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    Bukayo Saka injury: Mikel Arteta gives update as Arsenal sweat on star’s fitness ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk clash

    ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has issued an injury update on star man Bukayo Saka.Saka was forced to withdraw from the England squad earlier this month after suffering a knock against Greece.Mikel Arteta has issued an update on Bukayo SakaCredit: AFPThe winger could return ahead of Arsenal’s match against Shakhtar Donetsk on TuesdayCredit: ReutersThe 23-year-old subsequently missed Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, with Arteta later revealing he did not want to push him.But he could return to the fold ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.Speaking in his pre-match press conference this afternoon, Arteta revealed: “With Bukayo, let’s see how he feels today and (after) the training session we have later on.”The Gunners currently sit 13th in the 36-team Champions League group stage table.READ MORE ON ARSENALAfter their meeting with Shakhtar at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal host Liverpool in the Premier League.Club captain Martin Odegaard is nearing a return from his injury, having already missed eight games.The midfielder suffered ligament damage to his ankle while on international duty with Norway last month.Odegaard has made just three Premier League appearances for Arsenal so far this season as a result.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTakehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber are also at risk of missing Tuesday’s European clash.Tomiyasu suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury earlier this month.Bournemouth vs Arsenal: Player RatingsHis first appearance of the campaign was a six-minute cameo against Southampton.But he is now set for another spell on the sidelines.As for Timber, he is allegedly struggling with his own fitness issues.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/A More

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    F1 star George Russell reveals awkward Prince George moment at rugby match

    GEORGE RUSSELL has recalled a hilarious but awkward case of mistaken identity between himself and Prince George.Formula One driver Russell is used to being swarmed by fans around the world as he races in the quickest machines on the planet.George Russell has recalled a funny story when he mistook himself for Prince GeorgeCredit: GettyIt came when Russell and Prince George were both watching an England rugby gameCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)However, he has lifted the lid on how the spotlight was taken from him when royalty was in town.Speaking in an interview earlier this year, the 26-year-old said: “There’s actually a funny story.”I was at a rugby match watching England play and suddenly everyone in front of me turned around and were looking up.”And they were screaming, ‘George, George, Prince George, Prince George’.READ MORE IN F1″And I thought this is a bit strange. Like all these people screaming at me.”And then I turned around and the real Prince George was standing behind me.”So (laughing) that kind of made sense.”It is not clear exactly what game this took place at, though Russell is known to be a big rugby fan after playing it at school.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Brit was seen attending the opening game of the Rugby World Cup last year as France beat New Zealand 27-13 with his partner, Carmen Montero Mundt.Russell recovered from a pitlane start to finish a strong P6 in Sunday’s US Grand Prix feature race – won by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.Toto Wolff has his say on Lando Norris’ penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage over Max Verstappen However, Russell was hit with a five-second penalty en route to that result, which had left Mercedes boss Toto Wolff fuming at the “total joke” decision by stewards.Russell had been judged to run Valtteri Bottas off the track at Turn 12, but a later incident that saw Max Verstappen appear to run Lando Norris off the track saw him go unpunished.When Russell asked whether Verstappen received a penalty for it, Wolff replied over the team radio: “No, he didn’t get a penalty and at the end Lando got a penalty for being forced off and overtaking on the outside.”I guess it’s a bit biased decision-making but not surprising.”F1 returns next weekend in Mexico in the second race in a triple-header.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth.  More

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    Juventus forced to clarify after official account announces Arda Guler transfer from Real Madrid

    JUVENTUS have been forced to clarify a tweet put out by the club’s official account announcing the signing of Arda Guler.Supporters of the Italian giants were thrilled when the club appeared to make the shock transfer of the Turkish superstar.Juventus have clarified a statement put out about Arda GulerCredit: INSTAGRAM @ardagulerThe Italian club appeared to announce the Turk as a new signingCredit: xGuler, 19, is viewed as one of the most promising youngsters in European football thanks to his performances at Fenerbahce.He earned a big-money move to Real Madrid and has slowly worked his way into the squad after overcoming some injury issues.The apparent transfer would have been a huge coup for Juventus if they had pulled it off.A tweet put out by the club’s official account claimed that the player had joined.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement read: “Welcome to Juventus, Arda Guler.”The rising star of football is now part of the Juventus family.”Ready to make history on this new journey?”This was accompanied by a picture of the attacking midfielder walking on the tarmac at an airport.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSUnfortunately for fans of the Serie A outfit, the news is totally untrue.The club has revealed that the X account was hacked and confirmed that no deal for Guler has been done.Football royalty including Kaka, Seedorf and Rivaldo unite for legends match Guler has been struggled for game time at Real MadridCredit: GettyA club statement wrote: “Our Juventus English account has been compromised.”Please ignore the false information being published on this account.”We are working on the issue.”So far this season, Guler has made three appearances from the bench under manager Carlo Ancelotti.He remained on the bench during Real Madrid’s win over Celta Vigo on Saturday.He is a full international with TurkeyCredit: Getty More

