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      Arsenal vs Villarreal referee Slavko Vincic was witness in drug and prostitution sting after being arrested at party

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      ARSENAL’S European destiny will be overseen by controversial referee Slavko Vincic.The Slovenian official has been placed in charge of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Villarreal at the Emirates.
      Slavko Vincic was questioned as a witness after 35 people were detained at a partyCredit: The Sun
      Arsenal defender David Luiz could be out for weeks with a hamstring injury, including missing Thursday’s semi-final with VillarrealCredit: AP
      Vincic, 41, was arrested last year by cops investigating a drugs and prostitution ring in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
      He was nicked as police raided a party in Bijeljina when a total of 26 men and nine women were detained and guns, cash and cocaine were seized.
      Vincic, a full Fifa referee since 2010, was later released after being questioned as a witness.
      He has been a full Fifa referee since 2010 and has taken charge of matches involving Liverpool, Manchester City and new Scottish champions Rangers.
      Arsenal are 2-1 down from the first leg against the Spanish side but are desperate to go on and win the competition.
      They are ninth in the Premier League and 12 points off the top four with no hope of qualifying for next season’s Champions League via domestic football.
      The winners of the Europa League are awarded a place in the money-spinning competition, hence Arsenal’s huge incentive to do well.
      Meanwhile, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta admits defender David Luiz could be out for the rest of the season after injuring his leg in Sunday’s 2-0 Premier League win at Newcastle.
      Arteta said: “We don’t know. He felt something in his hamstring so it’s not good news.
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      “He’s put such a shift to be back with the team for the last few weeks after the knee surgery and it’s a real shame.”
      Striker Alexandre Lacazette and brilliant left-back Kieran Tierney are also unlikely to be ready for Villareal.
      Meanwhile, Manchester United are 6-2 up on Italians Roma in the other semi-final with the final set for May 26 in the Polish city of Gdansk.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Arsenal vs Villarreal – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      Ryan Shawcross backs David Beckham to turn Inter Miami into MLS force after jumping at chance to get some Florida sun

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      SUNNY days are finally here for Ryan Shawcross.The Stoke legend ended his 14-year stay in the Potteries in February by signing for David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
      Ryan Shawcross joined David Beckham’s Inter Miami after 14 years at StokeCredit: Zuma Press
      Shawcross reckons David Beckham’s Inter Miami can make a splash in MLSCredit: AP
      Shawcross endured a nightmare ending to his time at the Bet365 Stadium after breaking his left leg in pre-season before the 2019-20 campaign.
      The horrific injury — which he suffered while making a routine tackle in the friendly against Leicester — restricted him to just a handful of appearances before leaving for South Florida.
      But the former Manchester United centre-half, who came through the ranks at Old Trafford while Becks and Miami boss Phil Neville were in their pomp, reckons the Florida sunshine could extend his career.
      Shawcross, 33, made an impressive start to life in the MLS with a Man-of-the-Match performance in his full debut as Miami and Nashville finished goalless on Sunday.
      He said: “It’s a more relaxed atmosphere here and that lends itself to more of an outdoor lifestyle.
      “You can go outside and have nice meals. Everyone is relaxed because it’s hard not to enjoy the weather. The sun always gives you a smile.
      “Every morning I can put my shorts and T-shirt on — which is a big change to what I was doing back home. It’s the small things like that which just makes you feel a bit happier.
      “I love England, it will always be home but at this stage of my career, coming to Miami just felt like the right thing to do.”
      Shawcross endured a nightmare ending to his time at Stoke after breaking his leg in pre-season before the 2019-20 campaignCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Question marks over his fitness remain but Shawcross added: “I feel fine now, I have had a long period off and the sun definitely helps.
      “I didn’t see much of it when I was in Stoke, but it warms you up and, hopefully, the small knocks will go away now.”
      The soaring temperatures here may be doing wonders for his tan but playing 90 minutes is a serious test of fitness and conditioning.
      This Sunday’s home match against Gabriel Heinze’s Atlanta will push the man who won a solitary England cap to the limits.
      The humidity at 1pm could be a problem as his run-outs in Philadelphia and Nashville were nowhere near as sweaty as this one will be.

