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    Fans praise Premier League cult hero Javier Mascherano after he pleads with referee for bizarre rule-change DURING game

    JAVIER MASCHERANO begged officials to implement an incredible rule change during Argentina Under-20s’ clash with Bolivia.The former Liverpool, West Ham and Barcelona star now coaches the Argentine Under-20s, having hung up his boots in 2020.Javier Mascherano begged for the officials to change their mindCredit: twiiterMascherano, 40, coaches Argentina’s Under-20sCredit: APOver the weekend, his side hosted Bolivia in a friendly match.Argentina took an early lead, before things threatened to get ugly for their visitors.After 13 minutes, Bolivia’s Nathan Tito was red carded for a challenge from behind on Lautaro Millan.As Millan, who plays his club football for Independiente, was treated by medical staff, Tito trudged off the pitch.READ MORE IN SPORTRather than play against 10 men, however, Mascherano was determined for the friendly match to remain 11 vs 11.In incredible footage, the 40-year-old could be seen pleading with the referee and fourth official to allow Bolivia to bring a substitute on for Tito.Amazingly his wish was granted, with the visitors allowed to carry on with a full compliment of players.The unusual incident was later cleared up by the local broadcast.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It has just been agreed between both delegations, at the request of coach Mascherano, that Bolivia introduces another player to ensure the match stays balanced at 11-a-side,” a statement read.As it happened, being allowed to continue with 11 players didn’t do Bolivia much good, as they still went on to lose 4-0.Javier Mascherano breaks down as he says goodbye to Barcelona to join Chinese Super League But fans loved Mascherano’s gesture.One wrote on social media: “Man cares more about coaching his team properly than getting an easy win. Elite mentality.”While a second gushed: “Smart guy, cares more about coaching than winning a friendly.”A third added: “Fair shout in a friendly isn’t it, you want to be tested otherwise there’s no point.”Argentina are currently preparing to compete at the South American U20 Championship in January.Mascherano will be hoping to improve his side’s fortunes in Venezuela, after they failed to make it out of the group stage last time around.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Man Utd send scout to watch Viktor Gyokeres score for Sweden as Ruben Amorim hopes to land top transfer target

    MANCHESTER UNITED had eyes on Viktor Gyokeres on Saturday as Ruben Amorim’s top target scored his fifth goal of the Nations League campaign.The Sporting Lisbon striker put on another impressive display as he found the back of the net for Sweden in their 2-1 win over Slovakia.Viktor Gyokeres scored in front of a Man Utd scout for SwedenCredit: RexRuben Amorim appears keen on bringing him with him from SportingCredit: GettyUnited sent Sergio Souza — one of their top Scandinavian talent spotters — to Stockholm for the clash and he barely had time to take his seat before Gyokeres struck in the third minute.The former Coventry City star raced onto an Alexander Isak through ball before shooting across Slovakia keeper Martin Dubravka into the bottom corner.Souza revealed his presence at the game in an Instagram video post during the national anthems, although he was no doubt busily scribbling notes by the time Gyokeres had set the stadium alight with his latest strike.The 26-year-old is on pace to outperform his incredible 43-goal debut season in Portuguese football, having hitting the back of the net 23 times for Sporting this term.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHis 16 Primeira Liga goals are double the amount of any other player in the league and he has also netted five Champions League efforts in four games so far.Some of Europe’s biggest clubs are stepping up their interest with Paris Saint-Germain chief Luis Campos having reportedly already reached out to the his representatives.Bayern Munich have also been tipped to enter the bidding if they look to move Harry Kane on in the summer.But United potentially hold an ace up their sleeve with Amorim in place at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen asked about a potential move to Man Utd, Gyokeres said: “He probably has some strikers there already, so we’ll see. No, he hasn’t [asked me to join him].“It’s fun but nothing I attach any importance to because it’s talk and nothing concrete.”Dimitar Berbatov tips Viktor Gyokeres to follow Ruben Amorim to Man Utd Gyokeres added: “I want to finish this season at Sporting. I love it here. “We will see [about a new club] when the time comes. I want to play, that’s crucial, and there will be also other factors.”United are currently struggling for goals with their two centre forward options, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, having managed to score just three goals between them all season.On signing players from his old club, Amorim said: “In January I’m not going to get anyone from Sporting.”Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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    Bradford star has weekend to forget with worst throw-in EVER before being forced to leave pitch after shoulder pops out

