Philippa Kaur

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    Erling Haaland turns to Neil Warnock for FA Cup final pep talk as Man City ace admits he ‘agrees with’ long ball tactics

    ERLING HAALAND had a pep talk from former Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock to help prepare him for the FA Cup final.The veteran boss was invited to Manchester City’s training ground by Etihad chief Pep Guardiola earlier this month and spent time chatting to the players.Erling Haaland has a chat with Neil Warnock about ‘old school’ footballCredit: Erling Haaland SnapchatWarnock as invited to the City training ground by Pep GuardiolaCredit: PA:Press AssociationAs a lifelong fan of English football, Haaland revealed he was delighted to meet the ‘old school’ 76-year-old — and it turned out they had plenty in common.The Norwegian also told Warnock how he expects City to find the energy to finish their disappointing season on a high note — just as they always have done.Recalling the meeting with Warnock, striker Haaland said: “He’s a really funny guy, a good guy. I’ve watched a lot of English football my whole life so I know he’s a legend of the game.“I didn’t know he was coming so it was a surprise but I had a good chat with him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He’s got an old school way about him and I’m also a little bit old school because of my father. We had some good discussions.”Asked what they had chatted about, Haaland told the BBC: “Sometimes you have to kick and run a little bit.“That was his tactics in his days and I agree with it — a bit of kick and run.“We both love football so we talked about that, the period we’ve been in but how we’ve got a good momentum going on now.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“In other seasons, something has happened to give us some extra energy from somewhere and this is exactly the time it should happen.”Haaland says he is fit and raring to go after six weeks on the sidelines recovering from an ankle injury picked up in the quarter-final win at Bournemouth.City have reached the final in each of his three seasons at the club and he says winning it would be special as May 17 is a significant date in his homeland. It is always a public holiday in Norway as they celebrate their Constitution Day with parades, traditional dress and music.He said: “It would mean a lot to me on a big day in Norway. So I’ll do everything I can to make it possible and I’ll do everything I can to help the team to achieve this.“It was horrible to be injured. But what can you do? You have to recover as quickly as you can and to come back as fit as you can.“Now I’m back with loads of energy. I’m feeling good and moving good and I’m ready.”Guardiola has said that winning the FA Cup and securing a place in next season’s Champions League would not save the season in his eyes.Haaland believes FA Cup glory could save City’s poor campaignCredit: GettyHowever, Haaland stressed: “For me it would help. It’s important to win trophies. That’s what I want. That’s why I’m here.“But again, the standards these guys have been putting up, maybe for them it doesn’t mean anything because they put the standard so high.“The past has been incredible for me personally in this club and also before I came here in the club, what Pep has been doing.“It’s ridiculous when you actually dig a bit into it to see how good he’s been doing.  “But yeah, I’m here to continue to win trophies, which we’ll try to do now in the FA Cup.”Haaland has been to Wembley as a City fan — and for the last two years as a player in the final — and he cannot wait to experience it again.He added: “I remember my father telling me how appreciated the FA Cup is in this country and I understood that when I won it.“It’s really impressive to see how many times Pep has taken City to Wembley, it’s a difficult thing to do. To be here for the third time in a row is amazing and hopefully we can win it again.Read More on The Sun“I’ve watched many finals, but I’ve been to Wembley as a supporter of City, and I’ve won it as well.“It’s special to go to Wembley. You always know it’s a big game when you play there.” More

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    Chelsea star banned from driving after racking up more points on license than Man Utd have in Premier League

