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      Former Liverpool and Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez lined up for shock management return with league and cup champions

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      RAFA BENITEZ is being lined up for a return to management in a country he has never coached in before.The former Liverpool and Newcastle boss has been out of work since leaving Celta Vigo in March 2024. Rafa Benitez is being lined up for a return to management with Brazilian side BotafogoCredit: APAccording to the Daily Mail, Benitez is down to the final two candidates to manage Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo.He is said to be in advanced talks with the Brazilian club – which is owned by Crystal Palace majority shareholder John Textor.The job is still vacant after Artur Jorge left the club in December – since joining Qatari side Al Rayyan. Benitez is believed to have impressed leading members of Botafogo’s hierarchy – leaving him in pole position to take the role.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPortuguese coach Vasco Matos and Argentine Tato Martino are also other contenders linked with the job. Benitez made his name winning two LaLiga titles with Valencia in Spain. He then joined Liverpool in 2004 – guiding them to a famous Champions League trophy that season. Benitez left Liverpool with an FA Cup also to his name and later joined Inter Milan. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe returned to England with Chelsea on an interim basis in 2012 – departing with a Europa League trophy.Benitez had further stints with Napoli, Real Madrid, Newcastle, Dalian Pro in China, Everton and most recently Celta Vigo. He was sacked by Celta Vigo after just five wins and 24 points from 28 matches in eight months. Kris Boyd says common sense has prevailed after Mohamed Diomande won his red card appeal More

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      Michael Oliver should not be exposed to Arsenal fans after death threats over Lewis-Skelly red card, says ex-Prem ref

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      MICHAEL OLIVER should not be given any Arsenal games by his refereeing bosses.SunSport whistler, ex-Prem ref Mark Halsey, says it is common sense to keep Oliver away from Gunners games for a while after he and his family were given police protection off the back of death threats.Michael Oliver received severe backlash for giving Myles Lewis-Skelly a controversial red card at the weekendCredit: GettyThe incident left Arsenal players and fans furiousCredit: GettyCops have been making round-the-clock checks on Oliver’s family home after he was the subject of sick abuse due to the controversial red card for Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal’s win at Wolves, which has now been overturned.PGMOL protocol means that Oliver is unlikely to take charge of an Arsenal game in the coming weeks.Halsey said: “The PGMOL will keep him away from Arsenal for a while, which is the right thing to do.”When there is friction between a ref and a club that is the right thing to do, why create a problem for yourself.Read More in Football”Taking him away from Arsenal is not derogatory towards Michael and his ability. It is common sense.”Oliver’s integrity has also come under serious scrutiny following the incident.Halsey added: “That does not come into it, you cannot question the integrity of a referee.”The referee goes out and referees what is in front of him.Most read in Football”There are millions of people watching him, he has an evaluation on his game too. You don’t prejudge anything.”Halsey also feels there needs to be more protection for top officials, with their hectic schedule adding further strain.Shamed Ref David Coote EXCLUSIVE on death threats, coke battle & coming out | The SunOliver is back in action taking charge of Barcelona v Atalanta in the Champions League tomorrow and will be at Portman Road for Ipswich v Southampton on Saturday.He has also been appointed to officiate the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on February 12 – another high profile game – and will likely be given an FA Cup fourth round game next weekend.Former ref Mark Halsey said: “Michael is our best referee by far.”He is reffing week in, week out. Perhaps PGMOL are not looking after him.”Players lose form and have indifferent performances, it’s the same with referees. They are out every week and also used in the VAR hub.”There has to be accountability when they put in a poor performance. I am not blaming the referees, it is the leadership and the direction coming from PGMOL management.”Howard Webb hasn’t got the right personnel below him in coaching terms.”Halsey himself has been the subject of death threats following a Liverpool vs Manchester United game in 2012, which left him fearing for his safety.He said: “I have been there and been through it. You fear for your safety, but luckily for me nothing happened.”I had just come back from cancer, my wife had Leukaemia and they wanted both of us to die, they wanted my illness to come back.”They wanted to do horrible things to my daughter.”I received a letter in the post saying there is a bullet waiting for you.”You expect abuse from fans in the terraces, you are a uniform.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Because you are the ref they feel they have the right to have a go at you. You have to have mental toughness about you to survive.”I commend him for going back out, Michael is mentally tough and a strong character. Michael always does the best games because he is trusted by management.”Arsenal player ratings: David Raya saves all three-points for Arsenal but Trossard’s woeful deliveries an issue againARSENAL finally won a match with ten-men after Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off.It was the Gunners’ fourth sending off this season and they had not won any of their matches without 11 players this term.But Arsenal showed their character and battled past Wolves 1-0.Here is how SunSport rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 8/10Very little to do until the 63rd minute when he brilliantly tipped a deflected Matheus Cunha effort wide. He then stopped Rayan Ait-Nouri in a one-on-one in the 84th minute.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 6Was having another fine game before being the victim of one of most ludicrous red cards in Prem history. His cynical trip was worthy of a yellow and nothing more.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Arsenal just look so solid with him in this backline. A welcome return from a minor hamstring injury. Kept Cunha at bay.GABRIEL – 7Led from the front and put his body on the line. Constantly headed away from danger.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Hit with some nasty challenges that required treatment – including one that had Joao Gomes sent off – but carried on playing and was resolute.DECLAN RICE – 7More of a goal threat than in recent weeks and stood up when Arsenal needed him.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Steady Eddie for most parts back in his favoured midfield position after spells at right-back this season. Displayed his importance to this side once more.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Unfortunately made way at half-time as a sacrificial lamb following Lewis-Skelly’s sending off. Was a lively, creative spark in the first-half.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the Belgian is on corner-taking duty, but his deliveries were woeful. A quiet afternoon that sums up why he is in and out of the team currently.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Was lacking that clinical edge in the first half, but came up with the cross after the break that led to Arsenal’s vital opener.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Missed two glorious first half chances with his head and another in the second half, but worked tirelessly on his own – especially with Arsenal down to ten.SUBS:RICCARDO CALAFIORI (NWANERI, 45) – 8The sort of goal that keeps title dreams alive. Added real height and danger aerially, as well as a sweet volley from a tough angle.KIERAN TIERNEY (MARTINELLI, 87) – N/A More

