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    Premier League block Aston Villa request to move Liverpool clash – leaving Emery’s side with 5 brutal games in 14 days

    ASTON VILLA are facing a punishing fixture congestion consisted of five games in just 14 days.That is after the Premier League rejected Villa’s request to move next week’s clash with Liverpool.The Premier League rejected Aston Villa’s request to move next week’s clash with LiverpoolCredit: RexUnai Emery’s side face a brutal fixture congestion consisted of five games in just 14 daysCredit: RexThe frustrated Villans are scheduled to host the Prem leaders on Wednesday at Villa Park.That game was originally pencilled down for March 15 but it now clashes with the Carabao Cup final weekend with the Reds facing Newcastle on the 16th at Wembley.With the Champions League Last 16 starting in the first week of March, Unai Emery’s side wanted to push the Liverpool game back to later next month or later in the season.Villa’s argument was based on them having only one Premier League game next month at Brentford on March 8.Read More on FootballHowever, Prem chiefs blocked that request to leave Emery and co facing a brutal fixture pile-up over the next two weeks.Villa are now set to play Ipswich on Saturday, Liverpool on Wednesday, Chelsea on February 22 and Crystal Palace on the 25th.Emery’s men will then host Cardiff in the fifth round of the FA Cup on February 28.Villa are competing on three fronts this season after an impressive campaign last term.Most read in FootballThe Midland giants are favourites to qualify to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.They also finished in the Champions League’s top eight and made it straight to the Last 16.Emi Martinez reveals Unai Emery’s genius pre-match preparation that inspired Aston Villa to win over Bayern MunichAnd Villa are targeting another top-four finish in the Premier League as they are currently eighth with six points separating them from fourth-placed Chelsea. More

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    Declan Rice’s cringeworthy Valentine’s Day pick-up lines re-emerge in incredible video years before Arsenal transfer

