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      Arne Slot punished for X-rated blast about Arsenal… because fourth official thought he was talking to him

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      ARNE SLOT was shown a yellow card during Liverpool’s draw at Arsenal… because of an eavesdropping fourth official.The Reds twice fought from behind to snatch a point against title rivals Arsenal on Sunday evening, as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah cancelled out Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino’s strike.Arne Slot was booked after venting about Arsenal players – with the fourth official overhearing and believing it was aimed at himCredit: GettyLiverpool returned to Merseyside with a share of the spoils after twice coming from behindCredit: GettyBut as tempers flared in a tempestuous title showdown, a spot of confusion on the touchline led to Kop boss Slot being shown a yellow card.The Liverpool chief explained he was growing frustrated with Arsenal stars “falling down” under the slightest contact.And as he vented to his own players from the touchline, a twitchy-eared match official believed Slot was ranting at him – and quickly flashed the booking. Slot said: “[Arsenal] always fell down when they had ball possession.READ MORE SPORT STORIES”I said to Ibou [Konate]: ‘This is a f***ing joke’.”But the fourth official thought I was talking to him. I got a yellow for that!”The top-of-the-table showdown in North London wasn’t without its controversy.Bitter Gooners were twice left angered by the match officials at the Emirates in a heated contest.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn the first half, Van Dijk appeared to lash out at Kai Havertz – before equalising ten minutes later with home fans claiming the Dutch defender shouldn’t have even been on the pitch.And late in the game, after Liverpool piled on the pressure and snatched a second leveller, Arsenal went up the other end and thought they’d scored in the 90th minute.Liverpool have put Jurgen Klopp’s sprawling £4million home for sale – after Anfield successor Arne Slot turned it down.Jakub Kiwior leapt highest to head a ball forward towards Havertz, with the German getting the better of his marker to flick the ball on before lobbing goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.However, referee Anthony Taylor judged the ex-Chelsea forward to have fouled Konate, possibly because his arms was raised, leaving fans calling the decision “pathetic”.Meanwhile, SunSport can reveal former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has put his £4million Merseyside mansion up for sale after successor Slot turned down the chance to move in.The Dutch boss and wife Mirjam were shown around the seven-bed home but are deciding on their next move.The club have now put the gated property on the market – ending a 20-year link.A source said: “It was identified by the club as an ideal base for incoming managers.“Arne was offered it when he took over in the summer but has chosen to live elsewhere.“As a result, the club has decided to cut its losses.”Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard bought the home in Formby, Merseyside, in 2005 after it was built by a local developer.The property boasts three living rooms, a games room, swimming pool, two-storey gym, solarium, jacuzzi, sauna and cinema.When Gerrard left for US side LA Galaxy in 2015 he sold the house to incoming Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.The Northern Irish manager was sacked that October but kept the property and rented it to Klopp.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2019 Liverpool bought it as an investment and are said to have allowed Klopp, 57, to stay on rent-free.But Slot appears to have turned down the chance to move in and will look to move his family elsewhere. More

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      Mason Greenwood hauled off at half time of derby clash as Marseille boss fumes ‘I expected a lot more from him’

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      MARSEILLE boss Roberto De Zerbi slammed the performance of Mason Greenwood after hooking him off at half-time.They were beaten 3-0 against Paris Saint-Germain last night as they fell six points behind their rivals at the top of the Ligue 1 table.Mason Greenwood was hooked off against PSGCredit: AFPManager Roberto De Zerbi was not pleased with his performanceCredit: APGreenwood started the game dubbed “Le Classique” on the right-wing but struggled in the opening 45 minutes.He failed to get into the game and was often pinned back in his own half as PSG dominated.The one-time capped England international also did not register a shot and gave possession away four times with his passes.Notoriously harsh French publication L’Equipe gave his performance a 1/10.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGreenwood was hauled off at the break, with fellow Englishman Jonathan Rowe replacing him.Asked about the change after the game, De Zerbi said: “Because I didn’t like the way he played. “If we want to compete for the title we have to push in all matches.“He’s a good guy but I expected a lot more from him this evening.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSince joining Marseille in a £26.6million deal from Manchester United, Greenwood has scored six goals in nine game.But a drought in front of goal has seen the 23-year-old find the back of the net just once in his last six games.Off the pitch, Greenwood continues to settle into life in France and his girlfriend Harriet Robson is expecting their second child.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers More

