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    Baffled Arsenal fan buys two match tickets for £350 only to be told they belong to a star forward

    A FAN says he bought two tickets for an Arsenal match — and found they were given free to Gunners star Gabriel Martinelli. Nathan Shaw, 51, paid £350 for the pair of tickets clearly marked “Player Complimentary”.Arsenal insiders said Gunners star Gabriel Martinelli had not applied to use the ticketsCredit: GettyThere is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Martinelli, who did not travel to the matchThey were for seats in the away end for his team’s 2-0 win at Leicester on Saturday.He said that after buying them, he was called by a club official saying they were originally allocated to injured £180,000-per-week Brazilian striker Martinelli, 23.But last night, Arsenal insiders said Martinelli had not applied to use the tickets.They were put in a central pot and redistributed to a ­contractor who asked for some. Sales manager Nathan, from Hawkhurst, Kent, snapped the tickets up from website Livefootballtickets for £175 each.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe had failed to get two of the 3,200 seats in the away end for himself and pal Cillian Oliver when Arsenal sold out their allocation of the £30 tickets.Nathan, who has a season ticket for home games, got a message from the site telling him to pick up the tickets at a collection point at Leicester’s ground before the match, and to bring ID. The message named a club worker.Our source said the contractor had given the tickets to a pal who sold them to the site. Most read in FootballNathan said: “I was delighted to get tickets but stunned when I picked them up and they were clearly complimentary ones given to a player.“I got a call as well before the game, and the guy told me they were Martinelli’s.Arsenal fans love it as Martinelli cracks Ted Lasso joke while Turner teaches him and Nketiah about MLS ahead of US tour“I don’t blame Martinelli and suspect he might have just not used them and someone else has sold them on. I doubt he needs the money.”There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Martinelli, who did not travel to the ­Midlands. Arsenal and the site were approached for comment.Sales manager Nathan, from Hawkhurst, Kent, snapped the tickets up from website Livefootballtickets for £175 each More

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    Prem star’s brother hasn’t paid penny towards our daughter despite living in six-bed £2.9m mansion, says his furious ex

    A PREMIER League star’s ex-footballer brother has yet to pay a penny towards his child’s upbringing — despite living a luxury lifestyle in a £2.9million mansion and carrying a £3,000 manbag.Fisayo Adarabioyo, brother of Chelsea defender Tosin, lives in a six-bed, five-bathroom mansion.Nadia Messaoud says Fisayo Adarabioyo has yet to pay a penny towards his child’s upbringing — despite living a luxury lifestyleCredit: PP.The 30-year-old ex-pro was seen carrying a £3,140 Bottega Veneta leather briefcase last weekCredit: PP.Last week the 30-year-old ex-pro was seen carrying a £3,140 Bottega Veneta leather briefcase. But his ex Nadia Messaoud, 41, said despite his millionaire’s lifestyle he has failed to pay any child support for his two-year-old daughter Anara.She said: “I’ve not received a penny from Fisayo to help with our daughter. I’ve been rebuffed at every opportunity.“I have offered contact because I believe my daughter should know her paternal family, but it was declined.Read More on Sport“She is almost three years old and I also have a young son. All I want is a reasonable level of financial support and I don’t understand why I’m not getting it when he’s living a footballer’s lifestyle.”According to Land Registry documents, Adarabioyo’s 27-year-old brother, thought to be on £120,000 a week at Chelsea, owns the Cheshire mansion in which Fisayo lives.The Department of Work and Pensions has awarded unemployed Adarabioyo a “nil rate” on child support for the past three years because he claims he does not earn enough to pay.Adarabioyo was convicted of harassment without violence in 2022 after turning up at Nadia’s terraced home in Cheshire, banging on her door and leaving her terrified.Most read in FootballHe also bombarded her with texts, saying he hoped she miscarried the baby and threatened to kill her.Striker Adarabioyo started his career at Manchester City’s youth academy and has been on the books of Birmingham City and Crystal Palace.Why Chelsea v Brighton hangs on Tosin v Rutter battle – Experts pick the best bets | Weekend WagerHis last appearances were for non-league sides Altrincham FC and Ashton United in 2021. He has been approached for comment.Adarabioyo was seen with a £3,140 Bottega Veneta leather briefcaseAdarabioyo in action for Altrincham’s clash with HartlepoolCredit: Getty More

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    Millionaire Prem star loses court battle with HMRC over thousands in unpaid tax

