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      Surprising reason why tall footballer are more likely to receive yellow cards, according to experts

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      REFEREES are more likely to dish out yellow cards to footie players who are taller than them, experts have found.And they reckon it is a classic case of “short man syndrome”.Referees are more likely to dish out yellow cards to footie players who are taller than them, experts revealedCredit: GettyPlayers taller than the referee have 9.4 per cent more fouls given against them and are 7.2 per cent more likely to get a card.Players who are shorter are 12.3 per cent less likely to be done for a foul and 16.5 per cent less likely to get a yellow.The team at Germany’s University of Hagen ­analysed 2,340 games in the Bundesliga.They said: “This bias is consistent with the ­Napoleon complex, where shorter individuals show compensatory behaviours for lacking social dominance through height.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFrench general ­Napoleon, only 5ft 6in, told a rival: “You may be taller, but I am greater.”Earlier in the week Premier League referees’ huge pay packets were revealed – and it showed they are among the country’s top earners.Their salaries appeared to reflect their growing status in the game and the increasing pressure they are under every week as billions watch worldwide.Figures provided by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb in a meeting of the 72 EFL clubs revealed what kind of money the Prem’s officials are pocketing, as reported by The Times.Most read in FootballThey showed that the average salary for a Premier League referee is between £170,000 and £180,000.While the top referees are earning around £250,000 per year.Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs LiverpoolOfficials are paid their salary at a base rate, which is then boosted by performance bonuses and match fees.That base rate ranges between £72,000 and £148,000, and varies according to experience and seniority in the role.Senior officials, such as Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver, are likely to earn around £250,000 a year from their Premier League roles.6ft7inch striker Peter Crouch, pictured with Stephen Gerrard, would be more likely to get booked than a smaller player, experts say More

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      Major blow to shamed ex-footballer Joey Barton as thug’s business faces being struck off

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      DISGRACED footballer Joey Barton’s personal company faces being struck off for failing to file accounts on time.A business run by ex Manchester City star Barton, who was convicted of kicking his wife in a drunken row this week, has been served with an order to close.Joey Barton’s personal company faces being struck off for failing to file accounts on timeJoey Barton Promotions has not published legally required accounts and is now facing being struck off by Companies House.The firm faces a fine of £375 for failing to submit the documents which were supposed to have been published by Christmas Eve. If they are not filed by April 1, the fine will double to £750.The business’s last financial details for 2022 were published in June 2023 and revealed it was £58,539 in the red.The firm had just £2,301 in cash at the bank and the only other assets are computer equipment worth £1,958 and a debt of £148 owed to the business.READ MORE ON JOEY BARTONBut it was plunged into the red as it owed creditors £60,988, the accounts showed.This week Barton avoided jail for pushing his wife over and kicking her in the head after an incident at their home in southwest London in June 2021.Barton, 42, was convicted of assault and given a 12-week sentence, suspended for two years – meaning he will not go to prison unless he commits another offence.Wife Georgia Barton, 38, was left with a lump on her forehead and a bleeding nose after the attack in Kew.Most read in FootballBarton was arrested in his bedroom – still drunk – on the night of the attack, Westminster Magistrates’ Court was told.He has a chequered history of violence which included burning team mate Jamie Tandy’s eye with a cigar, punching teammate Ousmane Dabo until he blacked out, and a six month prison sentence for punching a man 20 times before turning his anger on a 16-year-old in a Liverpool City Centre bust up caught on CCTV.Barton also owns between 25%-50% of a management consultancy Resolve Energy which employs 26 people and has nearly £670,000 in assets.Joey Barton ‘shoved wife & kicked her in head as their kids slept upstairs’ More

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      in Boxing

      Frank Bruno wins top award at British Boxing Awards – but is too unwell to collect it after serious illness

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      FORMER world heavyweight champ Frank Bruno last night won a top gong at the British Boxing Awards — but was too unwell to collect it.The 63-year-old national treasure — recovering from a severe viral infection — got the Lifetime Achievement Award at the London bash.Former world heavyweight champ Frank Bruno won a top gong at the British Boxing Awards — but was too unwell to collect it.Credit: PAFrank wrote a speech to be read out on his behalf by friend Ricky Hatton.It said: “I am sorry I cannot be with you tonight. “Trust me – I would far rather be with you than in hospital having daily tests.“Thank you to the organisers of this event and all the people that voted for me to get this prestigious award.READ MORE ON FRANK BRUNO“To get a lifetime achievement award while only in your 60s is a ­little worrying though — especially with my youthful looks!”Bruno was rushed to hospital in Qatar on March 3 after falling ill on a long-haul flight.He has since returned to the UK, where he has continued his recovery.The star was awarded an MBE for services in boxing in 1990.Most read in BoxingFour Kings takes a look back at the iconic week in British boxing from 1991 More