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      Myles Lewis-Skelly ban OVERTURNED as FA release statement on Arsenal star’s red card

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY’s controversial red card was ‘wrongful’ and his automatic ban has been overturned, the FA have announced.The Arsenal teenager was sent off in the 43rd minute of his side’s weekend clash with Wolves for a challenge on Matt Doherty.Myles Lewis-Skelly’s ban has been overturnedCredit: AFPLewis-Skelly tripped the defender as Wolves began to break away on the counter attack following a Gunners corner.He was immediately dismissed by referee Michael Oliver – much to the anger of Mikel Arteta and his fuming players.Arsenal launched an appeal and the FA have now confirmed Lewis-Skelly’s suspension has been lifted. It read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.READ MORE IN football “The Arsenal player was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, January 25, 2025.” The Professional Game Match Officials Limited took the same approach they gave to Bruno Fernandes – who was “wrongfully” sent off against Tottenham in September.Arsenal legend Ian Wright berated the state of Premier League officiating after the controversial red card incident.He said: “It’s a joke. Anyone who has ever played the game, and I’m not even talking Premier League, 5-a-side, Sunday League, they know it’s never a red.Most read in FootballMark Halsey’s view By Mark HalseyMichael Oliver should not be given any Arsenal games by his refereeing bosses.The PGMOL will keep him away from Arsenal for a while, which is the right thing to do.When there is friction between a ref and a club that is the right thing to do, why create a problem for yourself.Taking him away from Arsenal is not derogatory towards Michael and his ability. It is common sense.You cannot question the integrity of a referee. The referee goes out and referees what is in front of him.There are millions of people watching him, he has an evaluation on his game too. You don’t prejudge anything.”Yellow card and nobody says a word. Time and time again this level of refereeing the decisions in the Premier League, the inconsistency, the excuses, the apologies. All of them are the centre of attention for me.”We can’t criticise too hard because otherwise where are the referees going to come from. Where are we going to get them?Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants FA to overturn controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red card “But I’m sorry. This is the highest level of football and we do not have the highest level of referees.”When will the Premier League bring the best referees into the so called best league in the world. At the moment with this level of refereeing we’re nowhere near it.”Alan Shearer branded it “one of the worst decisions that I’ve seen in a long time.”Ref Oliver was subject to sick abuse including death threats following the contentious red card – leading to a police probe. Police have even been guarding the official’s family home since the incident.And the PGMOL released a statement on Sunday condemning the abuse directed at Oliver after the match.It read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced.”We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.”Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We will continue to support all investigations.”Lewis-Skelly, 18, is now available for Arsenal’s next match against Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday.Lewis-Skelly poses during Arsenal trainingCredit: Reuters More

