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    Man Utd hit with travel NIGHTMARE as fans face being left stranded in London after Saturday’s late kick-off at Palace

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    MANCHESTER UNITED fans face travel hell for this weekend’s Premier League clash at Crystal Palace.The Old Trafford faithful relying on the train could be stranded in London after Saturday’s 5:30pm kick-off at Selhurst Park.Manchester United fans face travel hell this weekendCredit: GettyThere is only one direct service United fans could realistically catch back to ManchesterUnited fans hoping to take the train to the game face a race against time to get home.That is because there is only one direct service they could realistically catch back to Manchester Piccadilly after the match.The game will finish at 7:30pm and the 2,000 travelling supporters will have just 48 minutes to make the first train from Central London.But the pile out itself will take a while before fans would need to journey 10 miles from Croydon to Euston.read more on man utdThat means the 21:01pm train is the only realistic service that thousands of United fans can take back to the North West via public transport.The next service is at 21:11pm from St Pancras and costs £110.70 – but this does not arrive in Manchester until 10:29am the following morning.Erik ten Hag already called out the Premier League and the TV companies for their “unfair” scheduling multiple times.The Dutchman complained after United beat Southampton last Saturday lunchtime.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSInspired by Jurgen Klopp’s rage at 12:30pm kick-offs, Ten Hag told TNT: “First of all, for the fans it is very unfair to deal with this, with 8pm away games on a Saturday night.”The Red Devils wrote to the Prem last season to outline their frustration after they were given more Saturday 8pm kick-offs than any other team.These included trips to Newcastle and Brentford on Easter Sunday, plus night games at Palace and Chelsea.Ex-Man Utd star Phil Jones opens up on mental health trauma caused by vile trollsIn March, the last train back to Manchester from the capital departed two minutes after kick-off at the Community Stadium.And many United fans were stranded in last season’s mirrored fixture at 8pm on bank holiday Monday, when Palace smashed the Red Devils 4-0 thanks to several howlers from make-shift centre-back Casemiro.It’s been four years since United won away at Palace in the Prem.The Red Devils won 2-0 during the Covid disruption in July 2020 with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial on the scoresheet.Man Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scoresMARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…Andre Onana – 7Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.Noussair Mazraouri – 7Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.Matthijs De Ligt – 8Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.Lisandro Martinez – 7Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.Diogo Dalot – 5Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.Kobbie Mainoo – 6United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.Christian Eriksen – 7A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.Bruno Fernandes – 7Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.Amad Diallo – 7Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.Marcus Rashford – 7Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.SUBSGarnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6 More

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      ‘Petrified’ BBC pundit forced to hide from rowdy rival fans for FOUR HOURS on packed train

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      ALAN SHEARER revealed that he was “petrified” after being caught on a train with Sunderland fans.The BBC pundit and retired footballer is beloved in Newcastle but not liked by their biggest rivals, the Black Cats.Alan Shearer admitted he was ‘petrified’ while on a train with Sunderland fansCredit: GettyHe scored 206 goals for Newcastle during his careerCredit: GettyShearer, 54, found himself on a packed train from London to Newcastle, surrounded by the rival supporters.The Sunderland fans were in a great mood, having watched their side beat Portsmouth 3-1 at Fratton Park.The former Newcastle star was trying to get back up north after flying back to Heathrow from a friends wedding in Perugia in Italy.However due to the latness of the train, he was unable to get a spot in first class and ended up having to hide his face from the fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShearer revealed his ordeal on the Rest is Football podcast He said: “We get on the Heathrow Express and then get on the tube to King’s Cross.”There was a lovely lady from LNER and she was waiting for us and told us there were hardly any seats left.”She met us at King’s Cross and got us enough seats but there were no booths.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”She then said there was going to be a lot of football fans on, so I am sat thinking at least I am on the train.”We were not in first class and were in coach and I think ‘oh my f*****g god, Sunderland have played Portsmouth away.Watch Micah Richards belt out Bob Marley song with Danny Murphy and Alan Shearer as fans hail ‘nation’s treasure'”So I got my cap on, and I am wedged in the corner, and it is getting busier and busier, and the aisle is getting taken up by singing Sunderland fans.”Within half an hour, I can’t lift my head up because I am scared as it is just full of them in a great mood.”Then they started singing the Newcastle and Shearer songs and I had nearly four hours of which I could not lift my head up, I was petrified.”Shearer continued to reveal that he managed to make it all the way to Newcastle without being spotted by the Sunderland fans.He added: “I got all the way to Newcastle and was hoping they all got off at Durham, but only half of them did.”I was petrified getting off at Newcastle, but there was not one that recognised me.”I did not move for four hours and they had sung and abused me for four hours.”Shearer has often upset Sunderland fans during his appearances on the podcast.He has previously called the Stadium of Light a “s***hole” to which Gary Lineker said it was a “disgusting thing to say.Shearer made 405 appearances for his hometown club after signing from Blackburn in 1996.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe scored 206 goals for the Magpies during his 10-year spell at St James’ Park.Shearer is also the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Neal Maupay hits back at Everton fans who hurled X-rated abuse at own players at train station after Tottenham loss

