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    Former Champions League giants ‘provisionally RELEGATED’ from top flight if they can’t clear £422MILLION debt

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    ONCE Champions League giants Lyon have been provisionally relegated from Ligue 1.The French side can’t clear their rising £422MILLION debt and have now been banned from signing players in January.French giants Lyon are reportedly facing relegation unless they improve their financesCredit: AFPFormer Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette captains the Ligue 1 outfitCredit: GettyLyon owner John Textor owns a 45 per cent stake at Prem side Crystal PalaceLyon will lose their top-flight status at the end of the season unless they improve their situation and avoid going into administration.Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor majority owns Lyon through Eagle Football Holdings.He insisted a meeting with France’s National Directorate of Control and Management (DNGC) “went well”, but the watchdog seems to have disagreed.French journalist Romain Molina has also claimed that “all Lyon players are on sale” in a bid to reduce the club’s debts. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLes Gones have been losing money year-on-year and their financial model is based on consistent Champions League qualification. They have not been in Europe’s elite competition since the 2019-20 season, when a side inspired by Memphis Depay and Bruno Guimaraes reached the semi-finals. But if Ligue 1 indeed goes through with their relegation, they’ll be unable to qualify for any European competition until the club’s promoted again.They have also lost control of their payroll as it will be supervised by the DNGC, with many former Premier League stars calling Lyon home. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTheir squad boasts former Palace ace Wilfried Zaha, ex-Man Utd midfielder Nemanja Matic, old West Ham forward Said Benrahma, and former Aston Villa star Jordan Veretout. Ex-Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette also captains the side, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles joining last summer.MAN CITY FINEDThe relegation would mark another hammer blow for French football after Bordeaux were demoted to the fourth tier due to bankruptcy this summer. But that was before former Prem star Andy Carroll joined Bordeaux after being let go by Reading.Carroll is set to divorce from his Towie star wife Billi Mucklow after two turbulent years of marriage.The Eagle Football Group portfolio owns stakes in Lyon, Palace, Botafogo of Brazil, FC Florida, and RWD Molenbeek in Belgium.Former Man Utd star Nemanja Matic now plays for LyonCredit: APAndy Carroll now plays in the French fourth tier with BordeauxCredit: AFPTextor believes that selling players from Botafogo and the 45 per cent stake in Palace could help balance the books for Lyon, as per L’EquipeBut the American business tycoon is eyeing a takeover at Everton after all is said and done.READ MORE SUN STORIESMany clubs in France are struggling off the back of the Covid-19 pandemic and drastically decreasing TV rights revenue.Lyon, who sit fifth in Ligue 1 managed by relative newcomer Pierre Sage, are in the Europa League this season and do have lots of players they could offload. Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Chelsea fans hit by travel chaos for Conference League clash against Noah as club release statement

