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    Chelsea fans fume after Gent supporters throw chairs and rip down banners from stands in ugly scenes during clash

    GENT supporters caused chaos both inside and outside of Stamford Bridge before Chelsea’s Europa Conference League match. Enzo Maresca’s Blues hammered the travelling Belgian side 4-2. Gent fans threw chair seats at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFPIt caused ugly scenes inside Stamford BridgeCredit: AFPThe Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn downCredit: GettyScenes turned ugly in the Chelsea away endCredit: GettyA ripped up broken seat is chucked by away fansCredit: GettyBut the visiting Gent fans made their presence known in the hours leading up to the game. They filled the plush streets of West London with flares and loud chants as they made their way into the stadium. Fans waved scarves above their heads and blocked the middle of the road as cyclists tried to weave between the crowd while buses were completely halted.And when inside, the carnage continued when some fans tore up chairs in the stands and THREW them. READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe Chelsea faithful were left further horrified when the Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn down. One said: “Disgraceful.”Another added: “The Gent fans were absolutely disgraceful.”Both sets of fans engaged in aggressive chanting back and forth as things looked to be on the brink of escalating. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOn the pitch, Chelsea breezed to a comfortable win thanks to goals from Renato Veiga, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. It was Maresca’s fifth win on the spin and he said: “We are performing not only in attack but defensively very well. We are happy. Enzo Maresca insists identity of Chelsea is starting to take shape “I need to repeat always the same: For sure, we can do many, many things better – we can attack better and defend better. “Tonight probably the most important thing we can learn is even if we are 4-1, even to the final whistle you have to switch on, you cannot switch off.”I think we conceded the second goal just because we saw the game was already finished. “I think if we want to be one step forward, even when you are 4-1 and the game is almost finished, you need to continue and not concede another goal. “We are really happy with the performance. We approached it very well. These games are never easy. “So I am very happy with the performance and the result.”Enzo Maresca celebrates with his playersCredit: Reuters More

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    Kick It Out founder Herman Ouseley dies aged 79 after life spent campaigning against racism & discrimination in football

    LORD Herman Ouseley, the founder of Kick It Out and anti-racism campaigner, has died at the age of 79.It is thought Lord Ouseley died on Wednesday, following a short illness.The anti-racism campaigner Lord Herman Ouseley, seen here in 2016, has diedCredit: Getty Images – GettyLord Ouseley outside the Palace of Westminster in 2018Credit: Tom Pilston – The Sunday TimesHe founded Kick It Out to tackle racism and discrimination in football and was its chairman for 25 years.Kick It Out paid tribute to Lord Ouseley this afternoon, calling him “a fearless advocate for underrepresented and disadvantaged communities and will be sorely missed”.The anti-discrimination charity announced Lord Ouseley’s death on its official X, formerly Twitter, account.”We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Lord Herman Ouseley after a short illness,” Kick It Out’s statement read.Read More on Football”Lord Ouseley was a titan in tackling discrimination in football over the 25 years he was chair of Kick It Out, having founded Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football in 1993.”He was also a fearless advocate for under-represented and disadvantaged communities and will be sorely missed.”Lord Ouseley’s vision to set up Kick It Out was the first true structural change in football to take on a problem that had blighted the game for decades.”Fans and participants are now more aware of discrimination and how to challenge it, which is a legacy of the tenacity and vigour he showed in ensuring football continued to change.Most read in Football”We owe him a huge debt of gratitude and vow to continue that legacy for the benefit of future generations.”Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”Birmingham star points out fan who racially abused him as police launch probe a week after crowd trouble hit FA Cup tieHe sat in the House of Lords as a crossbencher from 2001 until his retirement in 2019.Lord Ouseley was also the chief executive for the Race Equality Commission after a long career in local government.Tributes have been pouring in with Troy Townsend MBE, a former footballer and fellow anti-racism activist, calling him “the greatest”.He wrote on X: “Back in 2020 I was so grateful to pay tribute to this legend of a man whilst he accepted a Special Recognition Award from Pride of Britain.”Lord Herman Ouseley, I owe you a debt of gratitude for everything you did for me, for football & society. May your pain be no more.”Mr Townsend added: “[He] stood up when others stayed silent. Took on an industry that allowed racism to flourish. “Looked people in the eye and demanded they change. Whether it was football or politics Herman took on all comers. I’m very proud to be part of his legacy.”The FA also wrote on the social media site: “We are extremely saddened to hear about the passing of Lord Herman Ouseley.”Lord Ouseley was a trailblazer in English football, having the original vision for @kickitout, and he played a hugely inspirational role in tackling discrimination across our game while advocating for underrepresented and disadvantaged communities.”Labour MP Diane Abbott also paid tribute to Lord Ouseley, calling him “a pioneer at the top levels of local government”.Herman George Ouseley was born in Guyana in 1946 and came to Britain when he was 12, attending William Penn Primary School and then Catford College. He started a successful career in local politics, going on to serve as chief executive of the London Borough of Lambeth.It was also the first black head of the former Inner London Education Authority, a body which oversaw more than 1,000 schools and colleges in in the capital.Lord Ouseley set up Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football in 1993 and served as the head of the Commission for Racial Equality from 1993 to 2000.He was then made a Life Peer in 2001, going on to pick up 13 honorary degrees.READ MORE SUN STORIESLet’s Kick Racism Out of Football altered its name to Kick It Out, with Lord Ousley heading the organisation until December 2018.The campaigner shared two children with his teacher wife, Margaret.Lord Ouseley with then England manager Roy Hodgson, right, in the stands during a match at Stamford Bridge in May 2015Credit: PA:Press Association More

