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    Premier League kick-offs DELAYED with Champions League race in the balance after Emi Martinez moment of madness

    EVERY Premier League game involving a team fighting for the Champions League was delayed following the red card to Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.Martinez was shown a straight red card in the first half of Villa’s battle with Manchester United at Old Trafford after he wiped out a goal-bound Rasmus Hojlund.Manchester United and Aston Villa players waited for their match to kick back offCredit: TNT SportsFulham and Man City players stood around waiting tooThat red card caused a hefty delay in the United vs Villa game – subsequently delaying every other match involving teams competing for Champions League places.Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones revealed that the second-halves involving the European hopefuls had been delayed so they could kick off at the same time.That meant Man Utd vs Villa, Fulham vs Man City, Newcastle vs Everton and Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea all had to wait around to sync up their second-half kick off.The decision isn’t unusual and is made in the interest of competitive integrity, aiming to avoid any two teams from being able to settle for a certain result in the knowledge that a different game has gone their way elsewhere.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVilla, Chelsea, Forest, Newcastle and City are all battling for the three remaining places in the Champions League next season – with Arsenal and champions Liverpool already wrapping up two of the five allocated spots.The other six games being played in the Prem were not impacted by the delay and were allowed to kick off their second halves as usual.Martinez’ red card made Villa’s chances of sneaking into the Champions League places much more difficult, and it was a nightmare for him too.That’s because the Argentine was seemingly playing his final game for the Villans, having waved goodbye to Villa Park with teary eyes last weekend.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt was an impossible task too, as Villa wound up losing 2-0 to Man Utd.That result meant that Unai Emery’s side fell out of the Champions League spots and ultimately finished sixth – meaning it will be Europa League football at Villa Park next season instead.Martinez has been linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia, while SunSport have also revealed he is a target for former club Arsenal who are eyeing a reunion with the shot-stopper should David Raya leave this summer.If Martinez is to remain in the Premier League – he will start next season with a three match ban.Martinez looked as though he waved goodbye to the Villa Park faithful when the Villans played their final home game of the season last weekend.The goalkeeper was in tears as he walked off the pitch following Villa’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.Martinez joined Villa in 2020 following a breakout period of success at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, coming in for the injured Bernd Leno and helping the Gunners win the FA Cup.Since his switch to the Midlands, the former Reading and Rotherham loanee has won the Copa America twice, the World Cup and been named Fifa’s Best Keeper in the World two times.Emi Martinez wiped out Rasmus HojlandCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThomas Bramall had no choice but to send him offCredit: GettyIt could be Martinez’s final game for VillaCredit: AFP More

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    Bayern Munich ‘turn to England star with £68m release clause’ as they’re set to lose out on Wirtz transfer to Liverpool

    BAYERN MUNICH have turned their attention to Eberechi Eze with them set to miss out on Florian Wirtz, according to reports.The Bundesliga champions have accepted that the Bayer Leverkusen star is joining Liverpool in a British record £126million deal.Florian Wirtz is heading to LiverpoolCredit: GettyBayern Munich could now target Eberechi EzeCredit: GettyWirtz, 22, has reportedly told Bayern chiefs he is heading to Merseyside and the club are now set to pursue Eze.The Crystal Palace and England midfielder has a release clause said to be worth £60m, plus £8m in add-ons.Bayern are hopeful of getting a deal done as they have a good relationship with the Eagles after the clubs agreed a transfer for Michael Olise last summer.Despite his release clause, Palace want to convince Eze to stay at Selhurst Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd they will stand firm with their price tag and not accept anything less than the release clause.SunSport understand that both Manchester United and Aston Villa are keen on Eze but the fee may prove too costly for them.Bayern are not thought to have an issue with the price as they were set to splash the cash on Wirtz.But like Manchester City they put off the signing after discovering that the total cost of the move could total £252m.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOn top of the £126m fee, Wirtz is set to pocket £325,000-a-week.Meanwhile, Bayern are also looking at AC Milan winger Rafael Leao and Brighton ace Kaoru Mitoma to bolster their attacking options behind main man Harry Kane.Ebereche Eze wins £15,000 in celebrity online chess tournament – and celebrates more than his Wembley FA Cup goal More

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    Sports-mad Brits reveal the live events on their bucket lists – with World Cup Final at Wembley coming out top

