Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 200 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    Awkward moment UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov snubs Kate Abdo’s handshake for religious reasons live on TV

    THIS is the awkward moment UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov refused to shake the hand of CBS Sports presenter Kate Abdo.Abdo was working for the broadcaster alongside the terrible trio of Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards for the Champions League final in Munich.Kate Abdo was involved in an awkward exchange with Khabib Nurmagomedov live on TVCredit: X @CBSSportsGolazoAbdo was snubbed by a handshake from the UFC legend for religious reasonsCredit: X @CBSSportsGolazoAbdo was joined in show by usual suspects Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards.Credit: X/CBSSportsGolazoThe match ended in a record-breaking defeat as Paris Saint-Germain thrashed Inter Milan 5-0.The quartet was joined by special guests Khabib Nurmagomedov, and streamer IShowSpeed immediately after the final whistle.Nurmagomedov embraced each member of the crew before Abdo, 43, held out her hand in a greeting.However, the unbeaten UFC star declined the offer by holding his hand on his chest instead, with Abdo quickly reclining it and offering an apology as she welcomed him to the show.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe reason for this is due to the 36-year-old’s religious beliefs as a devout Sunni Muslim.In Islam, it is a forbidden to touch a member of the opposite sex that they are not related to.A similar incident occurred back in 2020 with fellow MMA fighter Cynthia Calvillo, who revealed that Nurmagomedov refused to directly train with her.She explained to theScore: “It’s a little bit weird because of their religion… they won’t train with women.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”(Khabib) is still showing technique and stuff like that. So I still get to watch it. “But it doesn’t bother me … because they’re not really being directly rude to me.”Kate Abdo ‘subbed off’ CBS Sports Champions League final coverage as new presenter leaves Micah Richards ecstaticFans on social media praised Abdo’s response to the awkward exchange with the Dagestani native.One user said: “Mad respect to Kate for understanding afterwards and issuing an apology.”Another said: “Massive respect to Kate for understanding Khabib’s decision and not making a fuss of it in front of other pundits.”A third added: “Love how Khabib respectfully declined Kate’s handshake and she respected his approach. Love that from both of them.”Once that hurdle was cleared, Abdo asked the retired UFC fighter who he was supporting tonight, revealing he was there in support of PSG – despite him previously describing himself as a Real Madrid fan.In another crossover that nobody would have had on their Champions League bingo card, IShowSpeed was playfully confronted by Nurmagomedov about them possibly having a race or fight.Carragher, who hilariously tried resorting to cheating when he lost a race against Speed – real name Darren Hawkins – asked Nurmagomedov: “Do you think you could beat Speed in a fight or a race?”Nurmagomedov said he would be humble and conceded that Speed had the better of him in running, but declared he could easily outdo him in football IQ, before joking: “Don’t forget, between us there is nobody right now.”Abdo then suggested that Richards, ever the brunt of a few jokes on the show, was the “arm wrestling champion” of CBS.However, before the presenter – who married boxer Malik Scott last year – could finish her sentence, the ex-England international said: “No thank you.”Before the match itself, Abdo was subbed out of presenting duties by colleague Anita Nneka Jones, joking she had “other friends waiting for me tonight”.As Henry, Richards and Carragher groaned, Abdo pointed at Jones and added: “Look who’s coming!”Carra shouted “Anita!” before screaming as footage showed Abdo’s pals David Beckham and Tom Cruise hanging out the Allianz Arena.Abdo then waved as she walked off set, adding: “Bye, bye, bye.”Richards asked “Is it a substitution then?” – with Abdo pausing.Read More on The SunThe former Manchester City star then guffawed as Peter Schmeichel held the fourth official’s board to announce the substitution.Richards turned to Jones and bellowed: “Finally some real funny in the studio.” More

  • 188 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    Matheus Cunha spotted leaving hotel in Manchester as Brazilian star completes £62.5million move from Wolves