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    Virgil van Dijk contract: Liverpool ace confirms talks over new deal ARE ongoing as he credits Slot’s tactical influence

    VIRGIL VAN DIJK is in talks over a new Liverpool deal and is “having fun” under new boss Arne Slot.The Reds captain, 33, is one of a trio of stars out of contract at the end of the season, alongside Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.Virgil van Dijk is in talks over a new contract at LiverpoolCredit: ReutersHe is enjoying life under Arne SlotCredit: ReutersAll three could discuss terms with clubs overseas from January if new contracts are not signed.But Van Dijk, who joined for £75million in January 2018, says he is speaking to the “right people” about a new deal.He said: “I can say obviously discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know, we will see what happens in the future.”My full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see.”I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun.”What the future brings, I have no idea at the moment, but discussions are ongoing with the right people, and when it’s time to make a decision or whatever, you guys will know it as well.”But now full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and to be successful this season. So we will see.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLiverpool’s win over Chelsea on Sunday kept them at the top of the table, a point ahead of holders Manchester City.Van Dijk, who won the Premier League in 2020, says he is blocking out talk of a title push in Slot’s first season.David James saves penalty from young fan at half-time of Liverpool’s win over Chelsea Liverpool ratings vs ChelseaBy Ken LawrenceLIVERPOOL picked up a big 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield to remain top of the Premier League.The Reds registered their first victory against a team currently occupying the top half of the Prem table.That was a major statement for the Merseysiders’ manager Arne Slot, whose team now stands a point ahead of Manchester City and four away from third-placed Arsenal at the top.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring a minute before the half-hourmark from the penalty spot.But Chelsea hit back just three minutes into the second half with Nicolas Jackson.However, Liverpool picked up the three points thanks to Curtis Jones’ winner just three minutes later.But how did each Liverpool star far? Check out Ken Lawrence’s player ratings below for more:CAOIMHIN KELLEHER – 5For the Kop – and no doubt secretly for boss Arne Slot – still surely lacking a top keeper’s presence.TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 5Didn’t look entirely comfortable throughout especially in the face of Malo Gusto’s first-half raids.IBRAHIMA KONATE – 5Caught napping by Nicolas Jackson’s run three minutes into the second half for Chelsea’s equaliser.VIRGIL VAN DIJK – 7He has his assassins back home in the Netherlands but again showed imperious defensive abilities.ANDY ROBERTSON – 6The Scotland captain is often praised more for his attacking qualities than his defensive ones, but goodness me – what a brilliant last-second block.RYAN GRAVENBERCH – 7Only played 12 games in Jurgen Klopp’s final season but showed again why he’s now an automatic choice for Slot.CURTIS JONES – 9Outstanding all over the pitch, won one pen when it should have been two, plus grabbed a poacher’s winner.DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI– 5Again suggested he flatters to deceive, too often playing at a slower tempo than those around him.MOHAMED SALAH – 7What’s left to say about Anfield’s Egyptian king and his ultimate cool shot from the spot?DIOGO JOTA – 4Forced off after playing in pain after Tosin Adarabioyo hauled him to the deck early on.CODY GAKPO – 5Flitted in and out of the action, the Dutch wide man didn’t look that shocked to be replaced.SUBSDARWIN NUNEZ (for Jota 30) – 5Still a work in progress, says Slot – but working much harder off the ball.LUIS DIAZ (for Gakpo 65) – 5Ever-willing to shows that feisty left-sided pace of his.ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER ( for Curtis Jones 81) 5Ill in midweek but as the Argentine always does, got stuck in.JOE GOMEZ (for Trent Alexander-Arnold 81) – 5A few welcome minutes for the defender now down the pecking order.He said: “Everyone can have their opinion but I know, a lot of people know opinions can change every three days now in terms of people saying someone can win the league and someone can’t.”There is no point listening to any of that. I don’t do that.”I focus on one game at a time, I want to be successful, I want to win trophies in every competition we’re in, I want to try and win it.”We know how difficult it is but I am going to give it a very good go.”Van Dijk has also given credit to Slot for the club’s new tactical approach to matches.He added: “I think it is the work we put in and it starts up front. That is the most important thing.”You saw Darwin (Nunez) coming on against Chelsea, winning balls on the edge of our box and that is a good sign.”It’s obviously a good basis to have because if you are defensively solid and you’re not conceding many goals or any goals at all, I think that is always a good way to success.”I think at the start of the season, we saw numbers about what happens if your opponent is in the final third, how many bodies do we have behind the ball and I would say that has definitely changed.”I wouldn’t say it’s [just] the last line and the goalkeepers making a difference, especially it’s the guys in front of us again, so it’s a team effort.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know how it works, me and Ibou (Ibrahima Konate) as the centre-backs or the goalkeepers will get the credit for the clean sheets but it’s all about everyone in the team and credit to everyone who is doing that.”And I am happy with the clean sheets, so hopefully we can get a lot more this season and be successful.” More