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      Roman Abramovich’s ex-transfer chief watches Chelsea with fans and makes surprise comment on Stamford Bridge view

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      FORMER Chelsea chief Marina Granovskaia was back at Stamford Bridge – this time amongst the fans. Granovskaia – who spent over ten years at the club – joined supporters to watch the Blues’ 2-1 win over Newcastle. Marina Granovskaia was back at Stamford BridgeCredit: InstagramBut the former Chelsea chief was in amongst the fansCredit: InstagramGranovskaia watched Chelsea beat Newcastle 2-1Credit: InstagramBut the Russian-Canadian businesswoman might not have been tall enough to catch Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer’s goals. She wrote on Instagram: “First time in with the supporters at Stamford Bridge and, no, I was not tall enough to see the goals! “But wonderful to be back to witness such a great performance and important win!” Granovskaia started working for Chelsea under ex-owner Roman Abramovich in 2010 on transfer and business dealings. READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSBy 2014, she was chief executive of the West London club and had a huge part in negotiating transfers. But Granovskaia left alongside Abramovich in 2022 when it was brought by American billionaire Todd Boehly. Her return to Stamford Bridge was a huge hit with fans as her comment section was filled with praise. One said: “The queen is back.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Welcome home!”One hailed: “Queen Marina Proper Chels always.”Another gushed: “One of our own.”Meet Ibrahim Rabbaj, 15-year-old English Chelsea wonderkid compared to Messi More

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      Ligue 1 captain hands referee document during match in unprecedented move to exploit little-known ‘replay’ rule

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      AUXERRE caused chaos in their showdown with Lyon after employing a little-known rule which could have seen the match replayed.The Ligue 1 side requested a “technical reservation” following a controversial penalty decision at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.Auxerre’s clash with Lyon on Sunday was marred by chaosCredit: GettyReferee Jeremy Stinat awarded a penalty to Lyon late in the first halfCredit: GettyThe visitors responded by presenting the ref with a written ‘reservation’ which could have seen the game replayedCredit: DAZNLyon were awarded a penalty in the first half of Sunday’s contest after a contentious VAR review.Georges Mikautadze hit the deck just moments before halftime following a challenge from Gideon Mensah. But a fuming Auxerre claimed referee Jeremy Stinat had already blown for a goal kick before the foul took place. Mikautadze stepped up and slammed in the spot-kick, only for chaos to reign on Auxerre’s bench.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAssistant coach Jean Marie Stephanopoli was sent off during the confusion before captain Jubal Junior presented the referee with a written technical reservation. In French football, this unusual written request can be made immediately after the referee’s decision, before play resumes. It gives the team the right to submit a direct complaint, in writing, to the French FA Referees’ Commission.Auxerre presented the written request to Stinat on the field, with the game delayed for almost 15 minutes.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe reservation allows a team to challenge a decision they believe has unfairly altered the outcome of the match.If successful, it can see the goal in question annulled and the match replayed.’I wouldn’t want to be the VAR’ gasps Mike Dean as Aston Villa goal overturned in controversial circumstancesAccording to Article 559 of the French football rulebook: “A reservation on technical issues is only admissible if it is made to the referee by the complaining captain at the stoppage of play which is the consequence of the contested decision. “If the reservation concerns a fact on which the referee did not intervene, it must be made at the first stoppage of play.”It adds: “The technical foul is only retained if the committee judges that it has an impact on the final result of the match.”To follow its course, this reserve must be sent, within 48 hours, by registered letter to the headquarters of the Professional Football League accompanied by a sum of €76.”The Professional Football League transmits the file to the Federal Commission of Referees of the FFF.”The latter orders the result [to stand] or decides that the match is to be replayed.”VAR: Imagine the future…Martin Lipton’s pro VAR viewFAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you.Newly promoted Auxerre battled back in the second half to salvage an impressive 2-2 draw. Despite DAZN cameras spotting Jubal giving the ref the written technical reservation, the team did not follow up on the complaint after the final whistle.The result will therefore stand and the game will not be replayed.Auxerre coach Christophe Pélissier told DAZN after the match: “The flag is raised [for a goal kick], he whistles. READ MORE SUN STORIES”[The referee] tells me he whistled after.”We won’t keep the reserve. I saw the referee at the end, we talked. We shouldn’t sum up the match with that.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Popular F1 driver facing axe BEFORE the end of the season as team chief says ‘difficult decisions have to be made’