    SPORTS-MAD Brits have revealed the live events they’d put on their bucket list – and a World Cup Final at Wembley has come out tops.Over half of those quizzed for a poll say travelling to see a massive live sporting event is one of life’s biggest buzzes, with 36% planning a sports trip this year.Fans said that matches at Wembley are their favourite type of sporting eventCredit: GettyFootball fans revealed that they love being in the stands with their fellow sport loversCredit: GettyThe 100m race at the Olympics was another popular choice of sporting eventCredit: AFPTopping the dream list would be a FIFA World Cup Final at Wembley for just over a third.Close behind is an FA Cup Final at Wembley for three in ten, while one in four fancy standing trackside at the London Marathon, and one in five want to see British Grand Prix at Silverstone.Brits are also willing to travel across the pond – with almost a quarter ready to go long-haul to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics 100m Final.The glamorous Monaco Grand Prix, an American Football Super Bowl and a Champions League Final also made the cut for around 20 percent of those quizzed.Read More on SportsReasons for sports-tripping included seeing a favourite sportsman or woman, bonding with mates and family or simply soaking up the atmosphere.The poll was commissioned by luxury hotel chain Hyatt.Hyatt spokesman Michel Morauw said: “Sports-tripping is reaching fever pitch, and we’re increasingly seeing more travellers with a passion for building their holidays around watching live sporting events.” More

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    Emi Martinez’s Aston Villa ‘farewell’ ends in disgrace as he’s SENT OFF for ‘dumbest ever’ foul on Man Utd’s Hojlund

    EMI MARTINEZ potentially ended his Aston Villa career with a shocking red card. The keeper brutally wiped out Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund after rushing off his line.Emi Martinez wiped out Rasmus HojlandCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThomas Bramall had no choice but to send him offCredit: GettyIt could be Martinez’s final game for VillaCredit: AFPA weak back pass looked to have put Hojlund through on goal – with Martinez charging out of his box. But Hojlund knocked it past the Villa keeper – who wiped out United’s front man to leave referee Thomas Bramall no choice but to send him off. It was meant to be a farewell match for 2022 World Cup winner Martinez – who already waved goodbye to Villa fans. And as revealed by SunSport, he is also a target for Arsenal who are eyeing a reunion with the Argentine. READ MORE IN football If Martinez is to remain in the Premier League – he will start next season with a three match ban.The Gunners fear their No1 David Raya wants a move back to Spain. Martinez, 32, would jump at a second chance to man the sticks at the Emirates should the deal come round.Spaniard Raya, 29, is being linked with moves to La Liga after establishing himself as the Gunners No .1.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe former Blackburn prospect is short-listed at Real Madrid as a long-term replacement for Thibaut Courtois.While he is also on the radar at neighbours Atletico — who fear Jan Oblak could be tempted by Saudi Arabian cash.Raya has been one of the Premier League’s standout goalkeepers in recent seasons and, should he keep a clean sheet against Southampton on Sunday, will win consecutive Golden Glove awards.Despite his impressive form, Arsenal would be open to selling him if the price was right.The Gunners know that Martinez could be bought, but they will have to be quick with Middle East clubs keen too.Martinez looked as though he waved goodbye to the Villa Park faithful when the Villans played their final home game of the season last weekend.The shot-stopper was in tears as he walked off the pitch following Villa’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.Martinez joined Villa in 2020 following a breakout period of success at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, coming in for the injured Bernd Leno and helping the Gunners win the FA Cup.Since his switch to the Midlands, the former Reading and Rotherham loanee has won the Copa America twice, the World Cup and been named Fifa’s Best Keeper in the World two times.Martinez spent eight years at Arsenal before moving to VillaCredit: Getty More

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    Goals 4 GOSH LIVE SCORES: Action UNDERWAY as Eden Hazard features in huge charity match at Plough Lane – latest updates

