Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Changed the game’ – Man Utd fans tell Ruben Amorim to start wonderkid, 17, who ‘offered more than Hojlund all season’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have begged Ruben Amorim to start whizkid Chido Obi from now on.Fans were all on the same wavelength about the 17-year-old after his performance in United’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Everton on Saturday.Chido Obi left United fans with something to hold on to after drawing 2-2 with EvertonCredit: GettyThere have been calls for the 17-year-old to start the next gameObi replaced Hojlund inside 70 minutesCredit: AFPObi replaced Rasmus Hojlund in the 70th minute when United were 2-0 down.First-half goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure left Rio Ferdinand feeling “embarrassed” for his former club.But the introductions of Alejandro Garnacho and Obi brought a much needed change of energy and impetus.Bruno Fernandes drew one back with a free-kick just two minutes after Obi’s entrance, before Manuel Ugarte’s volley levelled things soon after.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited looked far more threatening in the final embers after a shocking first hour.And hundreds of United fans have thanked Obi for “changing the game”.One suppoter wrote: “I wish I was joking but Chido Obi did more than Hojlund in terms of linking up play.”A second said: “Obi just provided more than Hojlund has all season.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother quipped: “Obi actually changed the result for us. He needs to start over Hojlund for the foreseeable.”A third said: “Hojlund has got to hold the bench. Chido Obi should be given a chance and a run of games.”Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey gives verdict on Everton’s overturned penalty against Man UtdWhile one more noted: “Would start Obi against Ipswich on Wednesday.”A final fan added: ” A 17 year old academy kid is better than £72m Hojlund ✍️.”Hojlund had just 12 touches, completed zero shots at Jordan Pickford and completed just SEVEN passes.The Dane lost eight duels before he was hauled off after another disastrous afternoon. By contrast, Obi appeared mature beyond his years in his second Prem cameo – after getting the final four minutes at Spurs last Sunday.The former Arsenal wonderkid had as many touches as Hojlund – despite playing 70 minutes less.Meanwhile, the story of the match was Everton’s overturned penalty in stoppage time.United star Harry Maguire appeared to have pulled down Ashley Young in the area.Referee Andy Madley pointed straight at the spot but VAR felt differently and advised him to check the pitchside monitor.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter a lengthy review, the hosts were denied a late penalty and the Red Devils found themselves breathing a sigh of relief.Amorim’s side remain 15th in the Premier League table and are one point the Toffees.Man Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Callum Smith rushed to hospital after handing Josh Buatsi first defeat of career in fight of the year contender