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      CHELSEA fans have been hit by travel chaos ahead of the Conference League clash against FC Noah.The Blues continue their European campaign by welcoming the Armenian outfit to Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening.Chelsea fans will face travel disruption on ThursdayCredit: AlamyHowever, fans planning to travel to the match via the London Underground will now have to make different arrangements.Tube services will be severely impacted by strike action as there are not expected to be any trains running.Chelsea has warned supporters and notified them of the inconvenience.A statement read: “Supporters coming to Stamford Bridge for this week’s game against Noah are notified in advance that London Underground services are set to be affected by industrial action.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Chelsea play our next Uefa Conference League fixture against the Armenian side on Thursday (7 November) and currently no tube trains are expected to run that day.”Alternative services are likely to be busier than normal so it is important to plan ahead and check before you travel.”On Sunday (10 November), when we host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, London Underground is expected to run as normal apart from some services which may be affected by planned works.”The Blues have won both of their Conference League fixtures this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEnzo Maresca’s side began the league phase with a victory over Gent before dispatching Greek side Panathinaikos.This has left Chelsea at the top of the qualifying league while Noah is in 18th place, having won one and lost one.Shocking moment woman appears to make racial slur live on TV leaving presenter stunned after Man Utd vs ChelseaChelsea player ratings vs Man UtdCHELSEA came from a goal down to rescue a point at Old Trafford.Robert Sanchez brought down Rasmus Hojlund with 20 minutes remaining and Bruno Fernandes rolled in what looked to be a decisive spot kick.But Chelsea hit back swiftly as Moises Caicedo’s sweet strike flew into the bottom corner.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield saw the performances of the Chelsea players in the 1-1 draw…Robert Sanchez – 3Made a few really good saves in the first half, and was much improved after a poor performance last time out against Newcastle.That was until he gave away a reckless penalty on Rasmus Hojlund, which was easily dispatched by Bruno Fernandes.His mistakes are starting to cost Chelsea time after time.Malo Gusto – 2Got in good positions in the first half, but was often wasteful when he got there.Was booked for a late challenge on Manuel Ugarte, before being hooked for Cucurella at half-time after an awful overall showing.Wesley Fofana – 6A strong performance at the back was marred only by the Frenchman letting Rasmus Hojlund escape him before winning a penalty for his side.Showed brilliant recovery pace throughout the game, and made some crucial challenges too.Levi Colwill – 6That was a strong defensive showing from the Chelsea number 6.For a player with a passing range as impressive as his is, it would’ve been nice to see him use it more as Chelsea looked for a goal.Reece James – 5Improved this week, but still showed signs of rustiness as he gave the ball away in dangerous positions a few times.More effective on the right side in Malo Gusto’s position, and more comfortable there as expected with Marc Cucurella on the left.Another 90 minutes in the tank is fantastic news for Chelsea fans.Moises Caicedo – 9Scored a certain contender for goal of the month with a sensational volley from the edge of the box to level the scoring for his side.Effective in breaking up play for the Blues once more, and showed why he is worthy of the £100m price tag Chelsea paid for him.Romeo Lavia – 8Another impressive midfield performance from the Belgian, who shows prowess beyond his years on and off the ball.Seems the perfect pivot partner for Moises Caicedo, and people need to start talking about how Manchester City let him go for peanuts.Noni Madueke – 6Unfortunate to hit the post in the 13th minute with a header following a corner.Worked hard defensively throughout the game too, but was unable to really put his creative abilities to the test.Cole Palmer – 7In the first half, his signature ‘Palmer touch’ got the away supporters off their feet, and he was Chelsea’s most creative outlet on the day.Unable to add another goal or assist to his impressive tally this season, but still had a solid showing.Pedro Neto – 5Showed flashes of brilliance on the left-hand side, and came close with a shot across goal in the second half.Was moved to the right-hand side in the second half, but it was much of the same from there.Nicolas Jackson – 5Pretty invisible up front for Chelsea today.Worked hard and tracked back well when required to, but fans were left confused as to why Christopher Nkunku was left on the bench.In fairness to him, could’ve had an assist if Enzo Fernandez could finish his dinner.SubsMarc Cucurella (for Gusto, 46 mins) – 5A solid showing on the left-hand side. Chelsea look a better team with him in the 11.Mykhailo Mudryk (for Madueke, 70 mins) – 4Tried to light things up on the left hand side, but his spark wasn’t enough to win the game for his side.Enzo Fernandez (for Lavia, 70 mins) – 2Missed an absolute sitter which would have won his team the game after coming on. Looks very short on confidence.Click here to read more Chelsea stories.Chelsea are hoping to return to winning ways after their 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against Manchester United.Moises Caicedo’s superb strike cancelled out Bruno Fernandes’ second-half penalty to earn a point.Levi Colwill hailed his goalscoring team-mate after the match.The defender said: “It was definitely huge. You’ve got two ways to react, you either put your head down or you get on with it and try to get the equalising goal, which obviously we did.”Moi is an amazing player and we’ve got so many of them that, when you’re struggling in a game or when you’re not scoring, they pull out that magic.”We’ve been behind already this season and we know you’ve got to react fast.”We know we’re a good team, we believe we’re going to create more chances to score no matter the time in the game.” More

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      I’m a rising Premier League star and been tipped for England – but I’m training to be an AIRLINE PILOT when I retire