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    Jose Mourinho’s struggling Fenerbahce consumed by ‘unhappiness and hopelessness’ ahead of Man Utd clash in Europa League

    FENERBAHCE have been consumed by “unhappiness and hopelessness” under new boss Jose Mourinho’s steerage.The Turkish giants are winlesss in October as Mourinho gears up to face his former side Man Utd for their Europa League clash in Istanbul on Thursday.Fenerbahce have been consumed by “unhappiness” under Jose Mourinho, according to a club legendThe Turkish club are winless in October a Man Utd head to Istanbul on ThursdayFenerbahce were expected to mount a title challenge when they recruited serial winner Mourinho, who was axed by Roma in the summer – but things aren’t exactly going to plan.The Super Lig side find themselves fourth and eight points behind leaders Galatasaray after twice throwing away the lead in their 2-2 draw with Samsunspor on Sunday.And now club legend Volkan Demirel has provided a damning verdict on Fenerbahce’s dip in form.Demirel told Turkish outlet Fanatik: “Right now, this Fenerbahce team is mixed with unhappiness and hopelessness. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Why the unhappiness? Because of the environment they are in. Why the hopelessness?”We were all expecting something. We were expecting it from Mourinho, we were expecting it from the transfers that were made. “We were saying let’s see after the international break, but nothing has changed at the moment, but it will obviously continue like this. “We waited to see if we could see a change, a variability, but it didn’t happen.Most read in FootballMan Utd head to Turkey on the back of a 2-1 win over Brentford at Old TraffordFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We have not seen any changes in the game designs of the matches played at home and away.  Or if you are leading 2-1, will Fenerbahce play a seven-man defence? A big question mark.”Fenerbahce brought in former Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin on loan from Al-Ahli as well as ex-Man Utd loanee Sofyan Amrabat as they spent £40.8million this summer.Jose Mourinho booked after putting his laptop in front of TV camera to highlight referee’s wrong decisionThe former Chelsea boss made headlines last week after ripping up ex-Rangers forward Ryan Kent’s contract in the 16th month of his four-year-deal.But there’s absolutely no suggestions Mourinho’s job could be in danger, with Fenerbahce winning five of their opening eight league games.Thursday’s game is a big one for Erik ten Hag as well, with many believing a defeat to Mourinho would be too much for fans to bear.The Man Utd boss is winless in the Europa League this season, having drawn 1-1 with Dutch side Twente at Old Trafford and crawling back to 3-3 away at Porto.In fact, in his last 10 European games Ten Hag has won just once, which came against Copenhagen in the group stage of last season’s Champions League. More

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    Man Utd have not lost this season when Hojlund has started as stats show how striker could save Ten Hag’s job