    CHELSEA star Wesley Fofana has been banned from driving for two years after racking up 47 points on his licence.The French international’s tally would see him finish higher than several Premier League giants this season — including Manchester United, who sit on 39 points.Wesley Fofana has been banned from driving for two years after racking up 47 points on his licenceCredit: AlamyFofana was then caught five times behind the wheel of his £300,000 Rolls-Royce CullinanCredit: AlamyLavender Hill magistrates’ court in South West London heard on Wednesday that he had committed eight offences in three different vehicles in less than a year.Fofana, 24, who did not appear at court, was dubbed a “habitual speeder” by chairman of the bench John Soones, who slapped the defender with a further 38 points on top of his previous nine.Mr Soones said: “We take into account the fact he is a habitual speeder, with access to powerful motor cars, who speeds at nearly double the speed limit.”The earliest offence was last March when he drove his Lamborghini Urus at 26mph in a 20mph zone in Brixton, South London.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFofana was then caught five times behind the wheel of his £300,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan and twice in his blue 4.0-litre Audi — all in a 50mph zone on the A3 Esher bypass.He hit speeds of up to 88mph on the route he regularly uses to get to and from his home in Kingston-upon-Thames to the club’s training ground in Cobham, Surrey.Fofana, who admitted all offences, had so many they were scattered throughout the building’s courtrooms. Chairman Mr Soones said: “He’s got a flush. He is in court one, two and three. But we have gathered them all together”.Most read in FootballHis lawyer Imogen Cox told the court: “He is a young man that plays football for a living and he works extremely hard, training, and has foolishly not complied with the rules of the road.”Fofana was fined £5,328, plus a £2,131 victim surcharge and £110 in costs. Chelsea player ratings: Enzo Fernandez silences his doubters but Robert Sanchez endures a few shaky moments vs LeicesterHe was previously disqualified for six months in January 2023 for speeding.The player is regarded as a “sick note” by Chelsea fans due to long absences after two major knee injuries since his £70million switch from Leicester City in 2022. More

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    ‘Won’t say thank you any time soon’ – George Russell reacts as hated F1 rule is overturned

    GEORGE RUSSELL “won’t be saying thank you” anytime soon after blasting Formula One’s swearing rules as too “ridiculous” in the first place.The Mercedes star, who sits fourth in the Championship standings, showed no gratitude to F1’s governing body after labelling the walk-back on rules as “suspect” ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.George Russell has criticised the FIA’s stance on swearing and criticising officialsCredit: GettyFIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem dramatically reduced the fines after receiving backlashCredit: AFPOn Wednesday, the FIA climbed down on its previous stance of drivers facing potential bans and point deductions for swearing or criticising officials, and dramatically reduced the possible fines that can be issued.Crucially, the stewards are now able to differentiate between ‘controlled’ and ‘non-controlled’ environments, meaning drivers are highly unlikely to be punished for swearing while competing, but will still face action for using offensive language in press conferences.But Russell, was unmoved by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem cutting the first time fines from £33,700 down to £4,200.The 27-year-old said: “I didn’t really have any reaction to the announcement because it was so ridiculous in the first place that we are just basically reverting on that.READ MORE ON F1″At the end of the day we’re not going to be saying thank you for something that was so crazy in the first place.”We’ve just gone back to something that is slightly more in the name of common sense”But we should never have moved away from that in the first place. You know, we shouldn’t even be having this conversation.”Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, also revealed that he “wonders if the change was strategic timing” given that Ben Sulayem is up for re-election at the end of the season.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBen Sulayem said when the rule change was announced that he had “led an extensive and collaborative review with contributions from across the seven FIA World Championships”.But, Russell has refused that claim, saying: “We’ve still had no correspondence with anyone from the senior level at the FIA. So yeah, it’s all a bit suspect.”Lewis Hamilton fumes ‘have a tea break while you’re at it’ at Ferrari staff and refuses to apologise in Miami GP bust-upFerrari driver Lewis Hamilton, 40, also agreed that the situation was “ridiculous”.The seven-time champion said: “It seems a bit of a mess there at the moment. There are lots of changes that are needed, for sure.”Red Bull’s Max Verstappen – who last year was the first driver to be punished for saying his car was “f***ed” with a form of community service – said the change was “a bit better and it’s a start”.Incredibly, Russell and Verstappen both backed the potential bid of Carlos Sainz Sr, the father of Williams driver Sainz, in this December’s FIA presidential election.When asked if Sainz would be a better president, the world champion Red Bull star bluntly replied: “You can fill that in yourself.”He’s very well respected in the world here and in the rally world as a former rally driver.”Of course people always say it’s conflicting with his son but I think he’s professional enough to keep that separated from each other.”I think it would be a great addition to run for president.”Russell also dismissed the idea there could be a conflict of interest because of Sainz’s son, who is also a GPDA director.Read More on The SunThe Brit said: “You’re so far removed from a technical standpoint. It’s down to the technical people within the FIA to be the rule makers.”The president in years gone by has probably been far less involved than what we’ve seen recently and far less visible.”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 FAR More

