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      Ryan Mason asks Spurs stars NOT to call him ‘gaffer’ as stand-in boss keeps things informal in Premier League run-in

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      RYAN MASON staged a meeting with Tottenham’s players to tell them: Don’t call me gaffer.The Tottenham caretaker manager, 29, stressed to the squad — with many having been former team-mates — that he wants to keep things informal.
      Ryan Mason wants respect around the Tottenham camp but does not wish to be called ‘gaffer’Credit: Getty
      Mason’s side head to already-relegated Sheffield United tomorrow knowing they need a win to keep their top-four hopes alive.
      He said: “One of the first things I said to them was that I do not expect to be called ‘gaffer’ or ‘boss’.
      “Call me what you have been calling me for the last five or ten years — or however long I have known you.
      “The most important thing for me is respect. You can call me what you want but if you don’t respect me then it is not good. The respect is there from everyone.
      “Not just the players but the groundsman, the kitmen, everyone. I have a good relationship with everyone.”
      The Tottenham players, who address the stand-in boss as either Ryan or Mase, have yet to discover who the new gaffer will be next season.
      Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has extended his contract at the Dutch side until 2023.
      The North Londoners missed out on No1 target Julian Nagelsmann as he agreed to take over at Bayern Munich.
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      Mason insists he has not spoken to star striker Harry Kane about his futureCredit: Getty

      And Brendan Rodgers is committed to Leicester as they close in on a Champions League place.
      But Mason said: “I’ve not heard anything. I’ve shut myself off from it.
      “But this is Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. There’s always going to be people interested.
      “We’ve the best stadium and training complex in the world. It’s a fantastic group of players and a fantastic fan base.
      “It’s a great club. I’m probably biased because I feel passionately about it. But it’s a big football club as well.
      “I don’t want to spend too much energy talking about managers, because at this moment in time I’m the one leading and preparing the team.
      “Everyone associated with the club has to be pulling in the right direction these next five games. We’re not thinking about the next manager or who’s coming in.”
      Mason also stressed he has not spoken to star striker Harry Kane over his future at the club.

      If Spurs fail to finish in the top four, Kane, 27, could push for a move.
      Mason said: “There hasn’t been and won’t be any conversations with me and him regarding anything apart from either the training day or the match ahead.
      “He is one of the most professional guys I’ve ever met in my life so Harry has been training excellent this week.
      “Harry loves this club and that’s been proven over the last seven or eight years.”
      TOTTENHAM (likely): Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Dier, Reguilon; Winks, Hojbjerg; Lo Celso, Moura, Son; Kane
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Ryan Mason says all of the players have pain after Son Heung-min is left in tears on the field following Carabao Cup final loss More

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      Karren Brady: Refereeing in the Premier League is worse than ever as West Ham have ANOTHER red card rescinded