    MILLIONAIRE Premier League star Alexander Zinchenko has lost a court battle with HMRC which was chasing him for thousands in unpaid tax.Tax officials wanted to close his company Alex Zinchenko Image Rights over an unpaid tax bill, but representatives promised the bill would be settled at a High Court hearing.Alexander Zinchenko has lost a court battle with HMRC which was chasing him for thousands in unpaid taxCredit: GettyThe company channelled some of his lucrative earnings from a hugely successful career which includes four Premier League titles with Manchester City before a £30million move to Arsenal.Last accounts for the business covering 2023 showed it had a corporation tax bill of £893,133 in 2023 and £834,164 the year before.No figures of the tax owed were made public at the hearing which lasted only a few minutes.The company accounts also showed that Zinchenko, who earns a reported £150,000 a week, had a £1.879 million loan from the business.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHMRC began the action to wind up the company in September last year, but at the hearing in London this week the court heard a settlement had been reached and it would be confirmed in March.Zinchenko was a director of the company and owned the company’s only share until November 3, when fellow director Artemijs Rjabovs, an official who works for the Ukrainian FA took over.Ukrainian Zinchenko has been a vocal opponent of Russia’s war on his homeland and told the BBC he would fight for his country if he was called up.The star told a BBC interview that he donated more than £1million to help refugees suffering in the conflict and that he knew of hundreds of children whose parents have died in the war.Most read in FootballZinchenko reveals ‘secret agent’ turned up at his door with Arteta inside to convince him to complete Arsenal transferUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Man City ace Phil Foden’s WAG Rebecca Cooke spotted with huge diamond ring on engagement finger after romantic trip

    ENGLAND star Phil Foden’s childhood sweetheart Rebecca Cooke has raised hopes of a glamorous WAG wedding after sporting a huge diamond ring on her engagement finger.The player, 24, is said to have whisked Rebecca, 23, away on New Year’s Eve for a romantic trip to Paris.Phil Foden’s childhood sweetheart Rebecca Cooke was spotted with a huge diamond ring on her engagement fingerCredit: SplashFoden is said to have whisked Rebecca away on New Year’s Eve for a romantic trip to ParisCredit: InstagramShe was wearing it in January when she and Phil headed into Manchester city centreCredit: BackGridAnd Rebecca has been wearing a huge diamond ring ever since.She was wearing it in January when she and Phil headed into Manchester city centre for a birthday party at the Shisha Lounge.And she wore it again when she attended fellow WAG Tanya Bardsley’s Mental Mummies event at Mottram Hall in Cheshire last week.Phil and Rebecca have been childhood sweethearts since their teenage years after meeting at a party and are now parents to three children.Read More on SportPhil flew back from the Euros to be at Rebecca’s side in the delivery room in June for their third child’s birth.Our source said. “The pair of them have been together since they were young and their family and friends have been expecting them to get engaged for a while.“The time seemed right for Phil to pop the question. He took her away to Paris for New Year’s Eve and when they came back Rebecca had a sparkling diamond ring on her engagement finger.“The ring is absolutely huge. It’s a massive diamond. She loves it and she’s very proud of wearing it although she hasn’t announced anything about it.Most read in Football“But all the wags know and all the players know in Manchester about the ring and everybody is looking forward to maybe an announcement soon that something has happened, maybe an engagement.“It would certainly be a massive wedding full of footballers and celebrities and Wags.Manchester City’s Phil Foden shuns posh holiday for £100 tent at a £14-a-day fishing lake in the Cotswolds“Rebecca loves a party and has hosted some amazing baby showers.”Phil became the youngest player to win six league titles when he helped Manchester City clinch their fourth consecutive Premier League last season.His growing wealth and status as one of the best young footballers in the world has transformed the fortunes of his entire family and he even bought a £3million, six-bed house in the north-west for his parents.The house is close to where he lives with Rebecca.The £11million-a-year star loves spoiling his family and at Christmas he bought his eldest son Ronnie a custom-built mini Mercedes G-Wagon.The electric Christmas gifts are modelled on the Man City star’s own £200,000 car.We approached the couple for comment.Phil flew back from the Euros to be at Rebecca’s side in the delivery room in June for their third child’s birth.Credit: Getty More

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    Shamed football manager banned for life for thumping linesman in sickening attack