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    Arsenal fans baffled as Lewis-Skelly is beaten by team-mate, 24, to Premier League Young Player of the Year nomination

    ARSENAL fans have demanded a rule change to the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year award.The eight stars nominated for this season’s accolade have been announced with Myles Lewis-Skelly missing out.Myles Lewis Skelly did not make the cut for Young Player of the YearCredit: GettyBut William Saliba was a shock inclusionCredit: GettyBut to the surprise of Arsenal supporters, 24-year-old William Saliba made the cut instead.Liam Delap (Ipswich), Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Joao Pedro (Brighton) and Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) complete the list of nominees.Many expected Lewis-Skelly to be one of them after a stunning breakthrough season.The 18-year-old has featured 21 times in the Premier League this term and has made the left-back spot his own following his start in December.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLewis-Skelly’s good form even saw him earn a first senior England call-up in March.But he has not been nominated with many of the players chosen aged between 22 and 24.Premier League rules state you are eligible for the Young Player of the Year award if you are 23 or under at the start of the campaign.But many fans want a change to the regulations, with one saying: “It should be Under-21 players only.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnother added: “They really need to rethink the ‘Young’ Player of the Season. Because not having Lewis-Skelly but having 24-year-old Saliba makes no sense.”A third wrote: “They need a Rookie of the Year award to go along side this for newcomers/younger players.”‘Those doubts maybe kick in’ – Jamie Carragher hints when Declan Rice will start considering his Arsenal futureGravenberch has also been nominated for the senior Player of the Season award after helping Liverpool win the league.His team-mates Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk join him on the list.Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest), Alexander Isak (Newcastle), Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) and Declan Rice (Arsenal) are the other contenders. More

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    Sonia Bompastor says Alexis Ohanian £20m investment in Chelsea Women shows English football is ‘in a good place’

    SONIA BOMPASTOR reckons Alexis Ohanian’s decision to buy a stake  in WSL champions Chelsea, is a positive move for the women’s game.And the Blues chief hopes the Reddit co-founder’s move will encourage others to invest in the sport in England. Sonia Bompastor hopes Alexis Ohanian buying a stake in Chelsea will lead to more investment in the WSLCredit: PAThe American businessman’s decision to buy a ten per cent stake has been hailed as a landmark moment for Chelsea WomenCredit: APOhanian is set to be at Wembley to watch Bompastor’s players in action with the Blues hoping to add an FA Cup win to their League Cup and WSL title triumphCredit: ReutersThe France-born coach, 44, was speaking earlier today, a day after The Times reported the internet had entrepreneur purchased a ten per cent stake worth around £20million in their women’s side.Along with tennis legend wife Serena Williams, Ohanian is also an investor in US women’s outfit Angel City. His also the largest shareholder of the National Women’s Soccer League side whose founders include actor and film star Natalie Portman.    The USA-born multimillionaire, 42, and Williams, 43, are due to visit Wembley on Sunday, to watch Chelsea in action against Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final. Read More Football StoriesOf his backing Bompastor said: “That’s really important for the women’s game, but also for England to have someone who invests in a team like Chelsea.”This investment is game-changing for the women’s game, but also for young girls. “We want to be one of the best teams in the world in terms of results on the pitch, but also we want to be a model off the pitch. “We want to make sure when young girls look at our team, they dream of being one of our players for the future.Most read in Football”We want to be the team that shows every other team how you need to perform and how you need to invest in the women’s game. “Hopefully this example will bring some other people who will invest in women’s teams in this league.”Earlier today Ohanian posted a picture via his official account social media platform X featuring a Chelsea shirt.The Blues jersey featured the number 776 on the back in reference to the name of a tech venture capital firm established by the American businessman in September 2020. Today Chelsea Women chief executive Aki Mandhar described Ohanian’s move as a “landmark day” for the team and for women’s football in Europe and beyond. Mandhar added: “This investment is validation of the club’s past success. “More importantly it is yet another proof point in the market of the persistent growth and potential of women’s football. “We continue to lead the way, on and off the pitch, for players and for our fans and brands, empowering and inspiring future athletes and the next generation of sports fans. “As a club, we are unapologetically ambitious. “This investment is proof that the opportunities for growth in the business of women’s football are endless.”When the Chelsea boss was asked her thoughts why Ohanian invested she added: “We are the best. Simple. The results help a lot.”This Sunday Chelsea will attempt to seal a trophy treble win with United targeting back-to-back triumphs following their first Cup final victory last year. Bompastor said: “We know we are facing a really strong team, so we’ll be ready for that.Man United are targeting back-to-back FA Cup wins in their third successive appearance in the contest’s finalCredit: Getty”We feel ready going into this final, but it will be a really special moment.Read More on The Sun”I heard maybe 80,000 tickets were sold. “Just to have the opportunity to play in that stadium in front of an almost sold-out crowd will be the perfect end to a season, if we win.” More