    DECLAN RICE may not want to look at his phone today as he could be bombarded by Valentine’s Day messages.But rather than loved-up posts, it may be friends poking fun of him in an old video.Declan Rice starred in a video saying cringeworthy pick-up linesRice looks very different to his 19-year-old selfCredit: GettyRice is in a long-term relationship with Lauren Fryer and they have a son togetherCredit: Instagram @laurenfryer_Back in 2018, Rice, recorded some cringeworthy chat up lines for a West Ham social media post.The first line from the then 19-year-old was: “Do you know what my shirt is made of? Boyfriend material.”The second was: “Do I know you? Because you look exactly like my next girlfriend.”The final cringeworthy line was: “Do you believe in love at first sight? Or should I walk by again?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRice would go on play for the Hammers for another six years, playing 245 times and becoming a regular for the England national team in the process.His final appearance for the East London club saw him win the club’s first trophy since 1965 by winning the Europa Conference League while wearing the captain’s armband.Rice then joined Arsenal in 2023 in a transfer worth up to £105m.In all that time, Rice has found his Valentine by being in a relationship with childhood sweetheart Lauren Fryer, whom he started dating in 2015.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRice quietly confirmed the birth of his first child with Lauren after showing off a tattoo on his arm which read “Jude Rice” along with the astrology symbol for Leo and the date of his son’s birth, 7 August 2022.Unfortunately, Lauren has suffered disgusting abuse from trolls on social media, which saw her wipe her Instagram account clean of all of her pictures. ‘Now everyone’s calling me it…’ – Declan Rice reveals hilarious new nicknameDani Dyer, the partner of Rice’s former team-mate Jarrod Bowen, launched a passionate defence of Lauren in an interview with Fabulous Magazine in November last year.Ex-Love Island star Dyer said: “It was so hard for her, the trolling, as she doesn’t put herself out there.”I think it’s harder when you are not in [the celebrity world] and you are being personally attacked. I found that hard.”She is a really good mum, who keeps to herself. No one deserves to be criticised like that.”So, attacking a girl because of what she looks like, in this day and age, I don’t agree with it.”Rice has once again starred on the pitch for Arsenal this season, playing 33 times in all competitions so far this season.He is likely to be in action for the Gunners next game as they travel to Leicester in the Premier League.ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Saliba will be having nightmares about Isak as Lewis-Skelly is only Gunners star to show upARSENAL were humbled by Newcastle at St James’ Park as the Magpies beat them 2-0 to secure a spot in the League Cup final.The North Londoners knew they needed to take an early advantage if they were to overturn the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.But Jacob Murphy was on hand to put the Magpies a goal ahead after Alexander Isak’s shot rebounded off of the post and out to him.Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead to all but confirm a second League Cup final in three years for Eddie Howe.Here’s how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the Gunners.David Raya – 5Stitched Declan Rice right up for the second goal.And that absolutely killed this as a contest for his side.Jurrien Timber – 6Tried to get forward and support the attack early but soon found himself dropping deeper to avoid being caught on the counter.Tough night for the Dutchman up against Gordon in front of the red-hot home crowd.William Saliba – 4Let frustration get the better of him when he got himself booked for grabbing Anthony Gordon’s shirt.And the winger almost embarrassed him again at the start of the second period when he caught the defender sleeping, nicked the ball from him, but could only shoot wide.The usually assured star will be having nightmares of Gordon and Isak.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Another who struggled to contain Toon’s two pacey attacking threats but did fair slightly better than his usually formidable partner.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Another assured performance from the full-back in a raucous atmosphere.Could not be faulted for any of the goals and showed flashes off his potential despite the humbling.Martin Odegaard – 6Everything Arsenal did try came through the skipper.Although he loses a mark as things could have been a very different story if he had finished his first half effort had hit the inside rather than outside of the post.Thomas Partey – 6Plenty of running about but very little to show or product for his efforts.Declan Rice – 6Looked to take a knock late in the first half and continued to struggle on after the restart.Was hung out to dry by his goalie for the second goal and he did keep pushing until the very end.But it was a disappointing night for the England star and his partner Partey as they came up short against Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Struggled to get past big Dan Burn during his brief time on the pitch.And his night was brought to an abrupt end when he limped off before the break.Kai Havertz – 4Outmuscled, outbattled and outthought but Svan Botman and Fabian Schar.Produced zilch on an evening when he and his team-mates lacked creativity and ideas.Leandro Trossard – 5Many will have been fancying him to cause some problems for the 34-year-old Kieran Trippier but the veteran had him in his pocket all night.Arteta had seen enough by the hour mark and opted to let Raheem Sterling have a go instead.Subs usedEthan Nwaneri (37 mins for Martinelli) – 6Desperately tried to inject some pace and threat into the faltering Arsenal attack but the task proved too much for the young Gunn.He should have plenty more big occasions to look forward to though in his career.Mikel Merino (70 mins for Odegaard) – 5The game was already done and dusted when he entered the fray for battle.Some nice touches, but like those before him, he couldn’t produce anything for the visitors.Raheem Sterling (61 mins for Trossard) – 4Got half an hour to try and get at Trippier but, just like Trossard before him, he was not given an ounce of joy.Riccardo Calafiori (78 mins for Timber) – 4Was brought on simply to get some minutes in his legs.Jorginho (78 mins for Partey) – 4See above. Little chance to make an impact with the game well and truly over. More

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    Man Utd players ‘already noticing major difference between Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag’ just months into the job

