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    West Ham star gets away with ‘clearest red card ever’ as Sky Sports pundit fumes at ‘WWE stuff’

    VLADIMIR COUFAL somehow escaped the “clearest red card ever” for his collision with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. Coufal barged into Bellegarde and levelled an elbow into the Wolves midfielder’s face.
    Vladimir Coufal escaped the ‘clearest red card ever’ for his collision with Jean-Ricner BellegardeCredit: Sky Sports
    Vladimír Coufal escapes red card, ,Credit: Sky Sports
    But somehow the Hammers midfielder escaped even a yellow – leaving fans in shock.
    One said: “How did West Ham’s Coufal get away with that violent elbow on Bellegarde? One rule for one and one for another.”
    Another reacted: “How is Coufal not sent off there?! Never mind booked.”
    One fumed: “That’s the clearest red card from Coufal ever – how hasn’t that been given.”
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    Another raged: “How is that not a red for Coufal with VAR.”
    Even ex-Chelsea and Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge – working for Sky Sports – was stunned with the decision.
    He said: “I don’t know if this should be happening on a football pitch.
    “Come on, this is WWE stuff. This is rugby stuff. It’s an elbow to the jaw.” 
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    Manchester United legend Roy Keane added: “The way I look at it – lucky boy. Lucky boy.
    “We’ve seen players get a red for that but it’s just a bit, there’s no danger, high up the pitch, West Ham are doing well. There’s no need for it.” 
    West Ham were leading 2-0 at the time with Mohammed Kudus grabbing a double.
    Mohammed Kudus scored twice against WolvesCredit: PA More

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    West Ham line up double transfer for 6ft6in ex-Dortmund defender and Ligue 1 striker but may have to sell to buy

    WEST HAM are checking on Stuttgart’s French defender Dan-Axel Zagadou — and could move out Nayef Aguerd.Hammers manager David Moyes has sent his spies to look at the 6ft 6in centre-half in case Aguerd leaves in the January window.
    West Ham want Stuttgart centre-back Dan-Axel ZagadouCredit: Rex
    David Moyes is also eyeing Montpellier striker Akor AdamsCredit: AFP
    West Ham may have to sell to buy with Lyon keen on Nayef AguerdCredit: Getty
    The Moroccan is finding the physical side of the Premier League difficult — but Moyes has faith in the 27-year-old.
    Lyon are keen on a loan-to-buy deal and that would happen if Moyes found a replacement in time.
    Zagadou, 24, was on the West Ham watchlist a year ago when he was with Borussia Dortmund.
    West Ham have also put Montpellier striker Akor Adams on their transfer shortlist.
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    Adams, 23, has scored seven times in 15 Ligue 1 games since joining the French club last summer.
    The former Nigeria U-20 international is tall, powerful and a good finisher but also works hard off the ball, making him a good fit for the Hammers.
    Adams spent five years in Norway with second-tier Sogndal and top-flight side Lillestrom.
    Moyes has played down expectations of transfers next month but if they decide to do business, a striker is the top priority.
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    Michail Antonio hurt his knee on international duty with Jamaica in November.
    But the ligament problem was not as serious as first feared and any move for a new centre-forward will depend in part on how quickly he can recover.
    The Hammers could also bolster their defence with the addition of Chelsea outcast Ian Maatsen.
    Maatsen impressed on loan at Burnley in the Championship last season and the Clarets had a £30million bid rejected in the summer. More

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    West Ham squad struck down with sickness before Fulham battering after bug swept through camp