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      FOR THE second time this season a West Ham player has been cleared after being sent off.First in February it was Tomas Soucek who was relieved to be told the referee had made a wrong decision and then this week it was Fabian Balbuena.
      Fabian Balbuena was shown a shock red card last weekend which has now been rescindedCredit: Rex
      Each time after the referee had consulted a touchline screen link with VAR.
      Cynical refereeing judgment perhaps played a part. But it is the current system of pressurising refs by implication that warrants the equivalent of a red card.
      The Stockley Park mob, blinking in front of an array of screens, may get more offsides right although, goodness knows, they often do so to the fury of people who don’t see any sense in arms or shirt sleeves being involved.
      The refereeing itself has been poor this season, possibly the worst I have seen in the Premier League.
      No doubt there will be statistics that prove me wrong but, subjectively, I can remember no time when the whistle was so out of tune with the game.
      VAR was sold to us as a way of perfecting decisions.
      These two red cards alone proved the opposite: not until the refs were requested to look at the screen did sendings off seem even a possibility.
      Especially since both the incidents took place right in front of the ref’s own eyes.
      Mike Dean wrongly sent off Tomas Soucek in FebruaryCredit: Reuters
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      But despite that, both took the VERY broad hint from Stockley Park — and thrust out red cards to the amazement of the players and disgust of millions  of viewers.
      Of the Balbuena incident against Chelsea, manager David Moyes said the decision was ‘rank, rotten’, adding: ‘I think it’s been made by somebody who has never played the game.’
      And, yes, he’s absolutely right. VAR never played a game and never will.
      Anger at London Stadium or in any other quarter in no way excuses the death threat to Mike Dean, who has sent off seven players so far this season, or anyone else. Such stupidity only redirects sympathy.
      Referees are bound to make mistakes, most of us are grown-up enough to understand that, and VAR was intended to take some of the weight of responsibility from their shoulders.
      It has, a little, but its replacement is fury at some of the rubbish meant to be impartial judgment.
      Crazy offside rulings are one thing, unwarranted sending off of players is quite another.
      To Soucek, it was defamation. Our midfielder had not previously been sent off in more than 200 games and there he was walking off the pitch after a pure accident. It was Dean who sent him to the stands at Fulham.
      David Moyes was fuming at the decisionCredit: PA
      Sofiane Feghouli was red carded in 2017… another that was chalked offCredit: Getty – Contributor
      His career is studded with such incidents, including another involving my club in 2017 when his dismissal of Sofiane Feghouli was rescinded.
      Six out of the seven of our more recent appeals have been accepted, although four of those were pre-VAR, facts which imply that things are no  better and no worse than they were.
      Refs spurred by VAR seem more willing to show yellow cards, many for tackles that once were taken for granted.
      So far this season in the Premier League no fewer than 955 have been flourished, many justified but some laughable.
      Paul Tierney is averaging no less than four in 20 games, and here’s a stat if you like, Martin Atkinson has awarded an average 0.09 penalties a game to Anthony Taylor’s 0.48.
      Penalties, obviously cannot be rescinded.
      VAR’s influence is now so great that 108 have been awarded and the record number for a season is going to be burst wide open. West Ham have had only a measly three.
      Football isn’t about justice, we know. But neither is trial by television.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      David Moyes says the red card in West Ham’s game against Chelsea was a rank and rotten decision More

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      Jose Mourinho joins The Sun for Euros with legendary Premier League boss becoming our expert columnist

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      IT’S the Special Sun! Jose Mourinho has signed up to be our expert columnist for the Euros.The European Championship heads an epic sporting summer and he will pull no punches in football’s No 1 paper.
      We’ve got Mourinho! Jose ‘The Special One’ Mourinho has signed as a columnist for SunSportCredit: The Sun
      The Special One will write a razor-sharp column during the EurosCredit: AFP
      Jose has won league titles in Portugal, Italy, Spain and England, with three Prem crowns at Chelsea.
      He also led Inter and Porto to Champions League glory.
      So who better than the Special One to give his opinion on the Euros in a razor-sharp column full of classic Jose wit, knowledge and enthusiasm.
      You can also hear him exclusively on talkSPORT during the tournament.
      And there will be exclusive videos and online pieces to enjoy as well.
      So come on England, let’s make it a Special summer all round!
      Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions are bidding to end 55 years of hurt.
      And Mourinho — whose Portugal are also among the favourites — will be there every step of the way with expert analysis.

      The Special One won three Premier League titles in two spells at ChelseaCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He also led Inter to the Treble – and won another Champions League with PortoCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The Special One is considered one of the greats having lifted an incredible 25 trophies.
      Mourinho also won silverware at Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Porto — and led Manchester United to a League Cup and Europa League double.
      Now Jose will bring his sharp footballing brain to SunSport all summer.
      You don’t want to miss it . . . 
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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      Every English football club to take part in social media boycott today in protest at online hate

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      EVERY English football club will join a social media boycott today in protest at online hate.The FA, Premier League, EFL and the women’s game will turn off Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for four days. 
      Thierry Henry has led the charge for big tech reforms over online abuseCredit: PA
      They are calling on social media firms to stem the “relentless” flow of abuse.
      In an act of unity, The Sun will stop posting on our Twitter accounts from 3pm today until 11.59pm on Monday.
      France’s Thierry Henry, who has led the charge for big tech reform, was “thrilled” by the show of strength.
      He said: “It is a powerful statement.”
      Writing in today’s Sun, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden warns social media giants to act or face the consequences.
      Under his Online Safety Bill, companies could be shut down if they fail to remove abuse. 
      He writes: “Under the legislation, if social media companies fail to keep their promises to users – if they don’t quickly remove racist abuse, for example – they will face severe sanctions.
      “For the very worst failures, they could have their sites blocked.
      “They could also face huge fines of up to ten percent of annual global turnover.
      “For a company like Facebook or YouTube, that could be billions.”
      The Arsenal legend said of the online boycott: ‘It is a powerful statement’Credit: AFP