    MANCHESTER UNITED manager Ruben Amorim has adopted a significantly different approach to his predecessors at Old Trafford by maintaining a professional distance from many players.Amorim, 40, took over United in November when he replaced Erik ten Hag following Ruud van Nistelrooy’s brief stint as interim manager.Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is maintaining a distance from most playersCredit: PAErik ten Hag was especially close with ex-Ajax stars and Man Utd academy graduatesCredit: GettyMan Utd players praised Ruud van Nistelrooy’s man-management styleCredit: PAAccording to the Manchester Evening News, the Portuguese tactician has adopted a much more different attitude towards his players as he is not close with most of them.Ten Hag was known for his gruff nature during his two-year spell with the Red Devils but had close bonds with a number of players.That includes those the Dutchman signed from former club Ajax, such as Andre Onana, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.The 55-year-old was also popular among academy graduates, like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, as he was the one that promoted them to the senior squad.Read More on Man UtdVan Nistelrooy was also widely praised for his man-management style, despite only spending two weeks at the helm on a caretaker capacity.A senior United ace described the now Leicester boss’ squad management as “excellent”.Casemiro was especially a big fan of the Dutch tactician as they communicated in fluent Spanish following their separate stints playing for Real Madrid.However, Amorim is not getting attached to the majority of squad members.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis comes amid intense speculation that a major squad upheaval is planned this coming summer transfer window as the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss is looking to establish his own methods at United.This comes after the notable exits of Marcus Rashford, Antony and Tyrell Malacia during the January transfer window.Roy Keane reveals emotional reaction to Man Utd exit after bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson It has been noticed that Amorim is naturally closest to fellow Portuguese aces Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, both of whom are expected to remain at Man Utd for next season. More

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    ‘She’s not with me’ – Jack Grealish pictured leaving swanky restaurant at the same time as mystery blonde

    JACK GREALISH shouted “she’s not with me” after being pictured leaving a swanky restaurant at the same time as a mystery blonde.The Manchester City star was all smiles as he departed Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone on Wednesday night.Jack Grealish was spotted leaving a swanky restaurant at the same time as a mystery blondeCredit: SplashGrealish declared ‘she’s not with me’ as he left Chiltern FirehouseCredit: SplashKieran Gibbs’ twin brother Jaydon was situated between themCredit: SplashThe mystery woman and Grealish reportedly ‘looked cosy’ at the barCredit: SplashGrealish went back inside the venue before exiting alone and ‘sneaking’ into a carCredit: SplashGrealish looked to be in good spirits just a day after coming off injured in City’s 3-2 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.And the ex-Aston Villa star was spotted leaving the popular celeb hangout as a mystery woman walked behind him.Another man, believed to be former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs’ twin brother Jaydon, was situated between them.The Mail claims she “accompanied” Grealish on his way out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile a source said the pair “looked cosy” at the bar before trying to make a “low key exit.”But outside, Grealish was heard shouting: “She’s not with me.”He then reportedly went back inside Chiltern Firehouse before coming out again completely alone.Grealish completed his exit by “sneaking” into a chauffeur-driven car.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd it remains unclear whether he will be involved in Man City’s Premier League clash against Newcastle tomorrow.Other celebrities at the venue that night are said to have included Mark Ruffalo, Ellie Bamber, Morena Baccarin and Jamie Carragher.Man City boss Pep Guardiola responds to late collapse to Real Madrid Grealish has been with long-term partner Sasha Attwood for over 12 yearsCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebeccaThe pair met while at schoolCredit: InstagramThey welcomed their first daughter together in SeptemberCredit: InstagramGrealish was forced off injured in Man City’s 3-2 defeat to Real MadridCredit: AFPGrealish’s night out in London came after he recently admitted 2024 had been “the most difficult year of my life.”The ace welcomed daughter Mila Rose with partner of 12 years Sasha Attwood in September – their first child together.But his football season was blighted by injury and long spells on the bench, leading to his omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad.Grealish said: “Last year, the whole year itself, it was weird because my little daughter was born, but apart from that it was one of the most difficult years.“Probably the most difficult year of my life for many reasons, on and off the pitch.“I found it really difficult. It’s a new year now and hopefully I can kick on.” More

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    Ancelotti has been sacked more than Mourinho but never loses his cool unlike rivals… he’s the greatest of them all