      by

      CALLUM SMITH was rushed to hospital after handing Josh Buatsi the first defeat of his career with an age-defying performance of brilliant brutality and courage.The Liverpool light-heavyweight hero looked close to retirement after punishing losses to Canelo Alvarez and Artur Beterbiev left him beaten and adrift.Callum Smith slugged his way to a stunning win over Joshua BuatsiCredit: GettyThe unbeaten Buatsi had been favourite heading into fight nightCredit: ReutersBut Smith put on a show to seal the WBO interim light-heavyweight titleCredit: ReutersBut he stood up to the tough Ghana-born favourite, sucked up all of his best shots and won a unanimous decision.The three ringside judges had the horrible job of splitting the two marvellous men – with Steve Gray going far too wide –  and decided: 119-110, 115-113 and 116-112. FOLLOW THE ACTION FROM RIYADH WITH OUR BOXING LIVE BLOG Smith was then rushed to hospital for an injury to his eye, while Buatsi was assessed by medics at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.READ MORE ON BOXINGDespite both light-heavy beanpoles being tall and technical range-fighters, the best action of the opener was up close and personal.The pair clinched and swapped hooks like little Mexicans.Buatsi, 31, scored with a hook double to head and body but then Mundo landed a left hook to the ribs that echoed around the Riyadh arena.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMost read in BoxingSmith was bundled down once but it was rightly called a split that didn’t need a count.Smith, 34, made a bright start to the second and made his ringside family roar with clever uppercuts.But a Buatis left hook clipped his cheekbone and silenced the travelling Scousers and another even round followed.By the third round, former super-middle world champ Smith was using his superior experience and reach to score from a safe distance.But then Buatsi peppered him with body blows toward the end of the session and for a second it seemed like Smith was folding to the canvas.Frank Warren’s Commonwealth Gold medalist Lewis Williams builds to second pro fight | Contender Watch the full episode of Contender on Sun Sport’s YouTube channel NOW as we exclusively go behind the scenes with Lewis WilliamsTypically he dug deep and held on, even landing a long right hand before the bell.In the fourth round, the two brilliant Englishmen glued their foreheads together and went to war.Hooks slashed in from both sides as their torsos took a leather but it was Smith who walked back to his corner with a cut and welt around his right eye.Smith enjoyed his best round in the fifth after Buatsi made a horrible start. The Croydon ace spent the first two minutes tucked up in his shell, absorbing blows on his tight guard.Smith battled on despite a bad cut above his right eyeCredit: GettyHis combination work earned Mundo a unanimous decision winCredit: GettyHis only respite came when a blow blew the mouthguard out of his mouth.Smith totally dominated the session and Buatsi needed a drastic change of pace.But it was Smith who raced up the gears, battering Buatsi throughout the sixth, with referee Howard Foster looking on the cusp of a stoppage.Suddenly, with ten seconds left of the one-sided beating, Buatsi landed a huge left hook and it was Smith who was buzzed and struggling and glad to hear the bell.Both warriors needed a breather in the seventh and took a break from the brutal hooks and right hands they had swapped.They exchanged long and safe jabs and recuperated, it was a well-earned rest in a superb fight that was almost impossible to split.Buatsi ate three scything right hands in the eighth that forced him backwards but, just before the bell, it was Smith who had to stagger backwards, onto the ropes, when he was tagged back with a reverse one-two.In round nine, Buatsi completely gave up defending against Smith’s right hand and was peppered with the same predictable blow to make it a clear round for the 30-2 veteran.The win extends Smith’s pro record to 31–2Credit: ReutersIn serious danger of drowning in the desert, Buatsi turned the tide in the tenth and ran away with the round with clinical combinations, thrown from angles.But when he got greedy Smith shot back with that right and bought himself another round.Smith’s daddy-long legs started to betray him in the eleventh, when Buatsi’s fresher engine started to make him look the most likely winner. But both heroes kept punching and ducking and digging deeper and deeper.They hugged before the start of the 12th, it was boxing perfection, the best of Britain.Smith was forced into the backfoot but it was from there that he landed a right hand and left hook that wobbled Buatsi.It was Smith’s turn to lose his gum shield with 50 seconds to go but there was enough time for both magnificent men to finish with a gunfight.READ MORE SUN STORIESSmith’s team, led by brother Paul, raced into the ring to celebrate and Callum climbed the corner turnbuckles to wave victoriously to the crowd.The pair embraced and waited for the judges to decide that Smith was back among the light-heavyweight world title race. More

    • 250 Shares119 Views

      in Boxing

      ‘Aura is crazy’ – Oleksandr Usyk asks where Anthony Joshua is seconds after arriving for stacked Beterbiev vs Bivol card

