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      Furious F1 drivers release 330-word statement demanding they are treated like ‘adults’ after swearing row

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      FORMULA 1 drivers have hit back at punishments for swearing by calling on FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to treat them like adults.Defending world champion Max Verstappen, 27, was sanctioned by the sport’s governing body, the FIA, back in September after describing his car as “f***ed” during a media press conference in Singapore.Max Verstappen was sanctioned after swearing in a press conference in SeptemberCredit: GettyThen last month, Charles Leclerc received a €10,000 fine (£8,300) – €5,000 of which is suspended for 12 months – for swearing during a presser for the Mexican Grand Prix.In the wake of his punishment, Verstappen answered a host of questions with “no comment”.When discussing swearing as a rule breach, he then said: “What are we? Five-year-olds, six-year-olds?”Now the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, which includes all 20 drivers on the 2024 grid, have released a statement on the matter.READ MORE IN F1They have urged the sport’s bosses to appreciate a distinction between “swearing intended to insult others and more casual swearing, such as you might use to describe bad weather, or indeed an inanimate object such as a Formula 1 car, or a driving situation”.The GPDA also warned Ben Sulayem about his “tone and language” towards the drivers, insisting their “members are adults” and they “do not need to be given instructions via the media”.The statement went on to raise concerns over the “negative image financial fines bring to the sport”.Three-time world champion Verstappen sensationally revealed the swearing storm could impact his future in the sport if changes are not made.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGrand Prix Drivers’ Association full statementAs is the case with every sport, competitors must abide by the referee’s decision, whether they like it or not, indeed whether they agree with it or not. That is how sport works. The Drivers (our members) are no different, and fully understand that.Our members are professional drivers, racing in Formula 1, the pinnacle of international motorsport. They are the gladiators and every racing weekend they put on a great show for the fans.With regards to swearing, there is a difference between swearing intended to insult others and more casual swearing, such as you might use to describe bad weather, or indeed an inanimate object such as a Formula 1 car, or a driving situation.We urge the FIA President to also consider his own tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise. Further, our members are adults, they do not need to be given instructions via the media, about matters as trivial as the wearing of jewellery and underpants.The GPDA has, on countless occasions, expressed its view that Driver monetary fines are not appropriate for our Sport. For the past 3 years, we have called upon the FIA President to share the details and strategy regarding how the FIA’s financial fines are allocated and where the funds are spent. We have also relayed our concerns about the negative image financial fines bring to the Sport. We once again request that the FIA President provides financial transparency and direct, open dialogue with us. All stakeholders (FIA, F1, the Teams and the GPDA) should jointly determine how and where the money is spent for the benefit of our Sport.The GPDA wishes to collaborate in a constructive way with all the stakeholders, including the FIA President, in order to promote our great Sport for the benefit of everyone who works in it, pays for it, watches it, and indeed loves it. We are playing our part.He said: “These kind of things definitely decide my future, if you can’t be yourself or you have to deal with these silly things.”I’m now at the stage of my career that you don’t want to be dealing with this all the time. It’s really tiring. Lewis Hamilton celebrates ‘biggest honour of my F1 career’ in front of delighted crowd despite disastrous Brazilian GP”Of course it’s great to have success and win races, but once you’ve accomplished all of that, then you want to just have a good time as well.”If you have to deal with all these kinds of silly things, for me that is not a way of continuing in this sport, that’s for sure.”Last weekend, Verstappen came from 17th on the grid to win the Brazilian Grand Prix.The result sees the Red Bull star take a huge step towards a fourth successive drivers’ championship.He leads McLaren’s Lando Norris by 62 points with just three races remaining. More

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      Sean Longstaff hints at shock Newcastle transfer exit as academy graduate, 27, admits ‘I want to be valued’

