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      Former Man Utd and Chelsea star Nemanja Matic slapped with football ban after taping over LGBTQ+ logo

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      NEMANJA MATIC has received a ban after he covered an LGBTQ+ campaign logo on his kit with tape.The former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder, who now plays for Ligue 1 club Lyon, covered up the logo on his sleeve for the final game of the season.Nemanja Matic has been banned for two games for covering an LGBTQ+ campaign logo on his sleeve with tapeCredit: AFPThe Ligue 1 rainbow logo was part of an anti-homophobia campaignCredit: GettyMatic, 36, used tape to cover a rainbow coloured Ligue 1 logo on his Lyon shirt for their final day victory over Angers.The logo was part of Ligue 1’s annual campaign against homophobia which sees every club shirt adorned with the rainbow design.Matic wasn’t the only player to cover the logo, with Le Havre forward Ahmed Hassan also covering the sleeve design with tape.According to Belgian news outlet HLN, both Matic and Hassan have been handed two-match bans by the French Football Federation as a result of their actions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pair will also reportedly have to undergo an awareness campaign about homophobia in football.Matic is believed to be a member of the Serbian Orthodox Church and Hassan is Muslim.A third player, Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed, has escaped punishment after refusing to play with the logo.Mohamed, who is also a practicing Muslim, chose not to play in the final match of the season rather than covering the logo up.Most read in FootballLe Havre forward Ahmed Hassan (right) also covered up the logoCredit: GettyMostafa Mohamed chose not to play with the logo on his sleeveCredit: AFPMohamed cited his ‘values’ for not playing in Nantes 3-0 win over Montpellier.He wrote on social media: “Living together also means recognising that this diversity can be expressed differently from one person to another.Nemanja Matic brands Andre Onana ‘one of worst keepers in Man Utd HISTORY’ in savage response to goalie”I believe in mutual respect – the respect we owe others, but also the respect we owe ourselves and our beliefs. “As for me, there are deep-rooted values tied to my heritage and my faith, which make participating in this initiative difficult.”The actions of the Matic, Hassan and Mohamed prompted France’s sports minister Marie Basacq to issue a statement after the final day of the Ligue 1 campaign.Barsacq said: “Football has a massive platform, and the [French Football] Federation is determined to put this issue on the clubs’ and supporters’ agenda.“Homophobic insults and behaviour are no longer acceptable. “Society has evolved, and the language in football must change with it. There’s a full range of sanctions available, and they must be applied.”Read More on The SunAlthough rare, some players have spoken out in support of the LGBTQ+ community in the past.Speaking six years ago, Atletico Madrid and French international Antoine Griezmann said: “If a gay player wants to come out, he might not have all the France players with him, but he will have me.” More

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      Cole Palmer admits Champions League winners’ medal means nothing to him and he ‘doesn’t feel like he won it’