    LEWIS RICHARDS had a match to forget as Bradford played out a draw with Colchester in League Two.The wing-back left fans in stitches when he somehow FELL OVER while trying to take a throw-in in just the 3rd minute of the match.Lewis Richards suffered a horror game against ColchesterCredit: X @SkyBetLeagueTwoHe stacked it when trying to take a throw in the 3rd minuteCredit: X @SkyBetLeagueTwoRichards, 23, lined up his throw, but as he was about to release the ball, his legs buckled, and he fell to the floor.Luckily, he had a good sense of humour about the moment as he could be seen smiling as he went to pick up the ball and try again.Fans spotted the moment as a video soon went viral on social media.One posted: “At least Lewis saw the funny side of it.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA second added: “Gotta laugh sometimes.”A third commented: “This is what happens when you are caught in two minds.”A fourth joked: “Sniper.”Another added: “Hasn’t even fallen, just got on his knees and rolled over.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRichards’ day went from bad to worse as he was booked for time-wasting in the 78th minute when Bradford was 1-0 up.Andy Cook gave the Bantams the lead in the 30th minute with his side’s only shot on target in the game.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersRichards was also booked and suffered an injury in the matchCredit: RexThe defender then suffered a game-ending injury as he was went down in the 83rd minute in a “considerable amount of pain”.His left shoulder popped out and he required oxygen when in the dressing room to help deal with the pain.The injury has ruled him out of Bradford’s EFL Trophy clash against Rotherham on Tuesday.To make matters worse for Richards, he had to watch on as Colchester scored a 90+9 minute equaliser to deny Bradford the victory.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Former England star and Premier League winner lands new job as manager of seventh-tier club after walking out on rivals

    EX-ENGLAND star Tim Flowers has been appointed manager of seventh tier club Alvechurch.The former goalkeeper has joined them just days after he “shockingly unexpectedly” quit their Worcestershire rivals Redditch United.Tim Flowers has landed the Alvechurch jobCredit: GettyFlowers played 11 times for EnglandCredit: GettyFlowers, 57, stepped down as their boss late on Friday night after receiving an offer from Alvechurch.Redditch were less than 24 hours from their game against Stamford when he resigned.They announced to supporters that his time in charge was over on the morning of their fixture.Flowers had them as high as third in the Southern League Premier Division Central table.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he has swapped them for same division strugglers Alvechurch, who are languishing in 18th.Church praised Redditch for the way they “dealt with the approach”.And they have already appointed a new gaffer in Matt Clarke.He has been re-instated as boss after the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew drug charges against him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAs for Flowers, he has previously managed Macclesfield, Barnet and Gloucester City.He also previously worked as a coach at Leicester, Manchester City, QPR, Hull and Nottingham Forest.England’s Stellar Performance: Player Ratings vs IrelandDuring his playing days, Flowers won the Premier League with Blackburn in 1995 and won 11 England caps.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Meet Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new girlfriend Estelle Behnke, who is an Instagram model who loves travel

