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      Hansi Flick has dived into Catalan culture to take Barcelona back to good old days but faces toughest week of his reign

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      HANSI FLICK’S start to life at Barcelona has been better than anyone could have expected.After another summer of financial acrobatics within the walls of the club in Catalonia, a pre-season with most of the star names absent and some key injuries it was hardly a settled start.Hansi Flick has dived into Catalan culture to take Barcelona back to the topCredit: GettyBarcelona boss Flick is facing two major clashes against Bayern Munich and Real MadridBut the German’s eagerness to embrace the culture of the club and its surrounding areas has seen the Spanish giants flourish.They are top of LaLiga, three points clear of Real Madrid, and have won all but one of their ten league games so far.But Flick’s flying start is about to face its litmus test. They host his former club Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday before visiting Real on Saturday evening.Weeks do not come much more taxing than that.Read More on FootballFlick returns to Bayern finally feeling at the top of his game once more following the brutal and bruising experience of becoming the first manager to ever be sacked in the history of the German national team.He took his time in choosing a next step, there were trips to watch Premier League games and a brief flirtation with the West Ham job in the summer. Things have worked out rather better, for both him and Barcelona.After the chaos of last season’s dance around the future of club legend Xavi, in Flick the club now have a manager in whom everyone appears completely invested.From players benefiting from a clear plan and strict fitness regime to a board blown away by his investment in the culture.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFlick has dived head first into Barcelona and Catalonia, touring the area in the early weeks, attending an event on National Day of Catalonia and, first and foremost, embracing La Masia.Ten graduates from the club’s famed academy were involved in Sunday’s 5-1 win over Sevilla, with seven of them starting.Andres Iniesta breaks down in tears as Barcelona legend confirms retirement after one of finest careers everClub president, Joan Laporta, said: “Flick understood perfectly what our value is, our jewel: La Masia.”He travelled to meet Xavi at his home and involved former midfielder Thiago Alcantara in his staff for a short period early on.Flick even earned the seal of approval from Pep Guardiola during a pre-season game against Manchester City, drawn 2-2.Guardiola said: “They have done a lot of things well. The positional play of his team is extraordinary, I wish them all the best.”Lamine Yamal, now at the grand old age of 17 following his Euro 2024 heroics, continues to shine while Ansu Fati, following a dispiriting season on loan with Brighton, is back in the picture.Pedri is thriving and Gavi has now returned from his long injury lay-off.Improving Robert LewandowskiBut it is not just the youngsters Flick is getting the best out of. Robert Lewandowski, with whom Flick won the treble at Bayern in 2020, is playing a more advanced role and reaping the rewards once again.The Pole, 36, is LaLiga’s top scorer with 12 already – double that of Kylian Mbappe, Real’s marquee arrival.Having not had a number of his senior players during the summer, Flick had to work hard to blend what was a positive pre-season with the more senior players as they returned.It was another challenge which meant he did not foresee such a fine start.He said: “I always think positive but at the end it’s a project we started with the players from La Masia, because a lot of players were with the national teams at the Euros, it feels really good.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Because also the young players are doing great.”The players came back, it was the same and I think this is an important thing… That you have a good feeling and, step by step, the players get the confidence to play how we want to play, to do it on the pitch and at the end we have the quality.” More

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      Fans praise Joshua Zirkzee’s thick skin as struggling Man Utd star ‘likes’ Instagram post ripping into him