    THIS year’s annual Goals 4 GOSH charity match is now UNDERWAY – and Chelsea legend Eden Hazard is running back the years!Celebrities from TV, entertainment and music will also be joining Hazard for this great cause.And organisers are hoping the event tops the staggering £47,851.76 that was raised in 2024.Follow ALL the action from Plough Lane with our live blog below…Wimbledon Wombles 0-1 Dolphin Dons45. Hazard plays the ball to A Star in the box.Instead of looking to shoot, he returns the favour.Hazard turns and shoots but it is saved by the legs of the keeper.Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles 0-1 Dolphin Dons40. The Wombles are piling on the pressure.It is played into Hazard, who plays a brilliant flick into A Star.He has the defender sold as he cuts onto his right foot and looks to bend one in the top corner but sends it sailing narrowly wide.Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles 0-1 Dolphin Dons35. The Wombles look to try and find an equaliser.A Star does well and cuts inside, looking to shoot, before laying it off to Hazard.His shot looks to be heading in but deflects narrowly wide for a corner which the former Chelsea man comes to take.Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles 0-1 Dolphin Dons30. Douglas goes down for the Dons and seems to be in trouble.The challenge came in from Long who seemed to catch his ankle.We have a break in play as he receives some treatment.Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles 0-1 Dolphin Dons25. Chet Sket links up with Harry Cain as he plays it to him in the box.He tries to turn but is tackled and it breaks into the path of Sket.With a first-time shot, he drills it into the back of the net.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Chet Sket (Dolphin Dons)Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles 0-0 Dolphin Dons22. Eventually it is played short and the move breaks down.Moments later Hazard is in and has the chance to shoot but opts to lay it on a plate for Long to score.Incredibly, he allows Mariappa to block it on thhe line when it seemed easier to score.Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles 0-0 Dolphin Dons20. The Wombles have a big chance with a free kick in a dangerous position.Hazard is stood over it, looking to showcase his skills.Surely he cannot score from here.Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles 0-0 Dolphin Dons15. Swarmz does well for the Dons, beating his man out wide in the box.He has the chance and time to cross but his effort is poor.It is easily collected and cleared.Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles 0-0 Dolphin Dons10. The Dons have a croner but it is cleared by Long.Hazard picks it up out wide and swings a pass out wide to A Star.He holds it up before cutting inside and shooting but sends it high into the stands.Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles 0-0 Dolphin Dons7. Hazard has seen little of the ball so far.When he does, he immediately looks to pass it.Suddenly Hazard receives the ball in the box and looks to cut inside onto his right foot but it is deflected behind for a corner.Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles 0-0 Dolphin Dons5. Shane Long is looking dangerous for the Wombles.He is running at the defence and looking to create chances.Swarmz has a sight of goal for the Dons but sends it wide of the target.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Wimbledon Wombles vs Dolphin DonsWe are underway at Plough Lane.Obviously the theatrics beforehand are just as important as the game.Wimbledon Wombles get the match started.Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles vs Dolphin DonsWe are still waiting for kick-off in this one.There certainly does not look like a big crowd at the ground.The teams are heading out onto the pitch.Copy linkCopiedMore featured playersJoe ColeJason EuellPaul GortonLeon JackmanNathan KhiderMarc WhiteJay & PoppyMatty BriggsSpecs GonzalezFara WilliamsBionicJolie SharpeStuart DouglasColin Kazim-RichardsLia LewisBig GFennersJunior AndreKatie ChapmanCredit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedWho is playing?There is a star-studded list of players who will feature in this huge match.So long that I will have to split it into two parts!Eden HazardEman SV2Wayne RoutledgeTroy DeeneyGrime GranRon HallMannyJoel BayaGemma DavisonBeau the BeardNathan DaweSwarmzA StarLianne SandersonShane LongDanny AaronsAdrian MariappaCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedKick-off details!The huge charity match is scheduled to get underway at 4pm BST.There was a content creators match early that started at 10:30pm.Plough Lane – the home of AFC Wimbledon is the chosen venue for this great event.Copy linkCopiedAward winnersJamie Froves and Charlotte Styles won the Care Award for consistently putting such an incredible Goals 4 GOSH event.Speaking after winning the award, Jamie said: “To be honest, I didn’t realise there were even awards going on.“Getting chosen, as the winner was a bit mind-blowing.“Every single penny makes such a difference when it comes to the hospital’s equipment, beds and everything else.“They rely so much on the funding that the charity provides.“So, it is a massive thanks to every single player, volunteer, supporter and everybody involved.”Copy linkCopiedWelcome to SunSport’s coverage of Goals 4 GOSH Chelsea legend Eden Hazard will nostalgically lace up his boots to feature in the star-studded Goals 4 GOSH charity match.This is set to be the fifth edition of the match which is put on to support Great Ormond Street Hospital.Regional Development Director at Funeral Partners, Jamie Groves and his co-organiser, Charlotte Styles, both spearhead the event and all the proceeds go to GOSH.Celebrities from TV, entertainment and music will also grace the pitch including the likes of Bionic from BBC’s Gladiator, YouTube superstar Danny Aarons and UK rapper SwarmzAnd not only will fans get to watch a thrilling game of football, but there will be a lot of fun family activities on the day.Copy linkCopied More

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    F1 Monaco GP LIVE RESULTS: Norris fights off Leclerc to WIN thrilling race, Hamilton finishes in 5th – updates