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      Man City launched probe into Erling Haaland after he ‘left club’s mascot with whiplash’ after hit to back of head

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      ERLING Haaland left a Manchester City mascot with suspected whiplash and concussion after a playful knock to the back of her head.The woman, working as alien “Moonbeam”, was hit by the 6ft 4in striker before a game with Southampton.Erling Haaland left a Manchester City mascot with suspected whiplash and concussion after a playful knock to the back of her headCredit: GettyA temp staffer working as alien Moonbeam went to hospital after being playfully struckCredit: GettyShe went to hospital after being playfully struck while working as furry alien Moonbeam, initially believing she was hit by a stray football.A club probe later cleared the Norwegian striker before City decided not to renew the furious uni graduate’s contract.The woman, who does not want to be named, also lodged an assault complaint with police.Last night she accused the “arrogant” Premier League giants of a     “cover-up” to protect Haaland.READ MORE ON ERLING HAALANDShe started as a City temp last June and occasionally worked as Moonbeam on matchdays, earning around £100 a time.Before the Southampton clash on October 26, she felt two blows to the back of her head as she posed for a photo.She said it left her in shock and as she walked off the pitch she asked a colleague: “What the hell was that that hit me?”She recalled: “He said, ‘It was Erling. He hit you from behind’.Most read in Football“I was pretty upset and I was crying and my head was thudding and I think I was in shock.“I later realised he’d come behind me and hit me on the head and then leaned on my head.”Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starShe told City’s safeguarding boss who allegedly laughed it off, saying: “At least you can say Erling Haaland hit you.”Following the incident the woman was offered the chance to go home but continued to work the shift. She said she later vomited and suffered neck and head pain before being assessed the next day by City’s first-team doctor who suggested she go to hospital.The Salford Royal’s A&E notes confirmed her symptoms though a CT scan revealed no damage.City’s health and safety head Paul Kenyon launched a probe and told the woman they wanted to look at CCTV. I’m sure Erling would have apologised to me if they had given him the chance.But they just wanted to sweep it under the carpet.She said: “I asked if anyone had spoken to Erling and he said, ‘No, they don’t want to distract him’.”She added: “I was offended because I was the one hurt but I was being asked all the questions.”The probe concluded that the striker, 24, did not cause her injuries. A report stated: “Erling Haaland always does a gentle touch on the back or head of Moonbeam as recognition.”It says footage showed him only “grazing” the mascot.The complainant accused Manchester City of sweeping the issue under the carpetCredit: mancityThe woman returned to her role in the ticket office but was told she would have to reapply to get her contract renewed.Following a half-day interview, she was informed last December she had not been successful.She said: “I have never had any complaints from any of the managers about my work before.“They said they didn’t feel like I’d performed in the interviews to the 100 per cent I usually do.”Greater Manchester Police also told her Haaland had not acted with malice. Last night she hit out at City, saying: “I’m sure Erling would have apologised to me if they had given him the chance.“But they just wanted to sweep it under the carpet.”A  City spokesperson said “Manchester City refute the complaint that was made in this regard. READ MORE SUN STORIES“The Club fully investigated and found that none of the evidence, including video footage backed up the claim that an injury was sustained in the manner alleged. “We’re also aware a complaint was made to Greater Manchester Police and no further action was taken by them either.”City issued a statement denying the claims, while confirming police took no further actionCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family make huge sum selling his memorabilia to help settle £8m debt