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      FORMULA ONE star Sergio Perez is at risk of losing his spot on the grid after a disastrous home Grand Prix.The 34-year-old was out to end his six-month podium drought in Mexico but came 17th.Sergio Perez is in danger of losing his spot on the gridCredit: RexThe driver came closer to crashing into his possible replacementCredit: GettyPerez’s Red Bull car struggled with braking problems, with reports suggesting that his poor year could see him axed in the final four races of the season.Asked about Checo’s future, team principal Christian Horner said: “Look, it’s a performance based business. There comes a point in time that difficult decisions have to be made.”His comments come after chief Helmut Marko added: “The hoped for upturn that we all expected has unfortunately not materialised.”Perez may have a contract, but F1 is a meritocracy. If the performance is not right, even contracts are useless.”READ MORE F1 NEWSMax Verstappen could soon have a new team-mate, with Liam Lawson rumoured to be in the running.The New Zealander has impressed for RB in recent weeks, who are the team owned by Red Bull.Lawson came to blows with Perez in Mexico after a controversial overtake saw them go wheel-to-wheel.Perez raged about him post-race, saying: “I think the way he has come to F1, I don’t think he has the right attitude for it. He needs to be a bit more humble.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”When you come to F1, you’re obviously very, very hungry and so on, but you have to be as well respectful off track and on track. “I don’t think he’s showing the right attitude to show a good case for himself.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him”I think he’s a great driver and I hope for him that he can step back and learn from it.“In his two first Grands Prix, he has had too many incidents. I think there will be a point where it can cost him too much.” More

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      ‘Something is not right’ – Ex-Premier League referee ‘amazed’ West Ham penalty against Man Utd was given

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      I AM amazed referee David Coote overturned his decision — a penalty should not have been awarded.It was nothing more than a coming together and resulted in a game-changing decision that cost Manchester United.West Ham were awarded a penalty when Matthijs de Ligt collided with Danny IngsCredit: AlamyReferee David Coote was sent to the monitor and ended up giving the spot kickCredit: AlamyFormer Premier League referee Mark Halsey is stunned the penalty was awardedCredit: AFPDanny Ings lost the ball and then Matthijs de Ligt made minimal contact with the West Ham striker’s shin.The Premier League’s Match Centre said Man Utd defender De Ligt made “sufficient contact” on Ings to merit a penalty.But it is a contact sport — this should never be enough for a foul.Coote had a great view and he was initially spot on not to award a penalty.READ MORE ON MAN UTDReferees’ chief Howard Webb does not want VAR intervening with subjective calls that are not clear and obvious.This was a classic case of that — the incident was re-refereed.VAR Michael Oliver recommended a pitch-side review, then Coote crumbled and changed his decision, like so many other referees do in that situation.Something is not right with the training and education at the PGMOL.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDe Ligt appeared to be suggesting the ball struck Ings’ handCredit: GettyPremier League statementThe Premier League released a statement on the decision after the match.It read: “The referee did not award a penalty to West Ham for a challenge by de Ligt on Ings.Roy Keane left red-faced after Sky Sports colleague tells Man Utd legend to ‘bring this look back'”The VAR deemed there was sufficient contact on Ings’ lower leg and recommended an on-field review.”The referee overturned his original decision and awarded a penalty.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Lando Norris back in title contention as Sainz wins F1 Mexican Grand Prix after 20-SECOND Max Verstappen penalty