    HOW can somebody so good have been sacked so often?Ice-cool Carlo Ancelotti has ­suffered a manager’s ultimate fate more times than fireball Jose Mourinho.Carlo Ancelotti is one of the greatest managers of all timeCredit: ReutersThe Italian has been sacked more than any other managerCredit: AFPBut ice-cool Ancelotti always keeps his coolCredit: RexHe has won trophies all across his glittering careerCredit: GettyThe Italian leads six to five, give or take the odd ‘mutual consent’ — which of course can mean whatever you want it to.Yet there is not a silver-fox hair out of place, the dashing blue ­overcoat fits like a glove and even at 65, he puts many of his younger peers to shame with his elegance and eloquence.That was on crystal clear display as Real Madrid dismantled Manchester City’s Champions League aspirations on their own turf three days ago.Coming from behind to beat the pride of English football with a last-gasp winner against the team Ancelotti describes as his own ‘great rivals’ — yet not even a twitch in the pulse rate in the Spanish technical area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat unique characteristic among coaches sets Ancelotti apart. No head scratching, no bottle kicking, no digital a**e probing. Precious few examples of super calm Carlo losing the plot with the officials or opponents.Which when you consider he has also managed Europe’s titans in Chelsea, Juventus, AC Milan and Bayern Munich, to stay in control takes some doing.Ancelotti has shared rooms with shadowy Russian oligarchs, endured penalty shootouts in Champions League finals and managed Everton — it’s debatable which is most scary.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYet while Pep Guardiola flicks phlegm through pursed lips by way of a nervous tick, spindly Thomas Tuchel leaps and gestures and Joachim Low reaches for his backside in stressful moments, Ancelotti is having none of it.And for that alone he should be considered the greatest of them all.Five Champions League titles does help. EXCLUSIVE: How ‘lovely’ Carlo Ancelotti stunned Chelsea TV worker with humble act after taking over at the BluesBut to reach such heights and still not break sweat dealing with the egos and the snipes at such  a high level in the game is the ultimate accolade.As he assembles the latest troupe of Galacticos at the Bernabeu with the expected summer addition of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold,  that trait stands him in good stead.The nice guy nature has been his undoing but Ancelotti has learned from that. He managed Chelsea on a peer-to-peer level, treating his players as equals, hoping they would do the same.Some took advantage of that in his second season at Stamford Bridge. That contributed to him being sacked in the away dressing room at Everton in May 2011 — having won the Double the previous season.Yet despite the relentless pressure of working for ruthless Roman Abramovich, Ancelotti did not desert his humanity and never will.After trips back home to Italy, he would return bearing salamis made by a friend for one staff member’s son who was obsessed with Peperami sticks at the time.He fought hard behind the scenes for staff members who struggled to cope with life. And the guard never drops.Carlo Ancelotti managerial honoursJuventus – UEFA Intertoto CupAC Milan – Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, Champions League x2, UEFA Super Cup x2, Club World CupChelsea – Premier League, FA Cup, Community ShieldPSG – Ligue 1Real Madrid – LaLiga x2, Copa del Rey x2, Supercopa de Espana x2, Champions League x3, UEFA Super Cup x3, Club World Cup x2, Intercontinnental Cup Bayern Munich – Bundesliga, DFL-SupercupDuring his short and surprising stint in charge of a troubled Everton team at the height of Covid, he secured an injury-time 5-4 win over Tottenham in the FA Cup fifth round. As the 97th-minute goal crashes in, Ancelotti stops to blow steam from the top of his piping hot cup of tea, then takes a sip while his coaching staff lose it around him.Everton fans with half a brain have accepted him walking out to rejoin Real Madrid where he is now furthering his already stellar reputation.Those with a fully functioning noddle are still shocked why he chose their underperforming, underwhelming club in the first place.When you deal at the top table you need to keep your cards close to your chest.And Ancelotti is smart enough to know never to say anything in a press conference that could be considered genuinely interesting.The arch-diplomat, he plays the game straight, takes his severance money and doesn’t burn bridges.Ancelotti’s only complaint about life in England was the poor standard of coffee. And he has a point. The washed-out Espresso being his main bone of contention.And it’s probably why he won’t ever come back to manage here again. Shame.Don’t sit ‘n take itTottenham fans need to rethink their protest strategyCredit: RexTOTTENHAM fans plotting a protest against club chairman Daniel Levy on Sunday should rethink their strategy.Planning a sit-in demo after the home game against Manchester United is the wrong way to go about things in this time of turmoil.With the team playing so badly and the whole matchday experience being one big letdown, why prolong the agony?Surely a walkout as soon as possible after kick-off would be far more appealing?That way the aggrieved supporters make their point and get to p*** off home early and do something far more enjoyable instead.It means sweet FAArne Slot didn’t care much for the FA Cup in realityCredit: PAAPPARENTLY Arne Slot will be kicking himself at Liverpool’s embarrassing exit from the FA Cup at the hands of second-tier Plymouth Argyle.Uh-huh.Sadly, with a Premier League title to chase down, genuine aspirations of winning the Champions League and a place in next month’s Carabao Cup Final in the bag, something has to give.Unfortunately, in this case, it’s our national cup competition.As exciting and unpredictable as the FA Cup is, I imagine it was fourth in line on Slot’s list of ­priorities — and he has probably forgotten where Plymouth is already.Vini kicks City in tifoVinicius Jr got his own back at Man City after their tifo displayCredit: GettyIT’S SAFE to assume that Manchester City gave the nod to the most tactless tifo in football with the giant banner poking fun at Vinicius  Jr and Real Madrid.In which case it’s going to be fun waiting to see whether the Spaniards hit back on Wednesday when they stage the second leg of their Champions League last-16 play-off.The poster featuring the Etihad midfielder Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or trophy along with the caption ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ was successful only in winding up ungracious loser Vinicius Jr.Would love to know where it is now?PITY the poor sods who are working in the Manchester United public relations department.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn the very day Red Devils legend Denis Law was laid to rest on Tuesday, hard-pressed staff in the communications team were dealing with questions that between 100 and 200 club workers are to be axed in the latest round of redundancies.Not easy that.Man Utd PR has been nothing short of disastrous recentlyCredit: PA More