      Shawcross added: “The main difference in terms of playing has been the heat. You can’t always play at a high intensity, so it’s more of a possession-based game.
      “Most teams are trying to keep the ball because it’s impossible to press too much in this heat.
      “That suits me though, with the kind of players we have.”
      “In Florida, the weather does affect how you play. We are definitely a possession-based side who want to stay on the ball.
      Shawcross started his coaching badges at the age of 24 and is still learning alongside the likes of former Everton and New York Red Bulls ace Tim Cahill.
      Neville has started well here, bagging a win and a draw on the road in his first three games.
      The former United and England defender sees the experienced Shawcross as the perfect man to bolster a backline which looked far from secure last season under boss Diego Alonso.
      It was wrench to leave Stoke after making a whopping 453 appearances for the club.
      I didn’t see much sun when I was in Stoke.Ryan Shawcross
      But with his wife and three young kids keen for an adventure, there was only one answer when Goldenballs came calling.
      Shawcross said: “I had a few options but when this came up I wanted to join straight away.
      “The coaching can come in the future, because I haven’t played too much recently, I knew I wanted to carry on for a bit longer.
      “It wouldn’t have come if my family weren’t going to come with me but they have adjusted well to the lifestyle.
      “The kids haven’t dragged me to Disney yet but I’m sure they will.”
      With Becks a co-owner and Neville in charge, Shawcross has been made to feel at home, especially with former Stoke team-mate Anthony Pulis, son of his old boss Tony, also a key man on the coaching team.
      Shawcross said: “Being a young kid coming through at Manchester United, you look up to people like David and Phil.
      “They are the kind of players you aspire to be like and when David was trying to get a team together in Miami, I knew all about it.
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      Premier League Hall of Fame 23-name shortlist

      Tony ADAMS
      David BECKHAM
      Dennis BERGKAMP
      Sol CAMPBELL
      Eric CANTONA
      Andrew COLE
      Ashley COLE
      Didier DROGBA
      Les FERDINAND
      Rio FERDINAND
      Robbie FOWLER
      Steven GERRARD
      Roy KEANE
      Frank LAMPARD
      Matt LE TISSIER
      Michael OWEN
      Peter SCHMEICHEL
      Paul SCHOLES
      John TERRY
      Robin VAN PERSIE
      Nemanja VIDIC
      Patrick VIEIRA
      Ian WRIGHT

      “It’s because of David that the club are trying to be the very best.
      “It will take time to get to where they want to be but when David is involved, most things work.
      “I will always be a huge Stoke fan and have such fond memories of my time there. This, though, is a new chapter.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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      Man Utd plot £90MILLION Harry Kane transfer bid as Glazers aim to appease angry fans after protests

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      THE Glazers are ready to sanction a £90million Manchester United bid for Harry Kane as they desperately attempt to quash fan fury.Sunday’s protests hit home in Florida, where the controversial owners are based — and they are keen to dampen the anger.
      Man Utd owners the Glazers are ready to spend £90m on Harry Kane in a bid to appease fansCredit: AFP
      Though there is little interest in selling up, the need to win back favour is obvious.
      One option being considered is an attempt to sign the world-class striker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants.
      Spurs ace Kane is top of their list and SunSport understands he would be interested in an Old Trafford move.
      Spurs chairman Daniel Levy’s stance is that if he does have to sell, it will not be to  a Prem club.
      But with Spurs needing to finance a summer squad rebuild, sticking to that stance may not be easy.
      And United may test Levy’s resolve with a £90m bid if Kane, 27, tells the club he wants to leave.
      Kane, who has 31 goals and 16 assists this season, reiterated in March he wants team honours yet Spurs seem further than ever from competing.
      Speaking after picking up an individual gong at the London Football Awards, Kane said: “When I look back at the end of my career, these are all the things I’ll go over and take in a little bit more, but the goal right now as a player is to win team trophies.
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      Hundreds of protesters gathered – and broke into – Old Trafford on SundayCredit: PA
      “As much as this is great, I want to be winning the biggest team prizes.
      “We’re not quite doing that.
      “It’s bittersweet, but it is what it is.
      “I’m proud to win [Premier League Player of the Year], it’s been a good season on the pitch.”