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      SEAN LONGSTAFF has warned Newcastle United that he could move elsewhere unless he feels “appreciated” and “valued” with a new contract.The midfielder, 27, was one of the best performers as the Magpies beat Arsenal last weekend. Sean Longstaff was one of Newcastle’s top performers against ArsenalCredit: RexHe is looking for an improved contract at his boyhood clubCredit: GettyThat followed on from his return to the starting XI for the Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea.The North Shields-born academy graduate is now competing with Brazilian internationals Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, Italian ace Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock and Lewis Miley for a spot in midfield.After a sticky run of results, Toon are unbeaten in the seven matches he has started this term.Longstaff said: “You’ve got friends who tell you but for me, you can look at stats whichever way you want.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“There’s always going to be people who – you can give them all the stats in the world and they’ll still have an opinion. That won’t change their opinion whether the stats are there or not.“For me I just try to play my game, if we win brilliant, if not I’m just trying to look at what we can do better as a team and we’ll go from there.”While some supporters feel Eddie Howe would be better playing one of the glitzier names instead, Longstaff says he is happy enough earning the praise from his colleagues and coaches rather than the fans.He said: “I don’t flick the ball over someone’s head like Bruno does, that’s what catches the eye but there’s lots of ways to win a football match.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“My job is to make them flourish as best as they can and get in the box and score goals when I can.“I always put the team first, probably to my detriment sometimes.‘F—ing shut your mouth’ – Ian Wright in X-rated rant at giggling Alan Shearer after Newcastle stun Arsenal“I’m a bit too humble for my own good sometimes but whenever I play you know what you’re going to get.“I think you see the best from the people around me when I do play. As long as the changing room appreciates that and the staff appreciate that, it’s all that matters to me.”Longstaff continued: “I think me and the manager have always had a great relationship.“To be fair to him he’s never really listened to what other people think in the past. He’s always played me and I think there’s a reason for that.“There’s stuff I’d love to say to you but I can’t. All I can do is play football and my value will ultimately be shown on the football pitch.“Whether it’s when I’m playing or not playing, eventually if I keep doing the right things then one day everyone will see that and it might be when I’m not here anymore.“If that’s the case that’s the case. I love the manager to bits. I can only thank him for helping my career.”Longstaff says he has a great relationship with Eddie HoweCredit: GettyLongstaff claims he is “not sure” whether a 12-month extension to his current contract, which expires in the summer, has been triggered.But he will not sign anything unless he feels he is getting his market worth after seeing a number of other team-mates, with Anthony Gordon the most recent, receive pay rises.When pressed on if he sees his future at St. James’, he said: “Yeah, if it’s here it’s great. If it’s not, it’s not.“I want to be valued as a player, I want to be appreciated as a player and whether it’s here, great. If it’s not here and it’s somewhere else, it’ll be somewhere else.“In a way I live day to day, game to game and I just try and take in every game. I get to go to work every day and spend it with my best friends.“I don’t know what’s coming ahead, I don’t know what’s coming down the line, I just try to embrace every day and enjoy every minute because ultimately it won’t last forever.”Despite that contract issue going on in the background, Longstaff refuses to try to play down the Toon Army’s aspirations and dreams this season.And he says that securing European football is the very least that Howe’s men must deliver.READ MORE SUN STORIESLongstaff added: “You want to finish in the top four. There’s probably three teams that are definitely going to finish in there and then there’s four or five going for one spot in the CL.“Europe’s the minimum but that’s looking too far ahead, we’re just focusing on week to week, getting better and if we play well and do the things we’re good at we’ll end where we deserve to be.” More

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      Real Madrid make decision over next manager as pressure grows on Carlo Ancelotti

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      REAL MADRID have reportedly decided who they want to replace Carlo Ancelotti as their next permanent manager.The Italian gaffer led his Spanish side to a league and European double last season, with Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham leading the way.Real Madrid chiefs have decided who they want to replace Carlo Ancelotti permanentlyCredit: GettyReal’s incredible free signing of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain this summer only appeared to cement their status as world football’s top club.But Los Blancos have struggled to replicate last season’s form this term.They are already NINE POINTS behind league leaders Barcelona, who won last month’s Clasico at the Bernabeu 4-0.Bellingham and Vinicius aren’t hitting the target as regularly, with the latter also missing out on the Ballon d’Or.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Mbappe is yet to deliver the return expected from a player of his calibre.Real have also lost two of their four Champions League group stage games, with AC Milan’s 3-1 win in Madrid on Tuesday piling the pressure on Ancelotti.And the Italian gaffer’s future is now under the spotlight.Indeed, Mundo Deportivo claims Real are already exploring their options should results get even worse.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSeveral names have been touted as interim gaffers, including Real’s sporting director Santiago Solari, club legend and B team manager Raul and academy boss Alvaro Arbeloa.It’s also reckoned Zinedine Zidane could be interested in a temporary return to the Bernabeu in what would be a third managerial spell.Inside Real Madrid’s incredible hi-tech free-kick training as stars use robots to hone technique Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is being eyed for a Bernabeu returnCredit: GettyWhile Liverpool icon Jurgen Klopp, now Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, is also mentioned as an unlikely candidate.However, Real chiefs are reportedly unanimous in who they want as their next full-time boss from the summer of 2025.It’s widely expected that even if he clings on to his job, Ancelotti will not last past the end of the campaign.And it’s claimed that Real will then move to make Bayer Leverkusen hero and former star Xabi Alonso their new permanent gaffer.He played 236 times in five seasons for Los Blancos between 2009 and 2014, winning a title and Champions League in the process.Alonso rejected a return to Liverpool over the summer, sparking speculation of a pre-agreement with Real.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd it now appears likely that he will indeed be returning to the Bernabeu regardless of whether Leverkusen successfully defend their Bundesliga title or not.But it’s not all bad news for Ancelotti, who is widely expected to take the Brazil job should fellow target Pep Guardiola remain at Man City.Carlo Ancelotti has now won 28 trophies More