    MATHEUS CUNHA broke cover in Manchester just hours ahead of his blockbuster move to Old Trafford.Manchester United have confirmed the £62.5million capture of the Brazilian forward. Matheus Cunha was spotted leaving a Manchester hotel hours before his move from Wolves was finalisedCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe Brazilian star stepped out into the Manchester drizzle from The Lowry on Sunday morningCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeCunha immediately got in a taxi for the airport, where he jetted off on international dutyCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeCunha, 26, was spotted checking out of The Lowry Hotel on Sunday morning. The hotel is just a short drive from United’s Carrington training centre. It was the first time the Brazilian had been spotted in the North West ahead of his eagerly-awaited switch from Wolves.The 26-year-old was joined by his pregnant wife Gabriela and their young son.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCunha’s representatives met with United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, on Saturday night to finalise terms. United triggered Cunha’s £62.5m release clause and will pay the hefty transfer tag in instalments over the next three years.Cunha netted 15 Premier League goals in 33 appearances for Wolves last season.He was high on Ruben Amorim’s summer wishlist, with the Portuguese boss keen to move on from a horror campaign and get business done early. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCunha headed straight to the airport from the hotel, where he jetted out for international duty with Brazil.United’s squad are currently heading home from a horror post-season tour of Asia.Matheus Cunha gifts Wolves team-mates Joao Gomes and Andre a Rolex ahead of Man Utd transferThe trip has been marred by a series of gaffes, including a bizarre open-top bus appearance and players flashing middle fingers at supporters.Club legend David Beckham was among those to take a swipe at the players, branding their behaviour “not ok.”Cunha released his own statement after Wolves’ final game of the season on May 25.Addressing fans on Instagram and saying goodbye, he wrote: “Wolves, what can I say to you?”What an incredible season. We didn’t get to where you deserve to be, but we did everything we could to make you proud. I love these guys.”Individually, it was the best season of my life. All of this was only possible because of all the dedication and love I have for this club. “I became the Brazilian with the most goals in a Premier League season, along with @roberto_firmino and @gabriel.martinelli. “I made mistakes and got things right, but always because I lived this club so much. “All I ever wanted was to do the impossible for Wolves. Another one is over. And thank you all for all the affection.”United are in desperate need of firepower after mustering just 44 league goals last season.Club captain Bruno Fernandes is said to be “seriously considering” an offer from Saudi side Al Hilal.Read More on The SunAlejandro Garnacho also appears set for the exit door, with Chelsea interested in the £50m-rated Argentine. While SunSport revealed last week that out-of-favour Marcus Rashford is holding out for Champions League football. More

  • 263 Shares179 Views

    in Soccer

    ‘Players are not acting in the right manner’ – David Beckham slams Man Utd stars’ behaviour after fan clashes on tour

    DAVID BECKHAM has launched a stinging attack on Manchester United’s flops for their off-field conduct in Malaysia. The Red Devils legend slammed recent behaviour from United’s stars as “not okay”. David Beckham has torn into Manchester United’s players for their off-field conductCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho appeared to give the middle finger to supporters in Kuala LumpurCredit: XAmad Diallo gave a similar gesture to fans during the team’s tour of AsiaCredit: TikTok/@ahmdhakimiBeckham won the Premier League title six times during his glittering career at Old Trafford.But Golden Balls has been left far from impressed by the current crop, accusing them of lacking “manners”.United have been on a brief trip to Asia on a disastrous post-season tour, taking in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.Players have been snapped in altercations with supporters, as well as giving the middle finger. READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt comes after a dismal campaign, with United winning no silverware and finishing 15th in the Prem. Beckham told CBS Sports ahead of the Champions League final: “It’s tough times [at United].”I don’t like seeing some of things that are going on at the club.”On the pitch is what counts but in all honesty I’m seeing a lot of things that are not okay in my eyes as a fan and as a lover of Man United.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”You have to represent the badge. That’s what it is about. “I’ve seen a lot of things where players are not acting in the right manner.”Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho show middle finger to fans during Man Utd’s post-season tour in MalaysiaUnited embarked on a 4,150-mile round trip to Malaysia just hours after the Prem season ended on May 25.Alejandro Garnacho was involved in a fan altercation after looking bored and disinterested at meet and greets.The Argentine, along with Amad Diallo, were also spotted giving the middle finger to some supporters. Beckham continued: “We were a part of a team that was so well mannered. “We understood what it meant to play for Manchester United. We understood what the badge meant. “Wherever we travelled, whether it was in Europe or in Asia, we respected the fans. “We respected the fact that they were turning up, paying money and wanting you to sign and take pictures. You respect that.” More

  • 238 Shares179 Views

    in Soccer

    Massive fire rips through Fiorentina’s training ground in 2am blaze with three children and an adult rushed to hospital