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      THE SKY’S the limit for Leif Davis, who has propelled Ipswich from League One to the Prem.Attacking left-back Davis has even been tipped as an England international after his stunning rise with the Tractor Boys.Ipswich Town star Leif Davis is training to become an airline pilotDavis has been tipped to become an England star after a bright start in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyAnd he will still be aiming high once he hangs up his boots — in a new career as an airline pilot.Aviation-mad Davis, 24, spends his down-time on the controls of a flight simulator.He said: “A private pilot licence would be the start and I can decide what I want to do after what is hopefully a successful career.“I taught myself to do it. The software is called FlightSim, which is where other people in the world are also on it.Read More on Football“There will be someone, say, on a computer in London and he will be doing air traffic control.“So if I’m flying I have got to speak to him while doing that as well. It is like real life but on the computer.“It’s a thing I’ve always done. You don’t have to look at your phone, you don’t have to think about football, it just switches you off from everything.”Ipswich travel to Brentford on Saturday — just five miles from Heathrow Airport — still searching for that elusive first Premier League win in over 24 years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKieran McKenna’s side, who jumped from League One to the top flight in successive seasons, have drawn four games and lost four so far.It has been a steep learning curve for the Town players, few of whom have played at the top level before.Football icons’ strange hobbiesDavis already has big plans for his retirementCredit: GettyDavis couldn’t believe he was lining up against Mo Salah at the start of the seasonCredit: GettyBut Davis insists his hobby of coaxing virtual Boeings and Airbuses into the air has helped him improve on the pitch.He said: “You have got to focus on that one thing — or your plane is going down!“You have to focus on it all the time but that focus helps me take it into training.“You know what you have got to do when you are focused — how good you can be.“It’s when you switch off for a second that’s when disasters can happen.”Former Leeds man Davis revealed he has spent time in the wide blue yonder in the cockpit of a light aircraft.Impressing experienced pilotsAnd he surprised an airline pilot with his knowledge of how to land a jet.He said: “I have been up there a few times in a little Cessna but not flying a big plane.“I actually got the chance when we went to Austria for pre-season to go in the cockpit and do the landing with the pilot, which was my highlight of the year.You have got to focus on that one thing — or your plane is going down!Leif Davis“It was the best thing I have ever done in my life, just seeing in person how they do it.“The captain was talking us through it and I’d say, ‘Oh, you are not doing that’ and he would say, ‘I’m just about to!’“I actually knew a lot of what he was doing and he was shocked.Surprise Prem pilot ace“He kept looking at me as though, ‘How do you know this?’ but I just kept my mouth shut.“It was mad how I knew what he was doing.”Davis, who has just penned a new four-year deal at Town, would not be the first celebrity pilot should he get his wings eventually.Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson has flown Liverpool and Rangers to European matches in the past.And Davis revealed that he is not the only current Prem star who likes to get airborne.When we got promoted it didn’t sink in properly until that first day when we were in the tunnel. You look to your left and there is Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.Leif DavisHe said: “I think Chris Wood at Nottingham Forest has got his pilot licence as well.“I don’t think it’s just me that would love to do it, there are other players who have their licence already.“It’s a different hobby to everyone else. Look at Ben White, he doesn’t even watch football.“When I was at Leeds with him he hated watching it. Well, probably not hated it but his hobby was something else.”’Welcome back to the Prem’Davis is the only Portman Road promotion hero to play every minute of league action so far, starting with a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to Liverpool on the opening day.The defender, who made two top-flight appearances off the bench at Leeds, said: “It was welcome back to the Prem!READ MORE SUN STORIES“When we got promoted it didn’t sink in properly until that first day when we were in the tunnel. You look to your left and there is Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.“I’ve loved every minute of it even though we have not yet got the win we wanted.” More

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      Major change to airport rules for pampered Premier League stars after government closes ‘special’ loophole