    DAVID MOYES has given his West Ham players two days off despite their five goal thumping at Fulham to try and battle a sickness bug in the camp.The Hammers boss revealed ahead of kick-off at Craven Cottage that there had been illness going around the squad.
    David Moyes’ side are said to have come down with a stomach bug before their game against FulhamCredit: AFP
    Fulham won the clash 5-0 on SundayCredit: AFP
    Pablo Fornals is said to have started the match despite being among the worst impacted by itCredit: Getty
    A number of players and staff were suffering.
    Edson Alvarez missed the game altogether, Pablo Fornals was hooked at half-time while Emerson Palmieri has also been unwell.
    Moyes himself has also had symptoms.
    The Scot, 60, insisted it was not the only reason for their humbling defeat to Marco Silva’s side, but also pointed to a tighter turnaround having played a day later than their hosts.
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    Fulham beat Nottingham Forest 5-0 on Wednesday before West Ham beat Tottenham on Thursday night.
    With the sickness having spread quickly through the camp Moyes has ordered his players to stay at home for two days to try and limit the damage.
    The decision will not sit well with supporters after such a heavy loss, but it is the only window for players to have a break before a run of four games in nine days.
    West Ham players will not be given a day off next week due to their schedule.
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    The defeat at Fulham increased the pressure on Moyes, with fans still split over whether the ex-Everton boss is the right man to take the club forward.
    Moyes, who delivered the club’s first European trophy for 58 years six months ago, is out of contract at the end of the season but still has the full backing of the Hammers hierarchy.
    On the humbling defeat to Fulham, Moyes said: “I’m embarrassed for the result and the performance, and we’re sorry to the supporters for it.
    “There were a wee bit of mitigating circumstances – I think the midweek took a huge amount out of us.
    “Playing Thursday and Sunday in two Premier League games, compared to [Fulham playing on] Wednesday and Sunday makes a big, big difference.
    “We’ve had quite a bit of illness in the camp over the last few days and that’s not helped.”
    The Hammers host Freiburg in the Europa League on Thursday before playing Wolves, Liverpool and Manchester United in just one week.
    Fulham were a class apart against West Ham More

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    West Ham fans delayed getting to Craven Cottage for Fulham clash as boat CRASHES into Hammersmith Bridge

    WEST HAM fans were delayed en route to Sunday’s game at Fulham after their boat crashed into a bridge.The bizarre scene was a hint of the sinking feeling to come for Hammers’ supporters – as their heroes trailed 4-0 inside the first hour.
    Probably quite stressful trying to get West Ham fans to the game on time… another blow for Hammersmith bridge, but the chants are a bit special… (seems minor damage and hope all ok) pic.twitter.com/vt6zhoM97L— Greg Jackson (@g__j) December 10, 2023

    Poor West Ham fans might have realised this was a bad omen as the bridge proved that size does matter when their boat tried to get under itCredit: X
    West Ham fans delayed getting to Craven Cottage for Fulham clash as boat CRASHES into Hammersmith BridgeCredit: X
    A group of fans kept up their tradition of going to Craven Cottage via the River Thames  – normally a pleasant way to get from the east to the west of London.
    But a clip posted on X shows the “Emerald of London” slowly turn sideways at Hammersmith Bridge – before banging into the iron structure an almighty noise.
    The singing supporters were briefly rendered silent by the collision – and the realisation that the boat won’t fit through.
    After coming to a halt, the Emerald made a U-turn – sparking boos from some fans
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    It’s understood the supporters then had to find another way to get to Craven Cottage.
    “Wtf is going on here?” responded one observer.
    And “could have been more serious,” wrote another, while a third joked: “High tide.”
    But a few fans suggested the “bridge was knackered” – claiming its “cast iron design was not a brilliant build idea”.
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    However, it was West Ham’s players who were all at sea later.
    Their bid for a victory to put them in the top six was dampened by falling 3-0 down within 40 minutes and destroyed after the interval. More

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    Inside horror ‘pro hit’ on Kurt Zouma’s home by ‘organised gang’ who blindsided security to steal £100k in jewels & cash