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Joshua Zirkzee was praised by fans after his classy response to an Instagram clip that was ripping into him.Zirkzee, 23, joined United in the summer after a £36.5million deal with Bologna where he stood out last season with 12 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances.Manchester United ace Joshua Zirkzee ‘liked’ a parody video on InstagramCredit: GettyZirkzee was praised by Man Utd fans for showing a strong characterThe striker had a strong start with the Red Devils as he scored the winner in a 1-0 win over Fulham on his debut in August at Old Trafford.However, the Netherlands international has been unable to build momentum in his next 10 games across all competitions after his impressive bow.That has led to criticism across social media amid United’s worst ever Premier League start.A channel satirised Zirkzee’s positioning on the pitch with a clip on Instagram.Read More on Man UtdOne of the content creators pretended to be the Dutchman and was shown being unable to play at No9 as he instead opted for a deeper role in midfield or down the wing.Zirkzee caught wind of the parody clip and won over a lot of fans by being a good sport and simply “liking” the video.Fans stormed the comments section and praised the centre-forward’s strong character, while some predicted he will soon silence his critics and trolls.One fan tweeted: “He might have a better sense of humour than most of your bunch.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother commented: “Zirkzee is unstoppable.”A third wrote: “Zirkzee is fantabulous.”Watch frosty moment between Liverpool star Van Dijk and Man Utd striker Zirkzee in tunnel before Holland clashThis one said: “His redemption arc is loading.”And that one stated: “He’s scoring on Thursday [in the Europa League at Fenerbahce], watch.”Zirkzee only spent 16 minutes on the pitch during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brentford at Old Trafford.Stats showed that the forward did float around the Bees’ half and at times was caught deeper than the No9 position, but his career so far shows that he was actually playing to his strengths.The ex-Bayern Munich ace previously revealed that he occasionally drops down to midfield and thus considers himself more of a “9.5”.Zirkzee said: “I occasionally drop down to midfield. I don’t do that for myself but to help the team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I am what I call a false striker. Not a No 9, not a No 10. I am a 9.5! That’s my game.“Maybe I’m a little different than others. But being different is good, right?”Zirkzee only played 16 minutes for Man Utd against BrentfordStats show Man Utd ace Zirkzee played deep against Brentford More

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      Aston Villa could be undone by their OWN PLAYER vs Bologna despite him never starting a game as rule explained

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      ASTON VILLA could be undone by their OWN player when they play Bologna tonight.Unai Emery’s side are looking to make it three wins from three in the Champions League after a 3-0 win over Young Boys and 1-0 win over Bayern Munich.Samuel Iling-Junior is on loan at Bologna from Aston VillaCredit: RexIling-Junior is able to play against his parent club tonight so could be a huge own goalCredit: RexThe next test as they bid to strengthen their spot in the top eight qualifying spots sees them host Italian side Bologna.However, Villa may end up shooting themselves in the foot.That is because they have Samuel Iling-Junior on loan at the Serie A outfit.Iling-Junior joined the midlands club as part of the deal that took Douglas Luiz to Juventus.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Villa opted to loan the 21-year-old out in order to continue his development before he ever played a game for them.While this would not be a problem if it was an English domestic competition, there are no rules restricting loan players from facing off against their parent club in Uefa competitions.Previous examples where this has been seen included Philippe Coutinho facing off against Barcelona while playing for Bayern Munich, scoring two goals and adding an assist in an 8-2 win.Another saw then-Chelsea loanee Thibaut Courtois playing for Atletico Madrid and subsequently knocking out the Blues.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKingsley Coman is another prime example when he made one and scored one goal for Bayern Munich to knock Juventus out at the last-16 stage in 2016.Fortunately, Villa’s fate will not be decided by tonight’s result, though it could serve to be a dent to their aspirations to make the knockout rounds.Emi Martinez reveals Unai Emery’s genius pre-match preparation that inspired Aston Villa to win over Bayern MunichIling-Junior has played five times off the bench for Bologna this season, scoring once.Bologna lost 2-0 to Liverpool in their last Champions League game, while their opener ended in a 0-0 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk.Speaking about his return to England to play Villa Iling-Junior told Sky Sports: “You always want to feel wanted and have conversations with the people around you.”Especially being part of a swap deal, you want to know you’re not just a part of it and are someone that is wanted by the club. “Aston Villa made me feel that way.”On his loan transfer, he added: “It was more about seeing the progression of my career and my development.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I could have had another year where I was coming off the bench and not getting as many minutes as I would like.”So I spoke to the coach and we decided it was best for me to go on loan.” More