    A SHAMED football manager has been banned for life for thumping a linesman.Robert Williams-Jones, 43, was filmed punching the youngster to the ground during Penrhyndeudraeth FC’s 8-0 win at Amlwch Town in an amateur league clash.Robert Williams-Jones is seen punching the young linesman to the ground during Penrhyndeudraeth FC’s 8-0 win at Amlwch TownCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/The youngster is seen falling to the ground after the vicious single-punch attackCredit: Twitter/@marcwebber/Williams-Jones has been given a lifetime ban by the North Wales FA disciplinary panelA North Wales Coast FA ­disciplinary panel has now given him the lifetime ban and a £3,000 fine.He left his Amlwch role after attacking the linesman, a member of the visiting side’s squad. In a statement, the club said: “As a club we have been truly saddened by the events on the weekend.”Amlwch Town FC cut ties with the former manager shortly after the incident and apologised to both Penrhyndeudraeth and the linesman.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe NWCFA Disciplinary Panel said: “There is no place for aggression or assault in football within this area association. The NWCFA will continue to take robust action on any instances of abuse.“The NWCFA will not be making any further comment.”Penrhyn said at the time: “A fantastic result and performance from the lads today.Most read in Football”Unfortunately, the game was marred by an incident which occurred approximately 15 minutes into the game when a Penrhyn player, acting as a voluntary linesman, was assaulted.”Their manager Riccardo Pellegrino later praised his side, saying: “Your behavior on the pitch after what happened was impeccable, I’m proud to coach this fantastic group of lads.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stunt”I’m proud all of you COYC.”A court gave him a suspended jail term after he admitted ABH.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. Join here More

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    Inside Man City legend Sergio Aguero’s new career as a racing driver – and the famous faces he’ll be competing against

    THIS guy needs no introduction – it’s Sergio Agueroooo.Man City legend. Premier League icon. Messi’s mate. Maradona’s son-in-law (previously). And now . . . Porsche racing driver.Turns out Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero is a bit handy behind the wheelA Porsche 99X accelerates faster than an F1 carHe is set to race a 200mph Formula E car in Miami next monthTurns out the Argentinian striker is a bit handy behind the wheel and will race a 200mph Formula E car in Miami next month.He’s now busy preparing with Porsche, practising in sports cars, on the sim, and generally getting match-fit.Aguero told me: “Football is with your feet, racing is with your hands. But in both racing and football, you have to be very focused and not make ­mistakes.”Too right.READ MORE ON SERGIO AGUEROI’m not sure anyone’s told him a Porsche 99X accelerates faster than an F1 car.Which brings me neatly to the headline.Aguero loves Lewis Hamilton as much as Noel Gallagher loves Sergio Aguero. So, a lot.Does that mean he’ll be supporting Ferrari red from now on? He said: “Yes! I hope Hamilton wins all the races and all the championships — this year, next year, every year. For me, he is the best.Most read in Football“I was at Abu Dhabi in 2021 when Verstappen and Hamilton were fighting for the championship. I didn’t like how it ended. The decision that was taken was not fair. Hamilton should have won it.”Scroll down Aguero’s Instagram account and you’ll see a video of him — in a Man City racesuit — charging around a track in a Mini Cooper with Valtteri Bottas. Sergio Aguero takes up new sport aged 36 and Man City legend will compete against Brooklyn BeckhamHe said: “When I was the co-pilot, it was fun. When I was the pilot, Bottas looked scared.“It was really good fun. It was a good day.”Aguero will battle ten other personalities in the “Formula E Evo Sessions” in Miami, including Brooklyn Beckham, Draco Malfoy from the Harry Potter films, and Lucien Laviscount.And he fancies his chances in the timed shootout.Will Messi come to watch?He said: “We won’t be all together on the track, one or two of us maybe, but I will be checking the times of the other drivers to see if I need to push harder or not.“I want to learn as much as possible and to represent the team as well as ­possible.”I have a Cayenne Turbo in grey with gold wheels. It’s top. It’s good. I like big cars. I also have a Panamera Turbo S — but that’s in Spain. That one is a bit more powerfulAgueroWill Messi come and watch?“If he’s available, I hope he can come. He’s not a big car fan but maybe he can come and support his good friend. Hopefully he’s there.“I am good friends with a lot of the guys at Inter Miami. I sometimes train with them privately. Different speed, but I am there when I can.”Now let’s talk road cars. What’s in your garage at home?“I have a Cayenne Turbo in grey with gold wheels. It’s top. It’s good. I like big cars. I also have a Panamera Turbo S — but that’s in Spain. That one is a bit more powerful.”We have to discuss THAT goal. The stoppage-time winner for City against QPR, the title clincher, forever immortalised by Sky TV commentator Martin Tyler screaming: “Agueroooo”.Everyone still says it, 13 years on. Everyone except Man United fans, obviously, one of them being the Porsche PR guy.Aguero said: “I remember perfectly that commentary. It was the most beautiful moment of my life. I will always remember it. We won the Premier League with that goal.“For me, Manchester was like my second home. I hope that City will always do well and continue to win titles because it is a club that I love a lot.”Aside from the goals and the trophies, Aguero became even more of a legend the day he left City by giving the kit man his Range Rover. Aguero said: “I gifted him a Range Rover and also some watches to the staff.“I told him he could do whatever he wanted with the car. He later asked me if he could sell it, and I said yes because it was his car. He was very grateful for it.”Aguero will battle ten other personalities in the ‘Formula E Evo Sessions’ in MiamiAguero scored a stoppage-time winner for City against QPR to clinch the Premier League title in 2012Credit: PA:Press AssociationLast question. Does his teenage son Benjamin have the attributes of Sergio Aguero and his grandad Diego Maradona rolled into one?“Yes, he is playing for Independiente, he’s doing his own path, under his own name.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s doing well. Hopefully he continues his own way and makes a career. Little by little.”Sounds like the great Aguero loves Oasis too.KEY FACTS: PORSCHE 99X ELECTRICPower: 476hp 0-62mph: 1.82 secsTop speed: 200mph Weight: 862kg (inc driver)Cool stuff: 4WD Attack Mode, half the energy needed for a race comes from braking regen More