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      NEAL MAUPAY has bit back at Everton fans who blasted the team as they walked past supporters following their 4-0 battering against Tottenham.Everton were humiliated in north London as goals from Yves Bissouma, Cristian Romero and a brace from Son Heung-Min compounded a tough day at the office for the Toffees.Neal Maupay has hit back at Everton fan criticismCredit: GettyA video on social media showed angry fans hurling X-rated abuse at Everton players as they walked past them at London EustonCredit: RexBut following the defeat, Sean Dyche’s side were seen walking past fans at London’s Euston train station as they made their way home.A video captured by one fan and posted to social media showed furious Evertonians hurling X-rated abuse at the squad.One fan can be heard shouting: “F*** off, you f***ing rat. F***ing 80 grand a week? You F***ing w****r.”Many squad members went past with their heads down, though Jordan Pickford and Mason Holgate did attempt to appease the fans by briefly speaking to some of them.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTaking to social media later on, Maupay – who is back at Everton after spending last season on loan at Brentford – responded in a critical tone on X. Quoting the original video, he said: “Imagine another job where it’s normalised to get abuse like this. “Hanging around at a train station to scream at men who are trying their best…”The 28-year-old Frenchman is yet to feature off the bench this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEverton’s defeat at Spurs came after a home defeat to Brighton on the opening day, which has left them at the bottom of the table on a goal difference of minus seven.Indeed, the situation is so bad that bookmakers Paddy Power are already paying out on bets for Everton to be relegated.Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskDyche, 53, risked fan wrath ahead of the Spurs game when he said: “We have spoken about this before many times… hero, zero, zero, hero. “This is quite an extreme place. It is either, ‘Yes we’re amazing, we won’ or ‘rubbish, you’re all rubbish again.’ That kind of psychology en masse.”Everton have the chance to finally get a win on the board in midweek when they face Doncaster in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday before hosting Bournemouth next Saturday.They are in the midst of an injury crisis, however, with only 14 first-team players available during their recent match against Spurs.Among the absentees were Jarrad Branthwaite, James Garner, Seamus Coleman and Youssef Chermiti among those in the treatment room.Dyche has suggested that both Coleman and Garner could make their comebacks as early as Tuesday, but warned they will have to “wait and see” how they do in training.Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskNottingham ForestDeducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.EvertonInitial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.Sheffield UnitedHit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…Manchester CityEtihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.ChelseaBlues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.LeicesterFoxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.Everton (again)The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season. More

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      Euro 2024 travel chaos with England fans facing massive delays and nightmare train journeys