      by

      OLEKSANDR Usyk was spotted asking for Anthony Joshua just seconds after arriving for Beterbiev vs Bivol 2.Fans claimed that the heavyweight champion’s “aura is crazy” after watching his slick building entrance in Saudi Arabia.Oleksandr Usyk was spotted asking for Anthony Joshua just seconds after arriving for Beterbiev vs Bivol 2Credit: DAZNFans claimed that the heavyweight champion’s ‘aura is crazy’Credit: DAZNThe unified world champ was heard asking Eddie Hearn a questionUsyk donned flash sunglasses and a Ukrainian inspired outfit as he arrived for the blockbuster ‘Fight Card of the Century’.The 38-year-old could be seen walking in with his entourage, with many of his pals matching his yellow and blue Stone Island attire.Usyk was videoed immediately shaking hands with Liam Smith, whose brother Callum handed Joshua Buatsi the first defeat of his career in the first fight of the night.But it was Usyk’s interaction with AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn that had everybody talking early on.READ MORE BOXINGThe unified WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champ could be hearded quietly chanting: “Eddie, Eddie, Eddie” before he shook hands with Hearn.Usyk then quizzed the Matchroom owner: “Is Anthony Joshua here?”To which Hearn simply responded: “Yes”.And fans believe it could be a sign of things to come later as there’s been talks of a possible third fight between AJ and Usyk.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne wrote: “Usyk is the man. What a gangster!”Another wrote: “Bros aura is crazy 🤣.”A third said: “AJ will probably try to call him out later. But there’s no point.”Frank Warren’s Commonwealth Gold medalist Lewis Williams builds to second pro fight | Contender Watch the full episode of Contender on Sun Sport’s YouTube channel NOW as we exclusively go behind the scenes with Lewis WilliamsAnthony Joshua is also in attendance for Beterbiev vs Bivol 2Credit: GettyThe Watford boxer was easily beaten in their first two bouts – before Usyk then did the double over Tyson Fury, who retired last month.Hearn also stated that his fighter would like “another crack at Daniel Dubois” – who holds the IBF belt.Dubois was looking to defend his IBF title on Saturday after coming off a brutal knockout win over Joshua in September.Dubois pulled out of Saturday’s co-feature heavyweight title match against Joseph Parker with illness.With Usyk and AJ both in the building, they’ll watch Congolese boxer Martin Bakole step in to fight Parker on two days notice.But everybody has truly travelled to Riyadh to watch two of the very best fighters in the world rematch as the headliner.READ MORE SUN STORIESArtur Beterbiev will rematch Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light-heavyweight world championship on Saturday. More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League release statement on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card vs West Ham as Arsenal’s title hopes collapse

      by

      ARSENAL ace Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off once more following another VAR review.Lewis-Skelly, 18, and the rest of Mikel Arteta’s men endured a miserable afternoon at the Emirates as they lost 1-0 to London rivals West Ham following Jarrod Bowen’s winner.Arsenal ace Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off against West HamCredit: GettyArsenal’s Lewis-Skelly fouled West Ham star Mohammed KudusCredit: Premier LeagueLewis-Skelly was initially shown a yellow card for that foulCredit: Premier LeagueLewis-Skelly was then sent off after a VAR reviewCredit: Premier LeagueThat shocking loss dealt a major blow to the Gunners’ Premier League title hopes as a victory would have seen them cut down the deficit with leaders Liverpool to five points.And things got worse for the North Londoners in the 73rd minute when their teenage defender fouled Mohammed Kudus.The Arsenal academy graduate was caught in possession on the halfway line, with the hosts pushing for an equaliser.Kudus nicked the ball off the youngster, with Arteta’s goalkeeper David Raya miles off his line.Read More on ArsenalWith the forward in the clear, Lewis-Skelly lunged in to try and poke the ball away.The versatile defender made limited contact with the ball, bringing the West Ham star down, and after an initial yellow card referee Craig Pawson upgraded it to red following a VAR review.The Premier League addressed that decision deeming the Ghana international was denied an “obvious goal-scoring opportunity”.The Prem explained: “VAR checked the referee’s call of yellow card to Lewis-Skelly for a challenge on Kudus – deeming it denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity due to the goalkeeper’s position and there being no covering defender, therefore recommended an on-field review. Most read in Football”The referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card.”This isn’t the first time Lewis-Skelly has been sent off in the Premier League.Mikel Arteta gives his reaction to Arsenal’s Champions League draw against PSV The Arsenal ace was controversially sent off against Wolves last month.He received a straight red at Molineux for a cynical foul on Matt Doherty.On that occasion, Lewis-Skelly made the tackle on the edge of the Wolves area as the hosts attempted to counter.But Arsenal later launched an appeal and the FA subsequently lifted Lewis-Skelly’s suspension. More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury ‘ages 30 years’ in bizarre Instagram post as Gypsy King declares ‘father time now’

