara was involved in an incident during the clash with Slavia Prague on ThursdayCredit: Getty
Scott Brown puts rivalry aside and consoles Glen Kamara after he was racially abused while playing against Slavia Prague on Thursday 👏 pic.twitter.com/ODoGAt1mLb— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) March 21, 2021

Ahead of their respective games against Aberdeen and Kilmarnock, both the Tangerines and Steelmen stood rather than took a knee.
And now both halves of the Old Firm have done likewise, with respective managers Steven Gerrard and John Kennedy revealing why they were taking the action.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Gerrard said: “We won’t take the knee.
“I spoke to both of my captains yesterday and they’ve made the collective decision that they are going to stand and stand together side by side.
“We will support that and follow suit as a staff as well.”
On the decision he added: “I wasn’t aware of the chat that the players have had amongst themselves but James [Tavernier] and Connor [Goldson] came to see me yesterday.
“I totally understand the decision they have made and totally back it 100 per cent.
“And we will do the same as staff to show them the support.”
And his opposite number John Kennedy told the broadcaster: “We’ll be the same. It is important everyone comes together.

“This is bigger than football, but football has a chance to send out a strong message. So we will do the same as them.”
After kick-off yesterday Dundee United tweeted: “We stand today with Glen Kamara, and others who suffer at the hands of racism.
“Today’s decision to stand rather than take the knee is a show of solidarity by our players to enhance the message that racism in any form is unacceptable and has no place anywhere in society.”
Motherwell also tweeted: “Enough is enough. Our players will no longer take the knee.”
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