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      I’ve had my tyres slashed and death threats delivered to my home address, reveals owner of UK’s biggest crisis club

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      A NON-LEAGUE football club owner says he has been “physically attacked” and received “hand-delivered death threats” from thug fans.Farsley Celtic, who recently appointed ex-Premier League ace Neil Redfearn as boss, are in dire straits both on and off the pitch.Farsley Celtic have been forced to play their home matches 70 miles away due to delays in resurfacing the pitchCredit: Glen MinikinOwner Paul Barthorpe has claimed work on installing a new 4G pitch is close to completionCredit: Glen MinikinFarlsey Celtic fans have boycotted the club’s ‘home’ games due to the issuesCredit: Glen MinikinThe West Yorkshire outfit, who proudly boast they are the highest ranked village club in England, slipped into the National League North relegation zone after the weekend’s stalemate with Warrington Town.But they have not played a “home” game all season due to huge delays installing artificial surface at their Throstle Nest ground and have been forced to play 70 miles away at Buxton instead.Fans, who have boycotted matches, have accused owner Paul Barthorpe of trying to “ruin” the club and believe he is more interested in trying to sell their home stadium to housing developers.However, he has insisted he has no plans to do that as he offered hope that the stadium work would finally get completed by the end of March.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe chief also revealed that a strict covenant exists on the land and that the stadium will not “at any point” be sold to housing developers.In a lengthy statement, Barthorpe also opened up about the physical abuse he had received as well as claiming that irate fans had damaged his property.He said: “People saying I don’t care, I’m destroying the club, I’m not investing in the club, I have ulterior motives which clearly could not be further from the truth! “This has been my life for almost six years and anyone who owns a business and commits everything to it knows the unconditional love you have for it! Most read in FootballFarsley Celtic are currently playing their ‘home’ games at the Tarmac Silverlands stadium at BuxtonCredit: Instagram @farsleyceltic_fc”If my motivation was to run it into the ground I wouldn’t have kept investing to the levels I have on a weekly basis.”Barthorpe then added: “There have been accusations of a lack of information being shared and a lack of clarity.EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League side”The truth is I have had a number of death threats hand delivered to my home address, I have been physically attacked, I’ve had my car damaged three times, my car tyres slashed, items thrown at my house.”And a number of other incidents that have happened directly after club posts or directly after other posts that are damaging and critical and as usual shared across multiple social media sites.“All of this is currently under investigation and we have been therefore advised to keep our posts to a minimum, so as not to escalate these incidents.“We are also conscious of sharing any issues or problems we may be encountering, as these get weaponised and used against us repeatedly on social media.”Barthorpe then ended his statement by calling for all fans to unite and help them to battle relegation – but his statement was met with a fierce backlash.A statement from the Farsley Celtic Supporters Club said: “We note the chairman’s latest statement over delays in laying a 4G pitch at the Citadel.“To be clear: FCSC condemns in the strongest possible terms any threatening behaviour towards the chairman or any other representative of Farsley Celtic.“Such actions, if they have occurred, have no place at a family club like Farsley.“We look forward to seeing the results of the police investigation into the alleged incidents.“We welcome the latest announcement of a start date for the new pitch and we hope the latest date is more accurate than previous announcements.“We also note that once again the chairman has chosen to use the club’s media to issue self-indulgent PR spin.“It is disappointing the chairman again seems intent on blaming everyone else, fans (again), contractors, the council, among others – for the club’s current crisis, rather than taking responsibility as chairman. Ultimately the buck stops with him.“FCSC’s current boycott of ‘home’ games played at Buxton will continue.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We reiterate our previous calls for Mr Barthorpe to sell the club to a more responsible owner at the earliest opportunity.“We’d like to take the opportunity to welcome new manager Neil Redfearn to the club and we wish him well in such difficult circumstances.”Fans will be hoping Farsley Celtic’s stadium will be back to its best and full of supporters in no timeCredit: Instagram @farsleyceltic_fcFormer Premier League ace Neil Redfearn was announced as the new boss at the club earlier this monthCredit: Instagram @farsleyceltic_fc More