    FIREFIGHTERS battled against a terrifying blaze at the training base of Fiorentina last night as four people were rushed to hospital.According to reports in Italy, the flames broke out from inside the pavilion that houses the rooms of young Fiorentina footballers at Viola Park.A huge fire broke out at the training ground of Fiorentina at 2am last nightCredit: Instagram @firenzeprimaedopoFour people were taken to hospital as firefighters spent four hours tackling the blazeCredit: Instagram @firenzeprimaedopoThe inferno could be seen raging into the night as 20 units of firefighters battled itCredit: Instagram @fiorentinaunoThis included ladder trucks, tankers and an air wagonCredit: Instagram @florence_tvThe local mayor described it as a ‘night of fear’Credit: Instagram @fiorentinaunoThe entire area was evacuated as the inferno raged throughout the night.Four people – three boys and an adult accompanying them – were taken to hospital for checks due to exposure to the fumes. The blaze is said to have started at around 2:15am, with Florence fire command and the Pontassieve detachment deploying 20 units on site, including ladder trucks, tankers and an air wagon.Extinguishing operations are reported to have continued until 6:15am.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInvestigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.Reports indicate the fire started in the C South pavilion of the training centre before quickly spreading to the hallway, damaging some doors and the ceiling.The building has been rendered unusable after the scary incident.A Fiorentina statement on the incident said: “During the night a fire, the causes of which are still unclear, broke out inside a room in the pavilion dedicated to the youth sector of the ‘Rocco B. Commisso’ Viola Park. Most read in Football”The alarm system, emergency procedures and the preparation of the staff present ensured the rapid evacuation of the structure. “Some people were taken to hospital for checks and accompanied by our health workers, and have already been discharged in good condition. Man Utd legend David De Gea shows off his skills in manic training session “The area of ​​the pavilion affected by the fire has, at the moment, been isolated and made safe.”The mayor of Bagno a Ripoli, Francesco Pignotti, said that the fire had caused a “night of fear” but was thankful no one was seriously hurt while giving special praise to the response of the Fire Brigade.He said: “The images of the flames at Viola Park are terrible. A night of fear that fortunately did not cause serious damage to people. “The three boys and the adult taken to the hospital are under observation but are fine. “We are in contact with Fiorentina and our entire community is close to them. “Thanks to the firefighters and the staff who intervened promptly, avoiding the worst.”Fiorentina’s Viola Park training centre was opened in October 2023 and is the largest in Italy and one of the largest in Europe.The site includes two stadiums which sit a total of 4,500 spectators.They are named the Curva Fiesole, with seats 3,000, and the Davide Astori – named in tribute to the club’s late captain who died from a cardiac arrest in 2018 – which seats 1,500.Prior to its completion, Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso said it would cost around £67million.The facilities there include 12 football pitches, with five being grass, five hybrid, two mini-fields for children, and one for goalkeepers.It also features four exercise facilities with more than 130 training stations and an 80m squared rehabilitation centre.Read More on The SunThese are supplemented by dormitories with 75 rooms and 116 beds across 12 buildings in total, alongside a media centre, medical and wellness centre, a 25m swimming pool, two vascular pools, a cryotherapy facility, sauna and Turkish bath.Fiorentina finished sixth place in the Serie A this season. More

  • 288 Shares159 Views

    in Soccer

    I was in the heart of PSG’s celebrations in Paris – it was a war zone with yobs throwing bottles and launching fireworks

