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    Moment Barcelona stars get chased by rampaging Espanyol fans after winning LaLiga title on fierce rivals’ turf

    THIS was the moment that Barcelona stars were chased off the pitch after winning the LaLiga title on their rivals’ turf.The Catalan giants were facing Espanyol in a match that has been dubbed the Derbi Barceloni.Barcelona players were chased off the pitch after beating Espanyol in 2023Credit: They had to run oThe result saw them win the LaLiga titleCredit: GettyThey had to sprint to safety in the stadium tunnelCredit: GettyFans were able to evade the security and throw chairsCredit: GettyBarcelona won the match at the RCDE Stadium 4-2 to win their first LaLiga crown in four years.Of course, this was back in 2023, when they snatched back the title from Real Madrid.Robert Lewandowski netted a brace while Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde were also on the scoresheet.To celebrate their win, the players gathered in the centre circle and formed a ring around at Xavi Hernandez.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBarca’s players, such as Lewandowski and Raphinha, were then charged at by angry fans from the home crowd.They had managed to avoid security as they sprinted at the festivities of the Barcelona players.Some could be seen throwing chairs and bottles at the newly-crowned champions.Xavi and co legged it to safety in the tunnel in order to avoid the angry mob.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOne member of backroom staff was seen falling to the ground during the rush.It was later confirmed that all Barca players and staff had escaped unhurt.Injured Barcelona star fails to go incognito as he takes budget flight with fans to Champions League semi-final vs InterBarcelona could win seal the LaLiga title at their local rivalsCredit: AlamyAs a turn of events, Barca have the chance to seal their 28th LaLiga title at Espanyol tomorrow evening.Manager Hansi Flick will likely opt for a different method to celebrate the win in order not to be running for the tunnel.The German has insisted that he is not thinking about the club’s celebrations just yet.Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “I don’t think it’s a good idea to talk or think about celebrations before the match.”We have to focus on the game. I saw what happened two years ago on TV.”Things should be done with respect. We have to fight for the three points, and then we’ll do what’s right.”Barcelona could be named the Champions of Spain before a ball is even kicked if Real Madrid fail to beat Real Mallorca.Hansi Flick is aware of the incident at the RCDE Stadium two years agoCredit: EPA More

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    Huge Tottenham blow as Dejan Kulusevski forced to undergo surgery just days before Europa League final against Man Utd

    DEJAN KULUSEVSKI has undergone surgery on his right knee.The Tottenham star, 25, hobbled off during the first half of his side’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend.Dejan Kulusevski picked up an injury during last weekend’s clash with Crystal PalaceCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSpurs boss Ange Postecoglou initially played down the injury.The Aussie, 59, said on Monday: “He’s still sore this morning with his knee. It looks like a knock at this stage, but we’re going to let it settle for 24 hours, then assess it.”The initial thought was that it’s more of a knock than anything more significant.”After further examinations, however, it was deemed that Kulusevski would require surgery.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA short club statement ready: “We can confirm that Dejan Kulusevski suffered an injury to his right patella in our Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend.”Following further specialist consultation, the midfielder has undergone surgery today and will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately.”Kulusevski has played 50 times for Spurs this season, scoring 10 goals and laying on 11 assists.The Swede missed around five weeks with a foot injury earlier this year, returning from the bench against Wolves last month.Most read in FootballTHIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Man City to help bankroll transfer spree by selling forgotten star to Como for £25m – despite him playing just twice