      He continues: “English football coming off social media is a powerful statement.
      “Everything that tries to destroy the beauty and the happiness of our game — we should fight it.
      “This is my happiest moment. Football stands for something. Not only money.”
      Thierry Henry explains his decision to quit social media More

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      Philippe Coutinho set for £35m Everton transfer and Toffees are already house hunting for ex-Liverpool star

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      PHILIPPE COUTINHO will join Everton this summer in a £35million deal.The Goodison club are so confident of the playmaker returning to Merseyside, they are already house-hunting for him.
      Barcelona’s ex-Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho is close to joining EvertonCredit: Rex
      Everton’s James Rodriguez could be partnered with Philippe Coutinho next season in a dynamic sideCredit: Getty
      Boss Carlo Ancelotti wants Barcelona’s former Liverpool star to form a South American dream team with Colombian James Rodriguez.
      The Brazilian, 28, has had a miserable time since leaving Anfield for Spain for £145m.
      Barca tried to sell him 18 months later but he ended up on loan at Bayern Munich.
      He won the treble in Germany but was hit by injuries that cost him a permanent move to the Bundesliga.
      He then made 14 appearances on his return to the Nou Camp,  but has not played since late December thanks to a knee injury.
      He had surgery at the start of this month and will not play again this season.
      Everton want to be sure he has recovered fully before committing, but a deal  is thought to have been agreed on paper.
      Liverpool boast the most-valuable squad in the Premier League
      The prognosis is said to be  excellent and plans are well underway to  welcome Coutinho, his wife Aine and their three children.
      Liverpool fans will have mixed feelings that their arch rivals  have pounced for  ‘the Little Magician’.
      Barca are keen to offload him, even for a cut–price fee.
      He was linked with a return to Anfield but, instead, if he recovers the form that made him a huge hit there, he could come back to haunt the Reds.
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      The Everton move shows the ambition of Ancelotti and majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri.
      The Italian manager is determined to turn Everton  into regular participants  in the Champions League.
      The capture of Coutinho would be a big step forward in that aim.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Everton ‘plot shock Philippe Coutinho transfer and hope to land Barcelona and ex-Liverpool star for just £35m’ More

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      Wayne Rooney reveals he ‘knows everything’ as Spanish businessman tries to buy struggling Rams

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      WAYNE ROONEY says he “knows everything” about the latest takeover bid for Derby County.Rooney takes relegation-threatened Rams into Saturday’s crucial clash at Swansea with uncertainty behind the scenes.
      Wayne Rooney is staying focused on Derby’s relegation battle amid talk of a takeoverCredit: PA
      Erik Alonso is said to be keen to keep Wayne Rooney as manager
      Owner Mel Morris has had to assure the players they are being paid this month, three weeks after Spanish businessman Erik Alonso announced his Pride Park buyout.
      The deal has not yet been officially approved by the EFL and there are doubts if Alonso is able to complete the takeover.
      Morris is said to be reluctant to fund salaries in future months.
      Derby are fighting for Championship survival amid the planned sell-off.
      Asked if he is in the loop on the deal, Rooney said: “I know everything.
      “I haven’t once spoken to the players about the takeover, the focus is very much on the football.
      “The players are getting paid for doing their jobs.
      “There was no worry that the players weren’t going to get paid.
      “We can’t focus on that — it’s not an issue.”
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      SunSport has revealed a major factor in Alonso’s desire to buy Derby was the chance to work alongside someone of Rooney’s legendary status, who can attract potential new signings.
      And in an earlier statement he said: “We are looking forward to working with Wayne Rooney and his team, and will do everything possible to support the club’s vision and ambition.
      “We are privileged to take ownership of one of the founding members of the Football League and to build a fresh future for the fans, staff and players of Derby County.
      “It has undoubtedly been a difficult period both on and off the pitch for the club over the last two seasons and we recognise that all of the staff have been dedicated and worked tirelessly behind the scenes.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Sir Alex Ferguson claims Wayne Rooney could not handle his booze and he was powerless to stop the player having affairs More