    NEIGHBOURS of Kurt Zouma have told of their horror after his home was broken into by an “organised gang” who escaped with £100,000 in cash and jewellery.The “highly professional” masked gang ransacked the held the West Ham captain’s home after striking just before midnight on Saturday while he was at home with his young family.
    Kurt Zouma was dramatically robbed
    Zouma had been home with wife Sandra and their kidsCredit: Instagram
    The break-in led to Zouma missing his team’s 1-1 Prem draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday – and saw cops warning neighbours about the organised gang.
    And yesterday, West Ham revealed the club was offering a £25,000 reward for information leading to the gang’s capture.
    Zouma, 29 – who is married to wife Sandra, Mum to his four young children – and his family had items of “significant value” and “sentimental importance” stolen from their £3million Essex home, the club said.
    And yesterday, neighbours on Zouma’s plush road told The Sun cops warned them the raiders were “no amateurs”.
    MORE ON ZOUMA
    One neighbour – who was visited by officers on Sunday – said: “We don’t know much about what happened, apart from the fact there was a break-in on Saturday night.
    “We heard it was a burglary and the family were home at the time.
    “There was one police car outside afterwards but they stayed there with the family for a few hours.
    “I think the burglars were quite experienced.
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    “Officers came round on Sunday and told us that the burglars were professionals. They said we want to tell you that they were not amateurs.
    “They said the break-in had been on the ground floor and to watch out for that. We think that they came in through the back garden.
    “We have security on this road – a guard that patrols here day and night and he was only parked a few driveways away when the break-in happened.
    “He can only see the front so if he didn’t see anything they must have got in through the back.”
    In a statement, Zouma’s Club said: “West Ham United has offered a £25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of burglars who broke into defender Kurt Zouma’s home on the eve of the Club’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace this weekend.
    “Kurt’s home was broken into on Saturday while all his family were in the house, leaving everyone present extremely distressed. While thankfully no one was harmed, it was a traumatic experience for the West Ham United defender, his wife and their young family.
    “The burglars took items of significant value and of huge personal and sentimental importance to the family.
    “The West Ham United family continue to offer Kurt’s family their full support.”
    Police raced to the detached £3million home– on an exclusive street where well-heeled neighbours hire private security – and stayed with the family for hours after Saturday night’s raid.
    Last February, The Sun revealed how Zouma has been caught on video slapping and kicking his cat last February – leading to a prosecution.
    Ex-Chelsea star issued a grovelling apology for actions after he was handed community service and fined.
    In the run-up to the club’s London derby against Palace on Sunday, West Ham said Zouma was unavailable for “personal reasons”.
    They did not elaborate on why he was missing from the match – as he stayed away to comfort his family.
    One resident on his street said they were not home at the time – but were aware of the break-in and had been warned to “stay vigilant”.
    The robbers are understood to have escaped with jewellery including high-end watches.
    Zouma – who has 11 caps for France – is married to wife Sandra, who he first met when they were teenagers in Lyon.
    They revealed in July they had welcomed their fourth child together.
    The £30 million star is the latest in a long line of footballers – including Raheem Sterling, Paul Pogba and Joao Cancelo – to be targeted by professional robbery gangs.
    A source said: “This was an extremely worrying attack and left Kurt and his family traumatised.
    “They were an aggressive and organised gang – and the house was completely ransacked.
    “Kurt and the family were put through a horrific ordeal, and are still struggling to speak about what happened.
    “Everyone at the club immediately knew it was incredibly serious – as he would not have missed a game otherwise.
    “But the raid is why he was not available on Sunday.
    How Zouma joins other football stars targeted by robbers
    December, 2021: Man City defender Joao Cancelo shares a picture of his battered and bruised face after he confronted four raiders who targeted his home in Hale while he was there with his family
    March 2022: Then-Man Utd star Paul Pogba’s home in Hale Barns, Greater Manchester is raided as he plays for the Red Devils in their home Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
    January 2022: Swedish defender Victor Lindelof’s home in Hale is targeted as he is in action for Man Utd away at Brentford. His terrified wife Maja locked herself and two young sons in a bathroom as intruders raided their house.
    January 2022: Ex -Man Utd star Jesse Lingard falls prey to ‘away day’ robbers who steal more than £100,000 of clothes and jewellery from his home in Bowdon, Greater Manchester as he plays for the club at Aston Villa.
    September 2022 – Then- Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was at his Cheshire home with Little Mix fiancée Perrie Edwards and their young son when burglars broke in
    December 2022 – Chelsea ace Raheem Sterling jets home from the Qatar World Cup after raiders struck at his Surrey home.