    MANCHESTER CITY are set to complete a stunning deal by selling a forgotten star for a fee that would see them almost triple their profit for the midfielder.That transfer would also help City raise the cash for a busy summer transfer window that could see them breaking the Premier League record for the most expensive signing.Manchester City are set to sell forgotten man Maximo Perrone to Como for £25mThat money will help Man City complete a record deal for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian WirtzAccording to The Mail, Man City loanee Maximo Perrone is expected to complete a permanent move to Como.Perrone, 22, moved to the Etihad in 2023 from Velez Sarsfield following a £9million deal.However, the former Argentina youth international never managed to break into Pep Guardiola’s first team and only made two substitute appearances.That led two loan stints – one at Las Palmas last season before joining Como in August.Read More on FootballPerrone has been so impressive in Serie A that Cesc Fabregas’ side have nicknamed him as a “compass” and the “Swiss watch” who keeps the team “ticking”.The defensive midfielder, who has laid on three assists in 24 appearances with the Italian outfit, is also keen to stay.And now Como are set to sign the Argentine for a whopping £25million.That works as a massive financial boost for manager Guardiola who will be looking to erase his worst ever managerial season with a dominant run next term.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Spanish tactician is looking to start strong by splurging a staggering £126m on Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz alone.Wirtz, 22, is seen as the successor of City legend Kevin De Bruyne, who is leaving the club in June after 10 glittering years in Manchester.Florian Wirtz talks about his highlights playing for Bayer Leverkusen Guardiola has already met the playmaker and held talks with him as well as his parents.And the Prem giants are stepping up their bid by offering Leverkusen an astronomical fee that would be only 56m less than the total sum they spent during the January transfer window for five signings.However, it’s claimed Liverpool also held talks with Wirtz on Tuesday, with the Premier League champions keen to land the No10. More

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    Gary Lineker ‘apologises unreservedly’ over Insta post likening supporters of Israel to rats as BBC urged to sack him

    GARY Lineker has “apologised unreservedly” after sharing a pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats.The outgoing Match of the Day host sparked fury over the Instagram post, which has since been deleted.Gary Lineker has ‘apologised unreservedly’ for an offensive Instagram postCredit: GettyA rat has been used as an anti-Semitic insult referring to language used by Nazi Germany to characterise Jewish people.The rat accompanied footage of a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer attacking the war in Gaza with the caption “Zionism explained in two minutes.”In a statement, Lineker said: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references.”I very much regret these references.Read more Sport”I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.”The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue.”Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters.”I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.Most read in Football”It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly.”The director general of the BBC said people need to follow the broadcaster’s social media rules when asked about the row involving the Lineker post.Gary Lineker says BBC wanted him to quit MOTD to ‘change programme’ – despite star ‘um-ing & ah-ing’ about stayingTim Davie, after giving a wide-ranging speech, speaking of trust, disinformation and impartiality, was asked if Lineker had broken the BBC’s rules.Speaking at The Lowry arts centre in Salford, Mr Davie said: “The BBC’s reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.”And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that.”Lineker’s agent told the BBC the presenter immediately deleted the post when he learned about the image’s symbolism, which he had previously not appreciated.Lineker was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.He was also among 500 other high-profile figures who signed an open letter in February urging the BBC, to re-broadcast a documentary, Gaza: How To Survive A War Zone, to BBC iPlayer.Read More on The SunLast November Lineker announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day, but will still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.He is the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.Gary Lineker released a statement following accusations of anti-SemitismCredit: Getty More

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    Real Madrid ‘ask Liverpool to release Trent Alexander-Arnold early for FREE’ to play in Club World Cup