      by

      TYSON FURY has given fans a bizarre glimpse into his future – after calling time on his glittering career. The Gypsy King decided to hang up his gloves last month following 16 years in the ring. Tyson Fury hung up his gloves after his loss to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GettyThe 36-year-old has called time on his career on a number of occasionsCredit: PATyson has hinted this time he may retired for good with his latest Instagram updateCredit: InstagramFury, the unified heavyweight world champion from 2015 to 2016, lost just two of his 37 pro fights.Fans are convinced that Tyson, 36, will come out of retirement to fight again.He has announced his retirement five times in total, with his last hiatus from the ring in 2022.But despite rumours he will fight again, Tyson appears to be preparing for life after boxing. READ MORE ON BOXINGTaking to Instagram on Saturday, the 36-year-old heavyweight uploaded an apparently doctored snap of him sporting a full white beard. Fury captioned the pic: “Father time now.” One fan responded: “See you in two weeks when you get bored.”Another laughed: “You aged yourself 30 years with your own hype.”Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile a third joked, referencing Tyson’s dad: “Big Johns had a glow up.”And a fourth predicted: “Until you announce AJ [Antony Joshua] in summer…”‘Greedy Belly has been my best opponent’ – Oleksandr Usyk reveals how he really feels about Tyson Fury Fury left boxing behind again following his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.A blockbuster all-British bout against Anthony Joshua has been long in the making. Despite Fury’s retirement announcement, AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn is pushing to get the fight on. Hearn told IFL TV about an ultimatum he has given Fury, saying: “Maybe there is a conversation in a week or two weeks or three weeks time.View of The Sun’s boxing expert: ‘I think it’s a ploy’By Wally Downes JrCALL ME a miserable fat little boxing cynic, but Tyson Fury’s latest retirement just doesn’t wash with me.It wasn’t too long ago we were hearing he had a ten-fight deal with Saudi Arabia, that he was gonna fight Anthony Joshua twice, then he was going to face Joseph Parker twice.He was planning on doing every fight in the world – there was even talk he’d rematch Francis Ngannou and do a better job.IF he has retired, then he goes out with an incredible career having made over £300million in boxing events alone, let alone all the extra stuff.He does so having sacrificed bundles of his own life for such success.We know his wife Paris suffered a miscarriage going into the first Olesandr Usyk fight.We know for Deontay Wilder III, his little girl was put in intensive care, he barely even trained for that fight, he was sleeping on the hospital floor.IF he has retired, IF it is genuine, then it’s been an incredible career.And for the big showman, it’s probably a nice little short sharp way to go out by just posting a video while sat inside his car.But I can’t help but think that it’s a bit of a ploy to drive AJ a little bit crazy.AJ was at the Ring Awards the other day and put out a social media post saying “Fury, where are you? I’m looking for you.”It’s the only fight that AJ wants, and Fury being wise and looking at the Floyd Mayweather playbook, knows that once you retire, you have to be coaxed out of retirement.And how do you coax someone out of retirement? Loads more readies.The fact of the matter is, Fury has always told us: I’m a prize fighter, I do it for money, I’m gonna do it for as long as I can and make as much money as I can.So the idea that he suddenly ducks out now doesn’t seem to ring quite true.As Fury made the announcement, I was with Frank Warren and he said hadn’t spoken to Tyson about it today, but that he hopes that it’s true, that Fury’s done enough and made enough money.IF it’s true, then what an incredible career.Fury and AJ have put British boxing on the map where it’s not been for decades, not since Lennox Lewis 25 years ago.So thank you, but rather than being at his leaving party, which I’m sure The Sun would be invited to, I suspect we’ll see him boxing AJ in Riyadh in a few months. “We say to Fury, ‘Just to let you know, you don’t wanna fight AJ, in the summer, August, September, because if you want to come out of retirement, now is the time to do it’.”The only things I know are AJ wants to fight Fury and he wants to fight for the world heavyweight title, that’s it.”Hearn additionally told Sky Sports: “We will ask the question.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Frank Warren was saying, ‘Well, he’s retired’.”I know but it’s still my job to say we are going to make our decision, just double-checking there’s no chance he’s going to fight.” More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in Boxing