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      PAMPERED Premier League stars must go through airport security despite arguing for special treatment.Footie chiefs had argued they should be excused from anti-terrorism security laws on UK private charter flights for fear of an increased risk of injury.Premier League stars must go through airport security despite arguing for special treatment (stock picture)Credit: GettyPlayers such as Harry Maguire got a reprieve last seasonCredit: GettyPremier League boss Richard Masters said security probes could spark long queues before and after internal flights — meaning stars were in danger of being accosted by fans.Players such as Harry Maguire got a reprieve last season.But the government has now insisted they should be scanned like everyone else.A source said: “This is not a good look for the Premier League. Read More on Sport“The government clamped down on potential security loopholes, with small planes included in checks.“Richard Masters’ lobbying raised eyebrows within the government. “It beggars belief he thinks footballers should be treated differently from the rest.“He even threatened to go to No 10. Most read in Football“It was an ill-conceived point to pick a fight on.“He was initially successful, but the footballers are now having to toe the line.”Shock new footage appears to show Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson slapping Nottingham Forest rival in faceThe rules were brought in last year. After the year’s exemption, players are now subject to the same additional screening as anyone else — even on short flights from regional airfields.Government sources confirmed to The Sun that special security arrangements were in place for some private charter flights used by football teams in the past — but this is no longer the case.The Department for Transport said: “Aviation security is of paramount importance to keep passengers safe. “That is why all aircraft passengers are fully screened before they travel.”The Premier League was approached for comment. More

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      Jeff Stelling slams EasyJet for letting ‘loud, abusive & drunk passenger on flight who kicked seats & made farm noises’

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      JEFF Stelling has slammed EasyJet for allegedly letting a “loud, abusive and drunk” passenger on his flight who kicked seats and made farm noises.The Sky Soccer Saturday legend blasted the airline after the lout sparked trouble on his flight home from the Algarve in Portugal.Jeff Stelling blasted EasyJet on WednesdayCredit: AFPHe said cabin crew let on a drunk and abusive passengerCredit: GettyHe claimed that cabin crew gave the man a whole row to himself – letting him kick and pull Jeff’s seat.Posting on Twitter, Jeff said: “How drunk do you have to be to be unfit to fly? “A man, loud and abusive in the terminal at Faro, was permitted on board despite being paralytic.”EasyJet staff were aware. He kicked and pulled the seats in front and made farmyard noises from every orifice all flight. Unpleasant.”Read More SportAn EasyJet customer services worker asked Jeff to send him a message – but to no avail.Jeff, 69, said: “Too late guys. He was disruptive in terminal as everyone could tell. “At final check before boarding, I was told they were calling a supervisor. “Crew moved him so he could have a row to himself – just happened to be behind me. Most read in Football”He was on the phone during take off and on landing. His language was loud and abusive. “It was uncomfortable to be sitting knowing drunken you was right behind.”I spoke to the on board crew and they said it was a ground staff decision to allow him on. “No wonder you get so many in flight incidents with drunks if no action taken.”EasyJet said: “Like all other airlines, we have strict guidelines about the consumption of alcohol onboard.”Any passenger who appears to be under the influence of alcohol will be refused alcohol onboard.”A spokesperson added: “Prior to departure we communicate our alcohol policy to customers.”We ask that should they wish to consume alcohol purchased onboard, that they do so responsibly,  considering others onboard. More

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      Tottenham’s Europa League clash with Qarabag DELAYED as fans face frantic rush to get to stadium amid travel chaos