    REAL MADRID have cheekily asked Liverpool to RELEASE Trent Alexander-Arnold before his contract expires so he can play in the Club World Cup, according to reports.The lifelong Reds fan is set to end his love affair with the club in the summer upon the expiration of his contract.Trent Alexander-Arnold officially announced his imminent Liverpool exit last monthCredit: EPAReal Madrid have reportedly asked the Reds if they can release the defender on a free so he can be in their Club World Cup squadCredit: REXA move to Spanish giants Real has been on the cards for several years, although Los Blancos have yet to make a formal offer for the defender.The Euro titans, however, are said to be keen on adding the England international to their squad as soon as possible.And The Telegraph claim they’ve enquired about the possibility of Liverpool releasing the fullback for “FREE”.Real are said to have contacted Kop chiefs in the wake of Alexander-Arnold’s announcement of his Anfield departure.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSReal reportedly also want to have the 26-year-old embedded in the team before they jet out for the stateside Club World Cup, which gets underway on June 14.And Los Blancos chief Florentino Perez is also said to be keen on parading the imminent marquee signing before the 32-team competition commences.Alexander-Arnold could potentially forgo the final month of his salary to facilitate an early exit.Liverpool, however, will ultimately have the final say over the defender leaving on a free as they hold his registration rights until his contract expires on June 30.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTrent Alexander-Arnold was subjected to a chorus of boos when he came on against ArsenalCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold was showered with BOOS from sections of the Anfield faithul when he came on as a second-half substitute in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal last Sunday.Some fans continued to boo their academy product every time he touched the ball during his 20-minute cameo.Trent Alexander-Arnold BOOED by Liverpool fans after boyhood fan confirmed he’s leaving in weeksKop chief Arne Slot defended disgruntled fans’ treatment of Alexander-Arnold after the match.He told Sky Sports: “In general and in life, the good thing about living in Europe is that everybody can have their opinion and that’s the same here in Liverpool.”There were people that were not so happy with him. There were a lot of people who were happy with him, they clapped for him.”A few of them booed. I think everybody is allowed to have their opinion.”Towards the end, I think more and more people were positive.Arne Slot defended Reds fans’ right to boo Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: AP”But for me, it’s simple. I owe it to the team and to the fans, to everyone, to play a team that can win a game of football.”And Trent showed why I brought him in because he had two or three incredible balls.”We were very close to winning it, partly because of him, so for me, it’s not that difficult.Read More on The Sun”For the fans, they have the reaction they want but I will always back my players.”The one that I lead, the ones that wear a red shirt. I will always back them, no matter what.” More

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    Eni Aluko left off punditry duty for all three Uefa finals after Ian Wright row as full TNT Sports line-up revealed

    ENI ALUKO will not feature as a pundit for any of the European finals following her public bust-up with Ian Wright.The former England Women’s star insinuated some male pundits, like Wright, risked blocking opportunities for women by taking up space in women’s sports.Eni Aluko will not feature for TNT Sports in any of the three European finalsCredit: PAAluko apologised to Ian Wright after insinuating he risked blocking opportunities for female punditsCredit: AlamyWright subsequently rejected Aluko’s apology, stating he felt upset given the support he has shown her in the past.Now Aluko has been left off punditry duty by TNT Sports, so will not feature at the Champions League final, nor the Europa League and Conference League finals.Aluko, 38, has appeared regularly as a pundit on Conference League matches featuring her former side Chelsea.She provided analysis for matches against Panathinaikos, Noah, and Copenhagen, but will be absent for Chelsea’s final clash with Real Betis.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAluko has also been used by TNT Sports for Premier League and WSL matches this season, but last worked on March 27.Since then she’s had a fall out with Wright after suggesting there is a “finite amount of opportunities” for women and “men need to be aware of that”.Aluko later said sorry after receiving a lot of backlash for her comments, but Wright said he could not accept her apology.He said: “I’m very disappointed by what Eni has said.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”She knows how I have helped her and supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management.”I’ve seen the apology on social media, but I can’t accept it, but I also want to move on from it. I don’t need any further social commentary directed at anyone.”Ian Wright says he ‘cannot accept’ Eni Aluko’s apology as Arsenal legend responds over women’s football punditry rowTNT Sports have confirmed their punditry and commentary line-ups for all three finals, with Peter Crouch also left off the roster for all three.Instead Rio Ferdinand will appear twice, including the Champions League final where he will be joined by Karen Carney and Owen Hargreaves.The former Manchester United star will be in attendance to see the Red Devils take on Tottenham in Bilbao – ex-Spurs hero Gareth Bale will be there for TNT Sports alongside Glenn Hoddle, Robbie Savage and Paul Scholes.Michail Antonio, Joe Cole, and Steve Sidwell have been picked for the Europa Conference League final.SunSport has contacted TNT Sports for comment.TNT Sports’ European finals teamsChampions League: Paris Saint-Germain vs Inter Milan – May 31Presenters: Reshmin Chowdhury & Laura WoodsPundits: Karen Carney, Rio Ferdinand, Owen HargreavesCommentary: Darren Fletcher & Ally McCoistReporter: Jules BreachEuropa League: Tottenham vs Manchester United – May 21Presenters: Jules Breach & Lynsey HipgravePundits: Gareth Bale, Rio Ferdinand, Glenn Hoddle, Robbie Savage, Paul ScholesCommentary: Darren Fletcher & Ally McCoistReporter: Danny JamiesonEuropa Conference League: Chelsea vs Real Betis – May 28Presenter: Emma DoddsPundits: Michail Antonio, Joe Cole, Steve SidwellCommentary: Adam Summerton & Lucy WardReporter: Becky IvesRio Ferdinand will be a pundit at two European finals for TNT SportsCredit: PA More