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      COLE PALMER is already a Champions League winner.But to the ambitious young star, the medal he picked up as a non-playing substitute in Manchester City’s 2023 triumph over Inter Milan doesn’t mean a lot.Cole Palmer won the Champions League win Man City in 2023Credit: AlamyDuring what turned out to be his final season at City, he made his only start in the competition in a dead rubber group game against Sevilla.For the rest of the campaign, including the final in Istanbul, he sat on the bench as a no doubt frustrated observer.Palmer, now 23, said: “I always say, I don’t feel like a Champions League winner, if I’m being honest.“It doesn’t really mean anything to me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“People say it, but I weren’t involved.“Obviously I played in the group stage and stuff like that, but it’s not the same, is it?“I’ve not threw the medal away! I’ve still got it, but it’s not like I feel like I’ve won it.”Palmer thoroughly earned the winner’s medal he received for Chelsea’s Conference League triumph last month.Most read in FootballPalmer helped Chelsea win the Conference League this seasonCredit: GettyThe midfielder’s second-half masterclass earned him the Player of the Match awardCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe gave a second-half masterclass as the Blues came from a goal down to beat Real Betis 4-1 and become the first club to complete a full set of Uefa trophies.But it’s a competition that Palmer and Chelsea hope to have left behind for good. ‘To do what-‘ – Cole Palmer left confused as he’s asked to name his Premier League Mount RushmoreFor the club’s status and bank balance, the victory over Nottingham Forest that guaranteed a return to the Champions League after a two-year absence, was far more important.Palmer said: “Everyone at Chelsea wanted to be in the Champions League.“No disrespect to the Conference League or whatever, but Champions League is the biggest competition.“We finished well. We had some tough games“We had that little spell in the season where we weren’t too great.”Everyone was saying they’re not gonna get Champions League and that.“So to get it was good. Getting that at Forest was a relief”Chelsea celebrated a return to the Champions League after a win over Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League seasonCredit: AlamyBut Palmer’s display against Betis will have been something of a relief to him, even if he would not put in quite those terms.It was a timely return of the Cole Palmer who had made himself into one of the world’s biggest young starsBecause after picking up where he had left off in his stunning debut season for the Blues, scoring and creating goals for fun, the second half of the 2024/5 campaign was a tough one.As the run of games without a goal or even an assist grew longer and longer, it looked like Palmer was feeling the pressure.His spectacular transformation from City youth player to Chelsea’ main man created expectation, and he was not living up to it.Even the famously cool young man was just a little concerned.Palmer said: “I know myself players will go through it. I’m not stupid.“But then you go into Chelsea and you do that from a jump, and then you go into a dip, you just think, ‘What’s going on?’.“I don’t mind. Obviously I did mind, but I didn’t think it was the end of the world.“I just think it was one of them things when things weren’t happening for me.“I went on a bit longer than I thought it would go on. But I spoke to people about it and they explained it was going to happen.“But they said that when I get out of it, I’ll be an even better player than what I was before I went in it.”Which would be great news for Chelsea and for England.Although Palmer is very much the Blues’ key man, at international level he has a fight on his hands to be the creative hub of the team.Which feels even stranger because he is one of only four England players to have scored a goal in a major final.For most of Euro 2024, Three Lions fans were crying out for Palmer to be given more of a chance to inject some life into Gareth Southgate’s struggling team.And when he was brought on in the final against Spain, he grabbed a brilliant equaliser.Palmer recalled: “An occasion like that if you think about it, it might get the better of you. So I just try not to.“I was just getting ready to come on like all the other games I came on, try and make an impact.“I thought, ‘It’s the final, the last game, we’re losing, I’ve got nothing to lose’. Well, we did, the biggest game of our career, but you know what I mean.“So yeah, that’s what I was trying to do.“At the time, I didn’t really realise how big that goal was. It was only when the tournament finished and I went home and looked back.”But it’s about looking forward now, for Palmer, Chelsea and England.Real Madrid star and Champions League winner Jude Bellingham is the man in possession of the No 10 role for England.If both he and Palmer start Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra, the Chelsea man could find himself out wide.But at least next season, he will be playing in the same European competition as Bellingham and the biggest stars of the game.And trying to earn a medal for real.Palmer scored England’s only goal in the Euro 2024 finalCredit: AFPDELAP BREAKOUTCOLE Palmer is delighted that former Manchester City team-mate Liam Delap has opted to join the Blues.The pair, who grew up together in the City Academy, will be reunited at Stamford Bridge after the Blues confirmed they had completed a £30m deal with Ipswich for centre forward Delap.Palmer said: “I’m excited to play with him. I was messaging him asking If he was coming and that.“I played with him at Under 18s, 21s. We went to the first team together.Read More on The Sun“He’s a great striker, one of the best in the Premier League. You can see from last season.“So I think he’ll help us a lot and hopefully score lots of goals.”Chelsea have confirmed the £30m signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich TownCredit: GettyDelap and Palmer came through the ranks at Man City togetherCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘I’m not a robot’ – Cole Palmer’s mum tells him to be ‘more smiley’ but Chelsea star is ‘laid back’ like his dad