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      in Soccer

      Champions League matches have been using incredible hidden technology all season… have you noticed it?

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE matches have been using incredible hidden technology all season long.But have you noticed it?This was the angle fans watching Viktor Gyokeres’ second penalty on TNT Sports sawCredit: TNT SportsViktor Gyokeres fired home his second penalty of the game to round off the emphatic 4-1 victory in Ruben Amorim’s final home game as Sporting boss.After blasting to Ederson’s left with his first penalty, he switched it up and opted to go low to the Manchester City goalkeeper’s right and completed his Champions League hat-trick.With the regular TV camera angle, the advertising hoardings around the pitch all showed Qatar Airways on a purple background as the striker stepped up and fired home.However, replays of the goal shown on TNT Sports, photographers’ snaps and videos taken inside the stadium did not show the Qatar Airways advertising.READ MORE ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUEInstead, the screens displayed adverts for FedEx with the iconic blue and orange writing on a plain white background.And that meant the adverts on the boards showing the goal live on TV were different from what was actually in the stadium.The discrepancy was clear to see in a video uploaded from Gyokeres’ Portuguese actress girlfriend Ines Aguiar, who filmed the goal and put it on her Instagram story. The time, 21:38, was consistent across both her footage and the TV footage – but the adverts were not the same.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen the TV feed cut back from a fan in the crowd, there appeared to be a brief flash of white at the top of the advertising screen – possibly covering the FedEx ad.And Uefa confirmed to SunSport the adverts were indeed being changed for the main broadcast feed.’Referee had no choice but to award a penalty after Tyrone Mings’ schoolboy error – he’s absolutely spot on’The ‘camera one’ view had Qatar Airways around the pitch but inside the ground, there was a different advertCredit: TNT Sports / InstagramPhotos from the stadium also showed the FedEx brandingCredit: ReutersThe hoardings can be remotely edited to suit various broadcast regionsCredit: TNT SportsThis screenshot appears to show the Qatar Airways advert covering the FedEx oneCredit: TNT SportsExplaining the phenomenon, a spokesperson said: “Uefa’s virtual board replacement (VBR) concept has been implemented at selected men’s club competition matches across the 2024-25 season. “VBR replaces advertisements displayed on the in-stadium LED boards in selected markets with alternative advertisements and messaging on the main global broadcast feed. “This approach ensures compliance with local advertising regulations while maintaining visibility for sponsors on the global broadcast feed.”This replacement is visible only on the main broadcast camera (camera one) during live play. “No replacements are made on any other camera during the live match feed or on any camera, including camera one, during replays.”VBR can be implemented either remotely or on-site and can be implemented over any LED boards. “Uefa has appointed several VBR suppliers to manage this process and produce the dedicated feeds.”Uefa has been testing VBR technology for the past six years, with its first official implementation during the 2021–24 cycle of Uefa men’s club competitions, starting with the 2021 Uefa Super Cup in Belfast.”VBR was also used throughout Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.”Supponor is one company that offers VBR services, using “the world’s leading AI software delivering supercharged virtual advertising in live broadcast sports”.The firm specialises in using AI to transform live feeds and adapt advertising for different languages and broadcast regions.Their website says: “Supponor provide a virtual advertising technology solution that replaces and creates in-venue brand placements with real time authentic digital overlays. Developed for any sport, any surface, from anywhere in the world with infinite possibilities.”That can include editing the pitchside advertising hoardings, virtual carpet-style banners next to goals, tunnel coverings and other LED screens around stadiums. This can often be used to exclude betting adverts where gambling is prohibited.The FA, Bayern Munich, LaLiga, Argentina, France, Borussia Dortmund, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Germany, Serie A, the Rugby World Cup and the NHL are all clients of Supponor.READ MORE SUN STORIESTennis’ cinch Championships – aka Queen’s – also used the tech during the 2024 tournament to change up the screens behind the court for various TV viewers.SunSport reported in 2018 that Southampton were planning to become the tenth Premier League side to launch the new augmented reality hoardings at St Mary’s.This demonstrates how the tech can make changes for viewersCredit: SupponorSupponor are one of the companies who specialise in virtual advertisingCredit: SupponorThe AI can include elements such as virtual carpets beside the goalCredit: SupponorTennis also uses the system and was used at Queen’s to cover up betting logosCredit: TGI Sports More