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      How TNT Sports will cover never-before-seen Champions League night as 18 GAMES take place at same time but not all on TV

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      WEDNESDAY night promises to be a bonkers blockbuster evening of Champions League action.For the first time ever, there will be 18 MATCHES played simultaneously.The Champions League league phase ends on Wednesday night with all 36 teams playing simultaneouslyCredit: ReutersJules Breach is going to be in a studio with Martin Keown and Owen Hargreaves for Girona vs ArsenalCredit: GettyIt promises to be another memorable night at Villa ParkCredit: GettyGoals Show Xtra will keep tabs on the 18 matches which get underway at 8pmCredit: TNT SPORTSThe new league phase concludes with all 36 teams in action at the same time, with the bumper fixture list kicking off at 8pm (UK time) right across Europe.So how are TNT Sports going to keep fans watching at home up to date with all of the action?Well, fear not, SunSport has got the full rundown.First things first, the good news is fans can watch dedicated coverage of any of the 18 Champions League matches on Discovery+.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd TNT Sports bosses have picked nine of the ties to be shown on TV. The Battle of Britain between Aston Villa and Celtic takes the TNT Sports 1 slot with Manchester City’s must-win home clash against Club Brugge on TNT Sports 2.It’s PSV vs Liverpool on TNT Sports 3 while Girona vs Arsenal is available on TNT Sports 4.Brest vs Real Madrid, Bayern Munich vs Slovan Bratislava, Stuttgart vs PSG, Inter vs Monaco and Barcelona vs Atalanta are on TNT Sports 6 to TNT Sports 10 respectively.Most read in Champions LeagueBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThose channels are on the red button.TNT Sports 5 is also accessed via the red button and that is where the crazy Goals Show Xtra will be shown.Ally McCoist meets Sir Alex Ferguson in new TNT Sports show Ally’s Social Club Matt Smith hosts that programme and will be joined by Ally McCoist, Karen Carney and James Horncastle in the studio. In what is essentially a live watch-along, Smith and the team of pundits will react to all the goals as they go in around the grounds at the 18 different stadiums.Plus Smith must try and keep tabs on what it all means for the as-it-stands table which will no doubt see plenty of twists and turns before the full-time whistles are blown. At the end of the four live TV matches involving the British clubs, those channels will switch to the Goals Show Xtra to round off the action. The nine matches only available on Discovery+ are Bayer Leverkusen vs Sparta Prague, Borussia Dortmund vs Shakhtar Donetsk, Dinamo Zagreb vs AC Milan, Juventus vs Benfica, Lille vs Feyenoord, Red Bull Salzburg vs Atletico Madrid, Sporting vs Bologna, Sturm Graz vs RB Leipzig and Young Boys vs Red Star Belgrade.And there is still plenty to play for on matchday eight of the new-look format. Liverpool will secure top spot overall simply by matching Barcelona’s result.Six teams go into the final game on 13 points with Aston Villa in ninth – one place below the cut-off for automatic progression to the last 16, with that spot currently occupied by Bayer Leverkusen. City are way down in 25th but know a win will see them scrape into the play-off stage because PSG and Stuttgart play each other. READ MORE SUN STORIESWednesday’s results will also determine who finishes in ninth to 24th and heads into that play-off round – with big hitters Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Juventus and PSG all currently in those spots. And at the very bottom, Slovan Bratislava and Young Boys will be battling it out to avoid the wooden spoon with both sides on zero points from their seven matches so far. TNT Sports have four live matches on TV, another five on the red button and all the games on Discovery+Credit: GettyMatt Smith will be in the hot seat for Goals Show XtraCredit: TNT SportsAlly McCoist will provide live reactions as all the goals go inCredit: GettyPep Guardiola knows his side need to beat Club Brugge to progressCredit: AlamyArsenal can still overtake Barcelona to nap second spot behind LiverpoolCredit: AFP More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul hints at never-before-seen fight with his BROTHER Logan… hours after deleting previous teaser