      Who is Josh Padley? Meet the former electrician fighting for world title against Shakur Stevenson

      by

      JOSH PADLEY will be fighting for a world title on just FOUR DAYS notice when he takes on one of the best boxers in the world.Shakur Stevenson was originally scheduled to fight Floyd Schofield but after being allegedly ‘poisoned’ just six days before the bout, Padley now steps in to what is the biggest fight of his life.Josh Padley has the fight of his lifePadley vs Stevenson will be one of SIX title fights in what fans are calling one of the greatest boxing events of all time.This isn’t the only short notice fight change this weekend with the event originally having seven title fights – however, Daniel Dubois has had to pull out of his fight vs Joseph Parker due to illness.This is set to be Padley’s first fight in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but his second Riyadh season event – last time out he beat Mark Chamberlain at Wembley Stadium.BETERBIEV VS BIVOL 2 LIVE – LATEST UPDATESSimilar to Padley, this will be Stevenson’s first time fighting in Saudi Arabia but also his first time fighting outside of America and will be hoping to make a great impression with many fans watching the 27-year-old for the first time.Stevenson is going into this as the heavy favourite, holding a perfect record of 22 wins and zero losses.This fight marks as his second defence of the WBC World Lightweight title and has previously held the WBC and WBO World Super-Featherweight belts.Who is Josh Padley and what is his boxing record?Josh Padley is a British Lightweight boxer who has recently rose to fame after fans have found out that he is a part-time electrician. Most read in BoxingBefore his most recent fight, Padley was seen fighting on small fight events against much lesser known boxers, forcing the electrician to keep his part-time job for the much needed income.His last fight held at Wembley Stadium truly put him on the map with a huge upset after beating Turki Alalshikh’s favourite fighter, Mark Chamberlain.Padley has been a professional boxer for just six years now and with a record of 15 wins and zero losses he now takes a huge step in his career as he takes on Shakur Stevenson for the WBC World Lightweight title.With a win on Saturday night, it would be one of the biggest upsets in boxing history and one of the greatest underdog stories we have seen in recent British boxing.Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 Full cardArtur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol – for the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO light-heavyweight titlesJoseph Parker vs Martin Bakole Shakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley – for the WBC lightweight titleCarlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz – for the WBC middleweight titkeVergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov – for the interim WBC heavyweight titleZhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel – for the interim WBC heavyweight titleJoshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith – for the interim WBO light-heavyweight titleBradley Rea vs Constantino Nanga More

    • 275 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans can’t believe who Ed Sheeran sat next to at Ipswich vs Tottenham as they say ‘not on my 2025 bingo card’

      by

      ED SHEERAN attended Ipswich Town’s Premier League clash against Tottenham with a surprise celebrity super fan.Sheeran, 34, is often present at Portman Road for his beloved Ipswich as he also holds a minority stake at the club.Ed Sheeran attended another match of his beloved Ipswich TownSheeran was joined by famous actor Rupert Grint at Portman RoadGrint is a well-known Tottenham super fanGrint and Sheeran watched the Premier League match between Ipswich and TottenhamThe pop star was spotted in the stands for Saturday’s Prem match, and was joined by one of the most famous British actors.And that was none other than Rupert Grint, 36, who is also a big Tottenham fan.Football enthusiasts couldn’t believe what they were seeing as they stormed social media.One fan tweeted: “Rupert Grint & Ed Sheeran reunion was not on my 2025 bingo card.”Read More on FootballAnother commented: “This is so funny bcs Rupert Grint and Ed Sheeran are basically twins and they attend the same game yet support different teams lol.”A third wrote: “Lol Rupert Grint and Ed Sheeran sat next to each other at the Spurs-Ipswich game.”This fan said: “That’s great!”And that one exclaimed: “Unbelievable!”Most read in FootballSheeran and Grint, 36, watched an entertaining encounter that saw the Harry Potter star leaving with bragging rights.Tottenham led 2-0 in the first half thanks to Brennan Johnson’s double within eight minutes.Ipswich hit back with Omari Hutchinson just 10 minutes later in front of a packed crowd.But Ange Postecoglou’s side scored a third with Djed Spence on 77 minutes to put some distance between them and the hosts.Ex-Rangers ace duets with Ed Sheeran as he sings CHRISTMAS song at intimate Ipswich promotion party with global pop starAnd Dejan Kulusevski completed Tottenham’s 4-1 triumph just six minutes before full-time.Grint is the latest celeb to join Sheeran at Portman RoadCredit: GettyPop star Sheeran holds a minority stake at IpswichCredit: GettyGrint left Ipswich with bragging rights as Tottenham won 4-1Credit: AP More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fulham 0 Crystal Palace 2: Joachim Andersen scores own goal against former club before Munoz seals important win