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    Reading takeover finally COMPLETED as crisis club release statement after being saved from brink of going bust

    THE takeover of Reading FC has officially been completed.Redwood Holdings Limited have finally put pen to paper on a deal that sees them acquire 100 per cent of the League One club.The takeover of Reading has finally been completedCredit: GettyAs a result, Rob Couhig – the owner of the company – will become chairman.Co-owner Todd Trosclair has joined the board with immediate effect.A statement read: “The Club are pleased to announce that Redwood Holdings Limited – a subsidiary company of Dogwood LLC, owned by Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair of New Orleans, Louisiana – has completed the acquisition of 100% of the shareholding in Reading Football Club.”The takeover, which has received EFL clearance, completed very early on Wednesday morning and includes the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Ground.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Both Couhig and Trosclair will join the club’s board with immediate effect, with Rob Couhig being named as Chairman.”It concluded: “Redwood is ambitious and dedicated towards the club returning to its rightful place within the English football pyramid, while adhering to clear principles of honesty, transparency, and financial sustainability.”Further communication from Redwood will follow in due course.”Reading were on the verge of going bust before the takeover was confirmed.Most read in EFLFormer owner Dai Yongge purchased a 75 per cent stake in the club eight years ago but quickly became responsible for a series of financial issues.As a result, the Royals were hit with several points deductions and suffered relegation from the Championship in 2023.Reading fans take to the pitch to protest against owner Dai YonggeThe drop to League One prompted Dai to put Reading up for sale.Couhig expressed an interest in taking over earlier this year.By the time it was completed, the club had been up for sale for over 600 days. More

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    Liverpool hold secret meeting with Florian Wirtz as they look to hijack Man City’s transfer for £126m Leverkusen star

    LIVERPOOL have held a secret meeting with Florian Wirtz in an effort to hijack Manchester City’s transfer, according to reports.The German superstar jetted in talks with the Citizens ahead of a potential £126million transfer.Liverpool are interested in Florian WirtzCredit: GettyThe German star could cost up to £126millionCredit: GettyPep Guardiola’s side were hoping to convince the attacking midfielder to choose the Etihad over Bayern Munich as the Bayer Leverkusen ace is as the No1 target to replace Kevin De Bruyne.The club had spoken to the player’s father and agent, Hans, ahead of what would be a British record transfer.The £126m fee would surpass the £115m that Chelsea forked out for Moises Caicedo from Brighton in 2023.However, fresh reports have claimed that Liverpool are ready to hijack the deal.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGerman outlet Bild claimed the Reds held a secret meeting with Wirtz on Tuesday.His contract at the BayArena is set to expire in 2027 but he is expected to move this summer.Bayern Munich are also heavily interested in signing the talented German international, 22.Bild also suggested the Bundesliga champions are confident that they will win the race for his signature.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIt claims that the club chiefs are “confident” that Wirtz will keep his “promise” and move to the Allianz Arena. Wirtz has excelled yet again this season despite Leverkusen failing to defend their Bundesliga title.Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong reveals why he snubbed Liverpool and chose Man City last time Reds tried to sign himThe midfielder has contributed ten goals and 12 assists in just 30 league appearances.Meanwhile, Man City have also approached AC Milan to sign Tijjani Reijnders, 26, although they are yet to submit a bid.Milan want around £60m for the Dutch midfielder, which would make him their biggest sale in their history.The two clubs still have a negotiation to complete over right-back Kyle Walker, 34, who is on loan at the Serie A outfit from City for the rest of the season.City are also interested in Nottingham Forest star Morgan-Gibbs White, 25.However, Newcastle will fight off any City attempt to sign England star Tino Livramento.The defender, 22, has shone since stepping up to become Toon’s first-choice right-back ahead of Kieran Trippier. More