    OUTSIDE the Parc des Princes last night, it was carnage. Absolute carnage.No sooner had the final whistle blown in Munich – as Paris Saint-Germain sealed a record-breaking 5-0 Champions League Final win over Inter Milan – the French capital erupted in celebration.Thousands of PSG supporters hit the streets after their team’s Champions League triumphCredit: GettyThe Paris sky was lit up by fireworks as thousands came out to celebrateCredit: GettyFlares were lit by PSG ultras before things began to spiral out of controlCredit: GettySupporters partied well into the night after the 5-0 victoryCredit: GettyThose who live within a few-mile radius of the club’s home ground had prepared for the worst, sensibly boarding up their shops and cafes in anticipation of mass trouble, and it proved to be a wise decision.Tens of thousands of people, mostly young men wearing PSG shirts, sprinted away from the club’s football ground and once they were outside of the wide police security perimeter, chaos ensued.Motorists had to take evasive action coming off the motorway slip-roads as people dangerously spilled into the street, throwing flares into their path.Soon, the traffic was completely stopped around Porte d’Auteuil as supporters started celebrating in the street – and even jumped on stationary cars.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCoaches were blocked from moving forward and it was a surprise nobody was run over in the bedlam and disorder.One large truck did try to drive its way through the mayhem but dozens of blokes simply hitched a ride on the back.The air around the ground filled with the sound of air horns and revving motorbikes.Red and white flares were lit by bare-chested fans who either had scarves around their faces or dodgy cigarettes in their mouths.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSmoke bombs were let off and some PSG Ultras brought along firework GUNS, shooting the pyrotechnics high into the Parisian sky at a frequent rate.Though generally it was a mood of celebration and jubilation – it was the club’s first Champions League success after all – there were some inevitable casualties.HISTORIC scenes as PSG demolish Inter Milan in record-breaking Champions League final I saw one woman hurt and needing attention from friends while others cowered for cover as fans rushed forward.Ambulances were called to the area and so, too, were fire trucks.And your SunSport correspondent had to sprint away for safety at one point when some of the remnants of the fireworks landed too close for his comfort.The streets around the Parc des Princes, not far from where the Roland Garros tennis takes place, are in a well-heeled area, an influential region similar to Kensington and Chelsea in West London.Yet anyone living in nearby expensive flats, who had been hoping to get to sleep early, would have soon realised their misgivings as the partying went on for hours, and long after 1am.Those who were walking back to the Metro station after watching Novak Djokovic’s win on Court Philippe-Chatrier must have thought they were walking in a war zone.Champions League final REACTION – PSG 5-0 InterMost of the yobs would not have lived in the local area themselves but they saw this European success as an excuse to break the law and cause disruption.Some reckless parents even brought along their small children when really they should have all been at home.What was surprising was the lack of a police presence to control the lawless situation.There were reports of problems on the Champs-Élysées but in the well-to-do 16th arrondissement there was no police management or control.Almost as if they thought, well we have our perimeter, that is all we are doing, but away from that, you are on your own, lads…Local businesses are used to large numbers of people whenever PSG play at home but this was different – this was on a scale that locals had never seen before.Fireworks were fired towards police as clashes broke out on the streetsCredit: GettyTear gas was also fired as fans took over the streets in the French capitalCredit: GettyIn any other situation, these scenes of unlawfulness would not be acceptable but because it is football, the authorities tend to shrug it off as what fans do to celebrate.As someone who has reported on football matches for more than 23 years – and was a season-ticket holder at West Ham back in the 1990s – I’m not easily intimidated by these situations or by rowdy football crowds.Yet you had to keep your wits about you as fireworks constantly went off and fans gathered in large numbers, smoking weed and sitting on bus stops.I had sympathy for those families trapped in their cars as they were surrounded by groups of young men.It could have all easily and quickly turned very nasty – imagine what it would have been like had Inter had won the final?Read More on The SunOne or two individuals did throw bottles at the odd police van trying to drive through the streets. Shards of glass were scattered all over the pavements.And inevitably, some poor souls will be the ones clearing up all the mess this morning left by the hooligans. More

  • 288 Shares139 Views

    in Motorsport

    F1 star OUT of Spanish Grand Prix and will undergo surgery after serious injury and pain in his wrist as grid is changed

    LANCE STROLL is OUT of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix. The Aston Martin driver, 26, will undergo surgery on a troublesome hand and wrist issue. Lance Stroll is out of the Spanish GP and booked in for surgeryCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old has been getting pain after breaking both his wrists in a cycling accident in 2023Credit: Shutterstock EditorialStroll qualified in P14 for Sunday’s race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. But the Canadian had been complaining about pain in his wrist for over a month. Stroll broke both wrists in a cycling accident on the eve of the 2023 F1 season.In a statement, Aston Martin wrote on X: “Over the course of the past six weeks Lance has been experiencing pain in his hand and wrist.READ MORE ON F1″His medical consultant believes this is in relation to the procedure he underwent in 2023. “As a result his medical team have confirmed that he will not race tomorrow and he will undergo a procedure to rectify these issues before focusing on his recovery.”The team added that due to “sporting regulations”, Fernando Alonso would be their only car running in Spain.F1 rules state only drivers who took part in qualifying can start on the grid. Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKDespite Stroll’s withdrawal, there will be no change to the grid placings from P14 upwards.Drivers lining up behind Stroll will still start in their slated positions rather than moving up one place.One of F1’s most recognisable voices reveals Leclerc and Hamilton moments that will live with him foreverIt remains to be seen if Stroll can return to driving in time for his home Canadian Grand Prix on June 15.Felipe Drugovich is the next man up for Aston Martin. Oscar Piastri clinched pole position during an eventful qualifying session on Saturday. THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FARHe narrowly beat colleague Lando Norris into P2 as the McLaren’s dominated in Barcelona. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was third fastest, 0.302secs slower than Piastri.Mercedes driver George Russell set exactly the same lap time to start in P4, with Lewis Hamilton and his Ferrari just behind. More