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      Man Utd face tricky task even Sir Alex Ferguson couldn’t pull off with only one Red Devils manager doing it in 20 years

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      MANCHESTER UNITED face a tricky task when they take on Fenerbahce in the Europa League.The Red Devils will face a familiar foe as former manager Jose Mourinho is now in charge of the Turkish side.Sir Alex Ferguson never managed an away win over Jose MourinhoCredit: APThe Portuguese boss has only lost one home game against Man UnitedCredit: PAOle Gunnar Solskjaer got the better of Mourinho in 2021Credit: AFPThe two sides will face off on Thursday evening at the Şükrü Saracoğlu in Turkey.Man United have faced away games against a Mourinho side 11 times in the last two decades.The Portuguese manager can boast an almost impeccable record against the Red Devils.Only once has a Man United side ended on the winning side in an away fixture against Mourinho.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat was in 2021, when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer masterminded a 3-1 win over Spurs.The Norweigian is the only Man United boss to manage the feat ahead of the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Erik ten Hag.Ferguson had seven attempts to beat Mourinho away from Old Trafford but failed each time.He was beaten by Mourinho’s Porto side in 2004 in the Champions League and by the boss’ Chelsea team in that year and in 2006.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Scot was held to draws on four other occasions before it was Moyes’ turn.The former West Ham manager only had one shot at beating Mourinho but lost 3-1 to his Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge in 2014.What Sir Alex Ferguson ruthlessly told Man Utd stars after Aguero’s iconic goal won Man City the Premier League The Special One also beat Van Gaal in his one opportunity as the Red Devils lost 1-0 in 2015.Solskjaer faced Mourinho twice while he was at Tottenham and drew the first away meeting 1-1 in 2020 before getting the win the following year.Fenerbahce appointed Mourinho as manager in June, and he has only lost one of his six home matches.That defeat came in a 3-1 loss to arch-rivals Galatasaray in September.Mourinho spent just over two seasons as Manchester United’s manager during the spell when the club failed to beat him away from home.During his time at Old Trafford, he oversaw the club reach a record 40 home games in a row unbeaten.The Red Devils only lost a total of nine games out of 63 under Mourinho at home. More

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      Georgia Stanway opens up on meeting Thomas Tuchel and how tattoo artwork helps her on and off the pitch

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      GEORGIA STANWAY claims Thomas Tuchel is “really invested” in the women’s game having crossed paths with him at Bayern Munich. The Lioness star has fond memories of past interactions with the German coach who starts work as the Three Lions’ new boss in January.  Georgia Stanway says Thomas Tuchel showed a strong interest Bayern Munich’s women’s team during his time as head coach of their men’s sideCredit: GettyStanway believes top foreign coaches like Sarina Wiegman and Tuchel having an influence on English football is great for the gameCredit: ReutersTuchel is set to commence his role as the Three Lions new boss in January and is the first coach from Germany to be appointedCredit: ReutersStanway, 25, who is in line to start for England against Germany in a friendly at Wembley on Friday, was sharing her thoughts on Tuchel’s appointment as head coach of the two-time Euros finalists. Last Wednesday the ex-Bayern coach, 51, was confirmed as Gareth Southgate’s successor and is set to take over from interim boss Lee Carsley. His appointment comes five months after he confirmed his departure who he guided to the 2022-23 Bundesliga title.During his time there Stanway, who signed for Bayern’s women’s team in May 2022, recalls Tuchel showing a keen interest in women’s football. Read More Football Stories She said: “I had a few experiences with Tuchel at Bayern and he was really invested and really interested in the women’s game. “He and (his assistant Anthony) Barry wanted to get to know the players. “I’ve spoken with them a few times and they were really invested and really nice people. “They came to a few games and I saw them at a few events. They always had time for us.”Most read in FootballThe hiring of Tuchel as Southgate’s permanent successor sparked huge debate amongst pundits and commentators about coaches from overseas managing England. However Stanway, who moved to Germany following the Lionesses triumph at the 2022 Women’s Euros, has seen her career flourish under managers from different countries. Since winning the Euros with Sarina Wiegman’s England side two years ago, the midfielder has gone on to win two Women’s Bundesliga titles and was a Ballon d’Or nominee last year. When asked about foreign managers influencing English football, she added: “I think it’s great. England Lionesses star Chloe Kelly leaves little to imagination in daring outfit and branded ‘unreal’ at Glamour awards”I’ve got a Norwegian manager at Bayern ( Alexander Straus). “It’s about whoever is best for the job and whoever the people feel is suitable for the players.” On the criticism of the decision to have a foreign coach appointed as Three Lions boss, Stanway added: “Everyone is entitled to their opinions, I guess we have just got to see what happens?”England’s clash with Germany at Wembley comes two years and three months after the two foes went toe-to-toe at the stadium in the last Women’s Euros final.Both sides have qualified for next year’s tournament, which takes place in Switzerland with the Lionesses eyeing an historic back-to-back triumph. Should they seal another contest win Stanway, who is an avid tattoo artist in her spare time, hopes to have her team-mates queuing to have tattoo work done to mark the occasion. Away from the pitch the midfielder has been learning the art of tattooing under the guidance of a friend who owns a tattoo studio in Germany.The 71-capped Lioness said: “I got (a tattoo of) the time the final whistle went at the last Euros final. “But if we win another Euros, I hope I get a queue outside my bedroom door from the girls waiting (to get tattoos done). “When I moved to Germany, I wanted to start something new. “It was a new way for me to fully immerse myself into a new environment and to make friends outside of football. “The tattoo studio has really done that for me. “While I’m tattooing, the feeling is next level. I find it therapeutic, I find it stressful. “It’s fine details and those fine details are always important and they’re also important in football. “While I’m tattooing, nothing else matters. “It’s exactly the same when I’m on the pitch. Nothing else matters apart from focusing on what I’ve got to do.”Stanway and her England team-mates are due to play Germany on Friday in a friendly warm-up game ahead of next year’s EurosCredit: GettyEngland’s game against Germany ahead of their build-up to next year’s Euros in Switzerland, will see Stanway go up against some of her Germany international pals from Bayern. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd she believes the Euros finalists, whose players include Bayern aces Guilia Gwin Klara Buhl and Lea Schuller, will pose a threat. Stanway said: “Everybody poses an unbelievable threat, so I know I’ll be sat in the analysis room and Sarina will be questioning me about each player.” More

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      William Saliba: Arsenal make appeal decision after red card ruled star centre-back out of Liverpool clash