      Levy has valued Kane at £170m but realistically he would never get that post-Covid, with the England captain 28 in July.
      For the Glazers it would at least show they are prepared to splash out  to restore United to the top of the domestic game.
      It would unlikely appease the hard-core of  fans who want to them out but may keep others happy — and also investors.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Avram Glazer confronted about Manchester United and asked if it is time to sell the club More

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      Tottenham will still pay Jose Mourinho £10MILLION next season… twice as much as new club Roma

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      JOSE MOURINHO was appointed Roma boss yesterday — but it will still cost Spurs £10million.The Special One landed a new job just 15 days after being sacked by Tottenham.
      Jose Mourinho will rake a big pay-off from Spurs even though he will become Roma’s manager from next seasonCredit: EPA
      He has signed a three-year deal with the Italians worth £5m a year — compared to the annual £15m he was getting at Spurs.
      But as part of his severance, the North Londoners agreed to pay him the shortfall in salary if he took another post on lower wages before the end of his contract next summer.
      That means when Mourinho takes over at the Stadio Olimpico this summer he will receive £5m from Roma and, for next season only, £10m from Tottenham.
      But Spurs have saved £5m on what they would have paid him had he not accepted another job.
      The ex-Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid and Manchester United boss is keen to show he is not at fault nor been affected by his shock departure  after just 17 months in charge.
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      Mourinho, 58, will replace fellow Portuguese Paulo Fonseca.
      He said: “The incredible passion of the Roma fans convinced me to accept the job and I cannot wait to start next season.”
      Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and his players and staff knew nothing of Mourinho’s new job until it was announced on TV yesterday afternoon.

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Jose Mourinho hilariously falls over at Wembley as Manchester United boss watches England lose to Spain More

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      Ex-Barnsley boss Gerhard Struber on Tykes success, NY Red Bulls, MLS kids and Premier League dreams

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      GERHARD STRUBER has watched from afar the unfathomable rise of Barnsley.But the Austrian has no doubts about the part he played in helping the Tykes believe they could jump from relegation probables to promotion possibles.
      Struber left Barnsley for Credit: Alamy
      Struber worked miracles at Barnsley last season as they escaped the Championship’s bottom three on the final dayCredit: Rex
      Bottom of the Championship and seven points adrift in November 2019, Struber’s arrival in south Yorkshire sparked an incredible survival drive, escaping the bottom three on the final day.
      The new season brought new hope, but a poor start saw Struber question the ambition of the Barnsley owners in the transfer market as he left for MLS side New York Red Bulls on October 6.
      Barnsley’s ambitions have soared since under Valerien Ismael having confirmed a play-off spot by losing just three of their last 20 games.
      Asked whether this was always a team capable of reaching those heights, Struber admitted: “I pushed the boys in the right way and right direction and gave them an identity of football helpful for success and development. This was my big duty.”
      The 44-year-old coach continued: “When I look back to Barnsley it was the biggest difference to the Austrian league or the European leagues.
      “We had so many games and you had to look at how you managed and handled the situation.
      “This was a big learning curve for me, especially handling boys from England.
      “I like so much working with the culture of English players. They have a very good attitude and it’s a good feeling to work with such ambitious players.
      “In the end they had a big belief in what we did and this was very interesting to see and also for me to learn from for my next step.”
      His next step was a more of a gigantic leap across the Atlantic to MLS giants NY Red Bulls – just the latest move in a few meteoric years for the young coach.
      From coaching Red Bull Salzburg’s U19s in the UEFA Youth League in 2017 to taking charge of one of America’s largest and most successful sides.
      And it was while getting his Pro License that he moulded his fast and efficient “synchronised pressing” playing style and philosophy during educational trips to Germany and Italy.
      Barnsley’s ambitions have soared under Valerien Ismael having confirmed a play-off spot by losing just three of their last 20 gamesCredit: PA