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      COLE Palmer admits his mum wants him to cheer up and show more emotion.But the Chelsea and England star says it takes something like a disaster on PlayStation for him to lose his famous cool – and even then only behind closed doors.Cole Palmer’s mother has told him to ‘smile more’Credit: RexPalmer reckons he is laid back like his dadCredit: X @beINSPORTS_ENPalmer, who is preparing for England’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra, said: “My mum says to try and be a bit more involved and a bit more smiley and energetic and that.“Me and my dad are just too laid back, I think.“My dad says: ‘He’s just like me, so just leave him alone.’“When did I last get angry? I don’t know, maybe when I played PlayStation or something.READ MORE ON CHELSEA“I’m not just a robot like you think I am and don’t show no emotion.“When there’s no cameras and I’m on the phone to my mates and I’m doing stuff I enjoy doing…“Off the pitch I’m like this but then on the pitch…it’s like a switch.“I’m just being myself.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgePalmer is so chilled that he can fall asleep at an F1 race.England boss Thomas Tuchel took the squad to the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday and the Chelsea playmaker revealed: “It was good. ‘To do what-‘ – Cole Palmer left confused as he’s asked to name his Premier League Mount Rushmore“I went to the one in Abu Dhabi not long ago. But I fell asleep at that one. I don’t know what it was.“This one, I was awake.”Palmer’s “Cold” celebration and style of play make him an idol to young fans, regardless of which team they support.The Chelsea playmaker said: “When you see kids and that doing what they’re doing and saying that, it’s nice.”Palmer is typically calm about his growing celebrity.But the born and bred Mancunian Palmer, who left Manchester City for the Blues in 2023, still finds living down south a challenge.Palmer previously commented on southerners being grumpy and said: “They’re all still moody. They’re all still like that.Read More on The Sun“I think because it’s so busy, they’re all stressed and that. It must be a southern thing.“I don’t live central. Sometimes I go into central London, but I couldn’t live there.”Palmer joined his England teammates at the Spanish Grand Prix at the weekendCredit: GettyThe midfielder is preparing for England’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra on SaturdayCredit: Getty More

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      Tottenham squad set to be boosted by return of league winner who hasn’t played for club in nearly TWO YEARS

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      MANOR SOLOMON is set to be given a second chance at Tottenham.The Israeli winger, 25, has become a forgotten man in N17 after spending the season on loan at Leeds.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is set to welcome back Manor SolomonCredit: GettySolomon spent last season with Leeds on loan and experienced immense successCredit: ReutersSolomon hasn’t played for Tottenham since September 2023Credit: GettyBut he proved to be a huge hit at Elland Road, netting ten goals in 41 appearances as he helped the Whites to promotion back to the Premier League.Leeds are keen to sign him permanently, while there are believed to be other suitors in the Premier League interested in Solomon’s services.But SunSport understands the North Londoners are minded to bring him back into the first-team fold over pre-season with the ambition of keeping him next season.That is despite all the uncertainty around the managerial position at Tottenham.Read More on FootballFormer Fulham loanee Solomon joined Tottenham on a free transfer in 2023.That is after he left Shakhtar Donetsk following Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine the year before.His first campaign was blighted by a hamstring injury, limiting him to just six Spurs appearances.Solomon’s last game for Tottenham was back in September 30, 2023.Most read in FootballNow everyone at Spurs are currently waiting with baited breath over whether Daniel Levy will back or sack boss Ange Postecoglou.It is understood the latter is more likely, despite the Aussie delivering Spurs their first trophy in 17 years with last month’s Europa League triumph.Ange Postecoglou drops huge hint over Tottenham future with incredible mic-drop moment at Europa League paradeThomas Frank and Marco Silva, of West London rivals Brentford and Fulham respectively, are among the candidates to succeed Postecoglou if he is sacked. More

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      Cost of sacking Ange Postecoglou revealed with Tottenham forced to pay out millions on top of £2m Europa League bonus

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      THE cost for Tottenham to sack Ange Postecoglou has been revealed.The Aussie boss made good on his promise that he “always wins things” in his second season by lifting the Europa League trophy to end the club’s 17-year trophy drought.The cost of sacking Ange Postecoglou has been revealedCredit: AlamyDaniel Levy will reportedly need to fork out around £4m to give Big Ange the bootCredit: PAThat is on top of the £2m bonus Postecoglou earned for winning the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyHowever, a 17th-placed finish in the Premier League backed up by 22 defeats – the most ever by a team not to be relegated – means Postecoglou is in a perilous position over his job.Should chairman Daniel Levy opt to give Big Ange the boot, the decision will see the 59-year-old manager take home a compensation package worth around £4million.And according to The Telegraph, that is ON TOP of the £2m bonus Postecoglou collected for winning the Europa League and getting the north London club into the Champions League next season.Postecoglou has two years remaining on his Spurs contract, with the terms of his exit being decided before he signed his contract to take him to the capital from Celtic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe report adds that the manager has now returned from holiday and should be receiving clarity over his position in the near future.He appeared to hint he wanted to stay at Tottenham’s trophy parade after he declared: “All the best TV series, season three is better than season two.”However, that decision will come down to Levy.While sacking Postecoglou will take around £4m on its own, the total cost of then appointing a replacement could see Spurs splash out roughly £10m.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBrentford’s Thomas Frank is understood to be among the leading candidates for the position, along with Fulham boss Marco Silva.While there is the headache over the future of the first-team coach, behind the scenes the club are also going through a major shake-up.Postecoglou unrecognisable in amazing throwback video as first club share emotional 3-minute tribute after Europa LeagueLevy, 63, has lost his right-hand woman in executive director Donna Cullen, who has left after 20 years of service.Elsewhere, Ryan Mason has also left the club to further his managerial career by taking up the vacant position at Championship side West Brom.They are set to be the first two of many departures this summer, which may include Postecoglou.The shake-up also includes the appointment of Vinai Venkatesham as CEO, who previously served bitter rivals Arsenal in the same role.Sources add these moves could be the prelude to majority owners Enic pumping fresh funds into the club.Tottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfield.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players… More