    TRENT Alexander-Arnold has a new girlfriend.The dust has barely settled since his split with Iris Law, the daughter of Hollywood star Jude and actress Sadie Frost, last September.Stunning Estelle Behnke is the latestWag football fans are going wild forCredit: instagram/Estelle BehnkeBeauty Estelle is an Instagram model who is dating a Liverpool aceLiverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold and Estelle Cibo in Hale, CheshireThey broke off their romance five months after meeting at Guess Jeans photoshoot, but the Liverpool ace has now moved on.He has been spotted with beautiful Instagram model, Estelle Behnke, enjoying a date night at Italian hotspot Cibo in Hale, Cheshire.As SunSport revealed, TAA is said to be “smitten” with the brunette beauty.A source told The Sun: “It’s very early days but they are officially dating — they seem really into each other. Trent hasn’t been single long and is enjoying spending time with Estelle.Read more football news “They’re just really enjoying each other’s company and seem quite smitten.”Who is the girl who has won Alexander-Arnold’s heart?Who is she?Estelle, 24, is an Instagram model who boasts nearly 30,000 followers.It is believed she used to study business in Monaco and London.Most read in FootballIt has also been reported that the stunner is a keen fundraiser, who has worked in the past as an anti-bullying ambassador.Jack Grealish owes Trent Alexander-Arnold £500 as he’s made to regret wager within seconds during England clashHowever, judging by her social media – there’s very little time spent working.She’s well-travelledIf you want to see some amazing holiday snaps, Estelle’s Insta page is your go-to.The gorgeous missus of the England defender is seemingly consistently away.Back in October, she was spotted in Morocco – looking amazing in a long white dress.Then, in August she enjoyed a trip to the Amalfi coast where she spent some time lounging on a private yacht.In March, she spent time in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hills Hotel.Glam Estelle lives a lifestyle to envyCredit: instagram/Estelle BehnkeRecently, Estelle enjoyed some time in Italy aboard a private yachtNearly 30,000 followers stay tuned to Estelle’s adventures on InstagramEstelle shows off the curves that attracted Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: instagram/Estelle BehnkeShe went hiking on Runyon Canyon, and enjoyed a walk along the beach in Santa Monica.The glam trips don’t end there.Estelle has also shared Instagram stories of once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Maldives, where she rang in the 2022 New Year.She also went to Mexico, where she went whale spotting and turned her hand to riding a horse on the beach – unleashing her inner cowgirl.Now, alongside Alexander-Arnold she’s continuing to live the high-life.Back in late October, Trent and Estelle took a romantic trip to the £6,000-a-night five-star Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds.Alexander-Arnold whisked Estelle off to Soho Farmhouse last monthCredit: instagram/Estelle BehnkeEstelle is former business studies studentIn the past, Estelle has also worked as an anti-bullying ambassadorEagle-eyed fans noticed the duo had tagged themselves in separate posts from the private members’ club.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the following month they enjoyed a 2½-hour meal at celeb haunt Cibo in Hale, Cheshire.The life of a Wag awaits Estelle. More

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    Sidemen Charity Match 2025 SOLD OUT as more than 230,000 fans desperately try to get tickets for Wembley showdown

    TICKETS for the next edition of the Sidemen Charity Match sold out within THREE HOURS of going on sale.The Sidemen group have more than 100 million subscribers between them on YouTube and have racked up more than six billion views globally.The Sidemen have seen their 2025 Charity Match sold out within three hoursCredit: Tom Jackson – The TimesMore than 230,000 fans rushed to get tickets for the Wembley spectacleCredit: GettyNearly 140,000 fans were in the queue AFTER the tickets had already sold outLast year more than £2.4m was raised for charity as the game sold out at the London StadiumCredit: PAThey hosted the first Sidemen Charity Match back in 2016 at Southampton’s St Mary’s stadium.But the event has since grown even larger in size, selling out the 60,00 capacity London Stadium last year and Charlton’s 27,000-plus ground The Valley the year prior.Last year the match raised a whopping £2.4million for charities Teenage Cancer Trust and CALM and was watched by 17 million people at home as well as the sold-out crowd in the stadium.Earlier this month it was announced the next edition of the game would take place at a full-capacity Wembley Stadium on March 8 2025.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTickets for the game, which this year will be in aid of Bright Side and BBC Children in Need, went on sale on Monday morning at 9am.Within three hours of tickets becoming available, they sold out.An online queue for the tickets on the website showed a staggering 140,000 people in the queue AFTER the tickets had been sold out.Along with the 90,000 seats available for Wembley, this means that more than 230,000 fans tried to get their hands on tickets.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReacting to the news on social media, the Sidemen account said: “WEMBLEY SOLD OUT!! This wouldn’t be possible without you guys, THANK YOU! Can’t wait to see you there – bring on March 8th.”KSI, the member of the group with the largest following, also said: “Can’t wait!!! See you all there!”KSI vs Jake Paul takes new twist with veteran promoter drafted in to revive talks for £100m grudge matchThe Brit, real name JJ Olatunji, has made headlines with his involvement across various content, ranging from music to boxing and sponsoring his football club Arsenal with his PRIME drink.Simon Minter (Miniminter), Joshua Bradley (Zerkaa), Tobit ‘Tobi’ Brown (TBJZL), Ethan Payne (Behzinga), Vikram Singh Barn (Vikkstar123), and Harry Lewis (W2S) make up the other six members of the group.Last year Team Sidemen beat rivals YouTube Allstars 8-5 in a thrilling game.Other creators involved in the match were Manny, who was invited for a trial at Crawley Town along with brother TBJZL in 2022, IShowSpeed, Kai Cenat, Max Fosh, Angry Ginge, Chris MD and Mark Goldbridge. More