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      JAKE PAUL has hinted at a fight against his own BROTHER Logan.The pair of social media sensations have long teased a never-before-seen brotherly bout. Jake Paul with brother Logan before his fight against Mike TysonCredit: GettyAnd both have given the biggest indicator yet that the fight may be in the works after posting mocked up posters online. Jake, 28, wrote: The moment you’ve waited a decade for… March 27th on @StreamOnMax.” Logan, 29, added: “The moment you’ve waited a decade for… March 27 on @StreamOnMax.” The two have grown up in the spotlight together and have shared a competitive rivalry but supportive relationship. READ MORE IN BOXINGTheir boxing careers started on the same night in 2018 when Logan faced British rival KSI in Manchester – which ended a draw. Jake meanwhile beat KSI’s younger brother Deji to kickstart his boxing career. The American has since carved out a 11-1 record, most recently beating 58-year-old Mike Tyson in their controversial bout. His only defeat so far came in 2023 via split-decision in Saudi Arabia against Tommy Fury, 25. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLogan meanwhile has had four bouts, losing his 2019 rematch against KSI following their draw. He took boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, 47, the eight-round distance in their 2021 exhibition. Jake Paul puts Mike Tyson on his shoulders at Donald Trump inauguration party as pair reunite after Netflix fightAnd he most recently beat MMA star and rival Dillon Danis, 31, by disqualification in his last bout in October 2023. Logan has since focused on the WWE – leaving his boxing future up in the air.But he was willing to step in and fight brother Jake last summer when Tyson had to postpone his return amid a health precaution. Netflix – who promoted Jake’s fight with Tyson – were on board with the idea of the two siblings fighting. But they wanted more time to promote what would be an extraordinary event – which has never happened before. Jake instead beat ex-UFC fighter Mike Perry, 33, in six rounds. Despite Jake and Logan’s blatant fight tease – fans were quick to notice the March 27 date is a Thursday. READ MORE SUN STORIESHBO have also not been in the boxing business since ending their contract with Top Rank in 2018. Streaming service HBO Max also produce several documentary films and series – which Jake and Logan could have signed up for. Mike Tyson lost to Jake Paul on pointsCredit: GettyLogan Paul is a star of the WWECredit: Getty More

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      Bet £10+ on the Champions League and Get £5 free bet builder for EVERY Premier League game this weekend

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      BETFRED have a spectacular offer to mark the end of the league phase of this season’s Champions League on Wednesday.They are offering brand new customers a superb ‘bet and get’ offer, where new punters will get a £5 free bet builder for EVERY Premier League game this weekend when signing up and staking £10+ on the midweek Champions League action!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBet £10+ on the Champions League & Get £45 free bets for the Premier League – CLAIM HERE*Betfred’s terrific Bet&Get offer this weekNew Betfred offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account before 9.45pm on 29/01/25 using the Promo Code: PREM45Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any Champions League market on January 29th, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £45 in Free Bets – £5 for each Premier League game this weekend!Betfred: Get your £45 in PL free bet builders – Claim here*Bet £10+ on the Champions League & Get £45 free bets for the Premier LeaguePremier League free bets offerWhat is the Betfred offer?Betfred have a fabulous offer to celebrate the exciting finale to the league phase of the Champions League.They are offering new customers a chance to claim £45 in free bet builder bets – £5 for all nine games this Saturday and Sunday – when signing up and staking £10 on any of the Champions League action this Wednesday!How do I claim the free bets?New to Betfred? Then you’re eligible to claim this offer and it couldn’t be simpler.Head over to Betfred’s website HERE* and register a brand new account before 9.45pm on 29/01/2-25 using promo code: PREM45.Then just deposit and stake £10 on any Champions League market from this week’s games (January 29th) at odds of Evens or greater.Then what happens?When that bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with £45 in free bets to use on the weekend’s Premier League games.That’s a £5 free bet for EVERY game played across Saturday and Sunday!The qualifying league fixtures are listed below.£5 free bet builder fixturesNottingham Forest v Brighton (12:30 on 01/02/25)Bournemouth v Liverpool (15:00 on 01/02/25)Everton v Leicester (15:00 on 01/02/25)Ipswich v Southampton (15:00 on 01/02/25)Newcastle v Fulham (15:00 on 01/02/25)Wolves v Aston Villa (17:30 on 01/02/25)Brentford v Tottenham Hotspur (14:00 on 02/02/25)Manchester United v Crystal Palace (14:00 on 02/02/25)Arsenal v Man City (16:30 on 02/02/25)Betfred: Get your £45 in PL free bet builders – 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.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*New customers only. Register by 21.45 on 29/01/25 with PREM45, deposit via Debit Card and bet £10+ (Evs+) on any CL game on 29/01/25. 9 x £5 Free Bets on Bet Builders for EPL games on 01/02/25-02/02/25. Credited on settlement. Eligibility & T&Cs Apply. More