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      Supercomputer predicts new Championship season with Wrexham fairytale continuing and ex-Premier League trio relegated

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      WREXHAM are in line for a fourth-straight Hollywood season, according to a new Championship supercomputer. But it’s bad news for former Premier League side Watford, who are pipped for relegation to League One for the first time in 48 YEARS.A supercomputer has tipped Wrexham to make the Championship play-offsCredit: RexWatford are predicted to suffer relegation from the ChampionshipCredit: RexTyler Dibling has been predicted to win theChampionship with SouthamptonBoffins at AceOdds booted up their intelligent PC, which simulates every single fixture 10,00 times for the most accurate score.It estimates the outcome of games based on a team’s current strength (based on factors such as league position and form) and betting market odds.And the results are astounding, with Wrexham, who became the first team to earn back-to-back-to-back promotions up the pyramid, have the chance to play for Premier League football.The Red Dragons, once suffering a record 15-straight seasons in the National League before Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney saved the day, are predicted to finish inside the play-off spots next season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLinked with a host of big names, including Jamie Vardy and Ben Davies, Wrexham’s top-flight dreams remain alive – if they edge out Bristol City to sixth-place on goal difference. Meanwhile, the clever AI algorithm reckons Southampton will go straight back up by winning the Championship.The Saints, who hired former Lens boss Will Still after relegation this season, are set to face a dramatic title race with Sheffield United, who will finally earn automatic promotion at the second time of asking.Fellow relegated sides Ipswich, Leicester and Frank Lampard’s Coventry City are predicted to join Wrexham in making the play-offs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTom Brady-backed Birmingham City, who recorded the most-ever EFL points last season (108), will also register an admirable top-half finish. On 65 points, the Blues are set to finish ahead of neighbours West Brom and other established names such as Stoke City and Middlesbrough.’He’s got the fastest hands’ – Wrexham star James McClean tipped to beat up Jake Paul in boxing fightMeanwhile, Championship newboys Charlton Athletic are expected to avoid a return to League One, finishing six points above the drop.In terms of the relegation places, Derby County and Hull City join Watford in the dreaded drop to the third-tier.Watford last played in League One (then known as the Football League Third Division) during the 1977-78 season.Derby finished 19th last year, while Hull are pipped to finish rock-bottom after just about saving themselves on the final day this season, after Luton lost to West Brom.While the supercomputer thinks the likes of Preston, QPR, Boro and Oxford United will narrowly survive.And Norwich, Millwall, Blackburn, Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea will finish a respectable mid-table.Wrexham star James McClean could return to the glittering heights of Premier League football after playing with West Brom and Sunderland a decade agoCredit: RexOmari Hutchinson helped Ipswich earn promotion to the Prem in 2023/2024, before being relegated this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Baller League – Legends vs Creators line-ups: Who is playing in huge match on finals night?

