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      Harry Kane wants to win things… there is NO way he can stay at Tottenham if they fail to get top four

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      IT’S always one of the special weekends of the season — especially in the good old days when the FA Cup meant even more.Quarter-finals weekend, two steps from the main event itself, the chance of silverware.
      Harry Kane was left disappointed as crashed out of the Europa League in embarrassing fashionCredit: Reuters
      It is the chance, in some cases, to turn a dismal season into an unforgettable one.
      Even though the old trophy may have lost some of its lustre to many, try telling that to fans of Leicester or Sheffield United if they reach the last four today.
      Yet for all that, there’s actually another final taking place on Sunday.
      Not in name, maybe, but most definitely in every other way.
      On the face of it Tottenham’s trip to Aston Villa is way down the list of potential headline-makers.
      In terms of long-term ramifications, though, it couldn’t be more crucial. Not after the week from hell which, given Spurs’ recent history, is saying something.
      Losing the North London derby so tamely — especially after being a goal up — was bad enough.
       Little did they know that was only the start.
      But blowing a two-goal lead and crashing out of Europe to Dinamo Zagreb so pitifully was inexcusable. Laughable . . . you name it, it was that.
      And don’t give me any of that b******s about how beating Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final would still salvage the season. No. It. Wouldn’t.
      The main thing now for Tottenham is reaching the top four and reclaiming a place in the Champions League — which is why victory at Villa on Sunday is so vital.
      Manage that and they are still only three points adrift of Chelsea, in the fourth and final slot, with a similar goal difference.
      Fail and they’d be big outsiders to get back into the competition they lit up just two years ago — even though their plummet since makes it seem like a different age.
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      But miss out again and there is no way on God’s earth you can picture Harry Kane starting another season in a Tottenham shirt, whether he’s one of their own or not.
      For all he loves the club, for all he has insisted he can achieve all he wants where he already is… blow it this time and you can forget that.
      Sympathy and Spurs haven’t been the closest of bedfellows over the years. Laughter at times. Pity at others. But sympathy? Rarely.
      Yet you looked at Kane on Thursday night and it was hard not to feel it. For him, not the rest of the clowns who basically got what they deserved, that is.
      Kane wants to win things, of course, and more than anything he wants to win them at Spurs. And by win things, he doesn’t mean one league cup. He means big stuff, regularly.
      That’s never going to happen where he is, and he knows it. Just like he knows this summer will probably be his last chance to get a move to one of the genuine big guns.
      And as much as Tottenham may insist THEY are one of the big guns, that’s in name only.
      Like Newcastle or Leeds. Big history, big tradition, big name… small modern-day ­trophy cabinet.
      Kane is the best striker of his generation, captain of his country, a World Cup top scorer — and a man desperate to have something palpable to show for it beyond a Golden Boot.
      And I know that when it comes to a one-off game, yes, Spurs are indeed capable of beating anyone.
      Kane cut a frustrated figure against Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday nightCredit: AP
      But, as Terry Venables ­memorably said, any team needing the words “on their day” to describe how good they are, aren’t in reality actually all that good.
      The top ones, the ones who are there at the business end every season, are good virtually every week.
      You don’t look back at the great Manchester United and Arsenal teams  and say “on their day,” any more than the current City one, or Liverpool of the 1970s and 80s.
      It’s all you can remember saying about Spurs, though… and it’s not about to change.
      If Kane stays where he is, he will one day look back on his career as a Matt Le Tissier with knobs on.
      Surely Tottenham’s only chance of keeping him is with Champions League football.
      Which brings us back to why Villa Park is staging the real final on Sunday.
      Although, in truth, even that may ultimately not be enough.
      Livid Lloris calls Tottenham a ‘disgrace’ after Europa League exit against Dinamo Zagreb More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Premier League star Claus Lundekvam charged with benefit fraud