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN was slapped with a whopping 20-second penalty after a ferocious battle with title rival Lando Norris.The huge punishment from stewards at Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix came on the weekend Norris, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and others urged the FIA to tighten rules on Verstappen’s “unfair” driving style.Carlos Sainz hails his dominant win in MexicoCredit: ReutersLando Norris finished second, four places and ten points clear of Max VerstappenCredit: GettySainz completed another excellent win for FerrariCredit: AFPNorris drove a superb race to finish in second place, sandwiched between the two Ferraris — race-winner Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in third.It means the McLaren driver collected 18 points to Verstappen’s eight.And Norris said: “I didn’t want to expect such a thing because I respect Max a lot as a driver but I was ready to expect something like this.“It was not clean driving in my opinion but I avoided it and it was a good race. A lot of it was trying to stay in the race and avoid crashes.READ MORE F1 NEWS“Congratulations to Carlos, he drove a great race. I tried my best. We were the quickest team, we’ll focus on ourselves.” This GP could prove crucial in the title race, with 47 points now separating the duo with four races remaining.In total there are 120 points up for grabs — 25 for a win and one for the fastest lap, plus 16 for the two remaining sprint races. It is still a huge stretch for Norris.Dutchman Verstappen had clearly taken no notice of the complaints about his driving and  tussled with Norris for ­second place on lap ten. Most read in MotorsportHOW IT FINISHED IN MEXICOTHIS is how it concluded on Sunday.1. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)2. Lando Norris (McLaren)3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)5. George Russell (Mercedes)6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 7. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)8. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)9. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)11. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)12. Franco Colapinto (Williams)13. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)14. Valtteri Bottas (Sauber)15. Zhou Guanyu (Sauber)16. Liam Lawson (RB)17. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)Did Not Finish: Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Alex Albon (Williams), Yuki Tsunoda (RB)CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNorris went for an overtake around the outside of turn four but Verstappen nudged him wide and the McLaren was forced to cut the corner.And when 24-year-old Norris tried to let him through at turn eight, both him and Verstappen went off track, allowing Leclerc to leave them for dust.Kimi Raikkonen’s son Robin shows his skills on the Karting track Seething Norris slammed Verstappen on the team radio and said: “I was ahead the whole way through the corner — this guy is dangerous.“I just have to avoid a crash, I will end up in the wall in a minute.”Stewards  hit world champion Verstappen with the hefty ten-second penalty for “forcing another driver off the track”.When told about the penalty, Verstappen said: “Ten? That’s quite impressive.”Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase replied on the radio: “There was a lot of whinging. A lot.”Verstappen was then hit with ANOTHER ten-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage for the incident with his nearest challenger.In Mexico, F1’s governing body decided to revise its racing guidelines following uproar over Norris’ controversial five- second penalty for an overtake on  Verstappen in Texas a week ago.The FIA gave no details as to what would change, but there was a discussion over the tactics Verstappen used to keep his position and whether he should have been punished.Sainz took the flag for an impressive success in MexicoCredit: ReutersIt seems they were keen to get their message across loud and clear during yesterday’s race.  There was chaos from the start as Yuki Tsunoda made contact with Alex Albon and spun into the wall —  a wheel coming off his RB car.Smoke plumed out of the car but luckily the Japanese driver quickly said “I’m OK” on the team radio. Amid the drama, home hero Sergio Perez had risen from 13th to fifth, but stewards were investigating the Red Bull driver for a false start as he looked well beyond his pit box.Verstappen fired into the lead at turn one ahead of Sainz, who veered off track and across the grass but gave the place back to the Dutchman.On lap nine, Sainz and Verstappen ­tussled for the lead as the Spaniard wriggled inside thanks to DRS.The claws were out from there as old foes Verstappen and Norris reignited their on-track battle — which led to the Red Bull driver’s two penalties.The Dutchman sailed into the pit lane on lap 27 and served his 20-second ­penalty before returning in 15th place.Yuki Tsunoda, as well as Alex Albon, crashed out on the first lapCredit: ReutersRed Bull’s Verstappen and Ferrari’s Sainz storm off as Tsunoda crashesCredit: ReutersThe pack shuffled out by lap 38, with Sainz still in the lead followed by Leclerc, Norris, Russell and ­Hamilton.There was a heart-in-mouth moment as Leclerc nearly careered into the barrier on lap 63 but saved himself just in time. Norris snuck through while the Ferrari went wide to leave him eight ­seconds behind leader Sainz.READ MORE SUN STORIESNorris then chipped away at the gap until the very end but Sainz sailed over the line 4.7 seconds ahead.Hamilton finished fourth after a near wheel-to-wheel battle with teammate Russell, who had to settle for fifth.Racing Bull’s Japanese ace Tsunoda was soon out of the raceCredit: Sky Sports F1 More