    LANDO NORRIS has raced to victory at the Monaco Grand Prix after holding off Ferrari star Charles Leclerc!The McLaren driver is chasing down Championship-leading teammate Oscar Piastri – and a win today has seen him significantly close the gap.Lewis Hamilton started the day down in seventh after picking up a penalty and could only secure a 5th place finish by the end of the race. But one of the main talking points will be about Pierre Gasly who was forced into a pit lane after losing his BRAKES in scary circumstances.PODIUM: Norris(1) Leclerc(2) Piastri(3)Follow our live blog below…Monaco Grand Prix resultsHere is how it all finished in a sun-soaked Monaco:Lando Norris (McLaren)Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)Oscar Piastri (McLaren)Max Verstappen (Red Bull)Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)Isack Hadjar (Racing Bull)Esteban Ocon (Haas)Liam Lawson (Racing Bull)Alexander Albon (Williams)Carlos Sainz (Williams)Copy linkCopiedLando Norris wins the Monaco Grand PrixCopy linkCopiedLap 77/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondLeclerc has been sliding around the last few corners.It seems he is losing some grip on those rare tyres.Verstappen has to pit on this final lap.Copy linkCopiedLap 75/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondTime is running out for Verstappen.It is looking like Norris is going to take pole position.Unless Leclerc can pull off a miracle.Copy linkCopiedLap 73/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondThere are lots of clusters of cars at various points now.We are no closer to that red flag that Verstappen is craving however.The battle between Norris and Leclerc is really hotting up.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedLap 71/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondVerstappen still leads but is hoping for something to happen.He is looking at fourth place without a red flag in these closing stages.Leclerc is right on the tail of Norris currently.Copy linkCopiedLap 69/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondThere is less than two seconds between the front three now.This is really where trouble could happen between Norris and Leclerc.That is certainly what Verstappen is hoping for.Copy linkCopiedLap 67/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondHaving double-checked the rules, Verstappen will need to pit.If he were not to, he would be disqualified.The Red Bull team will be looking to leave that as late as possible.Copy linkCopiedLap 65/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondRed Bull are keeping their fingers crossed for this red flag.That is the only way he can realistically win this race.Norris has dropped off Verstappen and may be looking to get Leclerc involved with his teammate.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedLap 63/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondAside from this front three, there is little happening in the rest of the field.Such is the way with this track, not really one for overtaking.Norris is dropping off the back of Verstappen, concerned about keeping his power unit cool.As it stands, Verstappen would receive a 30 second penalty for not pitting again.If he does pit or doesn’t he would finish fourth regardless.Copy linkCopiedLap 61/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondIt is an interesting battle out there now.As Verstappen stays out there, he is causing Norris and Leclerc to close up with one another.In a perfect world, they will tangle, causing the need to pit again to have bodywork replaced.Copy linkCopiedLap 59/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondNorris is closing the gap on Verstappen in first place.There is less than a second between the pair.Tactically, this good be good for the Red Bull as it will cause more wear on Norris’ tyres if having to break excessively.Copy linkCopiedLap 57/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondRed Bull are hoping for a red flag in this race.If it were to happen, Verstappen could pit and keep his track position.Hamilton heads into the pits and returns to the track in fifth spot.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedLap 55/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondRussell has been given a drive through penalty.He is down in tenth spot and it does not seem like a day where Mercedes will be amongst the points.The Brit is given the ‘box. box’ order for the penalty from his team.Copy linkCopiedLap 53/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondVerstappen has a 4.3 second lead on Norris in second.He still has to pit again so it is all about how much of a lead he can build before that happens.Leclerc is just 2 seconds behind the McLaren.Copy linkCopiedLap 51/78 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondLeclerc heads into the pits, which sees the Red Bull overtake him.A quick 2.2 second pit from the Ferrari team.Norris now heads into the pits as well and comes back out in front of Leclerc.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedLap 49/78 – Norris leads, Leclerc secondNorris and Leclerc have caught up with a pack of cars.That now means the front pair have to overtake eight drivers.On a tight track like this, that is easier said than done.Copy linkCopiedLap 47/78 – Norris leads, Leclerc secondThere is a lot of tactical driving going on out there today.We are seeing some drivers purposely slowing down the pack behind them for the benefit of their teammates.Hamilton is now some way behind Verstappen in fourth place.Copy linkCopiedLap 45/78 – Norris leads, Leclerc secondPiastri almost slides around one corner there.He did well to keep control of the car, some driving.Tokyo Drift in Monaco almost.Copy linkCopiedLap 43/78 – Norris leads, Leclerc secondAll of the top five have pitted just once so far.It is all about strategy for those drivers now.Piastri still holds the fastest lap of the day.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedLap 41/78 – Norris leads, Leclerc secondThat retirement means that Alonso is pointless after eight races, his worst start to an F1 season.There are still plenty of pit stops required today.With new rules in place for this event, every driver has to use three different sets of tyres, meaning a two pit spot minimum.Copy linkCopiedLap 39/78 – Norris leads, Leclerc secondAlonso is out of the race and manages to get off the track.He does so well and, as a result, we will only have a yellow flag.The Spaniard is reporting smoke coming from his engine.Copy linkCopiedLap 37/78 – Norris leads, Leclerc secondPiastri still holds the fastest lap of the day.We have only lost one driver as we edge towards the halfway point.Gasly’s horrendous front wheel issue sending him out of this one.Copy linkCopiedLap 35/78 – Norris leads, Leclerc secondLeclerc has just lapped Lawson in tenth spot.This is most definitely a track where you have to drive as a team and not an individual.Tsunoda is all the way back in fourteenth spot for Red Bull.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedLap 33/78 – Norris leads, Leclerc secondVerstappen tells his team ‘my shifts feel like it is Monaco 1972’.Lawson heads into the pits and comes back out in tenth spot.He helped out teammate Hadjar, keeping the pack away from him.Copy linkCopied More