  • 250 Shares179 Views

    in Soccer

    ‘So incredibly welcoming’ – Laura Woods pays personal tribute to Rio Ferdinand as Man Utd legend, 46, leaves TNT Sports

    LAURA WOODS has issued a heartfelt farewell to Rio Ferdinand on his final TNT Sports appearance. The Manchester United legend is stepping away from the broadcaster after 10 years as a pundit. Laura Woods (left) has paid tribute to Rio Ferdinand (centre) on his final TNT broadcastCredit: PAThe former Man Utd star has spent a decade as a pundit for the networkCredit: PAFerdinand was on the TNT panel for Saturday’s Champions League final in Munich. He was joined by host Woods, Steven Gerrard and Owen Hargreaves for his last broadcast. Following PSG’s emphatic 5-0 win, Rio said: “I just want to say thank you to everybody that I’ve worked with.”My job was made a lot easier by the great people and friends that I have worked with and will remain friends for many years.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe ex-England centre-back joined TNT back in 2015 as a pundit.He was drafted onto co-commentary duty shortly after and claimed his decision to leave was “difficult”.Woods had one “final goodbye” for Ferdinand as Saturday’s broadcast from Munich wound down. The presenter said: “Rio, before we leave, just one final goodbye. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”From us here at TNT Sport, to you. That is it for your career here, for now.”Can I just say on behalf of all of us – including everyone behind the camera – you’ve been an absolute pleasure.PSG crowned Champions League winners after smashing Inter Milan 5-0″And personally since I joined, you’ve been so incredibly welcoming.”You’ll be sorely, sorely missed.”Despite being incredibly busy with TNT for the last decade, Ferdinand has managed to launch a hugely successful podcast.His ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ pod, which was previously called ‘Vibe with Five’, has over 1.3 MILLION subscribers on YouTube.He has also been linked with a potential move to the BBC in the wake of Gary Lineker’s departure on Match of the Day. Ferdinand’s final game as a pundit proved to be a cracker, with PSG stunning Inter Milan 5-0 in Munich.Champions League final REACTION – PSG 5-0 InterLuis Enrique’s side ended the Parisian’s Champions League drought in style, overpowering the Italians thanks to standout performance from Desire Doue.Read More on The SunAn emotional Enrique said: “Since day one, I said I wanted to win important trophies, and Paris had never won the Champions League.”We did it for the first time. It’s a great feeling to make many people happy.” More

  • 213 Shares99 Views

    in Soccer

    Kylian Mbappe reacts to PSG Champions League triumph with 16-word post as Luis Enrique fires unsubtle dig

    FORMER PSG star Kylian Mbappe has broken his silence after the Parisian giants made history in Munich.Luis Enrique’s side thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 on Saturday night to secure a first-ever Champions League crown.Kylian Mbappe has congratulated his former club PSG on their maiden Champions League triumphCredit: EPAThe Frenchman suffered heartbreak in the 2020 final for PSG against Bayern MunichCredit: EPAPSG boss Luis Enrique appeared to fire a dig to his former striker after beating InterCredit: GettyMbappe spent six years with PSG as the club tried in vain to end its European hoodoo. The 26-year-old was a beaten finalist in 2020 when Bayern Munich broke French hearts.Mbappe left for Real Madrid last summer after his contract expired in Paris.And he sent a gracious message to his former employers as they beat him to a maiden Champions League title.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTaking to Instagram, Mbappe told his 124 million followers: “The big day has finally arrived.”Victory – and in style – for an entire club. Congratulations @psg.”Mbappe’s exit from Paris was soured by a spat over unpaid wages.The forward made a claim of £46.5million against his former club, believing he was owed a signing bonus, his final three months’ salary and an “ethical” payment. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKEnrique was asked about Mbappe following his team’s history-making win on Saturday. The Spaniard replied: “We would have loved to have him, but his decision was different.”PSG crowned Champions League winners after smashing Inter Milan 5-0He then added: “We’ve shown that we have stars at the service of the team, and not the other way around.”The win was Enrique’s second Champions League triumph after leading Barcelona to glory 10 years ago.He used the moment to pay tribute to youngest daughter Xana, who tragically died in 2019 at the age of nine from bone cancer.Champions League final REACTION – PSG 5-0 InterFollowing his blockbuster move last summer, Mbappe has hit the ground running at the Bernabeu.He scored 42 goals in 55 games across all competitions this term. But Los Blancos went trophyless, missing out on LaLiga to rivals Barcelona and crashing out of the CL at the quarter final stage to Arsenal. More