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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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      Man Utd coach Darren Fletcher in X-rated rant at West Ham penalty just two days after misconduct charge

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      MANCHESTER UNITED coach Darren Fletcher exploded at VAR with an X-rated rant after VAR intervened to award West Ham a controversial penalty.Erik ten Hag’s side lost 2-1 in dramatic circumstances on Sunday afternoon as a stoppage-time spot kick was given to The Hammers for a collision involving Matthijs de Ligt and Danny Ings.Matthijs de Ligt’s collision with Danny Ings handed West Ham a penaltyCredit: GettyDarren Fletcher was thoroughly unhappy with the penalty decisionCredit: GettyReferee David Coote did not give the penalty, but he was then instructed to go to the monitor.After consulting the pitchside screen, he pointed to the spot and Jarrod Bowen dispatched to earn Julen Lopetegui’s men a valuable three points.The Premier League released a statement on the decision by claiming there was “sufficient contact” to award the penalty.But Man Utd coach Fletcher, 40, clearly did not agree.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAccording to The Athletic, he was sat in the stands with Man Utd analysts and could be heard slamming the referee’s call.He is reported to have said: “One week it’s a high threshold, next week it’s not, f***ing joke.”The comment comes just days after he was charged with misconduct by the FA for “acting in an improper or confrontational manner” during Man Utd’s clash with Brentford.The former Red Devils midfielder protested the decision to allow Ethan Pinnock’s goal to stand.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd the FA released a statement which read: “Darren Fletcher has been charged with misconduct following Manchester United’s fixture against Brentford on Saturday, October 20, in the Premier League.”It’s alleged that the coach acted in an improper and/or confrontational manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official and the referee and/or assistant referees.Roy Keane left red-faced after Sky Sports colleague tells Man Utd legend to ‘bring this look back'”Darren Fletcher has until Tuesday, October 29, to respond.”Man Utd’s defeat to West Ham leaves them languishing in 14th in the Premier League table with just 11 points from nine matches.They are already seven points adrift of the Champions League places. More

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      Liverpool put Jurgen Klopp’s £4m mansion on Merseyside’s Millionaire’s Row up for sale after Arne Slot turned it down

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      LIVERPOOL FC have put Jurgen Klopp’s £4million home up for sale — after his successor Arne Slot turned it down.The Dutchman and wife Mirjam were shown around the seven-bed home but are deciding on their next move.Arne Slot turned down Jurgen Klopp’s £4million former homeCredit: GettyIn 2019 Liverpool bought it as an investment and are said to have allowed Klopp to stay on rent-freeCredit: GettyThe club have now put the gated property on the market — ending a 20-year linkCredit: PP.Steven Gerrard bought the home in Formby, Merseyside, in 2005 after it was built by a local developerCredit: Willie VassThe club have now put the gated property on the market — ending a 20-year link.A source said: “It was identified by the club as an ideal base for incoming managers.“Arne was offered it when he took over in the summer but has chosen to live elsewhere.“As a result, the club has decided to cut its losses.”Read More on SportEx-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard bought the home in Formby, Merseyside, in 2005 after it was built by a local developer.The property boasts three living rooms, a games room, swimming pool, two-storey gym, solarium, jacuzzi, sauna and cinema.When Gerrard left for US side LA Galaxy in 2015 he sold the house to incoming Reds boss Brendan Rodgers. He was sacked that October but kept the property and rented it to Klopp.Most read in FootballIn 2019 Liverpool bought it as an investment and are said to have allowed Klopp, 57, to stay on rent-free.The German and wife Ulla were often spotted in a local pub. Removal vans moved in after he revealed he was stepping down.Slot, 46, who impressed at Feyenoord, has enjoyed the best start of any manager at Anfield, winning 11 of his first 12 matches. The club was asked for comment.Fans stunned as Arne Slot ‘cooks’ Man Utd with savage statement after Red Devils’ Tottenham humiliation More

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      Jamie Carragher and Theo Walcott have awkward ‘Thierry Henry moment’ live on Sky Sports after Arsenal vs Liverpool

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER hilariously joked Theo Walcott was recreating his famous “Thierry Henry moment” during an awkward moment on Sky Sports’ Super Sunday.Liverpool legend Carragher, ex-Arsenal winger Walcott, and Manchester United icon Roy Keane joined presenter Dave Jones at the Emirates for the Gunners’ 2-2 draw with Arne Slot’s men.Jamie Carragher reacted hilariously to Theo Walcott putting his hand on his thighCredit: Sky SportsThierry Henry famously put his hand on Carragher’s thigh live on air nine years agoCredit: TwitterDuring the post-match analysis, Carragher was making a point when Walcott suddenly put a hand on his thigh.The former Reds defender looked down and asked: “You alright there?”The whole panel burst into laughter before Carragher added: “I thought that was a Thierry Henry moment there.”The reference relates to a moment caught live on Sky Sports nine years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe panel had learned on air that then Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had been sacked.Arsenal legend Henry was sat next to Carragher and could be seen putting his hand on his colleague’s thigh upon hearing the news.The clip became a meme often used on social media to evoke shock or surprise.And Carragher’s call-back to it with Walcott pleased a lot of fans.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne said: “Yes Theo! That is brilliant 😂.”Another added: “This is too good! You can’t help but compare the two moments! 😂”Man Utd ratings vs West Ham: Bruno Fernandes causes endless problems but Marcus Rashford entirely absentA third replied: “Who knew a little nostalgia could be so funny? 😂”While a fourth responded: “Looks like history is repeating itself! 👀” More

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      Chelsea facing huge fine after becoming first Premier League team in history to break yellow card record

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      CHELSEA are set to be hit with a record-breaking fine after making Premier League history.Enzo Maresca’s side secured a 2-1 win over Newcastle on Sunday courtesy of goals from Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer.Chelsea have made history by landing at least six yellow cards in three different games this seasonCredit: GettyAnd it will see Chelsea given a record-breaking fineCredit: GettyHowever, it was the Blues’ lack of discipline which has landed them in hot water.According to Daily Mail reporter Kieran Gill, the club’s six yellow cards against the Magpies has seen them become the first side to receive six yellow cards in three games in a season.Chelsea saw Robert Sanchez, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto and Christopher Nkunku all booked during the Stamford Bridge clash.The Prem fines clubs that do this in one match £25,000, with the penalty increasing for repeat offenders. Six teams suffered this fate last season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea were first caught foul of the six-card threshold against Bournemouth, when they picked up eight yellow cards and were fined £25,000.The second occasion saw them fined £50,000 as they registered six yellows against Nottingham Forest at the start of October.And today’s six cautions have landed them a fine of £75,000, taking their total for the season up to a staggering £150,000.Fofana and Marc Cucurella have been given the most cards of any player in the league this season, with six and five apiece.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, the 36 yellow cards they have picked up puts them seven ahead of the next worst teams, Southampton and Wolves, who have 29 each.Despite their excessive yellow card count, Chelsea are yet to see a player shown a red this season, with Arsenal leading that list with three.Meet Ibrahim Rabbaj, 15-year-old English Chelsea wonderkid compared to Messi Speaking about his side’s seeming lack of discipline after the Forest draw earlier this month, Maresca said: “I like the team the way they are fighting for each other and becoming a team.”I like the spirit of our team.”They are currently on course to break their own unwanted record of 105 yellow cards set under Mauricio Pochettino last season.On the game today, Maresca said: “I am very happy with the performance today because in some moments on the ball, we were unbelievable. “There were some good combinations and the way we prepared the game was exactly there. “Off the ball, they fought together and showed they deserved to win. This is important.” More