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    ‘Going to put flowers on his seat’ – First picture of Irish Liverpool fan killed in Milan amid tributes for ‘top lad’

    THIS is the first picture of an avid Liverpool fan who tragically died in a road accident in Milan, Italy, on Tuesday.Philip Dooley, who lived in Liverpool but was originally from Ireland, was visiting the Italian city when he was struck by an oncoming car while crossing the A4 highway near the airport in Bergamo.Philip was a lifelong Liverpool supporterCredit: SOCIAL MEDIALiverpool players wore a black armband during the match in tribute to the fanCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe 51-year-old fan was trying to cross the highway to reach the NH Hotel, where he was staying around 1am local time.Local media have reported that he had tickets to a Liverpool match in his pocket when he was discovered, after reportedly landing at Orio al Serio airport at 11.53pm on the flight from Manchester.Ahead of their opening Champions League clash vs AC Milan on Tuesday night, the club paid tribute to the Irishman by wearing black armbands.A social media post read: “We will wear black armbands this evening in tribute to supporter Philip Dooley, who tragically lost his life following a road traffic accident in Bergamo in the early hours of the morning.”Tributes have been pouring in for tragic Phillip following his untimely death, with the Merseyside club leading the way.Liverpool FC said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our supporter Philip Dooley, following a road traffic accident in Bergamo in the early hours of this morning.”Philip was a lifelong Liverpool fan who had travelled to Italy to be at tonight’s Champions League game against AC Milan.”Our staff in Milan are working with the local police and consulate, and continue to provide support to other fans impacted by this devastating incident.Most read in Football”The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected to the club are with Philip’s family, friends and fellow supporters at this extremely difficult time.Liverpool icon Ron Yeats passes away”Rest in peace, Philip.”Friends and fellow fans who knew Phillip have also taken to social media to share their condolences, with one telling how they plan to “put some flowers on his seat” at the stadium in tribute. One said: “Top man and massive support to my family. You will be sorely missed. YNWA.”Another said: “Absolutely devastated tragic loss Philip Dooley. Thoughts are with all his family & friends. From Robbie, Paula & everyone at the 12th man YNWA.”Liverpool FC player Jamie Carragher responded to this post by sharing a red heart emoji.Another friend shared: “Phil was a friend of mine, from the row in front of me on the Kop, would see him at aways too and always get a hug off him. “Top lad. Going to put some flowers on his seat on Saturday. RIP Phil.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Irish Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and stands ready to provide consular assistance.A spokesperson added: “As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the detail of individual cases.” More

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    Fans say ‘Zlatan Ibrahimovic is genius’ after icon’s hilarious comment live on Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage

    ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has achieved the near impossible – by voicing as much outrageous swagger off the field as he showed on it!Amazon Prime viewers labelled the strike legend a “genius” with his cheeky description of his new role at AC Milan.Zlatan Ibrahimovic entertained Gabby Logan, Frank Lampard, Daniel Sturridge and Clarence Seedorf on Amazon Prime as AC Milan hosted LiverpoolCredit: GettyIbrahimovic warmly greeted his former Milan team-mate SeedorfCredit: GettyIbrahimovic was at the San Siro to see Liverpool pull off a 3-1 Champions League comeback win.But he took centre stage – in more ways than one – when chatting to Amazon’s sporting crew on the famous pitch.Presenter Gabby Logan and Chelsea all-time great Frank Lampard were on the left of the 122-cap Swede.Daniel Sturridge and Dutch icon Clarence Seedorf were on the right – but with all four looking up to the 6ft 5ins star in the middle.READ MORE TOP STORIESLogan then asked Ibrahimovic for his “official title” at Milan.And although he’s commonly known as a “senior advisor” the ex-Manchester United, Juventus, Inter and PSG frontman delivered a much grander assessment.Ibra responded: “I’m the boss and the rest work for me. This is how it works.”Given his famous self-belief, some might think the 42-year-old’s next comment even hinted at him having super-powers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe added: “I’m invisible. I’m visible, so I’m all over the place.”That prompted Amazon Prime to post a clip of the exchange, along with the jokey claim: “Just Zlatan being Zlatan.”Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsIbrahimovic has indeed stamped his mark on Milan after returning in December last year to an off-field position at a club he twice played for. Ex-Liverpool forward Divock Origi and French left-back Fode Ballo-Toure were banished from the first-team set-up over the summer.Ibra said at the time the duo were “not part of our plans”.He added starkly: “They will be part of the youth team as they’re not included in our project.”With such straight-talking, no wonder Ibra reckons he’s in charge.And many fans appeared to love his smiling confidence on Amazon Prime.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Big Ibra is a genius,” claimed one.And there’s at least one middle-aged marvel from Malmo who will not be disagreeing with that verdict…! More