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    ‘Not again’ – Arteta reveals Havertz tore hamstring during set-piece routine and admits Arsenal could sign free agent

    MIKEL ARTETA admits he could sign a free agent to alleviate Arsenal’s attacking woes.The Spaniard failed to bring in a new frontman in the January transfer window, despite injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.Mikel Arteta didn’t bring in a new striker in the January transfer windowCredit: GETTYThe injury to Kai Havertz has left Arteta with just three fit attackers at his disposalCredit: PAThe Spaniard has refused to rule out the possibility of signing a free agentCredit: GETTYArteta has just THREE fit forwards at his disposal after Kai Havertz tore his hamstring during the Gunners’ warm winter training camp in Dubai.And he’s not ruled out the possibility of bringing in a free agent to bolster his attacking options.The 42-year-old said: “I’ll explore every possible situation and make a decision from there.”Germany international Havertz will miss the remainder of the season and undergo surgery on his torn hamstring, which he suffered in “unexpected circumstances”.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSArteta revealed: “He was going to stop a shot after a set piece and stretch the leg and he felt his hamstring.”When asked what his immediate reaction to the injury was, Arteta said: “Big pain in the tummy, that’s the first feeling. “First of all when you see a player in pain, obviously it’s a really bad feeling. “Then you feel like, ‘Not again.’ And then you realise you have no time to do that.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSDespite his side’s current woes, Arteta is relishing the seemingly impossible challenge of overturning Liverpool’s seven-point lead at the top of the table.He said: “Fortunately, we have been through a lot this season.Where Arsenal’s transfer window went wrong with Mikel Arteta more reliant on Havertz than ever and no back-up striker”We have played without Gabriel Magalhaes, Saliba, [Ben] White all season, [Takehiro] Tomiyasu all season.”[Riccardo] Calafiori missed two months, [MIkel] Merino two months, Saka three months, Gabriel Jesus.”All of them! That’s the challenge I have. I love it and I’m looking forward. Let’s see what the team is made of.”The Gunners return to action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to the King Power Stadium to take on Leicester City. More