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      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo tipped to join rival in incredible transfer that would see him replace £130m-a-year flop

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has been linked with a remarkable transfer – to another Saudi Pro League side. The 39-year-old joined Al-Nassr in 2022 following a blockbuster move from Manchester United. Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly being eyed by the Saudi Pro League leaders Al HilalCredit: GettyThe 39-year-old won last season’s Golden Boot as Al Nassr finished second in the leagueCredit: GettyRonaldo has gone on to net over 50 times for the club, winning the league’s Golden Boot last season.But the Portuguese superstar – who believes he can keep playing for “two to three more years” – could soon be subject to a shock move. According to Action Ma3 Waleed, via Spanish outlet SPORT, Al Hilal are hoping to make an audacious swoop for Ronaldo. The team are reportedly “dreaming” of bringing CR7 in as a potential replacement for Neymar.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Brazilian forward has suffered a dismal time since arriving at Al Hilal in August 2023 for £78million.Neymar suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury while on international duty last year, resulting in him missing most of this season. Reports suggest he is now at risk of having his £130million contract ripped up.Ronaldo’s own deal with Al-Nassr runs out in 2025, resulting in Al Hilal eyeing up a possible free transfer. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite having Neymar missing for much of the past year, Al Hilal have dominated the SPL.They won the title last year – finishing 14 points ahead of Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr – and are currently a point clear at the top. Neymar breaks down in tears and reveals ‘each day I am away is a day of suffering’ after injury hellRonaldo has previously hinted he is likely to end his career in Saudi.He won the Arab Club Champions Cup back in 2023 but has otherwise failed to win silverware at Al Nassr. Ronaldo said earlier this year: “I don’t know if I’ll finish soon or in two or three years.”But, possibly, it will be at Al Nassr. It’s the team where I’m happy, where I’m good, where I feel good, both in the country and in the league.”That’s why, most likely I can finish my career at Al Nassr. “I’m very happy to play in the Arab League and I want to continue.”Neymar’s move to Al Hilal has been an expensive disaster for the clubCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd wonderkid does Viktor Gyokeres’ ‘secret’ celebration in 6-0 Uefa Youth League thrashing