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      Arsenal v Liverpool player stats: shots, passes, tackles and key data from crunch Premier League clash

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      ARSENAL twice squandered the lead against Liverpool as they dropped two crucial points in the title race.Bukayo Saka fired the Gunners into an early lead, tearing Andy Robertson apart before blasting past a helpless Caoimhin Kelleher.Arsenal twice led against Liverpool at the EmiratesCredit: EPAMo Salah rescued a point for the Reds with his late levellerCredit: EPAVirgil van Dijk headed the Reds level before Mikel Merino put his new side back in front with an emphatic bullet header of his own.But Mo Salah rescued a point for Arne Slot’s men on the counterattack with nine minutes left. And the stats prove the 2-2 draw was a very fair result.That is because both sides managed nine shots in the match – with Liverpool edging their attempts on target by four to three. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLiverpool had 55 per cent of the ball with 16 tackles to Arsenal’s 17 and 14 fouls apiece.Arsenal, however, will regret only managing one corner in the match.Of course, Gunners players and fans alike were furious they did not get a second right at the end. Gabriel Jesus clearly knocked the ball off Kostas Tsimikas, who desperately tried to kick it again before it went out of play knowing he had made the last touch.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd given Arsenal’s propensity to score from set pieces, they were understandably apoplectic to see the controversial goal-kick decision.By that time, though, star man Saka had been taken off.Jamie Carragher and Theo Walcott have awkward ‘Thierry Henry moment’ live on Sky Sports after Arsenal vs LiverpoolThe England winger was an injury doubt but worked hard to get fit – and his return to the starting XI was a welcome bonus for Mikel Arteta.Saka managed 41 touches in his 85 minutes on the field and completed 15 of his 23 passes. His two shots – one less than Salah – resulted in the opening goal and he drew two fouls from the men in black. But Saka did his defensive work, too, succeeding with his one tackle and winning seven of his nine duels. Interestingly, his heat map showed a similar pattern to team-mate Kai Havertz with much of their action down the right channel. Saka produced a Thierry Henry-style celebrationCredit: APSaka – who celebrated with a cool shrug of his shoulders as he became the youngest Arsenal player to 50 Premier League goals – said: “I try to keep the keepers guessing. “I think it was a nice finish, I haven’t seen it back yet but it felt nice. “He has every record Thierry Henry so it’s nice but of course you wanna win the game but I have to be happy with this. “Everything is Thierry Henry-ish. If you score it’s Thierry Henry, if you assist it’s Thierry Henry. “I’m feeling good. I felt I could finish the game but the gaffer took me off.”Salah powered into the bottom corner for 2-2Credit: GettyThe average positions from both sides also made interesting reading.Saka was the most reserved of the Gunners attackers, with Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli operating further forward.Leandro Trossard and Merino virtually had the same spot in the left high No8 position alongside Declan Rice, who covered every blade of grass in a typically-industrial performance.Arsenal’s makeshift back four was made up of Thomas Partey, Ben White, Gabriel and Jurrien Timber – who kept it narrow as an organised unit.However, by the end of the game after two key injuries, the defence was even more unrecognisable as Partey and White were joined by Jakub Kiwior and youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly. READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Liverpool, though, Salah was the furthest forward – and made the most of the Timber going off to exploit the weakened left side of the Arsenal back line, exposing the space to score the final goal. Ryan Gravenberch was the deepest-lying midfielder, behind Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones, who completed 41 of his 42 passes in midfield. More