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      TOTTENHAM’S Europa League opener against Qarabag was severely delayed due to travel chaos.The Azerbaijani side were staying in Stratford but did not turn up to Spurs’ stadium until 7.45pm due to serious traffic.Spurs’ Europa League clash against Qarabag FK has been delayedCredit: PAThat was only 15 minutes before the planned kick-off – which was then pushed back to 8.35pm.Qarabag’s coach ended up having a police escort for the last mile of their 12-mile journey.While their late arrival could land them in hot water with Uefa, whose regulations state that both teams must be at the stadium at least 75 minutes before kick-off, as per article 54.01.But because this is their first offence this season, the club and their coach Gurban Gurbanov will likely only get a warning from European football’s governing body.READ MORE IN football Travel to Spurs was a nightmare due to a multitude of reasons.Part of the A10, the major road in the area, was closed, while for supporters coming from the south there were major delays on the M25.A person hit by train at Tottenham Hale train station meant many Greater Anglia trains were cancelled between there and Broxbourne.And there were severely limited trains coming in from the Hertfordshire direction.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGurbanov’s reigning Azerbaijani champions were not the only ones to get caught out by the issues.TNT Sports pundits Peter Crouch and Glenn Hoddle abandoned their car and legged it down the street to make it in time for the start of their coverage.Ex-Spurs striker Crouch, 43, said: “Hopefully (the Qarabag team) ran down the High Road like me and Glenn! We gave up wit the car.”Tottenham legend Hoddle, 66, added: “Peter and I limped.”Qarabag are not the first to be caught out by the congested roads in N17.Spurs’ last European fixture – the last-16 Champions League tie against AC Milan in March 2022 – kicked off ten minutes later than planned due to both sides being held up in traffic.It made Spurs’ fans wait an extra 35 minutes for their first European game in 18 months, who named a strong line-up.Captain Son Heung-min, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson all started up top, the latter two having netted in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Brentford.There were still six changes though, which saw 18-year-old pair Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall make their first European starts of their respective careers.Boss Ange Postecoglou, managing his first Spurs game in Europe, said: “It is going to be a great experience for our young players. It is different to domestic competition and they will learn a lot.”Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall have shown great energy. They want to make a career for themselves and my responsibility is to give them opportunity.READ MORE SUN STORIES”For a club like us, all these competitions are important. We have not had success for a very long time.“For a club our size, not winning becomes a millstone around your neck and you have to win something to release that.”SunSport’s Jordan Davies reacts to Europa League draw as Man Utd face Mourinho More

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      Oleksandr Usyk detained after ‘attempting to defend friend who wasn’t allowed to board plane’, PR team reveals

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      OLEKSANDR USYK was detained at an airport after attempting to defend a friend who was denied boarding, his team revealed. Shock footage surfaced on Tuesday night showing the undefeated boxing champion being led away in cuffs by officers. Oleksandr Usyk was detained at an airport after attempting to defend a friend who was denied boardingCredit: XShock footage showed the boxing star being led away by securityCredit: XBut Usyk, his wife and even Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky spoke out to clarify it was a misunderstanding. Now the boxing star’s head of PR Mykhailo Krasiuk has given their side of the story in full. Krasiuk posted: “Ok Google, that was all about our team member, who brought @usykaafrom Kyiv by car (and it was not Lapin, as reported by some media). “He was very tired after 14h driving and slept standing up, literally. Ryanair employees didn’t let him on the plane.READ MORE ON OLEKSANDR USYK”Usyk, who was already on board, returned to the gate and tried to defend our friend, like always does. “Meanwhile the police appeared, maybe the champ looked so dangerous that should have been handcuffed, “(I don’t know). Anyway, everything was sorted out briefly. Thanks for your support.” Usyk is believed to have been set to travel to London, where he will be a special guest for Anthony Joshua’s Wembley fight with Daniel Dubois.Most read in BoxingAnd he was quick to speak out online after being released by airport security. Usyk wrote: “All is well my friends. There was a misunderstanding that was quickly resolved.Oleksandr Usyk blasts Tyson Fury’s shock career change hint and sends chilling message after starting rematch training”Thank you to everyone who was worried. Thank you Ukrainian diplomats for your support.”And respect to Polish law enforcers, who perform their duties despite height, weight, arm range and regalia.”President Zelensky, on Telegram, added: “Talked on the phone with Oleksandr Usyk when he was detained.”I was outraged by this attitude towards our citizen and champion.”He instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sibiza and the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko to immediately find out all the details of the incident at the Krakow airport.”As soon as I was informed that everything is fine, our champion was released and no one is detaining him anymore.”USYK IN AIRPORT DRAMABy Wally Downes Jr OLEKSANDR USYK was roared on to victory in the Undisputed clash with Tyson Fury by everybody outside Russia and Morecambe.The 37-year-old Ukraine icon has spend time on his nation’s frontline supporting underdog soldiers against Putin’s savagesAnd he only agreed to carrying on professional fighting when his conscripted compatriots begged him to.He beat Daniel Dubois in a Wroclaw stadium full of Ukraineans who had escaped there to safety.And he recently visited London to help the Ukraine embassy send a convoy of vehicles to help his battered brothers and sisters.He is due back in our capital to be ringside for twice-dominated Anthony Joshua taking on Dubois.And he would have gotten a huge cheer from all the 96,000 fans for his courage in and outside of the ring.It seems highly unlikely he has been detained for anything related to his behaviour.And much more likely to go with strict travelling rules enforced around the Eastern European regions.The gap-toothed southpaw genius has hated leaving his four children and his wife so would not have been on a lads’ beano with too many ales at the airport Wetherspoons.So let’s hope a modern-day hero – of Olympic gold and cruiser and heavyweight undisputed glory – is safely in Wembley or back home soon.Usyk, 37, is coming off the biggest win of his career after beating Tyson Fury, 36, to become undisputed champion.But his reign as the heavyweight division’s first four-belt undisputed champion did not last long.Usyk was forced to vacate the IBF belt to proceed with his December 21 rematch against Fury back in Saudi Arabia.Dubois, 27, instead inherited the title after being elevated from interim champ and makes his first defence against Joshua, 34.And Usyk is due into the capital to watch Joshua’s all-British showdown against Dubois on Saturday.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the Ukrainian hero was facing an awkward reunion with Fury as both were scheduled at a fan event at BoxPark Wembley.Both men will take part in meet and greets with fans at what has been billed as the “official pre-fight party” just hours before the bout. More