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES’ Champions League heroics have not gone unnoticed by Manchester United’s youth team.The Sporting Lisbon striker netted a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over the Red Devils’ crosstown rivals Man City on Tuesday. Viktor Gyokeres performs a mask celebration after every goalCredit: GettyUnited wonderkid Ethan Wheatley paid tribute to the Sporting striker on WednesdayCredit: GettyWheatley did Gyokores’ celebration after netting in the Uefa Youth LeagueCredit: XGyokeres has taken European football by storm over the past few months with regular displays of ruthless finishing.The ex-Coventry forward creates a mask over his face after each goal in a much-publicised “secret” celebration. Man Utd’s youngsters took on FK Zalgiris on Wednesday in the Uefa Youth League. And rising star Ethan Wheatley whipped out Gyokeres’ cele as the Red Devils under-19s romped to a 6-0 win. READ MORE ON MAN UTDThere were six different goalscorers on the day, with Wheatley crashing in the third goal just before half-time.The 18-year-old from Stockport immediately put his hands across his face in tribute to Gyokeres.Wheatley is regarded as one of United’s most promising up-and-coming young stars.He was recently named Academy Player of the Year and has been a prolific scorer at all youth levels. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWheatley’s nod to Gyokeres comes after the Lisbon star was linked with a move to Old Trafford.Sporting boss Ruben Amorim starts his new role as United manager on November 11 after agreeing a multi-year deal. Who is Sporting’s masked man Viktor Gyokeres Reports suggest Amorim will try to lure his star man to Manchester.Gyokeres joined Sporting for £16.5m from Coventry City in the summer of 2023.He has since netted a remarkable 52 goals in 48 games.We reported yesterday how a gentleman’s agreement could see him join Manchester United for a bargain fee.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.On how he celebrates his goals, Gyokeres was recently coy on the origins of his signature celebration, which some believe is a reference to Batman villain Bane.He told a Swedish newspaper: “There were lots of guesses [on what it means].READ MORE SUN STORIES”There was Hannibal Lecter and Batman and everything possible, but nobody got it right.”No-one came close. Yes, it’s a secret. I can clarify that, but not today.” More

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      Longest-serving EFL manager Mark Robins SACKED by Coventry with club battling relegation

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      COVENTRY have SACKED Mark Robins after seven years at the club.The EFL’s longest serving manager was brutally axed with the Sky Blues sitting adrift of the Championship drop in 17th.Mark Robins has been sacked by Coventry after seven brilliant yearsThe West Midlands club are flirting with relegation from the ChampionshipThe former Manchester United star, 54, saw himself at the centre of a relegation battle this season.Coventry are enduring a miserable run of four wins in 14 games after finishing nine points behind the play-off places last term.They are level on points with Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle who sit inside the relegation zone in 22nd.Coventry, who have won just two of their last 10 matches, are only saved by their better goal difference, which is -1 compared to Plymouth’s -11.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA club statement read: “Coventry City have made the difficult decision to terminate the contract of Mark Robins as manager with immediate effect.”Mark masterminded and built several team over that time that outperformed their budget, outperformed their infrastructure and brought back a playing style, credibility and belief to our City that had been lost and eroded over many years.”These achievements will never be forgotten by those who witnessed such deeds and the broader community that once again began to rekindle their affection for our Club.”There is no doubt that Coventry would not be where it is today without the inspired actions of Mark and his team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The Club are well aware that this is a difficult moment after over seven very successful years at the helm and this decision is not taken lightly.”We thank Mark for all his achievements with us and wish him the best for the future.”Former Watford and Gillingham hero Andy Hessenthaler shares crazy EFL story after being attacked by the owner I What the EFL?!The final straw came after Derby County earned their first away win of the season at Brandon Stadium on Wednesday night.Robins was in his second spell as Sky Blues boss, having returned to the club in March 2017 after the sacking of Russell Slade.He oversaw the resurrection of Coventry from the depths of League Two, to the champions of League One in 2020.Robins was even on the cusp of bringing the West Midlands club to the Premier League when they lost the Championship play-off final on penalties to Luton in 2023.And he memorably led them to the FA Cup semi-final last season, where they were unlucky to marginally lose out on pens to United after climbing back from 3-0 down in the second half.Robins is often credited as being the man who “saved” Sir Alex Ferguson’s job in a game that arguably defined the course of United’s future.Mark Robins played under Sir Alex Ferguson at Man UtdDespite not being a first-team regular, he famously scored the only goal in Fergie’s crucial FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest in 1990.The legendary Scottish manager’s job was on the brink following three trophyless campaigns after his 1986 appointment.Coventry chiefs have parted ways with Robins ahead of the club’s trip to league leaders Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.The club have said they will take their time to appoint his successor and implement a new structure.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd an interim boss is yet to be appointed.The club will also be organising a “Fans Forum” next week where CE0 Doug King will answer questions.The top five longest serving EFL managersSimon Weaver (15 years at Harrogate – but only four of those have been the EFL)Mark Robins (Seven years)Ian Evatt (Four years at Bolton)Nigel Clough (Three years at Manfield)Jon Brady (Three years at Northampton) More

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      Rio Ferdinand and ‘touchy’ Martin Keown in awkward exchange live on TV after Arsenal’s defeat to Inter Milan