      by

      DANIEL MUNOZ savoured a moment of history for Crystal Palace as they sunk Fulham – and put a halt on their opponents’ European dreams.The energetic Colombian, a product of the hard streets of Medellin, has adapted excellently to life in England since moving over last summer to South London.Daniel Munoz sealed another win on the road for PalaceCredit: PAThe Colombian doubled the Eagles’ lead at Craven CottageCredit: GettyJoachim Andersen netted an unfortunate own goal to give Palace a first half leadCredit: GettyAnd the highlight of his £8million move from Belgian side Genk was a tremendous turn-and-finish that bamboozled poor Fulham defender Calvin Bassey in a feisty London derby.The Eagles – who benefited in the first half from an own goal scored by ex-player Joachim Andersen – celebrated a FOURTH successive top-flight away victory.That had never happened before in 119 years and ironically all of the results have been by 2-0 scorelines.It also reminded Fulham – who had been hoping to use their passports next season for possible European competition – that they need to discover some form of consistency if they wish to stay in the top half.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOn an unseasonably mild February afternoon in West London, referee Robert Jones chose to take a lenient approach to any full-blooded tackles or niggly challenges.This greatly annoyed Fulham fans, particularly when Chris Richards swiped down home favourite Emile Smith Rowe and no foul was called, allowing Palace to instigate an attack.And there was the time when Will Hughes collided with Bassey but play was permitted to continue.At times, Fulham boss Marco Silva could be seen shaking his head in disbelief that the cards had remained in the ref’s pocket.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnger towards the official intensified when Palace took the lead on 37 minutes from a Hughes corner, which was bundled in off the side of Andersen’s head, following pressure from Maxence Lacroix in front.It might have been scored in messy fashion but the away fans did not care one jot.Fulham boss Marco Silva regrets ‘cruel’ loss to Man Utd Calls from a Fulham perspective that there had been a push as the corner came over were ignored.And the fact the Danish defender wore Palace colours up until last August’s £30million switch was not lost on anybody.”You’re not fit to referee” was one of the few chants that could be repeated before the watershed.Loud boos echoed around this old arena by the river and Jones was not exactly given a warm reception as he walked off at half-time.It had been a first half of few chances, one that was really devoid of any top-class quality, but ever-present goalkeeper Bernd Leno did pull off two decent saves from Eberechi Eze.Munoz’s goal gave Palace a fifth-consecutive away win in all competitionsCredit: GettyJean-Philippe Mateta had a goal disallowed for offsideCredit: GettyTen minutes into the second half, Palace talisman Jean-Philippe Mateta thought he had scored his 12th league goal this term when he thumped home, latching onto a clever backheel by Eze.But VAR technicians had other ideas and though it was a fractional call, the Frenchman’s trademark booting of the corner flag was all in vain.In the build-up, Smith Rowe had collapsed to the floor in the centre circle due to a calf problem – because it was not a head injury, the visitors did not have to stop play.And soon the former Arsenal midfielder was hobbling off to the treatment room.It was Munoz’s second goal of the season since arriving from GenkCredit: ReutersLacroix was a clear threat for Palace at set-pieces and his header on 61 minutes required a magnificent reflex save from Leno, who has played every Premier League minute this season.Five minutes later and Palace had the second goal that they deserved, the architect being the exceptional Mateta who outrageously glided past several Fulham players on a quick, long-busting counter-attack.READ MORE SUN STORIESMunoz completely fooled with Bassey with his quick feet and then rifled home his shot from a tight angle – his fourth goal for the club.It was a result that edges Palace further away from the drop zone and is the first time they have won consecutive top-flight away London derbies in the same season since beating Wimbledon and Tottenham in 1997-98. More