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    Lewis Hamilton reveals his ‘heart stops’ when he gets a text about beloved dog Roscoe following pneumonia battle

    LEWIS HAMILTON has revealed that his “heart stops” every time he gets a text message about his beloved dog Roscoe.The Ferrari star still worries about his elderly French bulldog, who has recovered from pneumonia after coming down ill last month.Lewis Hamilton’s beloved French bulldog, Roscoe, has been through the wars as of lateCredit: INSTAGRAM@LEWISHAMILTONLewis Hamilton’s dog Roscoe is now 12 years oldCredit: GettyThe 12-year-old has recently recovered from a bout of pneumoniaCredit: APHamilton’s heart skips a beat every time he gets a text message about his poochCredit: ALAMYHamilton said: “This is a time where every time I get a text message from the lady who looks after him, my heart stops for a second.”Because I’m thinking, ‘What’s next?’ But he’s fine now, fortunately. He is doing well.”He’s 12 and a half years old, so he’s an old boy and it’s unusual for them to live that long.”Hamilton is often seen posting pictures with his pet pooch, who he frequently flies to races around the globe and takes for walks in the paddock on weekends.READ MORE F1 NEWSThey even appear together on the front cover of a recent edition of Vogue.When quizzed on Roscoe’s next appearance, Hamilton said: “I really want to take him to Silverstone, and particularly Monza, this year.”I plan to put him in a red cape and outfit. I was with him before Miami and he still wants to play. “He’s still got that youthful spirit. But he does like to sleep a lot.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe canine, who is a vegan like his owner, was treated with medication – and even received specialist acupuncture treatment.Given Hamilton’s troubling start to his new life at the Prancing Horse, news of his ill companion likely threatened to make the disappointing opening six races even harder ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend.While Roscoe’s trainer Kirstin McMillan has been nursing the animal back to full fitness, Hamilton has his eyes set on racing in front of the Tifosi as a Ferrari driver for the first time in Imola.Lewis Hamilton fumes ‘have a tea break while you’re at it’ at Ferrari staff and refuses to apologise in Miami GP bust-upLewis takes Roscoe to the Sports Personality of the Year awards in 2014Credit: PA:Press AssociationRoscoe is joined by his doggie pals for his birthday partyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/roscoelovescoco/Roscoe was a frequent flier on Hamilton’s private jetRoscoe wears a team jersey in 2020Credit: GettyThe seven-time world champion said he’s feeling “excited” about it but won’t prepare any differently after enjoying downtime at the Met Gala during the mini-break.The 40-year-old revealed: “It’s weird because these hospitality trucks have been here since 2009.”I’ve walked past Ferrari and never went inside. If I’m really being honest, I was always too scared to go inside being from a different team.”So today is another realisation and feeling. You know that Italians are extremely passionate about it. “It’s a lot more than you expect when you’re actually in it. And it’s beautiful.”Hamilton currently sits seventh in the F1 drivers’ standings, 90 points behind leader Oscar Piastri and 12 behind team-mate Charles Leclerc who missed media day through illness.Lewis Hamilton is currently seventh the F1 Drivers’ ChampionshipCredit: Rex More