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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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      Arsenal blocked wearing red vs Tottenham and say North London derby will ‘have a different look than seasons gone by’

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      ARSENAL have been banned from wearing RED when they travel to Tottenham on Sunday.The Gunners will be forced to sport their black away kit as they aim to clinch their third straight victory in Tottenham’s backyard.Arsenal will NOT wear their red colours in the North London derby on SundayThey instead will be forced to wear black at SpursThe PGMOL ruled that Arsenal cannot wear their traditional colours away at Spurs for the first time in recent North London derby history.It was feared that their would be a possible kit clash.The PGMOL and Premier League agreed that Arsenal’s 2024-25 home kit features “too much white”.And would therefore clash with Tottenham’s customary colours.READ MORE ON ARSENAWhile Arsenal’s shirt looks largely similar to last season, Adidas did slightly increase the surface area of white above the sleeves and on the side panels.They also made the Adidas logo white and replaced Arsenal’s crest with a white Gunners cannon.The option of red shorts and socks for the Gunners was discussed, but ultimately denied.Arsenal’s statement read: “We will have a different look than seasons gone by. Our away strip for this season has already got off to a winning start when we wore it for the first time in competitive action against Aston Villa last month.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn fact, both teams will be forced to wear their away strips in their two Premier League fixtures this season.That means Tottenham supporters will see their side play in blue when they travel to the Emirates in January.Arsenal fans raging as ‘smug’ Norway boss ‘cracks joke’ about Martin Odegaard’s devastating injury on live TVAnd Arsenal fans were left fuming with the decision to refuse the team their red shirts.Taking to X, one wrote: “What are PGMOL on about? Like sorry but who is going to confuse Tottenham and Arsenal, when Arsenal’s kit is literally red other than the sleeves?”A second added: “How does the home kit have too much white on it?So pathetic!”Another said: “It’s been White vs Red for years. This is ridiculous.”While a fourth declared: “Arsenal’s kit is conspicuously red and Spurs is overly white. There’s no conflict at all. Some dark forces must be conspiring against my club for real.”One Tottenham fan said: “Wow. Never thought I’d see the day that Arsenal come to our ground and not wear red 😂😂.”To make matters worse for the Gunners Martin Odegaard is a doubt for Sunday after limping off during Norway’s 2-1 win over Austria.The Arsenal skipper been pictured using crutches to board a private jet back to London to be assessed by Mikel Arteta’s medical staff.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe title chasers will also be without Declan Rice after he picked up his first red card in the 1-1 draw with Brighton before the international break.New signing Mikel Merino is also out after fracturing his shoulder in training, while Riccardo Calafiori left Italy’s camp after coming off injured against France. More