    MANCHESTER UNITED are unbeaten in every game that Rasmus Hojlund has started this season.And the stats suggest if United keep superb Hojlund fit, Erik ten Hag might have more chance of seeing out the season at the helm.Manchester United are undefeated when Rasmus Hojlund has started this seasonHojlund has been better at leading the line this term, stats have revealedUnited have avoided defeat in all of the three games that Hojlund has started since he returned from a hamstring injury picked up in pre-season.The Dane scored the winner with an ice-cool dink in United’s 2-1 comeback victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday, with Alejandro Garnacho drawing his side level after half-time.He has already scored TWO in the three consecutive games he’s started in all competitions – and is yet to play a full 90 this season.It took the 21-year-old just 20 minutes to poke home in his first start of the season, United’s 3-3 draw at Porto in the Europa League.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWith Hojlund in the team, United’s average shots have boosted up to 20.6 per game. This is a stark difference to the 15.5 shots per game the team mustered up in the opening eight games in all competitions before Hojlund started.Hojlund has 0.73 goals per 90 in all competitions this season – the highest of all United’s forwards.He has already matched Marcus Rashford, Zirkzee and Amad Diallo’s Prem goal tally this term, despite playing 50 per cent less.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Red Devils must keep Hojlund out of the medical room if they have any chance of winning the pressing game too.The Prem giants are a far better pressing unit when Hojlund leads the line, with his hold up and link-up play stronger than other centre forward Zirkzee’s.Man Utd’s Brentford Comeback: Player Ratings United have conceded an average of 11 shots over the last three games he’s started, compared to 12.5 shots faced in the games without the Dane.Ten Hag’s men have seven goals from 112 shots this season, meaning their xG is just 13.02.Hojlund’s conversion rate of 24 per cent was better than Manchester City star Erling Haaland (23 per cent) in the Prem last season.And Alan Shearer was impressed by Hojlund’s Brentford showing, believing his off the ball work has had an effective impact on the team.Shearer said on Match of the Day: “The positives today were without a doubt the front three in Garnacho, Rashford and Hojlund.”I thought they more than played their part and were a constant threat for large parts of the game. “They linked up well, getting their shots away at goal. I thought Hojlund was really impressive.”A lot of times having to do the dirty work and holding defenders off. It allowed the other two to play a more forward role.On Hojlund’s potential, Ten Hag said: “He will always score. What is important is he is keeping fit. “He picked up so many injuries in the first season and when he stays fit, he will score goals because that is proved in his stats.”Another number signifies Hojlund’s significance. His shirt number has been switched this season, from 11 to 9. The Denmark international faced big criticism for a scratchy first few months at Old Trafford last season following his £72m move in the summer of 2023.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he found his shooting boots after his first Prem goal against Aston Villa on Boxing Day, and finished the campaign with 16 in all competitions. This ensured the striker finished his debut season as United’s top scorer.Hojlund bagged his first Prem goal of the season against Brentford More

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    Get £50 in free bets for Barcelona vs Bayern Munich in crunch Champions League tie with Betfred

    THIS new Champions League format has delivered once again with a mouth-watering tie between Barcelona and Bayern Munich coming on Wednesday.New customers who register a brand new Betfred account and stake £10 on the European glamour tie clash will be rewarded with £50 in free football bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBarcelona vs Bayern Munich: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Barcelona vs Bayern Munich: Get your £50 in free betsNew to Betfred? You’re in luck! YOU are eligible to claim this spectacular football offer!Simply register a brand new account with Betfred HERE* using the Promo Code: BETFRED50 and deposit a minimum of £10 using a debit card.Once that’s done and dusted, stake a tenner on any qualifying sports market at odds of Evens or greater – including this week’s football!After that, you’ll receive the following free bets and bonuses;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)Barcelona vs Bayern: Get your £50 in free bets HERE*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.begambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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    Arsenal vs Shakhtar: Get £30 in free bets to spend on Champions League football with talkSPORT BET

    ARSENAL welcome Shakhtar to the Emirates on Tuesday as the Champions League reaches matchday three.And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a massive £30 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the continental encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..talkSPORT BET offerVisit the talkSPORT BET website HERE*Create your account via mobileOpt-In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any football market at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOn settlement of your qualifying bet, you will receive £30 in free bets to spend on selected marketstalkSPORT BET: Get £30 in free bets – Claim here*No talkSPORT BET account? No Problem!Simply register an account, deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater. Once that’s settled – your account will be credited with £30 in free bets!You could decide to use your free bets on Tuesday’s Champions League clash between Arsenal and Shakhtar, and below is our top pick with talkSPORT BET.BookingsShakhtar have averaged two bookings per game across their last three outings (including a 5-1 win), though you’d suspect they’d be without the ball for a lot of this one.Benoît Bastien is the referee and has taken charge of four Ligue 1 games so far this season, dishing out 23 yellows in the process at an average of 5.75 per game.Shakhtar over 2.5 cards at 13/10 with talkSPORT BET – CLAIM HERE*18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More