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    England fan fury as alcohol will be BANNED at 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia for first time ever

    BOOZE will be banned at the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, its ambassador to the UK announced yesterday.The showpiece event will be the first Fifa tournament to be dry — with no exemption for hotels and fan zones.Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud has confirmed Saudi Arabia will not be relaxing its strict Islamic lawsOnly soft drinks will be served in stadiums and anyone caught smuggling in booze risks a public flogging.Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud confirmed the nation would not be relaxing its strict Islamic laws.He said: “Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol.“It’s not 100 per cent necessary and if you want to drink after you leave, you’re welcome to, but at the moment we don’t have alcohol.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAt the 2022 World Cup in neighbouring Muslim nation Qatar, fans could drink alcohol at hotels which had applied for liquor licences.But Prince Khalid told LBC radio: “There is no alcohol at all, rather like our weather, it’s a dry country.”Everyone has their own culture. We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.“It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event and, to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”Most read in FootballFan Tim Bailey hit out on X: “Their country, their rules. But why the f*** would anyone want to go there anyway?”Another supporter said: “Weird . . . they always want everyone else to change their culture for them.”Saudi Arabia release new pictures of 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium ahead of 2034 World CupSaudi Arabia has been accused of sportswashing to cover up its appalling human rights record.In 2023 when the desert nation launched its 2034 campaign, a Saudi diplomatic source told The Sun: “Football fans will be allowed to drink if Saudi Arabia wins the vote.”It has not been publicly discussed but is an accepted fact.“Alcohol is subject to a total ban now but will be sold in restricted areas — as is the case in other Muslim nations”We acknowledge that serious mistakes have been made in the past and want the rest of the world to understand we are changing.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Plans to install new football regulator would destroy the Premier League, warns Reform MP Rupert Lowe

    A NEW football regulator would destroy the Premier League, ministers have been warned.Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe said a quango would strangle the competitiveness of one of Britain’s best assets.Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, former chairman of Southampton FC and FA Board member, said setting up a regulator could see the Premier League destroyedCredit: PAHe insisted the league had built itself up without “interference from government or the state” and did not need it now. Mr Lowe — former chairman of Southampton FC and FA Board member — said setting up any regulator would be an own goal.Speaking to The Sun’s Never Mind The Ballots show, he said: “The Premier League’s an unbelievable success.“It brings huge soft power to Britain, it brings huge amounts of tax revenue to the Exchequer.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe then warned that London’s once world-beating financial centre was “destroyed by regulation”.He asked: ““Will the Government take responsibility if football goes the same way as our financial markets after they introduce a regulator?“Light touch self-regulation built the Premier League. Regulation will destroy it.”Mr Lowe also called for the lifting of the 3pm blackout, which forbids matches being shown live on UK television at the traditional kick-off time on Saturdays. Most read in FootballThe regulator would have powers to force Premier League sides to bail out cash-strapped lower-tier teams, clamp down on dodgy owners and ban clubs joining breakaway “super leagues”.The Tories introduced the Football Governance Bill but have since pulled their support.Unify League explained after European Super League launches again in new format Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is battling to get the legislation through the Lords where a cabal of peers is trying to sink it.Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is fighting to push the legislation through the Lords, where a group of peers is trying to block itCredit: GettyA new football regulator planned by Labour would destroy the Premier League, ministers have been warnedCredit: AFP More