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      Manchester United ace Ella Toone pays tribute to late father and reflects on grieving his passing

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      ELLA TOONE has opened up on her grief following the death of her father Nick who passed away in September last year. The Manchester United midfielder, 25, paid an emotional tribute to her dad in a candid piece written for the Players Tribune. On the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast Ella Toone revealed she returned to training the day after her father Nick passed awayCredit: ReutersThe Man Utd midfielder hopes that by opening up on her grief, she can help others going through a similar experienceCredit: PAToone has been in clinical form for the Red Devils netting four goals in their last two WSL gamesCredit: AlamyNick Toone had been a huge influence on the Women’s Super League ace on and off the pitch. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer the day after watching the Lioness star score in the 2022 Euros final with England defeating Germany 2-1 at Wembley And Toone wrote of her Dad informing her in May last year that the cancer had returned.This was soon after the midfielder helped Man United make history scoring her team’s 4-0 triumph over Tottenham in their first Women’s FA Cup final appearance. Read More Football Stories Last September her father passed away three days before his 60th birthday.Toone wrote: “We win the FA Cup, last May. Dad texted after the game. “When I went to the house, everyone sat down in the living room, and Dad said, ‘I’m doing some tests. And I’m not well.'”I just remember thinking: ‘Tests? What tests? What?Most read in Football”It’s come back. I’ve got cancer.” “I said, ‘What do you mean it’s come back?’ “And he said the day after we won the Euros, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. “He’d fought it for a whole year without telling us, and it had gone. And then it came back.”But he didn’t let on how bad it was. I tried to ask questions, but he’d just palm it off.”In a way, I totally get it because I’m exactly like that. “I’ll sit in a room, and someone will be talking to me, and I’ll just shut down. “And when it came to talking about the diagnosis, that was Dad.”He didn’t want anything to be different. He didn’t want people to mither about him, none of that. “So he went about it the way he wanted, and that was that. “I feel like he kissed me and hugged me more. He became a bit softer, which was sweet. “But other than that, he was just the same really.”Toone, who like her father, is a lifelong Man United started her football journey at Astley and Tyldesley Girls’ team at age five.Two years later she joined Manchester United’s Centre of Excellence at seven. Following senior club career stints at Blackburn Rovers and Man City from 2015 to 2018, the midfielder returned to the Red Devils.On the international stage Toone helped England win the Euros for the first time in 2022 and started for the Lionesses in the 2023 World Cup final which they narrowly lost 1-0 to Spain.The midfielder, who hopes to help England retain their Euros crown this summer, has fond memories of her father taking her to watch their local team Hindsford FC during her childhood. In July 2022, Toone told England.com: “I just used to play all day with the lads. “I have loads of cousins and me and my brother would play with them all day on the sidelines while the club were playing. “Those were my first footballing memories when I was really young.”Toone, who has been in fine form for second–placed Man United this month, described her father as the person who always kept her “grounded”. She admits writing about the feelings that followed his passing was also about helping “anyone grieving and feeling alone”. The 53-capped England midfielder wrote: “When he passed, it was a big shock, even to some of the people closest to him, because no one hardly knew he was ill. “I’m still processing. This is my first try at really talking about it. Like Dad said, The Toones are not great at feelings. “But I wanted to write this, for anyone grieving and feeling alone.“Friends who also have experienced the uniquely awful feeling of losing a parent have helped me massively in the worst part of my life. “Now, when people ask, “Who do you look up to?” I say it’s people like Beth Mead and Rach Daly, who’ve continued to play football and be an inspiration after losing someone they love.”They’ve helped me, massively. I hope that in the future I can do the same for people in my life who might be going through the same thing. Toone and her Man United team-mates are currently second in the WSL and seven points behind leaders ChelseaCredit: Alamy“Grief takes a different shape for everyone. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But maybe if someone sees me sharing a small piece of my own grief, it might make it a tiny bit easier for them to know that I know what they’re going through is brutal. “It’s messy. And that’s alright. Trust me, it’s alright.” More