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    Vinicius Jr offered deal ‘Real Madrid will never reach’ worth €1BILLION to join Saudi football revolution

    REAL MADRID are facing a major threat from Saudi Arabia in their bid to hold on to star man Vinicius Jr.Vinicius, 24, has a contract with Real until 2027 and is currently the club’s joint-highest earner along with star team-mate Kylian Mbappe, both of whom make about £12million per season.Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has received a €1billion contract offer from Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyReal would never be able to match the Saudis’ bid for ViniciusCredit: RexBut Los Blancos want to tie the forward down to a new long-term deal and have commenced negotiations with his representatives these past few months.According to AS, however, Saudi chiefs are determined to bring the Brazil international over to the Middle East “no matter what”.So much so that they are offering Vini a lucrative five-year deal worth a staggering total of €1billion (£832,000,000).That is a bid the reigning European champions could never match for last year’s Ballon d’Or runner-up.Read More on FootballThe same source claims Vinicius wants to stay in Madrid but will claim his new status as a global star means he can make higher financial demands.Real president Florentino Perez has refused to meet with Saudi delegates interested in signing the Brazilian and instead referred them to the player’s whopping €1bn release clause.Nevertheless, interest from the Saudi Pro League is not expected to disappear any time soon and that is why the reigning Spanish champions want to speed up talks with Vinicius.Perez wasn’t expected to hold contract talks with the Brazil star until this coming summer but the ongoing competition has forced his hand.Most read in FootballThat is why Real chiefs have contacted the ex-Flamengo star’s camp to find out his financial demands.The winger issued a response and he is now awaiting the club’s next move.Jude Bellingham’s furious reaction to Valencia goalkeeper after Vinicius Jr sent off in heated Real Madrid clashNevertheless, the popular player strongly hinted he wants to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu for a long time.Vinicius told TNT after Tuesday’s Champions League victory at Manchester City: “It’s very exciting to be able to open talks with Madrid about my renewal.“I have a contract until 2027, but I have always said that I want to play here for a long time, to be able to make history and to receive the affection of the fans along with the president, all the players and the coaching staff. “And God willing, hopefully in the next few days all the negotiations can be resolved and I can stay here for much longer.” More

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    Former Nottingham Forest flop gets suspended jail sentence for illegally filming ex-girlfriend during sex

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST flop Hwang Ui-jo has landed a prison sentence – after a court found him guilty of illegally filming his ex-girlfriend during sex.The South Korea striker spent two years on Forest’s books after a 2022 move from Bordeaux.Nottingham Forest flop Hwang Ui-jo has been found guilty of illegally filming his ex during sexCredit: AFPHe has been handed a suspended prison sentence of one yearCredit: GettyBut he never played for the Premier League side, instead going out on a series of loans.Hwang, 32, appeared 18 times for Norwich last season – scoring three goals for the Championship club.But he was charged with filming two women during sex without their consent on four occasions in 2022.And Seoul’s Central District Court handed him a one-year suspended jail term on Friday after convicting him of charges relating to one of the women.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe court said: “Considering that he filmed them with a cellphone during sexual intercourse against their will, the number of times the crime was committed, and the specific details of the filmed material, the nature of the crime is not good.”Given the seriousness of the socially harmful effects of illegal filming, it is necessary to punish strictly.”The court said Hwang’s punishment had been reduced as he had previously expressed his remorse, and the videos had been shared on social media by a third party.The striker has been with Turkish club Alanyaspor since joining them on an initial loan from Forest last year.Most read in FootballHe previously spent three seasons with Bordeaux, scoring 29 goals in 98 games for the French Ligue 1 club.Hwang has so far played 11 times for Alanyaspor this season, scoring five goals.Last season he featured eight times for the Turks, scoring just once.His contract with the Super Lig side expires this summer. More