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      WILLIAM SALIBA will miss Arsenal’s game against Liverpool after the club decided NOT to appeal his red card.Saliba, 23, was sent off for a last-man foul on Bournemouth striker Evanilson as he tried to cover a wayward Leandro Trossard back pass.William Saliba was sent off against Bournemouth for a last-man foulCredit: RexThe centre-back was placed just beyond the halfway line when he brought down the Cherries ace in the middle of the pitch after 30 minutes.On-field referee Rob Jones initially issued a yellow card for the offence.However, VAR Jared Gillett summoned Jones over to the monitor to review the decision.The yellow card was then replaced with a straight red to send Saliba for an early shower, with it deemed there was no covering defender and therefore he had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.READ MORE IN ARSENALArsenal went on to lose the game 2-0, with the controversial decision argued over by ex-ref Mark Halsey.Manager Mikel Arteta had said the club were considering their options with regards to a potential appeal.But Arsenal have now decided that the issue is not worth pressing, and have conceded the fight over the Frenchman’s suspension.Saliba will miss one domestic match – next Sunday’s crunch clash against table-toppers Liverpool.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHad it been violent conduct, he would have received a three-game ban.It was the third time this season the Gunners have seen a player sent off, with Declan Rice sent off against Brighton and Trossard sent off against Manchester City.Mikel Arteta knew Arsenal were up against it after red card against Bournemouth The three red cards in eight games means Arsenal have now had 18 red cards since Arteta took over in December 2019 – SIX more than any other team.One more this season will be their 108th red card of the Premier League era – a joint-record alongside Everton.Arsenal player ratings vs BournemouthBy Alex CrookTEN-MAN Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season as brilliant Bournemouth dealt them a South Coast setback.The Gunners travelled to face Andoni Iraola’s men having won five and drawn three of their opening eight matches this term.But their task was made a tricky one when William Saliba was shown a red card on the half-hour.Ryan Christie brilliantly fired the hosts into a deserved lead following a well-worked set piece routine 20 minutes from time.Justin Kluivert then sealed his side’s incredible 2-0 victory from the penalty spot on 79 minutes.Here’s how SunSport rated each Gunners performer on the day.DAVID RAYA – 5Was lucky to get away with one poor pass out from the back early on. Made amends for another error by saving smartly with the legs to deny Marcus Tavernier after initially spilling a Semenyo cross-cum-shot before clumsily conceding the penalty.BEN WHITE – 4England outcast was back in the team after four games out, but did not look 100 per cent fit and found it tough going containing the lively Antoine Semenyo down the Bournemouth left in the first half and Dango Ouattara in the second.WILLIAM SALIBA – 3Usually calm and collected under pressure but paid the price for a rare moment of panic when he hauled down Bournemouth striker Evanilson to get himself sent off and will miss next weekend’s crunch clash at home to title rivals Liverpool as a result.GABRIEL – 5Given the captain’s armband in the absence of the stricken Bukayo Saka, but not at his commanding best, especially after losing centre-back partner Saliba. Did not really step up to the leadership plate.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Did a better job containing Semenyo when Bournemouth’s dangerman switched wings at half-time than White did in the first half, but unable to have his usual influence going forward.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Back in his traditional central midfield berth after being used as an emergency right back in the 3-1 win over Southampton. Was second best up against Bournemouth’s impressive Lewis Cook.DECLAN RICE – 5Another of Arsenal’s international contingent who looked sluggish after the break from domestic duty. Struggled to impose himself on the game in midfield and unable to get forward as much as he usually does. Did his bit dropping into the back-line after Saliba’s dismissal.RAHEEM STERLING – 4Former England man was deployed on the right wing in place of the injured Bukayo Saka and gave the ball away a few times when in promising positions before being sacrificed after the Saliba red card.MIKEL MERINO – 5Finally able to make his full Premier League debut after an injury-affected start to his Arsenal career and showed some nice touches. Also fired into the side-netting with the visitors’ best first half opening.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Started the game well but sold Saliba short with a poor back pass that led to the red card and disappeared from the action after that before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.KAI HAVERTZ – 5The German cut an isolated figure up front, especially after Arsenal were reduced to ten men, but worked tirelessly for the team without ever looking like adding to his run of scoring in the previous four games in all competitions.SUBSTITUTESJakub Kiwior (for Sterling, 37) – 4Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard, 64) – 5Gabriel Jesus (for Kiwior, 81) – N/AEthan Nwaneri (for Merino, 81) – N/AOnly three sides – Manchester United in 1992/93 and Chelsea in 2004/05 and 2016/17 – have managed to avoid having a player sent off in a season.The stats behind the red cards also do not bode well for Arsenal’s title chances, with 17 of the 32 league winners managing to avoid picking up three reds or more.But since 2012/13, only TWO teams have picked up three or more red cards and went on to be victorious: Chelsea’s four dismissals in 2014/15 and Leicester who saw three in 2015/16.Saliba will likely be back in the North Londoners team for their match against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. 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      Fans can’t believe Theo Walcott’s ‘shocking’ blind ranking of top 10 Champions League stars and ask ‘is this a prank?’