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      EX-England football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family have made £140,000 selling off his memorabilia to help settle his debts.He died owing more than £8million, including £7million in UK tax.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family have made £140,000 selling off his memorabilia to help settle his debtsCredit: AFPSven with the late Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2002Credit: ReutersA lunch invitation from the late Queen went for £300Among the items up for sale was Sven’s Armani suit from the 2006 World Cup – it went for £3kCredit: bna.nuweauctionsInside the suit was Sven’s hand-written team notesThe Swede’s loved ones were forced to sell hundreds of mementoes — such as his Armani suit from a 2006 World Cup match with his hand-written team notes still in the pocket.The 349 items which went under the hammer also included his BBC Coach of the Year trophy in 2001 and Premier League Manager of the Month award from his time at Manchester City.A lunch invitation from the late Queen and an Ivory Coast top signed by his ­former forward Didier Drogba were flogged too.Sven died of pancreatic cancer last year aged 76, leaving his partner Yaniseth Alcides and two adult children to deal with his debts.read more on svenHe owed the huge sum despite earning tens of millions in a 42-year managerial career at 12 clubs and four national teams, including England from 2001-2006.The Swedish auction house said: “There was huge interest mostly from England, Italy and Portugal.“It was a reflection of the love and affection that people had for Sven in countries all over the world.“We are very pleased with how both auctions have gone and there may be a third one of items of his furniture.”Most read in FootballBut the cash raised is still a drop in the ocean and Sven’s ­family are also selling his seven-bed lakeside mansion in his homeland for £1.8million.Sven’s Premier League Manager of the Month award fetched £1,700Sven earned the award during his time at Manchester CityCredit: Matthew AshtonSven’s BBC Coach of the Year trophy was auctionedThe trophy, which he won in 2001, went for £500An Ivory Coast top signed by Didier Drogba was sold for £700Sven managed the Ivory Coast in 2010Credit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Major update in probe into death of ex-Newcastle boss Steve Bruce’s grandson as cops rule tragedy an ‘accident’

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      THE death of footie boss Steve Bruce’s grandson was a tragic accident, cops have ruled.Madison Smith was just four months old when found dead at home in October.Steve, above with his wife Janet, spoke for the first time about the heartbreaking lossCredit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionThe tot was the son of ex-Man United star Steve’s daughter Amy and her husband Matt Smith, who played for Fulham and Millwall.After Madison’s death, a woman in her 40s, who was working as a nanny, was arrested on suspicion of child neglect. But detectives have ruled it an accident and ended the investigation.Greater Manchester Police said: “While the circumstances are tragic, we don’t believe any criminality was linked to this death.”READ MORE ON STEVE BRUCEThis week, Blackpool FC manager Bruce spoke for the first time about the heartbreaking loss, saying “there’s still not a day where it doesn’t affect you”.He added: “It’s been the tragedy of all tragedies. “Anyone going through the same sort of grief, I feel for them.“It’s horrendous that a fine, young, healthy baby boy doesn’t wake up one morning. Most read in Football”We’ll never come to terms with that. It’s agony.”’I don’t do tactics’ – Former Newcastle star claims he had conversation with Steve Bruce that left him ‘in shock’The death of footie boss Steve Bruce’s grandson was a tragic accidentCredit: Getty More

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      From Arsenal & Man City to Leicester & Leeds Utd – do you fit into AI’s idea of how a stereotypical football fan looks?