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    Premier League club reach new milestone in £300m stadium expansion with special ‘bolt-on’ project set to boost capacity

    MANCHESTER CITY have reached a new milestone in its £300MILLION expansion of the Etihad Stadium.The Premier League champions are working on a new North Stand to be integrated with the rest of the ground.Man City have reached a milestone in the expansion project of the Etihad StadiumCredit: PAThe club are spending £300million on the North StandCredit: PAThe new capacity will be over 60,000The expansion project is expected to increase capacity to nearly 62,000 with 7,900 new seats.Contractor John Sisk & Son started the steelwork in May and have now officially started attaching the bolt work.This will see the new structure connect to the existing stadium.Man City are hopeful of having the new stands open to fans by the middle of the 2025/26 season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt is claimed that the scheme will “promise to enhance the fan experience”.This will be done with the inclusion of the 3,000-capacity fan zone.The plans also include the construction of a 400-bed hotel as well as a new club shop and a museum.The work is also thought to have promised a “significant economic boost through job creation and development in the community”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTo mark the occasion the Citizens invited the Cartwright family to hear about the project.The family has four generations who have supported the club since the 1960s.Bizarre moment man dressed as Elsa from Frozen sings Let It Go karaoke on pitch ahead of FA Cup first-round clashThe plans include the building of a sky bar that overlooks the pitchCredit: MANCHESTER CITYMan City have been in the ground since leaving Maine RoadCredit: MANCHESTER CITYThe original capacity of the ground was closer to 30,000Credit: MANCHESTER CITYThe family includes a former City hero in Gary Owen who played for the club between 1975 and 1979.Director of Infrastructure Development Ed Dalton said: “It’s an exciting moment in our building programme for the new steel structure to be attached and bolted to the existing North Stand.”Fans and visitors can see the extended upper tier progressing which really gives a sense of the scale of the expansion and how the inclusion of 3,000 new rail seats will add to the electric atmosphere on matchdays.“Hosting a special day for the Cartwright family, who have been here for many of the major moments at the Etihad Stadium and are excited to watch many more in the future, was a fitting way to acknowledge the symbolic joining of the old and the new.”Work is progressing at pace on the development, and we’re looking forward to marking more milestones in the coming months before we welcome fans into the expanded North Stand during the 2025-26 season.”The stand will also include a new sky bar, which will overlook the pitch. There will also be a pitch and stadium roof walk experience for fans.Man City have been at the Etihad Stadium since ditching Maine Road in the 2003/04 season.The original capacity of the ground was 38,000 but previous work has risen the number to 53,400.And the new investment isn’t just welcomed, but perhaps necessary.READ MORE SUN STORIESSupporters in the ground for City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal last weekend were soaked after a leak in the roof at the Etihad poured down onto the crowd.Meanwhile Premier League rivals Arsenal are exploring ways to increase the Emirates capacity to 80,000.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Mike Tyson enters heavyweight rankings after snoozefest defeat to Jake Paul… and he’s 183 places behind YouTuber