      Two losses against Sporting Kansas City and LA Galaxy to kick off the MLS campaign was not an ideal start before their first win against Chicago Fire, but preparing a young side during the pandemic has been tough.
      Struber said: “We need patience, we need the right time but we have big ambitions to win trophies in the end. Right now, we are realistic and work very hard for our vision.
      “The goal is to play very attractive and win football games. We will be very successful in the next few years.”
      NY Red Bulls currently have several young English talents on their roster, including Stoke City defender Tom Edwards, Crystal Palace academy graduate Mandela Egbo and former Brentford and Southend midfielder Dru Yearwood.
      Struber explained: “In England you must be a top talent to have the chance to get game time with a club like Southampton or Liverpool or Manchester City. It’s not so easy.
      “But the MLS can be a very good first step in a big professional career. It gives young players a good platform.
      “We can develop young players in a modern direction where they have a big market in the future. In the end, it’s always good when the clubs can make very good deals with players.
      “We have the fantasy that they can play in top leagues in Europe. That is the Red Bull way.”
      After several years of plane-hopping from club to club – and with his family arriving in New York in the summer – Struber is ready to settle and plan for the future with NY Red Bulls.
      But there remains a hole in his heart where English football once was – and has dreams of one day emulating managerial hero Jurgen Klopp.
      He said: “I never forget England. The atmosphere in the stadium I remember with a good feeling and this is a league that is very attractive.
      “It is a big dream for every coach to work in the Premier League. Right now, I have my big focus here in this club with all my energy and we will see what comes in the future.”
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      Man City star Phil Foden left devastated after pal and trusted advisor Richard Green passes away

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      PHIL FODEN was left devastated by the loss of his adviser, lawyer and trusted friend Richard Green.The managing director of 1810 Sports Limited died last month aged 56, leaving behind his wife and three children.
      Phil Foden has been left devastated at the loss of close friend and adviser Richard GreenCredit: Reuters
      Green had a major effect on Foden’s career and was considered part of the player’s family.
      But the City midfielder faces a massive decision.
      There is now a race among agents — including all of the big firms — to lure the player, even though he is contracted to  Liverpool-based 1810.
      Foden signed a new contract with City in 2018 but that was before the England international took his game to new levels.
      This means that more contract negotiations are in the pipeline with his advisers.
      While Foden’s form has improved, the same cannot be said for Raheem Sterling, who has been struggling.
      Many believe this is linked to his off-field issues as he is currently without an agent.
      With two years left on his deal, Sterling would normally be in the process of talking over an extension.
      Kevin De Bruyne is also without an agent but he used a lawyer while personally negotiating a new contract.
      Fulham’s impressive new stand (left) is expected to be complete by 2022Credit: Getty
      FULHAM are on course to complete their impressive new stand in the summer of 2022.
      The £100million Fulham Pier project started with the demolition of the old stand in 2019 and some seats in the new structure could be used next season.
      Initially, the  scheme was due to be finished ahead of the 2021-22 campaign. The 8,000-seat stand will increase the Craven Cottage capacity to 29,600  and include a rooftop swimming pool and boutique hotel.
      There will also be a new walkway behind it, which  means the public can travel from Putney Bridge to Hammersmith Bridge without having to divert around the streets near the stadium.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      ARSENAL have not covered themselves in glory with some of their transfer dealings, but expect that to change.
      Jason Ayto is the  player recruitment co-ordinator and the club is now using analytics more than ever.
      Arsenal’s scouting network took the brunt of the job cuts earlier in the season. Equally, the traditional idea of having scouts worldwide is no longer as important due to the increased use of data.
      In the next couple of transfer windows expect a few arrivals that will cost a lot less than £72million Nicolas Pepe but that will  be a lot more successful.