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    Fans slam TNT Sports for ‘absolutely butchering’ Champions League coverage with viewers left ‘devastated’ at huge change

    FOOTBALL fans slammed TNT Sports for “absolutely butchering” a popular Champions League show.The beloved Goals Show has been repackaged to suit the new format of the three European club competitions.Champions League fans slammed TNT Sports for repackaging the beloved Goals ShowThat means fans won’t get to watch analysis from presenter James Richardson as well as journalists James Horncastle, Julien Laurens and Raphael Honigstein.TNT Sports replaced the popular show with Goals Show Xtra, which is presented by Matt Smith from a brand new studio called The Curve.Smith is joined by Karen Carney and Owen Hargreaves for matchday one of the Champions League.But that didn’t go down well with fans as they stormed social media to air their grievances.Read More on FootballOne fan tweeted: “TNT had the best football programme with the Champions League Goals Show. “They’ve absolutely butchered it. A real shame.”Another commented: “This new format is terrible.”A third wrote: “TNT sports had the best football show in the business with the Champions League Goals Show and they had to go and f*****g ruin it.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis one said: “Look like TNT have f****d the Champions League Goal Show.”And that one stated: “Tremendous job from TNT ruining the Champions League Goals Show. It used to be must-watch television.”Champions League releases new anthem as fuming fans say ‘the beautiful game has died’Laurens, Horncastle, and Honigstein will offer additional commentary and analysis throughout the season.Owen Hargreaves Season PredictionsHARGREAVES ON BELLINGHAM“I SAW the Super Cup and Jude Bellingham played the best game of his life.“He’s playing a bit more in his natural position, a little bit deeper. He’s the perfect midfield player.“Jude is just going to get better and better with Kylian Mbappe and Endrick.“I know a lot of people have not seen much of Endrick but to go with him and Rodrygo, Valverde, Modric, Courtois and Alaba, Rudiger, Carvajal . . .“That is some collection of players, it’s amazing.”HARGREAVES ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DARK HORSES“PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN, just in the way Luis Enrique plays. He plays such aggressive football and they’ve got so many really good ball players.“I’m happy to see they’re focused on young French players. That’s probably what they should have done long ago.“Inter are really good. They’ve got a clear identity to how they play under Simone Inzaghi.“Marcus Thuram came on a free, it’s amazing no one else picked him up.“They’re not the most offensive team but often those teams do really well in the Champions League.“They don’t make mistakes in silly moments.”HARGREAVES ON PREM CONTENDERS“MANCHESTER CITY have the best squad and they’re using four centre-backs so defensively they’re a bit more stable.“Arsenal need a little bit more experience in the Champions League. “To win the Champions League might take a little bit more time in the transfer windows. But they’re going to win trophies, it’s a question of when.“Liverpool have crazy firepower. Federico Chiesa is an amazing player and he’ll suit the Premier League because he’s crazy explosive.“I’m excited for Aston Villa as Villa Park is going to be one of the best atmospheres in Europe this season.”HARGREAVES ON PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR“MICHAEL OLISE is going to be great at Bayern Munich.“Playing at Crystal Palace he probably didn’t get the notoriety he deserved but he’s such a good finisher and technically really good.“Endrick at Real Madrid is cool because people don’t know a lot about him. He’s still so young but he’s just got it.“Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen is an amazing player with a really unique style. His numbers from last season were crazy.“As a young kid, putting himself in the Ballon d’Or conversation is rare. He’ll be playing at Real Madrid or Man City in a couple of years. More