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    Champions League: Football fans over the moon after realising highlights after back on free-to-air TV

    GLEEFUL football fans were chuffed to realise that Champions League highlights have returned to free-to-air TV.It’s been NINE years since Europe’s top competition left ITV and moved over to TNT Sport.Fans were thrilled to catch Duran’s late winner on free-to-air TV on the BBCAnalysis was provided on Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to LilleCredit: RexMost football lovers believed it was travesty, with many unable or un- willing, to pay the £53.99 monthly subscription for TNT Sport.While live European matches have not returned to free TV, fans can tune into a Match of the Day-style show on the BBC for highlights of each round.A brief match-by-match highlight compilation is also available from 10pm on the BBC website as well.Both the show and online package can be viewed every Wednesday on a week of Champions League action.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAston Villa’s incredible 1-0 triumph over Bayern Munich at Villa Park was the first game to be shown this week.Emery’s men went ahead via super-sub Jhon Duran’s 79th minute audacious off-the-cuff lob.Liverpool also retained their 100 per cent record in the competition this season with a routine 2-0 win over Bologna with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah.And fans were thrilled to learn that they could catch all of the action for free.Most read in Champions LeagueJhon Duran scored a goal that will go down in Villa’s historyCredit: GettySalah scored a stunner to double Liverpool’s leadCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne wrote on X: “Champions League highlights on BBC is possibly the best thing ever.”A second said: “The show is quite a breath of fresh air. Really good sampled footage of the games.”Arsenal player ratings vs PSGA third said: “BBC iPlayer has got the Champions League highlights of you didn’t know!”Another wrote: “It died off when they took it off ITV. Hopefully bringing highlights to the BBC will be the start of the comeback but wishful thinking.”While another added: “Feels so strange watching Champions League games and analysis on the BBC. Thank god for that.”Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan seem to take turns hosting, alongside pundits Nedum Onuoha and German footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger.Fans were also pleased to see some fresh faces, with one writing: “It can’t always be likes of Micah Richards, Danny Murphy and Jamie Redknapp.” More

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    Bukayo Saka left looking ‘so helpless’ in bizarre moment Conor McGregor tries UFC moves on Arsenal star

    CONOR McGREGOR had Bukayo Saka left looking “so helpless” after trying some of his famous UFC moves on the Arsenal star. The Irishman was a special guest at the Emirates as the Gunners beat PSG 2-0 thanks to goals from Saka and Kai Havertz. Conor McGregor tries his UFC moves on Bukayo SakaDeclan Rice and Saka pose with McGregorCredit: @thenotoriousmmaMcGregor poses on the Emirates pitchCredit: @thenotoriousmmaHe was the star of the show in North LondonCredit: @thenotoriousmmaMcGregor poses with the Arsenal VIP boxCredit: @thenotoriousmmaDespite the scoreline, McGregor was the real star of the show as footage emerged of him on the pitch with the likes of Declan Rice. But he hilariously gave Saka a quick MMA masterclass and began kicking and grappling the England international. Saka, not really knowing what to do, had fans feeling sorry for him. One said: “Saka looked so helpless.”READ MORE IN football Another added: “He literally tried to knee stomp the best player at Arsenal. Saka must have been so worried for his career.”One joked: “Dude’s like get off of me HAHAHAHA.”Another said: “When he went to grab Saka, I honestly thought he was going to take him down.”Manchester United fan McGregor posted behind-the-scenes snaps of his trip to North London. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe enjoyed a kickabout on the pitch and posed for photos with Rice and Saka while showing off his view from the VIP box. McGregor, 36, has not fought since 2021 when he broke his leg in the cage.And he suffered further setback when his June 29 comeback bout against Michael Chandler, 38, was cancelled amid a toe injury. McGregor now hopes to return to the octagon by next year. Conor McGregor names his top five MMA fighters of all time including WWE legend and actor nicknamed ‘The Handsome One’ More

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    Elated Prince William celebrates as Aston Villa beat Bayern Munich in Champions League – after posing with legends

    AN ELATED Prince William roared as his his beloved Aston Villa beat Bayern Munich in a huge Champions League clash.Villans fan Wills was at Villa Park to watch his team’s battle with the Bundesliga giants – led by England skipper Harry Kane.Prince William celebrates Aston Villa’s victory against Bayern MunichCredit: GettyPrince William in the stands during the UEFA Champions League match at Villa ParkCredit: TNT SportsThe Prince of Wales posing with Aston Villa and Bayern Munich LegendsCredit: InstagramThe Prince of Wales, 42, was seen cheering on his team from the stands as they beat Bayern Munich 1-0.Television footage showed William clapping and cheering as home fans thought they took the lead through Pau Torres – but the goal was ruled out for offside.Jhon Duran was the matchwinner this time as he continued his role of super sub, with a 79th-minute strike his fifth goal after coming off the bench this season.It sent Villa Park wild as memories of that famous night in 1982 were evoked, with Prince William leading the celebrations from the stand.read more on footballAfter the game, William said: “I’ve lost my voice. I can’t quite believe it. 42 years.”Players from the 1982 Euro final – where Villa beat Bayern 1-0 thanks to a Peter Withe strike – met before the game.And Wills got a chance to speak to Villa legends and even get close to the famous European Cup trophy.In a touching tribute, the players posed with football shirts including one in the name of former striker Gary Shaw.Most read in FootballThe footy legend died earlier this month aged 63-years-old.Wills posted online at the time: “The last time @AVFCOfficial won in the top European competition, it was the month before I was born.Prince William cheers for Aston Villa “Let’s hope tonight is the first step towards another European adventure!”My thoughts this evening are also with Villa legend Gary Shaw’s friends and family following his passing yesterday.”The Prince of Wales shared the group photo with the football legends on X, formerly known as Twitter.He wrote: “42 years on, our 1982 European Cup winning legends are here on a historic night for @AVFCOfficial.The Prince of Wales celebrates Villa’s victory on the final whistle in BirminghamCredit: GettyWills spoke to Villa legends and even got close to the famous European Cup trophyCredit: InstagramWilliam celebrating a Villa goal during the clash – unfortunately, it was disallowedCredit: APPrince William led the celebrations from the standCredit: Getty”Ready for the first game on home turf in this year’s European adventure… #UTV (Up the Villa).”Villa, who opened their European campaign with a 3-0 win away at Swiss side Young Boys, played their first home fixture in Europe’s top competition since a quarter-final defeat to Juventus in 1983.Earlier on Wednesday, footballing stars including former Scotland player Ally McCoist received honours from William at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.McCoist, who was made an OBE, said the pair talked about football, including Aston Villa’s European tie.McCoist said: “I’m obviously well aware that the prince is an Aston Villa fan – they’ve got a very, very big game tonight, which I think he’s going to.”So we spoke about that, and just generally working in broadcasting and life really.”Former England international Karen Carney, who was made an OBE, said she had “some banter” with William – who supports the rival team to her Birmingham City.”To be brutally honest, a lot of people know I’m a Birmingham City fan, there’s a big game at Aston Villa tonight,” Carney said.”Obviously with Prince William being a Villa fan I thought there was a good opportunity for some banter with him.”He was really gracious, he’s going to the game, which is cool.”So we just chatted about football really which is I think the common language for everybody.”I think everyone can talk about football which is really good.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve met him previously with the Lionesses. He’s a football fan for both the men’s and women’s game, which is really cool.”Earlier this year, William was seen cheering on the England men’s national team at the Euros.Inside Prince William’s love of Aston VillaPRINCE WILLIAM is an avid Aston Villa fan who goes crazy watching matches and regularly speaks to players.The Prince of Wales revealed he chose to support the club when he was younger as they were a middle-of-the-table team who could offer him the rollercoaster of emotions he was looking for in football fandom.William recalled the start of his Villa journey, saying: “A long time ago at school I got into football big time.”All my friends were Chelsea or Manchester United fans and I didn’t really want to follow the run-of-the-mill team.”I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments.”Aston Villa has always had a great history.”William’s love for the Villans is now shared by wife Kate.The couple and their children have attended Villa games in the past and Prince George used to a big fan.But George has turned to Chelsea as his club of choice, with a disappointed William revealing: “I said you can support anyone but Chelsea, so naturally he supports Chelsea.” More

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    Champions League clash refereed by identical twins as fans joke ‘does this mean there will be consistency?’

    IDENTICAL twins stunned viewers – by flagging up as assistant referees in the same thrilling Champions League match.Zurcher brothers Marco and Benjamin took to the touchlines for Girona’s 3-2 home defeat against PSV Eindhoven, which included NINE bookings.David Lopez gave Girona the lead but Feyenoord fought back to winCredit: ReutersAnd the only difference spectators could see between the two was that they were soon on opposite sides of the field!Sharing a snap of the siblings in the tunnel, one fan wondered: “Does this mean there will be consistency, or….”However, another observer warned him: “My twin and I could never agree on anything…”TNT Sports showed a clip of the brothers, with the same short haircut and serious look, standing either side of ref Urs Schnyder.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe broadcaster then challenged viewers to “spot the difference”.But it was a test that fans readily admitted to failing.”No difference,” said one, while another just responded: “WOW that’s amazing.”  Once the action started, it was double vision, not tunnel vision, that viewers focused on.Most read in Champions LeagueTwins Marco and Benjamin Zurcher were assistant refs for Girona’s Champions League tie with FeyenoordCredit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntThat included Feyenoord fighting back from David Lopez’s opener with two quick strikes.Yangel Herrera’s own goal and Antoni Milambo put the Dutch visitors 2-1 up before the break.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGirona’s ex-Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek levelled in the 73rd minute.But incredibly a second own goal sneaked Feyenoord an away win, with Ladislav Krejci the unlucky scorer this time.Serie A clash involving Champions League club POSTPONED after torrential rain as 19-word statement releasedSo it was a twin sin for an unfortunate Girona duo.But a double delight for the Zurcher family on a proud night. More

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    Fans say ‘there’s absolutely no way’ as footballer’s stunning mum confused for his Wag… and she’s even a gran