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      ENGLAND and Scotland fans planning on getting round Euro 2024 by train face a series of nightmare journeys.The once-famously efficient German transport network has become little more than a running joke in the country.Fans are facing transport hell in GermanyCredit: GettyThere are expected to be severe delaysCredit: GettyIt means fans have been warned to factor in at least an hour and maybe double that time for delays caused by a lack of trains, staffing issues and other reasons.UEFA have trumped the green credentials of the tournament, urging teams to use coach travel and supporters to get on the train between the 10 venue cities.Yet significant delays are now recorded on more than a THIRD of journeys across the Government-run Deutsche Bahn network.And that was BEFORE thousands of supporters from across Europe flood the trains seeking to criss-cross the country following their teams.READ MORE ON EURO 2024When a simple three hour journey can take almost twice as long on a bad day, the chaos is likely to cause hot tempers and bad blood.Germany-based UEFA representatives had been privately warning colleagues in Nyon about the looming problems for months leading up to the tournament.And the German media are also laughing publicly about the dreadful serviceTV journalist Chaled Nagar wrote on X: “The idea that Germany is so efficient and great at organizing is now officially considered a myth.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Almost everyone coming here is surprised that their train service at home is far so much better.”In a group with colleagues from abroad, there has been anger and sarcasm towards the train from day one. Banning England fans from drinking strong lager at Euros is ‘discriminatory’….‘we’re being picked on’, minister says”Many arrived today and yesterday. Now they have found out that there is a refund for delays and are demanding the same principle for the VAR. “Here’s to four wonderful weeks!”England begin their campaign against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.Their next game is in Frankfurt as they take on Denmark four days later.Martin Lipton’s nightmare journeyIt should have been an easy day, a simple journey from Frankfurt to Munich and back to hear UEFA referees’ chief Roberto Rosetti explain how VAR and his team of officials were going to work in Euro 2024.
      But it turned into a 17-and-a-half hour nightmare as all the scare stories about the German railway network came frustratingly true.
      Cancellations, delays, work on the line and a shortage of staff meant I spent as long waiting and going nowhere as being on the move on the 480-mile round trip.
      “Vorsprung durch Technik”, as they USED to say in Germany? Don’t make me laugh… As for the sandwiches and salad at Munich Hauptbahnhof – don’t bother.
      Here’s how my day went….
      08:30 – Leave Frankfurt hotel and walk to main station for 0905 train. Already informed that connecting train in Stuttgart has been cancelled09:20 – Train departs – just 15 minutes late. By the time it arrives in Stuttgart I would have missed the original 1051 train.11:25 – Delayed 1115 leaves Stuttgart, arriving at Munich-Pasing 25 minutes late.15:00 – Finally arrive at Allianz Arena, almost two hours later than scheduled after more issues with local S-Bahn and U-Bahn commuter services.18:20 – Leave Allianz Arena in time for 1923 train to Frankfurt. Initially booked and faster direct service already cancelled.19:53 – Board train, already half an hour late. Discover it is no longer stopping at Frankfurt main station. The everybody told to get off as Deutsche Bahn have run out of train crew.21:03 – Replacement option of 2029 service finally leaves Munich, due to arrive in Frankfurt at 1204.01:25 -Train finally pulls in at Frankfurt, 85 minutes late. Catch last 37 bus to hotel, sparing me a 20 minute walk.

      And the Three Lions close out their Group C campaign in a clash with Slovenia on June 25.If Gareth Southgate’s men reach the last 16 by winning their group, they will be back in Gelsenkirchen on June 30.Finishing second would set up a trip to Dortmund on June 29, while England could also end up in Frankfurt on July 1 if they are one of the four best third-place teams.And it is not just the travel situation set to leave a bad taste in fans’ mouths.Policing Minister Chris Philp says thje decision to give Three Lions followers “watered-down” pints at England’s opening game against Serbia is “discriminatory.”He told The Sun’s Never Mind The Ballots election countdown show: “If England fans have somehow been picked out or singled out and served watered-down beer based on their nationality, that sounds to me completely unfair.“And probably discriminatory – we should not be getting picked on in that way.”READ MORE SUN STORIESRisk ratings have been set to “very high” for Sunday’s clash with Serbia amid fears 500 hardcore yobs will travel to spark clashes with England fans. More

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      Euro 2024: Reason Harry Kane’s controversial statue wasn’t put up – with fears it could’ve lead to deaths