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      ARTIFICIAL intelligence is ­everywhere – even taking on the ­terraces of our top football clubs.  That’s because these images are all computer-generated ­likenesses of terrace stereotypes – based on the fans of a string of top clubs. It’s all the work of social media site Reimagine UK.  Do you and your club’s fans match up to how AI sees you? Find out hereCredit: GettyTheir tech wizards get ’bots to scour thousands of fan pictures and descriptions of supporters to analyse the defining traits of each. Then the site, which has tens of thousands of followers online, uploads the results, and no, they’re not real people – before you think you recognise that bloke from down the pub.  The Newcastle entry is a nod to Toon legend Paul Gascoigne’s pal Jimmy “Five Bellies” Gardner, the Brighton bloke gets a seagull, and the West Ham man has an, er, food-stained shirt.  Here, Mike Ridley reveals the full line-up so you can compare them to your footie-loving pals.  READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWest Ham  With spilt gravy and beer belly, AI gives West Ham fans a hammeringCredit: ReimagineUKHAMMERS fans eat all the pies and spill gravy down their shirts, the bots would have you believe – and this gent looks like he’s had his fill of steak-and-kidneys.  This Blades fan is all smiles as Sheffield United eye Premier League promotionCredit: ReimagineUKTHIS Blades bloke comes across as a cheerful chappie – and maybe rightly so, as they are looking like contenders for promotion to the Premier League.  Tottenham fan keeps snapping selfies to distract from his team’s tough season, perhaps?Credit: ReimagineUKWHAT’S with the constant selfies, lad? Maybe it’s to take his mind off the latest disappointing results, as his side languish downtable in the top flight.  This Chelsea fan loves the bling, but can he really afford it with those ticket prices at the Bridge?Credit: ReimagineUKLOVING the bling as much as the Blues’ megabucks players, is this fella. Most read in FootballBut you have to wonder how he can afford it, given the price of tickets nowadays.  This trendy Arsenal fan’s too cool for a red and white scarf, according to AICredit: ReimagineUKTHIS one’s been to a hipster North London hair salon – and maybe that’s why AI reckons he’s too trendy to team his shirt with a red and white scarf.  Five bellies and two chins in tribute to Gazza’s pal – but he’s still smiling. Could Europe be calling next season for this Toon fan?Credit: ReimagineUKNewcastle fans take over Covent Garden ahead of Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and bid to end 70-year trophy waitOF course, it had to be – five bellies and two chins, in tribute to Gazza’s portly pal. But he looks pretty pleased. Maybe he fancies boozing in Europe next season?  The topknot hunk with shades and a hipster beard is a Seagulls fan – and he’s got the bird to prove itCredit: ReimagineUKTHE topknot hunk with the shades and hipster beard is a big fan of the Seagulls and can often be seen with one perched on his shoulder. Like you do.  This surfer dude really Leeds the way as his team pushes for promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: ReimagineUKA SURFER dude beard, headband and neckerchief suggests someone feels like the cock of the north, merrily eyeing up promotion to the Prem.  After analysing thousands of Reds fans, AI couldn’t find a smile – no surprise after this season’s disastersCredit: TikTok/@reimagineukAFTER crunching thousands of pictures of Reds fans, AI couldn’t come up with anything more upbeat than this – little surprise given this season’s calamities.  They may be struggling at the bottom of the Premier League, but the bling and thoughtful look show they’ll always remember their 2016 gloryCredit: ReimagineUKTHEY may be at the wrong end of the Premier League but the proud bling, and philosophical face, suggest topping it way back in 2016 will never be forgotten.  Sporting a bit of a 1970s Paul McCartney lookCredit: ReimagineUKKOP a load of this! There’s maybe a bit of a 1970s Paul McCartney hair thing going on here, in tribute to the Beatles legend. Love, love yourself, fella.  Man City may not be on top right now, but AI says their fans are still smiling from years of successCredit: ReimagineUKCITY are, for once, not bossing things – but AI has seen so many of their happy fans in recent years it reckons they are still smiling from ear to ear.  More

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      Marcus Rashford fined almost £800 for another motoring offence while banned from roads

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      MARCUS Rashford has been fined almost £800 over more driving offences – while he was banned from getting behind the wheel.The Aston Villa ace, on loan from Man United, failed to give Cheshire Police information about who was driving his £100,000 electric BMW I7 motor on October 30 last year.Marcus Rashford has been fined almost £800 over more driving offences – while he was banned from getting behind the wheelCredit: GettyRashford, 27, was banned from driving at the time after being clocked at 104mph on a motorway in December 2023.The grey BMW was clocked in sleepy Winsford, Cheshire, on October 30 last year.Later that day, he started in Man United’s 5-2 win over Leicester in the League Cup.Cops sent the star a letter asking him to identify who was driving as they were “alleged to have been guilty of an offence”.Read More on SportHe pleaded guilty to failing to respond at Warrington magistrates’ court through the single justice procedure on March 13.It means it is still unclear who was driving the car.The £350,000-a-week ace was fined £500, and must cough up £200 in surcharges and £90 in costs, which he must pay by April 10.He was also given six penalty points on his license.Most read in FootballThe incident is the latest in a string of driving woes for Rashford, whose speeding driving ban only ended on January 18, after an undercover car clocked him going more than 30mph above the speed limit on the M60.And we told on Sunday how his Rolls-Royce had to be towed off a motorway following a tyre blow-out on Friday.’That was missing’ – Brutally blunt Thomas Tuchel reveals disappointment in Rashford and Foden’s England performancesThe winger was on England duty when the car broke down on the M60, leaving it stranded for an hour. It is not known who was driving. More