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      FORMER Premier League soccer star Claus Lundekvam is to appear in court in Norway next month accused of benefit fraud.The 48-year-old former Southampton captain is alleged to have falsely claimed dole while working on TV.
      Former Southampton star Claud Lundekvam has been charged with benefit fraudCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Lundekvam, who made 357 appearances for The Saints from 1996 to 2008, will appear in the dock in Bergen on April 1.
      Prosecutors say the ex-Norway international defender received 523,000 kroner – about £44,000 – by submitting false declarations.
      He allegedly claimed he worked 454 hours from January 1, 2017, to April 28, 2019.
      However, he is accused of actually being in employment for 2,609 hours – meaning he was not entitled to claim that much.
      He has been working as a soccer pundit for Norway’s TV2 station.
      Lunderkvam has previously confessed to operating a Premier League betting scam with punts on first corners and throw-ins that netted him and fellow pros tens of thousands.
      He said of his Premier League betting in 2012: “It’s not something I’m proud of. For a while we did this almost every week. We made a fair bit of money.
      “The results were never on the agenda. That is something I would never have done. We were professional competitors.
      “We could make deals with the opposing players about, for example, betting on the first throw, the first corner, who started with the ball, a yellow card or a penalty.
      “Those were the sorts of things we had influence over. Even though what we did, of course, was illegal, it was just a fun thing.”
      After retiring from the South Coast club, he fell into bouts of heavy drinking, taking cocaine and depression and checked into the Sporting Chance clinic run by Arsenal legend Tony Adams.
      Lunderkvam – who earned more than £30,000-a-week in his heyday – said: “I obviously took a few wrong turns and wrong decisions after my career,” he says.
      “I think, looking back, I would strongly advise players to find something meaningful to get you up in the morning. Find something, work-wise, that you enjoy.

      “For me, at the time, I had everything. I had a lot of money, a wonderful family, a great house. I had a house in Norway. Boats, cars, everything.
      “But I was depressed and I felt lonely. I felt that nobody needed me any more.
      “That was the loss of the dressing room. The loss of performing every week with your team-mates. That was taken away from me and I found that very difficult.”
      Claus Lundekvam will appear in court in NorwayCredit: Solent News
      Claus retired from football more than a decade agoCredit: Tor Erik H Mathiesen
      Single mum on benefits now only works two hours a week renting out other people’s houses with a business worth £2 million
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      in Soccer

      Football and the FA ignored the signs of abuse allowing monsters to get away with it for years – just like Jimmy Savile

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      THE shadow of the Evil Knight, Jimmy Savile, falls over football again with the disturbing just-published report on sickening crimes against boys.The coincidences are striking. Just as the DJ and TV personality managed to silence many suggestions that he was sexually assaulting boys and girls, so too the knowledge of coaches conducting their repulsive crimes was ignored in football for many years.
      Barry Bennell was found guilty of abusing a schoolboy footballerCredit: AP:Associated Press
      At least one pervert escaped discovery until long after Savile died in 2012, despite FA ordering safeguarding at clubs. They are a current and everlasting danger.
      Clive Sheldon’s report into sexual abuse details the horror of what young boys were subjected to and turns the spotlight on the period 1995-2000 during which the FA ignored signals that paedophilia was widespread in sport.
      The first was the conviction of Olympic swimming coach Paul Hickson.
      The second was another conviction, that of Barry Bennell, found guilty of abusing a schoolboy footballer.
      As Savile remained untouchable, hiding behind the knighthood bestowed on him in the 1980s, the paedophiles in football hid behind significant failures by the FA and football clubs, which meant children were not kept safe and reports of abuse, as well as whispers of wrong-doing, were usually ignored.
      Bennell, whilst at Manchester City, Stoke and Crewe, raped and sexually assaulted boys who, years later, are still traumatised by the innocence they lost to Bennell, who much later was jailed for 34 years.
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      It was thirty-plus years before Andy Woodward of Bury and Sheffield United, braved publicity to talk about his experiences with Bennell.
      He was only 11 when he first came to the attention of the coach, scout and serial paedophile thus beginning a four-year horror story that took Woodward to the brink. It’s difficult even to contemplate how much Woodward has suffered.
      Bennell, sadly was not the only paedophile in football, there were many. In July 2018 it was reported that there were 300 suspects identified by 849 alleged victims, with 2,807 incidents involving 340 different clubs.
      Paul Stewart, of Manchester City, Spurs, Liverpool and England, talked about his experiences with paedophile coach Frank Roper.
      Karren Brady has slammed football for ignoring signs of abuse like Jimmy SavileCredit: PA:Press Association
      Paul was only 11 when the coach first touched him on the knee, the opening scenario in a four-year horror story that ruined Stewart’s childhood and had life-long consequences.
      Stewart says he “contemplated suicide even when things were going well. I was playing for Spurs and England, at the peak of my success.
      But there was that constant feeling. It was so dark and I just wanted to step out of it.” He’s 56 and, yes, the tears still well up.
      Roper threatened to kill Stewart’s mother, father and two brothers if he breathed a word to them. For an 11-year-old the threat was believable.
      Abuse could have happened at almost any club in those days, the procedures were paper-thin and little defence against determined, prolific and dangerous men was deployed.
      The naivety in all sports was unbelievable. Bullying, abuse, threats and punishment were ignored or treated as matter for jokes. It could have been Oliver Twist with skates on.
      Thank God things have changed. The FA, the Premier League and the clubs are united in determination to keep boys and girls safe.
      Premier League clubs now have big safeguarding teams whose remit includes safer recruitment practices, player welfare teams and safeguard training.

      Without these procedures in place there was poor supervision in football which allowed Bennell, Roper and others to destroy lives.
      It isn’t much of a defence to point out that attitudes in society were different in the 20th century but it’s the only one Sheldon puts forward.
      So I’ll leave you with a Sheldon remark. Bennell, he says, destroyed the lives and dreams of many of those entrusted to his care. True of those other abusers, too.
      Pep Guardiola hails Man City transfer target Erling Haaland as one of ‘world’s best’ More

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      in Soccer

      VAR shambles as chiefs with NO football experience ‘overruling Premier League referees at Stockley Park’

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      VAR commanders with no authority in the Premier League are astonishingly over-ruling referees, it has been claimed.Former ref Mark Halsey has learned VAR Andy Madley was told by commander Adam Carter NOT to award Manchester City’s Phil Foden a blatant penalty against Southampton last week.
      VAR decisions are being taken out of experienced referees’ handsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      On-field ref Jon Moss was not asked to review the incident on the pitch side monitor with a view to changing his original ruling, leaving boss Pep Guardiola to slam the decision as “incredible”.
      Halsey’s worrying claim will put the spotlight on Carter, who has never been a referee.
      Halsey, a Prem ref from 1999-2013, said: “I have been informed by reliable people involved in officiating about what is happening at Stockley Park regarding VAR decision-making.
      “The incident involving Phil Foden and Alex McCarthy was not deemed a penalty by on-field referee Jon Moss.
      “I have been told VAR Andy Madley thought it was a penalty and was about to recommend a review when Adam Carter got involved and told Madley that’s not a penalty.
      “The match commander should not be making decisions during a game.
      “Adam has never been a referee, he’s been an analyst.
      I feel for the officials in this situation. Now I know why VAR is all over the place and has drawn criticism.Mark Halsey
      “I understand the incident at City has been the talk of officials across the leagues over the past week. It makes me wonder, has this happened before? 
      “I feel for the officials in this situation. Now I know why VAR is all over the place and has drawn criticism from managers, players and fans for its inconsistency and rightly so.
      “The proof is in the pudding over how it has been operated for the last two seasons.”
      Play continued at the Etihad without a review in City’s 5-2 win over the Saints.
      The incident also led to Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness furiously criticising the officials.
      He said: “They just make it up as they go along.
      “It is nonsense and they make themselves look stupid.”
      Phil Foden was not awarded a penalty against Southampton in controversial circumstancesCredit: PA
      Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey has revealed the course of decision making at Stockley ParkCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      VAR match commanders are allowed to be at Stockley Park with VAR officials, as was the case when Neil Swarbrick had an animated chat with Stuart Attwell in Leicester’s win over Wolves in November.
      But they should not be involved in the decision-making.
      In Germany, VAR project manager Hellmut Krug was removed from his position in 2017 amid claims he had influenced decisions in Schalke’s game with Wolfsburg.
      Krug denied he had any influence but lost his job days later.
      Carter, who was previously an assistant analyst at the PGMOL, is one of three matchday commanders – the others being former top-flight referee Swarbrick and former assistant ref Mike Mullarkey.
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      The Premier League has sent out a survey to clubs to canvass their opinions on VAR.
      It includes the question ‘to what extent do you support or oppose the use of VAR in the Premier League?’.
      One club source told us: “Do they really need the answer to that? We all know it’s not working.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Scott Parker says the game is becoming sterile as VAR kills football More

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      in Soccer

      Tammy Abraham to return to Chelsea training on Friday but striker has still NOT shaken off lingering ankle issue

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      TAMMY ABRAHAM returns to training today in a fresh bid to shake off his stubborn ankle injury.The Chelsea striker 23, has been struggling since picking up the problem against Burnley in January.
      Tammy Abraham will return to Chelsea training on FridayCredit: EPA
      He has not made the matchday squads for their last five games.
      And he is out of England’s upcoming World Cup qualifying games.
      Blues boss Thomas Tuchel revealed Abraham suffered a setback in training last week.
      But the German hopes a mix of rest and work during the international break will boost his recovery.
      Chelsea face Sheffield United on Sunday in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
      After this weekend there is no domestic action until their home Premier League clash against struggling West Brom on April 3.
      Abraham now hopes to be available for that.
      The striker’s return will provide a major boost to Tuchel’s attacking ranks.
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      Abraham’s current deal will have just two years remaining on it in June as speculation mounts over his future.
      Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund in a deal which could reach over £100million.
      And Abraham may decide to call time on his Stamford Bridge spell despite coming through the ranks with the club’s academy.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Thomas Tuchel hails outstanding Chelsea following Atletico Madrid win More

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      Chelsea are a nightmare CL draw for Man City as Tuchel’s immovable object can top Guardiola’s irresistible force

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      WHAT happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object?We could be about to find out if Manchester City are paired with Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final draw.
      Thomas Tuchel’s tight tactics would be the ultimate test for Pep Guardiola’s Man CityCredit: Getty
      Etihad chief Pep Guardiola is targeting a quadruple but ‘relentless machine’ Chelsea would prove perhaps the biggest obstacleCredit: Getty
      The common consensus is it is only a matter of time before City finally win the European Cup after running out of ways to get themselves knocked out.
      But if anyone is going to stop Pep Guardiola in his tracks, then you have to fancy Thomas Tuchel to be that man.
      Tuchel has only been in charge at Stamford Bridge for two months yet has already turned Chelsea into a relentless machine.
      And this week’s impressive 2-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid was a statement of intent from the coach who took Paris Saint-Germain to their first Champions League final last year.
      Chelsea are now 13 games unbeaten under Tuchel and have conceded just two goals during that time.
      They might not set pulses racing with free-flowing, attacking football but they have developed the same ruthless efficiency which made them such a force under Jose Mourinho.
      The million dollar question is whether organisation and pragmatism would be enough to see off this  brilliant City team?
      This is Guardiola’s fifth attempt to bring the European Cup to the Etihad and every year we think he can’t possibly mess it up this time.

      But this is a club with a rich history of shooting themselves in the foot, going all the way back to 1968 when Malcolm Allison declared his team would “terrify the whole of Europe”, before losing in the first round to Fenerbahce.
      Since Guardiola took charge in 2016 they have been knocked out against all expectations by Monaco, Liverpool, Spurs and Lyon.
      After every premature exit the manager has been accused of trying to be too clever with his tactics and team selections. But short of playing Raheem Sterling as a false goalkeeper, City have explored every possible  permutation this season and still come up smelling of roses.
      Ederson apart, they have a world-class alternative available for every position, which means they always have too much for the opposition even when Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero are missing.
      Yet Guardiola is right to caution against getting too far ahead of themselves in Europe, particularly while Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Real Madrid and PSG are still in contention.
      Bayern remain the team everyone wants to avoid and show no signs of loosening their grip on the trophy they won last season.

      And let’s not forget our old friends Liverpool, who have developed a habit of winning the European Cup when they should have absolutely no right.
      Don’t forget, they finished just above Bolton on goal difference when they pulled off the Miracle of Istanbul in 2005.
      And if they can win it with Djimi Traore and Vladimir Smicer, who is to say they can’t do it again with Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak?
      WENG FOR CHANGE
      ARSENE WENGER is clearly eager to make his mark as Fifa’s head of global football development.
      The former Arsenal boss, who was once the byword for stability, suddenly wants to change everything.
      Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger is putting forward radical proposals for the future of future, for both the national and international gameCredit: Reuters
      His latest proposal involves turning football into a summer sport by running the season from March to November.
      He also wants to hold the World Cup every two years to give more players the chance to win it.
      For almost 150 years, football managed to get along  nicely with barely an alteration apart from the introduction of a crossbar and three points for a win.
      But now we’re bombarded with so many radical proposals that we no longer even know what constitutes handball, offside or a penalty.
      So can I humbly suggest that football stops developing for a bit and goes back to the simple sport we used to know and love.
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      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      ZICO’S WHEELS
      ON the day Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was stuck in traffic in his holographic-wrapped Ferrari, it emerged that Brazilian legend Zico, 68, is still driving the £8,000 Toyota Celica he won for a Man of the Match  performance against Liverpool in 1981.
      Maybe the Arsenal captain should consider downgrading his wheels.
      It won’t get him to the Emirates any quicker, but at least he won’t stand out like a sore thumb when he’s running late.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang drew even more attention on his tardiness by arriving in such an expensive carCredit: AFP

      Thomas Tuchel hails outstanding Chelsea following Atletico Madrid win
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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton slams ‘unacceptable’ Catholic church’s same-sex marriage stance after Elton John’s ‘Rocketman’ criticism

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has taken aim at the Catholic church after the Vatican refused to bless same-sex marriages.Hamilton, who is a Catholic, took to Instagram to repost Elton John’s condemnation of their decision, which was made earlier this week.
      Lewis Hamilton has called out the Catholic church for its stance on same-sex marriageCredit: Splash
      Elton John’s criticism was reposted by the British racing driverCredit: Getty
      The singer wrote: “How can the Vatican refuse to bless gay marriages because they ‘are sin’, yet happily make a profit from investing millions in ‘Rocketman’ – a film which celebrates my finding happiness from my marriage to David?? #hypocrisy.”
      And F1 champ Hamilton reposted the comment and said their refusal to accept same-sex marriages was “unacceptable”.
      He wrote: “Standing in solidarity with Elton John and the whole LGBTQ+ community on this issue.
      “It is unacceptable that in this day and age, anyone should face prejudice or discrimination based on the person they love, especially in the name of God who we are told loves us all equally.
      “It is incredibly sad that many will now feel they have to choose between their faith and being their true self, and I want my followers to know that I stand with you and I support you, and you deserve happiness.
      “Love is love, don’t let anyone tell you differently.”
      Hamilton has found an increased voice in recent years fighting for greater social equality and diversity.
      Taking a knee before F1 races last year while wearing Black Lives Matter shirts in the paddock, he spoke of finding fresh energy through commitment to these causes.

      He said in December: “I had this extra drive in me this year to get to the end of those races.
      “It was a different drive than what I’ve had in me in the past.
      “To get to the end of those races first so that I could utilise that platform and shine the light as bright as possible.”
      The defence of his seventh world title begins in Bahrain on March 28.
      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      Sir Elton John and David Furnish lead the winners at the 2020 British LGBT Awards More

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      in Soccer

      Diego Maradona cleared of dodging £34m in tax — four months after he died

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      DIEGO Maradona has been cleared of dodging £34million in tax — four months after he died.The 30-year-old case was thrown out by a court in Italy.
      Diego Maradona has now been cleared of dodging £34million in taxCredit: AFP
      Maradona was hit with a £2.5million bill in 1991 while playing for Napoli.
      The total spiralled to £34million with interest.
      In 2006, police seized earrings and a Rolex from the World Cup winner on a visit to Naples.
      Italy’s supreme court yesterday ruled Maradona should have qualified for a 2013 tax amnesty.

      Lawyer Angelo Pisani said: “This finally hands back honour and dignity to a champion. He always knew he was innocent.”
      Maradona died aged 60 in Argentina last year.
      His doctor and others are being investigated for potential manslaughter.
      Diego Maradona’s relatives begin battle over his £37million fortune
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