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    Fans say ‘Marcus Rashford is BACK’ after Man Utd star scores stunning solo goal in Carabao Cup clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Marcus Rashford scored an incredible solo goal in the Carabao Cup that left fans insisting he is “back” to form.Rashford, 26, dominated two seasons ago as he scored 30 goals and bagged 11 assists in 56 appearances during Erik ten Hag’s maiden campaign as United manager.Manchester United star Marcus Rashford scored a stunning solo goal in the Carabao CupCredit: GettyMan Utd fans insist Rashford is ‘back’ to his old dominant formCredit: RexThe forward, though, failed to extend his incredible goalscoring prowess last term as he only managed eight goals and six assists in 43 appearances.However, fans have started to believe again during the Red Devils’ third-round clash with Barnsley in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford.The England international netted a stunning opener to score his second goal in as many days.And Rashford did it in style as he picked up a beautiful long ball by Alejandro Garnacho with a slick touch and dribbled past Barnsley defender Marc Roberts like he wasn’t even there.Read More on Man UtdThe United star then beat Chelsea loanee Gabriel Slonina with a fantastic strike that hit the top right corner after just 16 minutes.The Red Devils’ faithful then stormed social media to praise the popular player’s apparent resurgence. One fan tweeted: “Rashford is back!”Another commented: “Rashford has brought my joy back, no other player when they score has me on cloud 9 like Rashford.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third posted: Rashford’s confidence is coming back.”This fan said: “I can confidently tell you Rashford is back.”Watch as Marcus Rashford has medicine ball whacked off his abs as Man Utd star takes up boxing in international break And that one stated: “If Rashford clicks in consistency then Man United is back.” More

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    Inside ‘magic’ F1 McLaren innovation that has flung team ahead of Red Bull but fans are calling it ‘illegal’

    MCLAREN have raced to the front of the field in Formula One’s Constructors Championship for the first time in a decade.But some F1 fans have blasted the team after spotting a “magic” innovation at the weekend.McLarens Oscar Piastri benefitted from a ‘magic’ innovation to win the Azerbaijan Grand PrixCredit: RexLando Norris also had an impressive drive to get back up to P4 from starting P15Credit: RexMcLaren’s ‘flexi’ rear wing in Baku raised eyebrowsCredit: Sky Sports F1It gave him extra pace to keep in front of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on the back straightCredit: RexThe Woking-based manufacturer have made a remarkable surge up the field since Bahrain 2023, when Lando Norris finished dead last and Oscar Piastri retired due to electrical failure.But on Sunday, at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, McLaren saw their Papaya reign supreme as Piastri won his second race of the season with some stoic defending against Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.Norris took P4 and the fastest lap after an impressive drive through the field having started P15 following some bad luck in qualifying. The Brit’s result saw him marginally cut Max Verstappen’s championship lead.READ MORE IN F1The Baku race confirmed the MCL38’s position as the fastest car in the field, with the British team now the only one with two drivers to have won multiple races this season.However, McLaren’s amazing surge threatens to be overshadowed.Fans of rival teams were left vexed at how they had pulled off such a strong result in Azerbaijan before one “magic” innovation of the McLaren car design was highlighted.Only last week McLaren and Mercedes were cleared of any wrongdoing over the legality of their front wing, but following Baku it was their rear wing which had fans up in arms on social media.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFootage shared on social media by one furious member of the Tifosi showed how the DRS (Drag Reduction System) flap of race leader Piastri tilted up when under aerodynamic load (wind resistance).This flexible wing created a “mini-DRS” effect, allowing for reduced drag and increased top speed down the straight – which can see drivers hit speeds of 217mph.Why snapping up Adrian Newey is such a coup for Aston MartinThe extra speed was key in helping Piastri fend off Leclerc, who had the advantage of a fully open DRS flap due to being one second behind him going into the last stretch of numerous laps.Taking to social media after the race, one fan said: “The entire DRS flap is rotating under load. You can see at the pivot points, the flap is not aligning with the wing tips. “The flap is backing off at high speed, shedding drag. How is this okay?”Another user pointed out gaps at the edge of the flap, and asked: “How is this allowed?”A ‘mini-DRS’ effect was seen on the wing under aerodynamic load to reduce dragCredit: X @justformulacarThe clever wing design has not been deemed illegal by the FIA despite a fan outcryA third said: “MCLAREN HAS DRS WITHOUT HAVING A CAR INFRONT OF THEM MAN THIS S*** IS NOT LEGAL.”Several fans also argued the other way by saying F1 should not punish the new interpretation of the rules, with one saying: “It’s called a loophole and that’s what makes Formula 1 great.”If you don’t like it, don’t watch a series like F1, where a regulation set is interpreted by different teams, in different ways.”Motorsport engineer Blake Hinsey added on social media: “If the technical regulations have specifications for rear wing deflection and this passes the tests, then it’s legal. “Every piece of bodywork moves in complex ways under aerodynamic load.”If McLaren have found a way to reduce the drag on their rear wing in a different way – congratulations – they’ve done a brilliant job engineering this system.”From 2021, rear wings have needed to have 12 target dots in specific locations on the main plane and upper flap to prevent over-rotation of the rear wing assemblies.However, it is not the first race this has been deployed in by McLaren, meaning the FIA are seemingly happy and satisfied the design is within the constraints currently posed by the regulations.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has hinted that his team could look to follow McLaren’s example in a bid to catch up.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also admitted Red Bull had made a design error stunting their progress back in Barcelona 2023, but had not taken the warnings raised by Sergio Perez seriously due to Verstappen’s dominance.McLaren will be hoping their good form continues in next Sunday’s Singapore race, with their championship lead over Red Bull now at 20 points and Norris just 59 points behind Verstappen.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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    Non-league side lose 14-0 after fielding team of fans, a coach and even their press officer in protest at Hampshire FA

    A NON-LEAGUE side lost 14-0 after they fielded a team of fans in a protest towards the Hampshire FA.Farnborough were hammered by Tadley at Cherrywood Road in the in the Servio Men’s Senior Cup second round.Farnborough boss Spencer Day missed the 14-0 defeatCredit: Farnborough FC TVThe Vanarama National League South club lost to Tadley despite the outfit being three steps above them.However, Farnborough’s team selection may be an explanation to the result.The team included fans, the club’s media manager Dom Lloyd, two first-team players and goalkeeping coach Dave Hill.The reason behind the selection was due to the club’s protest towards the Hampshire FA.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFarnborough were disqualified from the competition in 2022 after beating AFC Porchester 8-0.They were kicked out of the competition after failing player eligibility rules.After the decision, Farnborough boss Spencer Day argued that the rules were in a “grey area” and insisted that the club had always taken it seriously.Farnborough has come under scrutiny for the result as many have claimed the club has been “disrespectful”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne posted: “Outrageous, should be made to play the rest of the season with that team.”A second commented: “Why take part if you had no intention of trying to win. An embarrassment and a disgrace.”Forgotten Premier League star scores Puskas contender in training as baffled fans say ‘didn’t know he was still playing’A third wrote: “That is truly shambolic and disrespect to a cup competition.”Just withdraw, don’t disrespect cup competitions by getting humbled to this blatant extent.”A fourth said: “Well done tadley, wish it was more, the disrespect from Farnborough.”Another joked: “Could have gone either way lads.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Fans urge Bruno Fernandes to ‘DELETE’ post after commenting on Jadon Sancho’s Instagram pic after stunning Chelsea debut