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      HARRY Kane’s controversial statue was not put up for safety reasons after fears it could lead to deaths.A statue of England captain was not installed at a Transport for London (TfL) railway station because it risked “distracting train drivers”, officials have revealed. A statue of Harry Kane was not put up for safety reasonsCredit: Big Issue/Waltham Forest Council/Sculpture Machine Ltd IDThe artwork cost £7,000 to produceCredit: Big Issue/Waltham Forest Council/Sculpture Machine LtdHarry Kane will lead England at Euro 2024Credit: GettyIt was not placed at a platform at Chingford Railway stationCredit: WikipediaThe project was commissioned by Waltham Forest Council in 2019, which spent more than £7,000 on the artwork.But the England striker’s effigy still has no permanent home five years later.Depicting a life-sized Kane sitting on a bench, it had initially been planned to live at Chingford Overground Station, where the striker was brought up.Following a risk assessment by Transport for London, however, the plan was thwarted.Read More in FootballA TfL freedom of information case officer said: “Discussions with the Operations Team of Arriva Rail London – who operate the London Overground on behalf of Transport for London – around the proposal to locate the statue on the platform behind the buffer stops were high level and started in January of this year. “After initial feedback the proposal was not progressed. “A detailed assessment of the risks of locating the statue on the platform was not undertaken, therefore we do not hold this information.”They added: “Initial concerns that were fed back related to the risk that having the statue in proximity to the buffer stops could cause a distraction to train drivers as they approach the terminal (dead-end) platforms at Chingford. Most read in Euro 2024″The main distraction issue was not concerned with the statue, but the actions of persons around it, including posing for photographs on/next to it, hanging items on it such as scarfs, etc.”Had the discussions progressed further, this would have led to the commissioning of a formal safety validation workstream, including hazard identifications and a risk assessment, but a further proposal was then made to relocate the statue off station premises at Chingford, negating the requirement for commissioning of a safety validation.”Other potential locations, according to The Guardian, had included Chingford Rail Station and Ridgeway Park, which is where Walthamstow-born Kane played football as a youngster.The images, first obtained by the Big Issue, show a metallic Kane sitting on a green bench and holding a football on his thigh with his left hand.England stars land in Germany ready to be whisked to luxury Euro 2024 base as Kane and Co look to lead nation to gloryEngland’s record goalscorer, who now plays for Bayern Munich after moving from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, is said to have been positive about the statue.In February, his representatives were quoted as saying they “will be happy to go” to unveil the artwork once the location has been decided.Kane has led the Three Lions to Germany as they prepare to kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on Sunday.Every member of the squad was then presented with a box containing a special shirt to be worn in the tournament.It also featured the history of the number they would be wearing and a personalised reminder of how they fell in love with the game as youngsters.Kane’s included a picture of him as a boy with the Ridgeway Rovers Football Club logo — and the words, “Harry Kane: All time goalscorer”.But a permanent home for the statue remains undetermined.The pictures, reportedly sent to the council by Sculpture Machine, have caused a stir on social media.Some questioned whether a footballer should be sitting on a bench in this way and others poking fun at its chocolate appearance.England camp scheduleHere’s how England’s schedule for Euro 2024 could look
      Sunday June 9: Player Arrivals – 26-man squad arrives at St. George’s Park
      Monday June 10: Squad fly to five-star hotel base camp in Germany
      Tuesday June 11: First training session ahead of Euro 2024
      Saturday June 15: Team travels to Gelsenkirchen for opening game vs Serbia and pre-match media conference
      Sunday June 16: Opening game vs Serbia. KO 8pm
      Thursday June 20: Game 2 vs Denmark. KO 5pm
      Tuesday June 25: Final group game vs Slovenia. KO 8pm
      Sunday June 30/Saturday June 29/Monday July 1 or Tuesday July 2: Last 16 if England win Group/Last 16 if England come second in Group/One of four best third-place teams
      Saturday July 6/Friday July 5: Quarter-finals, Group winners or one of best four third-place finishers/Quarter finals, second in Group and or one of best four third-place finishers
      Wednesday July 10/Tuesday July 9: Semi-finals, Group winner path or third-best path/Semi-finals, runner-up path or third-best path
      Sunday 14: Final, 8pm KO

      Prince William, who is an Aston Villa fan, plans to travel to Germany to watch the Three Lions when they take on ­Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in Group C.Those selected to shoulder the nation’s hopes of winning a first major international tournament since 1966 met up at St. George’s Park on Sunday.And on Monday afternoon they landed in Germany as they headed to their five-star Golfresort Weimarer Land base camp, near the town of Blankenhain which the FA have reportedly paid £800,000 for.England kick off their tournament on Sunday June 16 against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.The Three Lions will then play Denmark in Frankfurt on June 20, before their final group game against Slovenia in Cologne on June 25.Since their strong qualifying campaign ended in November, England have not been in ideal form going into the tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESMarch saw England lose 1-0 to Brazil and draw 2-2 to Belgium.England then landed their first win of 2024 against Bosnia Herzegovina on June 3 with a 3-0 victory, before being stunned 1-0 by Iceland last Friday.Controversial footballer statues over the yearsFootballers around the world have become victims of dodgy sculptures over the years.
      Cristiano Ronaldo
      The superstar had a weird-looking bust displayed at Madeira airport much to the hilarity of fans globally.
      He also has another statue which fans were not to keen on.
      Diego Maradona
      One of the greatest players to ever kick a ball, Diego Maradona was further immortalised in a statue in Kolkata, India, in 2017.
      But the Argentinian’s image was not exactly reflected in the monument, which he helped to unveil.
      David Beckham
      David Beckham once launched an H&M underwear campaign with a statue of him in his pants
      James Corden also pranked Becks with a fake statue of him at LA Galaxy.
      The hilarious prank had Beckham’s face looking unrecognisable.
      Michael Essien
      The ex-Chelsea star was honoured with a bizarre statue in Ghana back in 2018.
      The out of proportion construction had fans questioning the artist.
      Mo Salah
      The Liverpool star has an out-of-proportion statue in his honour in Egypt.

      Prince William presenting Harry Kane with a special shirt to be worn in the tournamentCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace More