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    UEFA opens investigation into Premier League ref David Coote over video of him snorting white powder during Euro 2024

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    UEFA have opened an investigation into suspended Premier League referee David Coote after he was filmed snorting white powder in a shocking video taken while he was on duty at Euro 2024.In the eight second Whatsapp film the under-fire VAR specialist is wide-eyed as he uses a rolled up US bank note to snort a four inch line of what appears to be cocaine.David Coote was filmed snorting the white powderThe video was filmed during Euro 2024Coote is expected to quit as a referee before he’s sackedCredit: GettyCoote, 42, was suspended by the PGMOL, governing body for professional referees, this week after a separate video emerged of him, again wide-eyed,  calling former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “German c**t”.The Sun’s exclusive new video was taken on July 6 – a day after the Euro 2024 quarter final clash between France and Portugal, where he acted  as a support VAR official.UEFA confirmed in a statement today they have now opened an investigation into the ref for a potential violation of its regulations.It read: “A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations by the referee, Mr. David Coote.”Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”UEFA have already taken action against the Prem ref by removing him from their list of officials for the upcoming international fixtures.In the viral video, the bedside table alongside the white powder are seen scattered with packets of prescription drugs, a credit card, and the Terry Hayes novel The Year of The Locust.He sent the clip to a pal and it’s believed he filmed himself in his Uefa-funded hotel room he used during the tournament.Most read in FootballNo referees have EVER been tested for drugs as David Coote faces end of Premier League careerEXCLUSIVE by Martin LiptonNO referees or match officials have ever been tested for drugs – as David Coote’s apparent “cocaine shame” is set to end his career.While all players and other athletes in British sport are subject to drug testing rules, including post-match and out of competition action, the regulations do not apply to match officials.That is the case globally across not just football and throughout the world rather than only in the UK.All sports follow the World Anti-Doping Authority code, aimed at preventing athletes gaining an advantage by using performance-enhancing substances.The Wada banned list also includes recreational drugs.But the Wada provisions, also followed by UK Anti Doping, which conducts tests across British sport, makes no reference to match officials.UKAD explains: “Any UK athlete subject to the anti-doping rules of their sport and non-UK athlete staying, training, residing, entering a competition,”Or named as a member of a team participating in a competition at any level within the UK is eligible for testing as part of UKAD’s national anti-doping programme.“Any athlete eligible for testing can be tested anytime, anywhere.”But the regulations do not apply to match officials – because of the “performance enhancing” provision of the world code.The PGMOL have revealed they are aware of the video of him sniffing a white powder.They told The Sun: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation.”David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period.”We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”The ref sent another photo from Frankfurt on July 1 which showed his credit cards on a saucer either side of six chopped-up lines of suspicious white powder. He was staying in hotel rooms appointed by tournament organiser UEFA.The pal, who wishes to remain anonymous, also reveals that the referee made other remarks about Everton football club and Liverpool player Andy Robertson.Coote’s previous comments about Klopp are now at the centre of both a PGMOL and FA investigation into his conduct.As the scandal grew this week, Uefa also took him off their roster for games during this weekend’s international break.Other videos were sent over the summer from France, where Coote officiated at three football matches at the Paris Olympics. They included the Israel versus Japan clash on July 30, where he was in charge of VAR.Coote also branded Goodison Park – the ground of Liverpool’s rivals Everton – as the worst place to referee due to the fans “shouting abuse so close to the pitch”.He hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it’s “too far away” and moaned he was “too big” to have to ref at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena for their Championship clash against Oxford United on August 16.The pal is speaking out to highlight Coote apparently bragging of taking drugs repeatedly during tournaments and big Prem matches.Shocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”A PGMOL spokesperson told The Sun: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation.”David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period.”We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”Coote was suspended by PGMOL bosses earlier this week after a leaked video showed the ref abusing Liverpool and their ex manager Jurgen Klopp.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe footage was said to have been taken during the Covid-19 pandemic.An investigation is now taking place and the FA are also initiating their own probe, as Coote could be charged with an aggravated breach of FA rules after mentioning Klopp’s nationality in the initial leaked video. More

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      David Coote booted off Uefa match list and facing sack after vid of him calling Jurgen Klopp a ‘German c***’ leaked

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      DAVID COOTE has been booted off UEFA’S match list as the fallout grows from his astonishing video rant at Jürgen Klopp.The Premier League ref faces the sack after being captured on film calling the former Liverpool boss a “German c***” among other things.He admitted the viral video of him slamming Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool is of himCredit: XDavid Coote has been booted off of Uefa’s match list following the leaking of his Jurgen Klopp rant videoCredit: ReutersDavid Coote takes on the fourth official role at the San Siro for a Champions League gameCredit: AlamyHe was immediately suspended by his bosses at the PGMOL and now Europe’s governing body are taking similarly strong action.Coote is a VAR specialist for Uefa and was involved in Champions League action only last week when Dutch side PSV Eindhoven beat Girona 4-0 on November 4.Coote was down to work at one of Uefa’s Nations League games taking place during this current international round of fixtures.  But he has now been removed.RAD MORE IN FOOTBALLEurope’s refereeing chiefs have followed their English counterparts and Coote will not be appointed to any UEFA matches for the foreseeable future.The PGMOL have launched an investigation into the sensational footage which emerged online on Monday afternoon.Coote is seen sitting with a male friend also labelling Klopp an “arrogant c***”.Coote has not denied the authenticity of the footage but says he “cannot recall” recording the footage which is several years old.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe goes on to dismiss Liverpool as ‘s***’ and says he had  ‘no interest in speaking to somebody as f****** arrogant’. I do my best not to speak to him. My God… German c***. F*** me.”Coote has history with ex Liverpool boss Klopp.They clashed after Burnley drew at Anfield in July 2020 when the football season was extended due to COVID.Coote was criticised as being too lenient. Premier League referee David Coote SUSPENDED as video appears to show him calling Klopp a ‘c***’ in anti-Liverpool rantKlopp said at the time: “The referee let lots of challenges go.”Nottinghamshire official Coote’s career as an official faces ruin as his comments about Liverpool and Klopp will be viewed as evidence that he had an axe to grind with the Anfield club.Coote, a Prem ref since 2018, has been involved in a number of controversies involving Liverpool and their title rivals as both a referee and VAR over recent seasons.That includes a Marcus Rashford goal way back in 2019 which saw Divock Origi seemingly fouled in the build-up – but VAR Coote did not intervene.He was also at Stockley Park when Jordan Pickford crunched Virgil van Dijk, rupturing the Liverpool defender’s ACL – but again Coote did not step in as the Reds did not even get a penalty.And he was once again the VAR when he denied Klopp’s side a penalty last season despite a clear handball from Martin Odegaard at Anfield.READ MORE SUN STORIESA PGMOL statement on Monday said: “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation.”PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”Coote insists he does not remember making the comments about KloppCredit: ReutersShocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.” More

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      Uefa boss sends thinly-veiled threat that stars will see their salaries SLASHED amid row over playing too many games

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      UEFA boss Aleksander Ceferin claims that reducing the number of matches played by top stars will cut the wages of the entire game.Ceferin remains sceptical about Fifa’s new 32-team Club World Cup, which will include Chelsea and Manchester City when it launches in the USA in June.Aleksander Ceferin has warned reducing the number of matches could cost playersCredit: PAMajor European leagues are backing the international players’ union Fifpro in their European Court case against Fifa, seeking to block the new competition and bring in a fixed maximum of matches played by stars each season.But while Ceferin hinted at his unhappiness over Fifa’s latest expansion project – despite being part of the world body’s ruling Council which backed the plan – he warned that the knock-on effects of a court victory for the union might end up hitting their own members in the pocket.Ceferin said: “When we say that footballers are modern gladiators, we are exaggerating a bit.“The better the footballer, the bigger the star, the more protected he is by the referees, who are also constantly in the fans’ teeth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It is true that the players play a lot and that the match calendar could not be more full.“But I would not agree that only those at the highest level are the most burdened.“The players from my country, Slovenia, play as often as, for example, those from Real Madrid. Except that they are paid 500 times less.“If we were to reduce the number of matches, we would end up with the result that the salaries of football players would also fall, because the clubs would have less income.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“It’s a vicious cycle. The compromise is that no new competitions are introduced.”Fifa are, of course, introducing one, with the draw for the clubs – which also include Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich, Jude Bellingham’s Real, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and major sides from Brazil and Argentina – scheduled for the start of next month.Rodri sensationally claims players are close to STRIKING over schedule after Alisson says ‘our opinion does not matter’Ceferin added: “The rhythm of matches for football players is already at the upper limit.“The problem is that the new Club World Cup will take five weeks after the end of the season every four years.“Meanwhile, we already have the World Cup, the European Championship.“I saw that the union of professional footballers with the European leagues has already filed a lawsuit against FIFA.“The problem is that European clubs want the competition, as it would increase revenue and make it easier to pay footballers.“So, as I said, it’s a vicious cycle. It will be necessary to sit down with the professional footballers’ union and find out what they want.“If we reduce the number of matches, wages will have to be reduced as well. There is no other way.” More

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      Champions League matches have been using incredible hidden technology all season… have you noticed it?

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE matches have been using incredible hidden technology all season long.But have you noticed it?This was the angle fans watching Viktor Gyokeres’ second penalty on TNT Sports sawCredit: TNT SportsViktor Gyokeres fired home his second penalty of the game to round off the emphatic 4-1 victory in Ruben Amorim’s final home game as Sporting boss.After blasting to Ederson’s left with his first penalty, he switched it up and opted to go low to the Manchester City goalkeeper’s right and completed his Champions League hat-trick.With the regular TV camera angle, the advertising hoardings around the pitch all showed Qatar Airways on a purple background as the striker stepped up and fired home.However, replays of the goal shown on TNT Sports, photographers’ snaps and videos taken inside the stadium did not show the Qatar Airways advertising.READ MORE ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUEInstead, the screens displayed adverts for FedEx with the iconic blue and orange writing on a plain white background.And that meant the adverts on the boards showing the goal live on TV were different from what was actually in the stadium.The discrepancy was clear to see in a video uploaded from Gyokeres’ Portuguese actress girlfriend Ines Aguiar, who filmed the goal and put it on her Instagram story. The time, 21:38, was consistent across both her footage and the TV footage – but the adverts were not the same.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen the TV feed cut back from a fan in the crowd, there appeared to be a brief flash of white at the top of the advertising screen – possibly covering the FedEx ad.And Uefa confirmed to SunSport the adverts were indeed being changed for the main broadcast feed.’Referee had no choice but to award a penalty after Tyrone Mings’ schoolboy error – he’s absolutely spot on’The ‘camera one’ view had Qatar Airways around the pitch but inside the ground, there was a different advertCredit: TNT Sports / InstagramPhotos from the stadium also showed the FedEx brandingCredit: ReutersThe hoardings can be remotely edited to suit various broadcast regionsCredit: TNT SportsThis screenshot appears to show the Qatar Airways advert covering the FedEx oneCredit: TNT SportsExplaining the phenomenon, a spokesperson said: “Uefa’s virtual board replacement (VBR) concept has been implemented at selected men’s club competition matches across the 2024-25 season. “VBR replaces advertisements displayed on the in-stadium LED boards in selected markets with alternative advertisements and messaging on the main global broadcast feed. “This approach ensures compliance with local advertising regulations while maintaining visibility for sponsors on the global broadcast feed.”This replacement is visible only on the main broadcast camera (camera one) during live play. “No replacements are made on any other camera during the live match feed or on any camera, including camera one, during replays.”VBR can be implemented either remotely or on-site and can be implemented over any LED boards. “Uefa has appointed several VBR suppliers to manage this process and produce the dedicated feeds.”Uefa has been testing VBR technology for the past six years, with its first official implementation during the 2021–24 cycle of Uefa men’s club competitions, starting with the 2021 Uefa Super Cup in Belfast.”VBR was also used throughout Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.”Supponor is one company that offers VBR services, using “the world’s leading AI software delivering supercharged virtual advertising in live broadcast sports”.The firm specialises in using AI to transform live feeds and adapt advertising for different languages and broadcast regions.Their website says: “Supponor provide a virtual advertising technology solution that replaces and creates in-venue brand placements with real time authentic digital overlays. Developed for any sport, any surface, from anywhere in the world with infinite possibilities.”That can include editing the pitchside advertising hoardings, virtual carpet-style banners next to goals, tunnel coverings and other LED screens around stadiums. This can often be used to exclude betting adverts where gambling is prohibited.The FA, Bayern Munich, LaLiga, Argentina, France, Borussia Dortmund, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Germany, Serie A, the Rugby World Cup and the NHL are all clients of Supponor.READ MORE SUN STORIESTennis’ cinch Championships – aka Queen’s – also used the tech during the 2024 tournament to change up the screens behind the court for various TV viewers.SunSport reported in 2018 that Southampton were planning to become the tenth Premier League side to launch the new augmented reality hoardings at St Mary’s.This demonstrates how the tech can make changes for viewersCredit: SupponorSupponor are one of the companies who specialise in virtual advertisingCredit: SupponorThe AI can include elements such as virtual carpets beside the goalCredit: SupponorTennis also uses the system and was used at Queen’s to cover up betting logosCredit: TGI Sports More

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      Uefa make final decision over England punishment after fans’ controversial act during Ireland clash

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      BOTH the FA and the Football Association of Ireland have been fined following England’s Nations League clash with Ireland.The Three Lions won the match 2-0 in September thanks to goals from Jack Grealish and Declan Rice.The FA and FAI have both been hit with fines after Ireland’s game with EnglandCredit: GettySeptember’s game in Dublin was marred by several fan incidentsCredit: GettySupporters from both nations also booed the national anthemsCredit: GettyUefa have dished out fines after fans from both teams booed the national anthems at the Aviva Stadium.England supporters were deemed to have jeered throughout Amhran na bhFiann.The FA has been slapped with a £10,500 fine as a result. Ireland fans drowned out God Save The King, with the FAI being told to pay £8,400.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEngland’s fine was greater because the booing was deemed a repeat offence.Both associations were also hit with further fines after disorder plagued the fixture in Dublin.Uefa hit the FAI with bills of £7,800 for lighting flares and £5,000 after a fan ran on to the field of play.The FA was also fined £4,150 after an England fan dashed onto the pitch. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEngland’s win was their first under interim boss Lee Carsley.Irish fans had prepared a hostile welcome for the returning Rice and Grealish.Jack Grealish opens up on ‘one of the worst summers of my life’ after scoring against England over former side IrelandThe £100m stars had played for the country before switching allegiance to England.A banner at the Irish end of the ground proclaimed “The snakes are back” alongside pictures of the pair.Jack Grealish and Declan Rice both found the net in DublinCredit: GettyCarsley is set to take charge of the Three Lions’ games with Greece and Ireland later this month.He will then finish his interim job and return to his former role with the England under-21s.Thomas Tuchel has been hired as a full-time replacement for Gareth Southgate and will start his new role in January. More

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      Uefa issue two referees with huge bans after drunkenly taking road sign before Champions League clash

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      UEFA have banned two referees for drunkenly taking a road sign before a Champions League clash.Bartosz Frankowski and Tomasz Musial were arrested in the Polish city of Lubin back in August.Uefa have banned Polish referee Bartosz Frankowski after he drunkenly took a signCredit: GettyTomasz Musial has also been suspended following the incident in Lubin back in AugustCredit: GettyThe pair had been appointed as VAR and AVAR officials for the third qualifying round tie between Dynamo Kyiv and Rangers.However, they were replaced by the Polish FA following their drunken antics the night before the match.Police caught the two referees on CCTV before arresting them, with Uefa fining them at the time.Frankowski and Musial have now both been handed lengthy bans for their behaviour.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey have been suspended until June 30, 2025 by Uefa’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body.Their punishment is for breaking “basic rules of decent conduct”, the governing body confirmed.In a statement, Frankowski said: “I am still trying to find words that will sufficiently express how much I regret this incident and how sorry I am.”I realise that with one such violation, I ruined 22 years of refereeing, ruined my entire career. I should have calmly prepared for the match and not gone anywhere.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”As one of the police officers later told me, our prank was spotted by CCTV cameras and they intervened. I would like to clarify that we were in no way aggressive. These were stupid jokes.”We did not suspect that it would be perceived this way. We had no bad intentions. It was stupidity, an idiotic fantasy, I don’t even know what to call it.”Furious former Champions League finalists’ fans protest against club owner He also claimed the incident was simply a “prank” and had been a “stupid game” that went wrong.The 38-year-old, who is a Fifa referee, added: “Now, looking back, I understand that it was not a very smart idea.”It was a sign that was lying next to where road works were being carried out and we were passing by.”I am very sorry that this happened. And on a purely human level, it was stupid, because I know that my unfortunate behaviour will cast a shadow on many years of hard work.”What happened was irresponsible and unprofessional on my part, and I am fully aware of that.”I would just like to emphasise that there were no acts of aggression in my behaviour, I did not break the law and there was no unlawful behaviour on my part towards police officers or anyone.”Frankowski admits the incident was a ‘stupid game’ which went wrongCredit: Getty More

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      Man City break Man Utd’s impressive Champions League record due to Uefa loophole as fans left fuming

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      MANCHESTER CITY have set a new record for the longest Champions League unbeaten streak… despite going out of the competition to Real Madrid last season.Pep Guardiola’s side sealed the impressive feat by trouncing Sparta Prague 5-0 at the Etihad last night.Man City trounced Sparta Prague at the EtihadCredit: RexThe win made it 26 “unbeaten” in the Champions League for City.They won the competition in the 2023-24 season to achieve a remarkable Treble.City’s Champions League defence came to an end in the quarter-finals last term, when they were knocked out by Real Madrid.The first leg in Madrid finished 3-3, before the Spanish giants triumphed on penalties in Manchester following a 1-1 draw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs both games finished level within regulation time, Uefa view them as draws – despite City losing the tie.This means that in Uefa’s eyes, Guardiola’s men have broken the record of 25 Champions League games unbeaten previously set by Manchester United.Sir Alex Ferguson’s side achieved the feat between 2007 and 2009, winning the 2007-08 competition in Moscow before finally losing to Barcelona in the following year’s Rome final.City’s win last night also saw them claim the unbeaten run record across all Uefa tournaments, taking into account their Super Cup win in 2023.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUefa’s report read: “With tonight’s victory, Manchester City have set a new Uefa competition matches record of 27 games unbeaten.”This passes Espanyol’s previous mark of 26, achieved between 2006 and 2019, with City having last been beaten in a Uefa fixture by Real Madrid in May 2022.”Pep Guardiola says part of him will leave Man City when Txiki Begiristain goes Man Utd fans on social media were left unhappy with Uefa’s verdict.One wrote on X: “Wrong !!!! They lost to real madrid in the champions league last season hahaha community note incoming.”While a posted: “Can’t accept stats like this when they didn’t win the competition last season. They lost in a penalty shootout. Yes, technically not a match lost but they went out. Knock out football has to have a winner and a loser. That’s the game.”A third blasted it as “a nonsense stat”.And another added: “They haven’t. Stop this rubbish. They lost in the UCL semi final last season.”City’s last recognised defeat in Uefa competitions came in their dramatic 2021-22 semi-final against Real Madrid.Riyad Mahrez’s goal had given them a 5-3 lead on aggregate, before Rodrygo’s double in the 90th and 91st minutes stunned City and took the tie to extra time.Karim Benzema then scored a penalty five minutes into extra time to consign City to a 6-5 aggregate defeat.City have so far gathered seven points from nine available during this year’s revamped League Phase.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey drew 0-0 with Inter Milan at home on matchday one, in a repeat of the 2023 final.Goals by Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and James McAtee saw them trounce Slovan Bratislava 4-0 on matchday two, prior to last night’s 5-0 thumping of Sparta Prague.Man City ratings vs Sparta PragueBy Ken LawrenceMANCHESTER CITY put in a five star performance as they romped to victory over Sparta Prague.The Citizens ran out 5-0 winners at the Etihad with Pep Guardiola’s side bagging four goals in the second half.Phil Foden gave the hosts the perfect start as he fired in the opener inside just three minutes.Erling Haaland also got himself on the scoresheet in the second half.The Norweigian striker had plenty of attempts to score, but it was his improvised finish in the 58th minute that found its way past Peter Vindahl Jensen.John Stones made it three with a brilliant looping header to add to his solid performance at the back.Haaland got his second in the 67th minute to make it 44 in the Champions League.Matheus Nunes was also impressed as he netted from the spot in the closing stages, which added to his two assists.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of Pep Guardiola’s side…Stefan Ortega – 5Almost a spectator, but at least it wasn’t cold or pouring down.Nathan Ake – 5Back after injury and unlucky to have City’s second chalked off.Manuel Akanji – 5Training games against his own team-mates are far harder than this was.John Stones – 7Followed his winner against Wolves with another towering header.Rico Lewis – 6The young multi-tasker produced a typical all-action displayMatheus Nunes – 7He claimed two assists and bagged his first-ever Champions League goal from the spot late on.Savinho – 5Supposed to be the new Samba man but didn’t dance that great.Ilkay Gundogan – 7The midfielder cruised through the 100th Champions League game of his career.Bernardo Silva – 6Quiet, effective and a non-stop cog spinning the City wheel.Phil Foden – 7It was a slick early finish in only his fourth start of the season, but the spark faded.Erling Haaland – 9Even Pep Guardiola couldn’t quite believe his amazing airborne strike before he added his second.SubsMateo Kovacic (for Bernardo Silva 69) – 5Couldn’t have had an easier task by the time he emerged.James McAtee (for Gundogan 69) – 5A few minutes of Champions League experience with no strain.Josko Gvardiol (for Ake 74) – 5Just a pleasant walk in the park….Ruben Dias (for Stones 74) – 5He won’t have minded stretching his legs for a bit.Nico O’Reilly (for Haaland 81) – 5The young attacker replaced a living legend. More

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      Premier League chiefs fear ‘unprecedented and untested powers’ for regulator risks wrecking English football

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs fear “unprecedented and untested powers” given to the new independent regulator could wreck English football.The government’s Football Governance Bill will be introduced in the House of Lords today.Premier League chiefs have concerns about the new regulatorCredit: GettyA clause requiring the regulator to consider government “foreign and trade policy” when approving club takeovers — which threatened to see Uefa boot England out of the Euros over political interference — has been withdrawn.Prem bigwigs still fear “rigid, banking-style regulation could have a negative impact on the league’s competitiveness and the aspiration that drives our global appeal and growth.”But the regulator has been backed by EFL chief Rick Parry.He said: “The bill has been framed in a way that will enable the new regulator to protect and achieve the sustainability of clubs across the entire football pyramid.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNew regulator powers in the bill include parachute payments for relegated clubs, consulting fans on ticket pricing and home stadium relocations, plus ­supporter representation at clubs.Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy declared: “English football is one of our greatest exports and a source of ­national pride.“But for too long financial instability meant loyal fans risked losing their cherished clubs as a result of mismanagement and reckless spending.“This bill seeks to redress the balance, putting fans back at the heart of the game, taking on rogue owners and crucially helping put clubs up and down the country on a sound financial footing.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSports Minister Stephanie Peacock added: “This strengthened bill puts fans firmly back at the centre of the game.”More than 200 fan groups signed an open letter from the Football Supporters’ Association earlier this year, calling on all parties to back  the new bill.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanUefa general secretary Theodore Theodoridis had said the “foreign policy” clause would amount to government interference — risking the “ultimate sanction” of excluding teams from their competitions.England are due to co-host the Euro 2028 with the other home nations and Ireland. More

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      PSG accused of BANNING away fans for Champions League clash over ‘past disturbances’ despite club facing no Uefa action

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      PSV EINDHOVEN claim that their fans have been banned from attending their clash with Paris Saint-Germain next week by French authorities.The two sides are set to meet at Parc des Princes on October 22 in the Champions League.Parc des Princes will not host PSV fans next weekCredit: Getty – ContributorThe Dutch side had already sold tickets for the matchCredit: Willie VassAround 2,000 PSV supporters have bought tickets to attend the match and support their team.But the Eredivisie side have now revealed that this will not be possible, due to a ruling by French police.In an official club statement, they confirmed: “PSV is not allowed to bring supporters to the away match in the UEFA Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain on 22 October, by order of the French authorities.”In addition, there is a general travel ban for PSV supporters to and within Paris. The decision of the French came as a complete surprise.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Despite the fact that PSV had no outstanding penalties, the French police are citing unrest with supporters from the past, in particular around the match against RC Lens a year ago.”In addition, there are some internal security matters at play.”During the Champions League match between RC Lens and PSV one year ago at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, opposition supporters were found to have thrown objects at each other.The Dutch side’s fans were also previously banned for a game, with their club fined £35,000, following crowd trouble during a match against Arsenal at the Emirates in 2022.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTheir club statement went on to reveal that they attempted to overturn the decision.It continued: “PSV and other parties involved have contested the decision where possible and at all levels, within the short time frame that the club was given.Fans in hysterics as they spot PSG president’s reaction to brutal Champions League draw on live TV”PSV also offered to take extra measures to prevent problems. Both have not produced the desired result, much to the disappointment of the club. “PSV regrets not only the decision of the French authorities, but also the timing of it.”All preparations had already been made and a lot of costs had been incurred.”Moreover, Peter Bosz’s selection counted on the support of the loyal supporters.”PSV then concluded their statement by revealing that they will refund fans for their match tickets.But supporters will NOT be reimbursed for travel and accommodation expenses.Their statement finished: “The two thousand supporters who have obtained a ticket for this match via PSV will have the full purchase price refunded to the bank account of the booker within a few days.”Any other costs, such as travel and accommodation, will not be compensated by PSV.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Dutch side have so far lost 3-1 at Juventus and drawn 1-1 at home to Sporting Lisbon during this season’s competition – while PSG beat Girona 1-0 at Parc des Princes before losing 2-0 at Arsenal.Paris Saint-Germain and Uefa have been contacted for comment. More