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      THEO WALCOTT has been mocked by fans after his blind ranking of Champions League stars.The pundit was asked to judge stars one by one on where they fit in a top ten order.Theo Walcott was mocked by fans over his selectionCredit: Instagram @bbcsportAnd fans were left shocked by some of Walcott’s picks, with even the former winger himself not entirely happy with his selection.Thierry Henry was the first name out of the hat and as a long-time admirer, Walcott placed his former team-mate at the top of the rankings.Next came five-time Champions League winner Paolo Maldini, and Walcott sparked outrage from fans by putting the legendary centre-back in NINTH spot.Walcott drew criticism for placing Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos in tenth despite his six Champions League wins, with Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney ranked above him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnfortunately for Walcott he only had one spot left by the time Lionel Messi was picked out, meaning the Argentine had to be picked in third spot behind Henry and Zinedine Zidane.Fans were quick to tear into former Arsenal star Walcott, with many particularly dismayed by Henry’s placing.One fan reacted saying: “This is shocking. I didn’t think it could get worse after he put Henry 1st, then he puts Mr Champions League Maldini 9th 🤦‍♂️ I stopped watching.”Another added: “Henry 1st 😂😂 And off you go immediately. Banter FC gonna banter.”Most read in Champions LeagueHe was criticised for his ranking of multiple Champions League winnersCredit: Instagram @bbcsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “Is this a prank! Please post the real video.”And another commented: “I stopped watching after he placed Henry at number 1 due to the fact that he is one of his favorite players.”Arsenal train ahead of their Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk A final person said simply: “Everything was wrong.”Walcott’s punditry career has taken off this season with him joining the punditry team on Match of the Day following Ian Wright’s departure. More

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      Boxer facing lifetime ban for knocking out opponent with illegal HEAD KICK as fans demand ‘he should be arrested’

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      AN MMA fighter is facing a lifetime ban from boxing for an illegal head kick that knocked out his opponent.Undefeated Russian fighter Idris Abdurashidov made his boxing debut against Bagher Faraji in Phuket, Thailand on Saturday.Idris Abdurashidov pulled off an illegal kick in his boxing debutCredit: Instagram @idris_abdurashidovHis kick knocked out Bagher Faraji and he was disqualified from the fightCredit: Instagram @idris_abdurashidovAbdurashidov, 21, struggled in the early stages of the fight against the Iranian.Faraji was heading for a points win as the fight entered into the fourth and final round at the Ali Boxing Club.However, with just seconds left, the Russian hit him with a devasting kick to the head, which was an illegal move.As a result, Abdurashidov was disqualified from the fight but still boasted about it on social media.READ MORE ON SPORTHe wrote: “So I debuted in professional boxing.”And disqualification for life, that kick with the leg I threw away with a machine gun!”The post was filled with comments from fans demanding that he be “arrested” for the heinous act.One posted: “He should be arrested for assault and battery, and banned from doing any combat sports ever again. That is so low.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “He has to be banned from all the sports.”A third commented: “Tell us you suck at boxing without actually telling us that you suck at boxing.”‘Referee’s got a chin on him’ say shocked fans after official accidentally whacked in face during heavyweight clashThe two fighters have ‘made up’Credit: Instagram @idris_abdurashidovA fourth said: “Assault and banned for life is my vote.”Another added: “Should put him in jail for that.”He is facing a lifetime ban from boxing to bring his time in the sport to an abrupt end.Abdurashidov has posted again on Instagram to confirm that he has made amends with Faraji.He shared a picture of the two shaking hands and posing for a picture together.He wrote: “We shock hands between us.”Everything is fine, we made up.”Abdurashidov is a professional in MMA and currently has a record of 4-0.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe fights in the Asian promotion ONE Championship.It is not yet known if his illegal kick will have an impact on his future MMA career. More