      CHELSEA midfielder Mateo Kovacic  set up a Twitter account . . . to announce he was  boycotting social media.
      Kovacic arrived on the platform —  complete with blue tick — to announce “something needs to change”.
      It was his first and only post although he now has approaching 10,000 followers.
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      Man Utd protester snorts white powder off stolen Old Trafford corner flag after invading pitch

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      A PROTESTER who ran across the Old Trafford pitch with a Manchester United corner flag was later filmed sniffing a suspicious white powder off it.In scenes that’ll do nothing for his cause, he was shown outside the ground emptying the substance on the bottom of the pole.
      A protester was pictured running across the Old Trafford pitch with a Manchester United corner flagCredit: AFP
      He was later filmed sprinkling a suspicious white powder on to the flag pole
      After appearing to snort it, he holds up the flag — bearing the club’s crest — and shouts “United” while laughing into the camera.
      The video was shared on Snapchat with a laughing emoji and a caption reading: “Striped off the flag.”
      Sunday’s demo saw 1,000 fans gather outside the stadium to protest at the club owners, the US-based Glazer family, in the wake of the failed European Super League proposals.
      Around 100 stormed the pitch. Others massed at the hotel where United players were staying.
      The match against Liverpool was postponed.
      Police said six officers were hurt, including one who suffered a fractured eye socket and another whose face was slashed.
      Assistant chief constable Russ Jackson said: “We fully respect the right for peaceful protest. But it soon became clear many present had no intention of doing so peacefully.”
      The grinning supporter showed off the club crest on the flag
      The fan appeared to sniff white powder off the flag base

      United denied claims that staff had opened a stadium gate for protesters and insisted they had smashed their way in.
      PM Boris Johnson, who was anti-Super League, said: “I don’t think it’s a good idea to have disruptive behaviour.
      “But I do understand people’s strength of feeling.”
      The video was shared on Snapchat with a laughing emoji and a caption reading: ‘Striped off the flag’
      Sunday’s demo saw 1,000 fans gather outside the stadium to protest at the club owners, the US-based Glazer familyCredit: PA
      Around 100 fans stormed the pitch while others massed at the hotel where United players were stayingCredit: Getty
      Police said six officers were hurt in the protestsCredit: Reuters
      Angry Man Utd fans break into Old Trafford and storm pitch in protest against Glazers More

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      Premier League and FA join forces as they unveil plans to crush any future plots to launch breakaway Super League

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      THE Premier League and FA have vowed to crush the Super League plotters if they attempt another breakaway.In a move to reassure fans the threat has been killed off for good, the FA launched an inquiry by demanding full and frank answers from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs and the two Manchester giants.
      Football fans were outraged after plans to join the European Super League were revealedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      And the Premier League promised it will change its rulebook to dismiss any possibility of the rebels coming back for a second attempt.
      A Prem statement read: “The Premier League has prepared a series of measures to enshrine the core principles of the professional game an open pyramid, progression through sporting merit and the highest standards of sporting integrity.
      “These measures are designed to stop the threat of breakaway leagues in future.”
      The Big Six are facing disrepute charges for their parts in the attempted coup.
      FA top brass are understood to feel heavy fines are more likely, rather than punishments that would hit the fans such as points deductions.
      A Wembley spokesperson said: “We have been discussing legislation with Government that would allow us to prevent any similar threat in the future so we can protect the English football pyramid.”
      The crisis brought English football’s ruling parties together — and the involvement of the Government and its threatened “legislative bombshell” helped torpedo the breakaway plans in the space of 48 hours.
      And the Prem clarified the specific steps it intends to take and force on to the rulebook at this summer’s AGM, to come into immediate effect.
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      It pledged to bring in new rules to “protect open competition” and an owners’ charter that must be signed by all club bosses “committing them to the core principles of the League” — or they will face “significant sanctions”.
      A statement read: “The Premier League, supported by The FA, is taking the following actions to protect our game, our clubs and their fans from further disruption and uncertainty:
      “Additional rules and regulation to ensure the principles of the Premier League and open competition are protected.
      “A new Owners’ Charter that all club owners will be required to sign up to, committing them to the core principles of the Premier League.
      “Breaches of these rules and the Charter will be subject to significant sanctions.
      “We are enlisting the support of Government to bring in appropriate legislation to protect football’s open pyramid, principles of sporting merit and the integrity of the football community.
      “And we will work with the fan groups, Government, Uefa, The FA, EFL, PFA and LMA to defend the integrity and future prospects of English Football.”
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