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      Tottenham end Brendan Rodgers pursuit as hefty £70MILLION price tag scares Spurs off in-demand Leicester manager

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      SPURS have been frightened off by the potential £70million  cost of landing Brendan Rodgers.Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was confident of finally getting his man, despite the Leicester chief publicly dismissing the prospect of succeeding the sacked Jose Mourinho.
      Tottenham have ended their costly pursuit of Brendan Rodgers as their new managerCredit: AP
      But the Londoners have been unable to come up with a package that would get Rodgers, 48, out of the King Power.
      The Northern Irishman earns up to £10m a season with the Foxes.
      And Tottenham would need to offer a four-year contract of £12.5m a year, plus Leicester’s expected compensation demands of £20m — a similar amount to what Bayern Munich are paying former Spurs target RB Leipzig for Julian Nagelsmann.
      The Carabao Cup runners-up would also have to shell out for the ex-Liverpool manager’s backroom staff.
      Rodgers — who was offered the Tottenham job by Levy in 2012 but instead went to Anfield — will now remain at the King Power.
      He said: “Tottenham is a great club but . . . I’m very happy here. I want to continue my work here.”
      Spurs will now talk to Erik ten Hag, 51, about taking over — but will only do so once his Ajax side have sealed the Dutch title.
      Rodgers, meanwhile, says red-hot striker Kelechi Iheanacho has finally silenced the moaners with his goal run.
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      Daniel Levy will now turn to other targets to succeed Jose MourinhoCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail

      The Nigerian, 24, endured a tough start at the Foxes following his £25m move from Manchester City in 2017.
      But 12 goals in nine games have cemented third spot and put Leicester into next month’s FA Cup final.
      Ahead of tonight’s trip to Southampton, Rodgers said: “Kelechi’s gone through spells when there were moans and groans when he came on.
      “But I don’t think there’s any now. That’s a testament to Kelechi.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Harry Kane ODDS-ON to ditch Tottenham this summer with Man City, Man Utd & PSG leading £150m transfer battle More

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      Ian Wright reveals he gave cash to the dad who walked out on him when he was just 18 months old

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      IAN Wright has revealed he gave cash to the dad who walked out on him when he was just 18 months old.The Match of the Day pundit handed him enough to start a restaurant and to fix his car — but felt guilty because his mum would not have approved.
      Ian Wright revealed he gave enough cash to his estranged dad so that he could open a restaurant and fix his carCredit: Getty
      The England footie ace, 57, felt guilty because his mum, Nesta, would not have approvedCredit: Alpha Press
      Ex-Arsenal and England striker Ian, 57, was the third son of Jamaican parents Nesta and Herbert.
      In a chat with The Sun columnist Troy Deeney, Ian recalled Herbert and his wife turning up at his house, having not seem him for years.
      He said: “He needed money because she’s some good cook and he wants to open a restaurant.
      “I remember my missus at the time asked the woman what she wanted to drink.
      “So we’re talking like quarter past ten in the morning. She said, ‘Gimme a brandy’.
      “So you know the kind of people we’re dealing with.
      “I don’t know what it was but I gave him enough money.
      “I feel really bad in myself because, if my mum knew, she would probably be vexed but I was scared to say no.
      Ian’s dad Herbert had not seen his son for seven years when he turned up at his house with his wifeCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Ian revealed ‘He needed money because she’s some good cook and he wants to open a restaurant’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The ex-Arsenal and England striker added his mum ‘would probably be vexed but I was scared to say no’Credit: PA

      “But at the same time, I feel blessed because I didn’t feel like I held the hate to the point where he can say, ‘He didn’t help me when he had the opportunity’.”
      After his dad walked out, Ian grew up in Woolwich, South London.
      He has told how he and Nesta, now in her 90s, were physically abused by his stepfather.
      Ian has told how he and Nesta were physically abused by his stepfatherCredit: PA
      Ian Wright is reunited with his lost Golden Boot award and other memorabilia More