    MIKE TYSON is an incredible 183 PLACES behind Jake Paul in the BoxRec heavyweight rankings after his defeat to the social media star.Tyson, 58, lost by unanimous decision to the influencer-turned-boxer as the pair put on an uninspiring fight in Texas last week.Mike Tyson is some 183 places behind Jake Paul in the BoxRec heavyweight rankingsCredit: GettyIt was Iron Mike’s first time back in the professional ring since 2005, and as such he has re-entered the heavyweight standings.His return to the sport he once dominated has seen him place in at 309th.During his heyday Tyson reigned as the undisputed world heavyweight champion between 1987 and 1990.Now he sits just three spots above the likes of Terrell Jamal Woods, a 35-year-old fighter who has won just one of his last 15 fights and has a record of 29-62.READ MORE IN BOXINGWhile relatively unknown fighters such as Bradford puncher Peter ‘The Problem’ Naylor sit way ahead of the boxing legend in the standings, despite Naylor never even fighting outside of Greater Manchester.Jake Paul is currently ranked 126th in the world and is continuing to rise through the standings as he builds his boxing career with each fight. Paul, 27, has come under criticism for his win over Tyson with many boxing purists criticising “The Problem Child” for fighting someone 31 years his senior.But it’s Paul and Tyson who will be having the last laugh after pocketing millions for their bout which became one of the most watched sporting event EVER. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTyson’s efforts certainly seemed to be that of someone who hasn’t boxed professionally for nearly 20 years.Damning punching stats from the fight showed how in control Jake Paul was, landing 78 punches in comparison to Tyson’s 18.Mike Tyson, 58, REFUSES to retire as he calls out Jake Paul’s brother Logan who says ‘I’ll kill you’ And Paul even admitted to PURPOSELY not knocking out his opponent when he saw that he was struggling.Speaking after his win, he said: “There was a point where I was like he is not really engaging back.”So I don’t know if he is tired. I can just tell his age was showing a little bit.”I just have so much respect for him and that war thing between us after he slapped me, I wanted to be aggressive, take him down and knock him out.”But that kind of went away as the rounds went on. I wanted to give the fans a show, but I didn’t want to hurt someone that didn’t need to be hurt.”Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson round-by-roundMIKE TYSON’s long-awaited return to the ring didn’t have the fairytale ending fight fans dreamed of.SunSport’s boxing expert Wally Downes Jr recaps one of the drabbest and most forgettable nights in boxing history.And he didn’t hold back, issuing a scathing assessment of social media sensation Jake Paul.Round OnePaul says “I love you, Mike” just before the opening bell sounds. He quickly runs away and holds the boxing legend.Tyson draws a big reaction from the crowd as he lands a jab and a good right hand.Verdict: 10-9 TysonRound TwoPaul ran away in the opener and held – just like we thought he would.Tommy Fury had it first and now Mike Tyson. It’s clever because Tyson will tire. Paul tags Tyson’s body with a straight right.Tyson looks spent now. 180 seconds in and the fight looks over.Verdict: 10-9 TysonRound ThreeThe legend cannot even keep his gumshield in. As expected it’s a waste of time. Paul has run away until the 58-year-old has tired.Shooting ducks in a barrel now. Tyson might get hurt here. Paul lands a couple of clumsy shots and Tyson wobbles backwards.Tragic after three.Verdict: 10-9 PaulRound FourThis is proper rubbish. The crowd are bored and boos are being heard.This is just two tired big lumps going at it.  One a legend, one a promoter.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound FivePaul jabs the body and aims right for the head and another one-two clips the icon.Tyson cannot keep his mouthpiece in, he is gasping for air. Paul lands a left hook but then so does Tyson.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound SixThank God these weren’t three-minute rounds. We are getting about four punches per round.Tyson is gasping in the air but replays show a left hook did graze Paul’s beard.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound SevenTyson slips a jab and tries an uppercut. The commentator admits it has been a “sad” spectacle.The AT&T stadium has been utterly stunk out. Paul is looking just as tired as Tyson.Verdict 10-9 PaulRound EightGo back to YouTube, Jake. You’re an excellent conman. But you’ve never been a boxer.The Judges decide: 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73. I’m glad Tyson gets paid and has stayed safe.But what a laughable performance from Paul to add to his stinker with Tommy Fury.Verdict 10-9 PaulSunSport’s final scorecard – 78-74 for Jake PaulClick to read the full round-by-round breakdown. More