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      THE champions of Baller League will be officially crowned next THURSDAY!Just four teams remain from the 12 that started on Matchday 1 back in March.The Baller League has had a terrific debut year in the UKCredit: GettyMicah Richards’ Deportrio topped the standings during the regular seasonCredit: GettyMaya Jama and Alisha Lehmann’s MVP United will feature in the final fourCredit: GettyDeportrio, led by Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, topped the standings on goal difference after 11 rounds of action-packed fixtures.Alisha Lehmann and Maya Jama’s MVP United narrowly missed out on top spot by one goal, but they have secured their place in the final four.Yanited and SDS FC complete the sides competing for Baller League glory next Thursday night – and fans are treated to even more thrilling action at the O2.Organisers have confirmed a Legends vs Creators match has been booked in with some blockbuster names taking part.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBaller League – Legends vs Creators line-upsBaller League have revealed their plans for final four night at the O2 Arena – and there are some intriguing inclusions.The two semi-finals are expected to kick off the action, and they will be followed by a Legends vs Creators match.Five huge names have already been confirmed for the clash.The legends team will include former Premier League champion Mario Balotelli, Jay-Jay Okocha and Ravel Morrison.Most read in FootballWhile the Creators team features internet sensations KSI and Chunkz.Many more big names for the one-off special will be revealed in the lead-up to final four night.A surprise event is also planned at the O2 Arenal before the first Baller League UK final gets underway.Baller League Final Four fixturesAs they finished top of the standings, Deportrio will face the lowest-ranked side in the Final Four, which is SDS FC.The team that is victorious will face the winner of MVPs United vs Yanited in a huge final.Semi-final 1: Deportrio vs SDS FCSemi-final 2: MVPs United vs YanitedFinal: SF1 winner vs SF2 winner More

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      Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over ‘significant role’ in plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UK from Thailand

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      A FORMER Arsenal starlet has been jailed over a plot to smuggle £600,000 worth of drugs in the UK.Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested after border officials seized two suitcases containing cannabis at Stansted Airport.Ex-Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been jailedCredit: GettyHe was involved in a plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into the UKCredit: UnpixsEmmanuel-Thomas pleaded guilty to his roleCredit: PAThe drugs, which weighed around 60kg, had arrived via flight from Bangkok in Thailand.It is believed he may have been the intermediary between drug pushers in the UK and suppliers in Thailand and was described as having a “significant role”.Emmanuel-Thomas, 34, has now been jailed for four years after he pleaded guilty to fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on the importation of cannabis.Judge Alexander Mills told him he had a “substantial fall from grace”.Read more newsHe added: “It is through your own actions you will no longer be known as a professional footballer.””You will be known as a criminal. A professional footballer who threw it all away.”Chelmsford Crown Court heard the drugs were brought into the UK by Emmanuel-Thomas’ girlfriend Yasmin Piotrowska.She had flown business class to Stanstead Airport with Rosie Rowland to carry put the plot on September 2.Most read in FootballEmmanuel-Thomas was linked to the discovery by numerous WhatsApp messages, voice notes and pictures.The court was told it was “apparent” he had recruited the women, who were cleared after prosecutors offered no evidence in their case.He used his influenced as a professional footballer to sway the two women – offering them £2,500 plus a free holiday to Thailand.After Piotrowska was stopped by border officials, Emmanuel-Thomas messaged Rowland to tell her to “delete everything from our chat if you can”.The footballer then travelled to Stratford, East London, on September 5 and replaced his mobile.He was sacked by Scottish club Greenock Morton following his arrest last year.Emmanuel-Thomas is a former England under-17 and under-19 international.He began his career at Arsenal before playing for various clubs – including Ipswich Town, Bristol City, QPR, Livingston and Aberdeen.The striker signed a six-month contract with Greenock Morton in July.David Philips, NCA senior investigating officer, said: “Organised crime groups make significant profits by trafficking and selling perceived high-quality cannabis legally grown in the US, Canada and Thailand illegally in the UK.”Organised criminals like Emmanuel-Thomas can be very persuasive and offer payment to couriers. But the risk of getting caught is very high and it simply isn’t worth it.”Emmanuel-Thomas is the latest Brit to be caught smuggling drugs.The Sun revealed how Cameron Bradford, 21, is being detained in Germany for allegedly hiding cannabis in her bags on a flight from Thailand.A British OnlyFans model was also caught allegedly smuggling nearly £200,000 worth of Thai cannabis into Spain.Read More on The SunElsewhere, Brit Bella May Culley, 18, sparked a massive international search operation in early May after she was reported missing while holidaying in Thailand.However, it was later revealed that the teen, from Billingham, County Durham, had been arrested 4,000 miles away on drug offences in Georgia.The footballer was arrested last SeptemberCredit: InstagramNCA officers found the drugs in two suitcasesCredit: UnpixsEmmanuel-Thomas previously played for AberdeenCredit: PA More