    BRUNO FERNANDES has been urged to “delete” a social media comment posted following Jadon Sancho’s Chelsea debut.The Manchester United captain replied to Sancho’s Instagram post following his Man of the Match-winning debut for the Blues against Bournemouth.Fans have urged Bruno Fernandes to delete an Instagram comment replying to Jadon SanchoCredit: instagramFernandes played alongside Sancho during the winger’s three seasons at Man UtdCredit: RexSancho, 24, had come on to replace Pedro Neto at half-time before putting in an impressive display on the left flank and providing the assist for Christopher Nkunku’s match-winning goal.The winger, on loan at the London club from United, took to Instagram to say: “Delighted to make my @chelseafc debut, and to top it off with a win.”Fernandes, who starred alongside and captained Sancho during the Englishman’s three years at Old Trafford, replied: “Some player you 🔥 keep that smile.”However, fans have now urged the 30-year-old to delete the comment. READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne user said: “Be serious, Bruno.”A second simply said: “Delete.”Another said: “You having a laugh Bruno?!!!”A fourth added: “Some captain you are 😂 Roy Keane would have dragged you out by the scruff of your shirt.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA fifth said: “He disrespected the club and fans you play for.”Amid the outcry, one fan argued: “He is praising his friend..? This is the problem with this world.”What does Bruno Fernandes’ celebration mean ?Fernandes provided the opening assist in Man Utd’s 3-0 win over Southampton.Speaking about Sancho’s debut, Maresca appeared to take a subtle swipe at United boss Erik Ten Hag, who froze Sancho out of the club following a public spat after criticising Sancho’s approach to training.Maresca said: ” I have a feeling that Jadon is a guy that needs love. This is what I think when I spoke with him before he join us. “Also I know he has the desire to show the player he is, but for me, it is just to enjoy football. This is the reason why they play.”They are happy and want to play football, they want to enjoy football and then because they are good, they are going to do good things.”Chelsea travel to West Ham next weekend, while United are away at Crystal Palace.Chelsea ratings vs Bournemouth as Sanchez and Sancho are heroes… and Palmer strugglesCHELSEA needed a late moment of magic from Christopher Nkunku to snatch all three points from Bournemouth.Marcus Tavernier crashed a super strike against the crossbar early on and Robert Sanchez saved an Evanilson penalty before the break.Jadon Sancho came on for his debut at half-time and made the difference for the Blues as he set up Nkunku’s winner.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Nickless rated Maresca’s men…Robert Sanchez – 8Man-of-the-match show with first-half penalty save from Evanilson and a handful of excellent saves.But rather fortunate to stay on the pitch after denying Evanilson a clear goalscoring opportunity with a deliberate foul that led to the spot-kick.Axel Disasi – 5The right-back was given an uncomfortable night down the right side.Given the runaround by Cherries dangerman Antoine Semenyo and was replaced just after the hour.Wesley Fofana – 6Did his best to keep a clean sheet when run ragged by the home strikers.Luckily for the centre-back, he could rely on Sanchez to keep them out.Levi Colwill – 6Did his best to calm the storm that came the Blues’ way for most of the match.Made sure he kept record-signing Evanilson away from notching his first Premier League goal.Marc Cucurella – 7Always busy and making a nuisance of himself when he wasn’t being buffeted by Semenyo’s marking.But overdid it with one stupid, deliberate shoulder barge on the Bournemouth winger.Renato Veiga – 5Suffered like most of his team-mates to open up the home side’s defence.The Portuguese midfielder didn’t see enough of the ball to make an impact.Moises Caicedo – 7The captain was always looking for that defence-splitting pass when he wasn’t on defensive duty.Gave an example to others around him who weren’t putting in a decent shift.Noni Madueke – 5Was quite mad attempting an early shot at the home goal that ended up as a throw-in.And it didn’t get much better than that for the winger who was hauled off just after the hour.Cole Palmer – 5Rested by England for tired muscles and there wasn’t much energy in this performance.But the Cherries, worried by his reputation, did target him in the first half.Pedro Neto – 5Failed to make any impact on the wing but could claim he had little or no service.Boss Maresca had seen enough and brought on Sancho to replace him at half-time.Nicolas Jackson – 5Chelsea fans won’t want to suffer another nine years of this from the big striker.Had one shot comfortably saved and another blocked but will need to show more upfront for his ludicrous long contract.SUBSJadon Sancho (for Neto) – 8Was booked 11 minutes after coming on then, looked likely throughout second half and set up Nkunku’s equaliser on super debut.Tosin Adarabioyo (for Disasi) – 6Was seldom troubled.Joao Felix (for Madueke) – 5Tidied up in midfield.Christopher Nkunku (for Jackson) – 8Burst through three players to score and snatch the winner. 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    Moment humiliated Serie A stars trudge over to own fans to get scolded after 4-0 loss.. alongside giant flamingo mascot