    “It is a terrible thing to have happened – and everyone at the club is offering him their full support.
    “The player’s family are too scared to stay at the house – and have already talked of needing to move.
    “Kurt is a family man and in shock. He is worried about protecting his family.”
    West Ham’s Joint Chairman David Sullivan previously put up a £250,000 reward when a burglar broke into his £7.5 million Essex mansion while he was on holiday in In June 2017.
    The raider – believed to be the ‘Essex Spiderman’ who had targeted around 50 other properties – is believed to have been scared off by a high-tech alarm system and fled empty-handed.
    Last night, Mr Sullivan, 74, urged anyone with information about the burglars who targeted Zouma’s family to come forward.
    He said: “First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone connected to West Ham United are with Kurt and his family. To have someone break into your home is a terrifying experience and I hope this reward will help bring the individuals to justice and prevent others from going through a similar ordeal.”
    Essex Police told The Sun: “We were called shortly after 11.50pm on Saturday 2 December to reports of a burglary in west Essex.
    “It was reported suspects had gained entry to an address, before taking items including jewellery and watches.
    Read More on The Sun
    “Our investigation into this incident is continuing.”
    •Anyone who has any relevant information should email confidential@westhamunited.co.uk with as much detail as possible, which will then be shared with the police.
    The horror comes just weeks after wife Sandra gave birth to their fourth childCredit: Instagram
    She recently shared a picture of their newest child at West HamCredit: Instagram More

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    Kurt Zouma terrified as raiders ‘steal £100k in cash and jewellery’ from West Ham star’s home while family were inside

    FOOTIE ace Kurt Zouma was left terrified after armed raiders broke into his family home and escaped with £100,000 in cash and jewellery.The gang ransacked the West Ham captain’s house after striking on Saturday night while he was at home with his young family.
    Kurt Zouma was dramatically robbedCredit: Getty
    The horror comes just weeks after wife Sandra gave birth to their fourth childCredit: Instagram
    The break-in led to Zouma, 29, missing his team’s 1-1 Prem draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday – and saw cops warning neighbours about the gang.
    West Ham today revealed the club was offering a £25,000 reward for information leading to the gang’s capture.
    Police raced to the detached £3million home – on an exclusive street where well-heeled neighbours hire private security – and stayed with the family for hours after Saturday night’s raid.
    The robbers are understood to have escaped with jewellery including high-end watches. 
    Read more news
    A source said: “This was an extremely worrying attack and left Kurt and his family traumatised.
    “They were an aggressive and organised gang – and the house was completely ransacked.
    “Kurt and the family were put through an horrific ordeal, and are still struggling to speak about what happened.
    “Everyone at the club immediately knew it was incredibly serious – as he would not have missed a game otherwise.
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    “But the raid is why he was not available on Sunday.
    “It is a terrible thing to have happened – and everyone at the club is offering him their full support.
    “The player’s family are too scared to stay at the house – and have already talked of needing to move.
    “Kurt is a family man and in shock. He is worried about protecting his family.”
    In the run-up to the club’s London derby against Palace on Sunday, West Ham said Zouma was unavailable for “personal reasons”.
    They did not elaborate on why he was missing from the match – as he stayed away to comfort his family.
    In a statement, the club said: “West Ham United has offered a £25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of burglars who broke into defender Kurt Zouma’s home on the eve of the Club’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace this weekend.
    “Kurt’s home was broken into on Saturday while all his family were in the house, leaving everyone present extremely distressed. While thankfully no one was harmed, it was a traumatic experience for the West Ham United defender, his wife and their young family. 
    “The burglars took items of significant value and of huge personal and sentimental importance to the family.
    “The West Ham United family continue to offer Kurt’s family their full support.”
    The French international is married to Sandra Zouma, who he first met when they were teenagers in Lyon.
    They revealed in July that they had welcomed their fourth child together.
    Last February, The Sun revealed how Zouma has been caught on video slapping and kicking his cat last February – leading to a prosecution.
    The ex-Chelsea star later issued a grovelling apology for his actions.
    How Zouma joins other football stars targeted by robbers
    December, 2021: Man City defender Joao Cancelo shares a picture of his battered and bruised face after he confronted four raiders who targeted his home in Hale while he was there with his family
    March 2022: Then-Man Utd star Paul Pogba’s home in Hale Barns, Greater Manchester is raided as he plays for the Red Devils in their home Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
    January 2022: Swedish defender Victor Lindelof’s home in Hale is targeted as he is in action for Man Utd away at Brentford. His terrified wife Maja locked herself and two young sons in a bathroom as intruders raided their house.
    January 2022: Ex -Man Utd star Jesse Lingard falls prey to ‘away day’ robbers who steal more than £100,000 of clothes and jewellery from his home in Bowdon, Greater Manchester as he plays for the club at Aston Villa.
    September 2022 – Then- Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was at his Cheshire home with Little Mix fiancée Perrie Edwards and their young son when burglars broke in
    December 2022 – Chelsea ace Raheem Sterling jets home from the Qatar World Cup after raiders struck at his Surrey home.