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      RIO FERDINAND slammed Martin Keown for being “touchy” after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan at San Siro.The Gunners suffered their first Champions League defeat of the season with Hakan Calhanoglu’s controversial first-half penalty enough to separate the sides. Martin Keown slammed Martin Keown for being ‘touchy’ about ArsenalThe former centre-backs were on punditry duty at San SiroArsenal have suffered three defeats in their last six in all competitions.While their only wins in that run have come against Shakhtar Donetsk and Preston North End.And there’s no sign of their form changing ahead of what is now a HUGE visit to Chelsea on Sunday.But Arsenal legend Keown is not worried about the Gunners’ dip in form.READ MORE ON ARSENALSpeaking on TNT Sports, he said: “The point I’m making is that in the second half, Arsenal did all they could to score a goal here. And I saw a really good reaction.“Everyone wants to put Arsenal away. I don’t think there’s a massive crisis for Arsenal. I don’t think they’re that far away from getting it right. “They’ve got to keep believing in what they’re doing. Yes they’re not scoring goals but I thought when Ethan Nwaneri came on – perhaps should have been on a bit earlier – and he demonstrated some real quality when he came on.”Fellow pundit Ferdinand replied: “I want to see him more. But I don’t think anyone is trying to put Arsenal away here, Martin, we’re just stating facts.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Keown bit back: “No I’m admiring what Inter Milan are doing. They have a different model. They have a director of football who is coming to the end of his career shall we say?“A lot of people knocking Arsenal, I’m standing up for them a bit tonight.Arsenal player ratings v Inter Milan (1)“I thought they did better. Maybe it was mentioned in the commentary. I thought they had one or two chances that they didn’t put away but they certainly went after their opponents today.”Ferdinand then turned to host Laura Woods and said: “Why are Arsenal people so touchy? “I don’t understand, why is that? No one’s having a dig – we’re not having a dig.”The Man Utd legend’s comment triggered a fit of laughter from the rest of the TNT panel and left Keown speechless.Mikel Arteta was left fuming after a tale of TWO penalties on Wednesday night.Mikel Merino was adjudged to have handled inside the box from close range during stoppage time in the first half.Merino had earlier been denied a penalty after he saw himself on the receiving end of a punch in the head by Inter keeper Yann Sommer.Arteta said: “We were very harshly done. I don’t understand [Inter’s penalty]. It is a deflection. There is no danger, no reaction because it is very close to his body.“There is nothing he can do. I don’t know how you can get away from it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We were told at the start of the season that was not going to be a penalty but it was a different story.“But if that is a penalty then when Merino is punched in the head it is one thousand percent a penalty. It is very difficult to accept that.”Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer appeared to punch Mikel Merino in the head, but Arsenal were not awarded a penaltyArsenal player ratings v Inter MilanTOOTHLESS Arsenal were beaten by a superb Italian job in Milan as they lost 1-0 thanks to a controversial penalty.Here’s how the Gunners stars were rated by SunSport’s Tony Robertson.David Raya – 6Unfortunate with the penalty on an otherwise quiet night. Passing was below par with on three out of nine long passes finding their mark.Ben White – 7Dependable as ever at right back. Can’t be blamed for the defeat from a defensive standpoint.William Saliba – 7Marshalled defence well and produced some strong passes.  Three clearances and six duels won said everything about his performance.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Had a slightly better time in duels than Saliba but was worse on the ball.Jurrien Timber – 7 Had a good rapport with Martinelli down the left flank. Dependable but undone by the controversial penalty call.Mikel Merino – 5 Difficult to see what he brings to the midfield at the moment. Clearly Arteta likes his height and strength, but not on the same wavelength as team-mates tonight. Unlucky to give away the penalty.Thomas Partey – 6Should have been given more licence to roam forward in the second half. But didn’t look like he had the legs to do that job.Bukayo Saka – 6Captain for the night with Odegaard only fit for the bench. Saka was always a threat, but all too often or not chose the wrong option to go inside or out.Gabriel Martinelli – 7Flashes of brilliance and a thorn throughout the clash. Created four chances but team-mates were unable to help him out.Kai Havertz – 6  Couple of flashes of brilliance, including a beautiful curled effort at goal that forced Sommer to punch clear, but needed to be a stronger force up top. Went off with a bloody head in injury time.Leandro Trossard – 6 Buzzed around and had threatening moments. But just didn’t get the ball enough in dangerous positions. More