    SERIE A side Cagliari suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Napoli, and paid a grovelling apology to fans.The club, based in southern Italy, currently sit second bottom of the table following their thrashing by Antonio Conte’s side.Cagliari’s mascot ‘Pully’ joined the players as they were scolded by home fans following defeat to NapoliCredit: ESPNGoals from Napoli’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Romelu Lukaku and Alessandro Buongiorno compounded them to a four-goal walloping in front of their own supporters.Following the game, the players walked over to the home crowd to apologise and listen to the fans as they scolded them.While it is a tradition in Serie A for the home side to apologise to fans following a defeat, the players were joined by the club’s flamingo mascot “Pully”, who could be seen standing behind the team.Social media users were left in disbelief at the mascot joining the club, with one user saying: “Nah the mascot had a POTM performance.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA second said: “No one is safe.”A third added: “Sometimes, even mascots feel the pressure.”Another said: “When even the mascot gets scolded, you know it’s serious.”A fifth said: “Cagliari’s 9-foot flamingo mascot ‘Pully’ getting ripped into after losing 4-0 to Napoli is making me lose my s***.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReacting on social media after the game, midfielder Gianluca Gaetano said on Instagram: “It’s hard to explain a 0-4. It’s hard to explain that we deserved more. “We know we have to improve. We know where our path will be.”Piers Morgan says ‘even our mascot is harder than Tottenham’s’ as Arsenal kid pushes counterparts before derbyFormer Everton star Yerry Mina added: “A difficult and complicated match, but this team is strong and we will continue to work hard to achieve positive results in what lies ahead.”Manager Davide Nicola, told reporters: “If you see the result you think that Cagliari did nothing, but that’s not the case.”For 65 minutes – he adds – we played a good game, the 0-2 goal came after many of our chances. “Then it’s obvious that everything becomes more difficult, you have to continue to create but maintaining balance. “On one hand I’m very satisfied, because I see that the team is starting to do what we train. But we have to reduce the lapses in concentration and be more practical.”I don’t want us to get discouraged, we have to recover and defend with courage.”The Rossoblu play Empoli in their next match.Who is Pully?Cagliari’s mascot Pully joined the players as they apologised to fans following a 4-0 home defeat to Napoli, but who are they?The name Pully, which derives from pullo, as small birds are called, was chosen by the children of the Typhus School.The flamingo has always been a symbolic figure of the city of Cagliari, loved by locals and tourists, an elegant and frequent presence in our skies, particularly during the summer. Pull is an enblem of freedom and balance between urban spirit and wild nature.The mascot stands at nine feet tall.Merchandise for Pully, including pencils, puzzles, t-shirts and mugs, can be brought from the club store from €2.20. More