    A FOOTBALLER’S mum has left fans in disbelief after they mistook her for his Wag.Former Bundesliga champion and Sunderland star Leon Dajaku appeared next to his mother, Blerta, as he posed with a shirt in a viral social media post last month.Leon Dajaku’s mother, right, has left fans stunned after being mistaken for his WagCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramBlerta Dajaku might look in her 20s, but she is actually in her 40s and recently became a granCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramThe Kosovan-Albanian works as a beauticianCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramShe has 22,000 followers on InstagramCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramBut fans could not believe their eyes with her jaw-dropping looks.Blerta, a Kosovan-Albanian beautician, has earned celebrity status in Croatia, where her son plays as an attacker for Hajduk Split.While the blonde-bombshell might appear to be in her 20s, she is ageing like fine wine and is actually in her 40s.And she recently became a grandmother after Dajaku and his stunning partner, Leonie June, gave birth to a baby girl, Nava, in March.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBlerta often shares glimpses of her jet-set lifestyle to her Instagram page, which has managed to capture the attention of and gain her a following of nearly 22,000 on the platform.Glamorous destinations she has visited include Dubai, the Maldives, Paris and of course Sunderland.Following Dajaku’s transfer to Hajduk Split, proud mum Blerta wrote: “Dear Leon, a new chapter in your life begins now in Croatia. “May God have only the best for you and may you be healthy and happy. We love you, your family.”Most read in FootballAnother post alongside him saw her say: “When I’m with you, my heart smiles.”Reacting on social media, one fan said: “This is the guy’s MOTHER, not his wife. I’m genuinely in awe.”Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsA second said: “Bro looks older than his mum.”A third said: “Lol no you’re trolling.”Another said: “Oh my goodness.”Dajaku is one of three sons Blerta has. He was born in Germany after Blerta and his father fled from the Yugoslavian civil war before bouncing between Stuttgart and Bayern Munich’s youth teams.He won the Bundesliga title with Bayern in 2020 after making two appearances. Dajaku originally joined Sunderland on loan from Union Berlin in 2021 before securing a permanent transfer the following year.He then spent the season on loan at FC St. Gallen before being sold to Hajduk Split in 2023.Blerta often shares her jet-set lifestyleCredit: blerta_dajaku / instagramDajaku, left, used to play for SunderlandCredit: Rex More

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    Gary Lineker’s tree surgeon nephew, 18, ‘crushed to death by falling trunk’ as Match of the Day star’s sons pay tribute

    GARY Lineker’s tree surgeon nephew died after he was crushed by a falling trunk, an inquest heard. Jonty Parkinson, 18, was described as “one of the nicest boys you’ll meet” by his cousin George Lineker, 31, in a touching tribute on social media.Jonty Parkinson, cousin of Gary Lineker’s kids, died while at workJonty worked as a tree surgeonGary Lineker with his first wife and the auntie of Jonty, Michelle, in 2000Credit: PA:Press AssociationOpening the inquest last week, senior coroner Darren Salter revealed the tree surgeon died following a crush injury to his abdomen whilst working on September 6.Oxford Coroner’s Court heard Jonty, of Coln St. Aldwyns, Gloucs., was killed by a falling tree in Eaton Hastings, Oxon.A GoFundMe page set up in memory of the teenager has raised over £32,000 to go towards a “beautiful memorial or event” for the family.A post under the appeal called Jonty a “very special, beautiful young man”.read more on footballIt added: “I realise money can’t fill the great chasm of loss they are feeling, but I hope it can be used to ease the burden of funeral expenses or go towards a fitting memorial for Jonty.”Gary Lineker’s son George, 31, last month described his tragic cousin as “one of the nicest boys you’ll meet”.An Instagram story showed him with Jonty as a youngster, with George writing: “Taken far too soon. Fly high cousin, you’ll be missed by all.”Tobias Lineker, 28, George’s brother, also wrote a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram alongside an old photo of a smiling Jonty.Most read in FootballHe said: “Taken from us far too soon, rest in peace little cousin.”Jonty was the nephew of Gary, 63, from his marriage to his first wife, Michelle Cockayne, with whom he shares four children – George, Harry, Tobias and Angus.Jonty’s mum, Ali Cockayne, is the sister of Michelle and was previously married to Former England rugby captain Will Carling.A date for the full inquest has not yet been confirmed.Gary Lineker with sons Harry, Angus, George and TobiasCredit: RexFormer England rugby captain Will Carling with Jonty’s mum Ali and their son Henry in 1998Credit: PA:Press Association More