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    Liverpool and Crystal Palace in never-before-seen DOUBLE guard of honour before final day clash

    LIVERPOOL and Crystal Palace performed a never-before-seen DOUBLE guard of honour on the final day of the season. Arne Slote’s Premier League champions were honoured by Oliver Glasner’s FA Cup-winning Eagles. Liverpool and Crystal Palace performed a never-before-seen double guard of honourLiverpool returned the favour for FA Cup-winners PalaceBut Liverpool then returned the favour with a guard of honour in the wake of Palace’s cup victory against Manchester City earlier in the month. The two teams will play each other again in the season opening Community Shield in August.But for now, it was mutual respect between the two clubs as one said: “Nice gesture from both teams!”Another added: “Mutual respect strong sportsmanship shown.”READ MORE IN football One hailed: “Double guard of honour is f***ing class! Special special day.”Another said: “Love the double guard of honour!”Elsewhere, Tottenham were due to get a guard of honour after ending their 17 YEAR wait for silverware. Their 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao won them the Europa League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNorth London was gridlocked on their Friday bus parade – two days before hosting Brighton. And the Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler planned for his players to give Spurs a guard of honour at Spurs’ stadium. Inside Tottenham’s wild Europa League open-top bus parade as 200,000 fans greet heroesHe said: “Like we did against Liverpool, if great clubs achieve great things then it’s always a positive thing and also if English clubs achieve great things in the international cups.”I’m very happy for them. Of course, they deserve it, so we will do it.”But Spurs were not given the honour before the match. More

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    Taiwo Awoniyi seen for first time since horror injury as he receives hero’s welcome at Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea

    TAIWO AWONIYI received a hero’s welcome on his return to the City Ground as he watched Nottingham Forest’s bid for a Champions League return.Awoniyi was back in the Forest stadium for the first time since his horror injury that had seen him put in a coma for a abdominal operation.Taiwo Awoniyi was given a hero’s welcome on his return to the City GroundCredit: ReutersAwoniyi waved to fans as they cheered him on the pitchCredit: GettyThe striker was given a warm reception by the fansCredit: AFPAwoniyi suffered an abdominal injury after colliding with the post during Forest’s game against Leicester earlier this monthCredit: PAThe Forest striker was paraded out on to the playing surface pre-match where fans inside the stadium gave him a huge cheer to welcome him back.Awoniyi remains injured but was watching on as his teammates tried to secure a Champions League place against Chelsea.The 27-year-old has suffered an abdominal injury against Leicester City earlier this month.The Nigerian went under the knife last Monday and was subsequently placed into an induced coma in order to regulate his heart rate and movement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing a successful operation, Awoniyi is now back on his feet and well enough to be present at the huge clash for European football.Both Forest and Chelsea are battling it out alongside Newcastle, Aston Villa and Manchester City for the three remaining Champions League spots in the Premier League on the final day.Awoniyi wished his teammates luck in a statement on social media last week.It read: “This season has been one of the most difficult of my career but through it all, I have felt the love.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”With the grace of God, I am grateful to still be here, to still be fighting, to still be smiling, and to be in good spirits.”To my team-mates, coaches, staff and the entire Forest family, thank you for your well wishes, seeing you all on your visit to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say.Taiwo Awoniyi health update with Nottingham Forest star recovering in hospital after emergency abdominal surgery”Wishing the boys the very best in these last two games, keep believing and keep pushing. I’m with you all the way and I can’t wait to be back out there with the boys doing what I love.”To my family, friends and football fans, thank you for the support, and to everyone back home in Nigeria who has checked in on me, prayed for me and left kind words, thank you. “I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover. Come on you Reds.” More