    The £30million star is the latest in a long line of footballers – including Raheem Sterling, Paul Pogba and Joao Cancelo – to be targeted by professional robbery gangs.
    West Ham’s Joint Chairman David Sullivan encouraged anyone with information relating to the identity of the burglars to come forward.
    He said: “First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone connected to West Ham United are with Kurt and his family.
    “To have someone break into your home is a terrifying experience and I hope this reward will help bring the individuals to justice and prevent others from going through a similar ordeal.”
    Essex Police told The Sun: “We were called shortly after 11.50pm on Saturday 2 December to reports of a burglary in west Essex.
    “It was reported suspects had gained entry to an address, before taking items including jewellery and watches.
    Read More on The Sun
    “Our investigation into this incident is continuing.”
    Anyone who has any relevant information should email confidential@westhamunited.co.uk with as much detail as possible, which will then be shared with the police.
    Zouma was forced to miss West Ham’s clash with Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
    The footballer has been with Sandra since they were teenagers in FranceCredit: Instagram
    She recently shared a picture of their newest child at West HamCredit: Instagram More

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    Forgotten Chelsea star wanted by West Ham in shock January transfer after playing just 106 minutes this season

    IAN MAATSEN is being lined for a January transfer by West Ham, reports suggest.Maatsen has only been afforded a bit-part role at Chelsea so far this season.
    Ian Maatsen is reportedly being tracked by West HamCredit: Getty
    Maatsen starred in pre-season for the BluesCredit: Getty
    This has seen the exciting academy prospect handed only 106 minutes of action in the Premier League.
    All of these minutes have come from seven appearances off the bench.
    One of the 21-year-old’s main strengths is his versatility.
    And this is something Hammers boss David Moyes may be looking to utilise.
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    According to Rudy Galetti, West Ham are looking to “make an attempt” to sign him in the January window.
    The club are said to have asked for information on Maatsen’s availability.
    Maatsen is able to play at left-back, left-wing and in central midfield.
    He has even featured briefly as a right winger under Mauricio Pochettino this season.
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    West Ham are not the only club who have been linked with a move for the Dutchman.
    Barcelona are said to be tracking Maatsen, which saw Chelsea reportedly trigger a one-year contract extension in the player’s contract to ward off the immediate interest.
    His deal expires in June 2025, meaning Chelsea will have a decision to make on his future over the next two windows.
    Chelsea had agreed to sell Maatsen to Burnley, where he was on loan in the Championship last season, on a loan deal with an obligation to buy for £31.5million in the summer.
    However, the deal fell through because Maatsen was reportedly reluctant to seal a move to Turf Moor.
    Other loan spells have seen Maatsen star for Charlton and Coventry after time in the youth set-ups of Dutch sides Feyenoord, Sparta Rotterdam and PSV. More

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    West Ham to make new transfer bid for one-cap England star after having £40m offer knocked back as Moyes hunts strikers

    WEST HAM will try again for Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke in January.Hammers boss David Moyes wants a new frontman after the club sold flop Gianluca Scamacca in the summer and failed to sign a replacement.
    West Ham are interested in Dominic SolankeCredit: Getty
    The Irons made a £40million approach for Solanke in August but were knocked back.
    And it would take a much bigger bid for the Cherries to even consider letting their star forward leave.
    Solanke, 26, has scored six goals in 12 Premier League games this term, including against West Ham on the opening day of the campaign.
    The player — capped once by  England — still has more than three  years to run on his current deal at the Vitality Stadium.
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    Hammers chiefs would love to bring him to East London but if they cannot persuade Bournemouth to sell, they will look at other targets.
    Paris Saint-Germain misfit Hugo Ekitike, 21, and 27-year-old former Chelsea striker Timo Werner are among the names on Moyes’ wish list.
    Ekitike joined PSG in a permanent transfer from Reims this summer following an initial season-long loan, but he has been limited to just one appearance.
    Meanwhile, Werner enjoyed a successful return to the Bundesliga after re-joining RB Leipzig last summer.
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    However, he has fallen out of favour with Marco Rose this season.
    Werner has made just eight Bundesliga appearances so far this season – six of which came off the bench. More