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    Sheffield Wednesday release SEVEN players including Euro 2024 star as fans say ‘should be ashamed’

    SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY have released seven players following the end of their contracts.The Owls finished the Championship season in 12th under boss Danny Rohl. Stuart Armstrong has left Sheffield WednesdayCredit: AlamyWednesday announced today that Stuart Armstrong, Ben Hamer, Ryo Hatsuse, Michael Ihiekwe, Marvin Johnson, Pol Valentin and Mallik Wilks have all been let go as their deals have expired.Armstrong, who featured at last summer’s Euro 2024 for Scotland, leaves after just four months at the club.The 33-year-old ex-Southampton midfielder played just 11 times for Wednesday. Johnson’s four-year spell comes to an end after making 169 appearances.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd other first-team regulars Valentin and Ihiekwe depart.Veteran goalkeeper Hamer leaves having never played a game for the club and Wilks is shown the permanent exit door after spending the season on loan at Rotherham.But Wednesday fans have slammed the club for letting go of Hatsuse shortly after he made the move from Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe.The left-back featured just six times and one supporter wrote online: “Should genuinely be ashamed of bringing him over to the UK for three months just to let him go.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOthers added: “He was the most pointless signing ever.”A third reacted: “Hatsuse and Armstrong just came for a holiday in the lovely city of Sheffield.”Wednesday also confirmed that extension options have been exercised in the contracts of Anthony Musaba, Michael Smith and Josh Windass.Club legend Barry Bannan, as well as team-mates Akin Famewo and Callum Paterson, have been offered new deals.Loanees James Beadle, Ibrahim Cissoko and Shea Charles return to their parent clubs. Barry Bannan has been offered a new dealCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri handed goalkeeper’s shirt number with chequered Gunners history

    ETHAN NWANERI has been given a new shirt number ahead of the 2025/26 season.The 18-year-old was one of the shining lights in a disappointing season for Arsenal, who are on course for a third-straight second-placed Premier League finish.Ethan Nwaneri wore the number 53 shirt for Arsenal last seasonCredit: ALAMYThe 18-year-old has been handed a new shirt number for the 2025/26 campaignCredit: GETTYNwaneri will take the number 22 shirt left vacant by David Raya, who has officially taken the number 1 jerseyCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKNwaneri has worn the number 53 shirt this season, in which he’s scored nine goals and provided two assists in 36 appearances in all competitions.But he’ll don a different number for the 25/26 campaign after one of his team-mates vacated their current number.Nwaneri will be Arsenal’s new number 22 next season, taking the shirt from goalkeeper David Raya.Raya has ditched his old number to officially become Arsenal’s number one, which was left vacant following Aaron Ramsdale’s move to Southampton last summer.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Emirates faithful will hope the number 22 shirt will bring Nwaneri the same good fortune it did Invincible Gael Clichy.The shirt, however, has had a chequered past in recent years, being worn by flops Yaya Sanogo, Denis Suarez and Pablo Mari.Nwaneri’s fellow teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly won’t be following his suit and changing his number for the 2025/26 season.The 18-year-old – who has been one of the club’s star performers this season – will continue to wear the number 49 shirt next season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSNwaneri has played a whopping 1,303 minutes of football in his breakthrough season at the Emirates.But manager Mikel Arteta is wary of giving the teenager too much game time too soon.Ethan Nwaneri’s rise at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta’s guiseThe Spaniard said of the Gunners’ 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend: “There are moments where players are used more and less.“He’s played a lot, probably more than anybody expected for sure.”In the last few games, it’s been because of the games and the context, we decided not to play him in those matches.”It can change very quickly.” More