Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 238 Shares107 Views

    in Soccer

    Emotional moment Eddie Howe chokes up as he thanks hero NHS staff who cared for him during pneumonia battle

    EDDIE HOWE choked up as he returned to the hospital where he was treated for pneumonia.The Newcastle manager was hospitalised in April and was forced to miss three matches as he fought the severe infection.Eddie Howe has visited the hospital where he was treated for pneumoniaCredit: x @premierleagueHe thanked many of the medical staff who helped treat himCredit: x @premierleagueHe missed three Premier League games while he was hospitalisedCredit: x @premierleagueHe gave a Burnley shirt to his consultant who supports the clubCredit: x @premierleagueHowe, 47, made his return to the dugout as the Magpies beat Ipswich 3-0.He has since overseen his side’s draw against Brighton and win over Chelsea to boost their hopes of Champions League qualification.The manager returned to the hospital where he was treated to thank the medical staff.Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given joined him as he spoke to doctors and nurses.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIn a video shared by the Premier League, Howe could be seen thanking the workers who helped him.The English boss showed his gratitude to the many workers with kind words of thanks and hugs.He even spoke to one doctor who admitted he was more nervous treating Howe due to his love of Newcastle.Howe was given the chance to video call his consultant, Charlotte, and offer her a special gift.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Burnley supporter was gifted a Clarets shirt by Howe, who managed the club between 2011 and 2012.The Magpies boss also invited Charlotte to St James’ Park when Burnley visit next season.How Newcastle bamboozled Chelsea in battle for Champions League He was very grateful for all the help he receivedCredit: x @premierleagueHe started to choke up when speaking to his consultantCredit: x @premierleagueHe said: “Just for a massive thank you for how you and your team looked after me. Really grateful”To which Charlotte joked: “I don’t wish to do it again but it was a pleasure.”Howe then admitted that he was “getting a bit emotional” as he choked up over the phone call.He also spoke about how he was doing with Given in the car on the way to the hospital.He said: “I am feeling pretty good. Every day I feel stronger.”I was seen to straight away and was diagnosed really quickly with pneumonia and the scan has come back with something on it.”And that treatment would start straight away.”Howe is now back in the dugout for NewcastleCredit: Alamy More

  • 225 Shares107 Views

    in Soccer

    Final Premier League table predicted by supercomputer with Man Utd 17TH and huge twist in Champions League race

    A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the final Premier League table.With just two matches to go, the race for Champions League qualification is going right down to the wire.Aston Villa are set to qualify for the Champions League againCredit: Shutterstock EditorialChelsea will have to settle for a Europa League spotCredit: GettyDue to English side’s strong performance in Europe this season, the top five sides go into Uefa’s elite competition and sixth will be rewarded with a spot in the Europa League.Seventh and eighth could result in away days on the continent too – but it depends on whether Manchester City or Crystal Palace win the FA Cup.Number crunchers at Gambling Industry News have simulated the rest of the season to predict who will make it.They say that Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle and Aston Villa will get into the Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnai Emery’s side will sneak in ahead of Chelsea and Nottingham Forest by beating both Tottenham and Manchester United in their remaining games.The statisticians reckon the Blues also beat the Red Devils but are held to a draw in a potential decider against Nottingham Forest on the final day.It will mean that Chelsea have to settle for a Europa League place.And it will be a disappointing end to the campaign for Forest too as they have been predicted to crumble under pressure and lose to West Ham this Sunday to burst their Champions League dreams.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBrentford will hold onto eighth to be left hoping City win the FA Cup so the Conference League spot drops down to them.Towards the bottom of the table in the battle to avoid finishing 17th, United’s disastrous campaign will continue to get worse.Ruben Amorim vows to QUIT Man Utd if horror slump continues as dejected boss identifies ‘most dangerous thing’ at clubThe supercomputer thinks they will be beaten by Chelsea and Villa, picking up no more points and ending on a woeful total of 39.It would see them finish just one spot above the relegation zone as Tottenham are expected to pull off a victory against Brighton on the Prem’s final day.Man Utd have been predicted to finish 17thCredit: GettyJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

  • 238 Shares156 Views

    in Soccer

    Inside the curious case of former Serie A and European champions as their worrying demise hits devastating new low

    FOR a few years they were the darlings of Italian and even European football.But now they are staring into the abyss of the lowest low in their history. Sampdoria suffered the worst day in their club’s history on TuesdayCredit: GettyThe club’s passionate fans have been let down by events on the field and in the boardroomCredit: GettyRoberto Mancini was the main man as Sampdoria enjoyed a trophy-laden few years in the 1980s and 1990sCredit: GettySampdoria enjoyed their best years in the late 1980s and early 1990s – spearheaded by their record goalscorer and appearance-maker Roberto Mancini plus Gianluca Vialli chipping in, too. During that time, they won all four of their Coppa Italia crowns and were European Cup Winners’ Cup winners in 1990.The club’s solo Serie A title followed a year later.In 1991-92, they reached the European Cup final, losing 1-0 to Barcelona at Wembley.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSampdoria finished no lower than seventh in Serie A for eight straight seasons between 1986-87 and 1993-94.Even by 1998, their worst season was ninth before suffering relegation in 1998-99.Four years in Serie B followed then by 18 of the next 19 back in the top flight. But after relegation in 2022-23, Sampdoria have suffered a nightmare season – and were relegated again on Tuesday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd it means the iconic club will drop into the third-tier Serie C for the very first time in their 78 years in existence next term. A 0-0 draw at Juve Stabia in their final game of the season confirmed that Sampdoria ended the campaign 18th in Serie B.Their tally of 41 points was only four fewer than 11th-placed Modena.But the season was, in truth, a mess.Sampdoria used 38 players in Serie B this term.And that includes a staggering FIVE different goalkeepers across the wretched campaign. There has been no consistency in the dugout, either, with Sampdoria going through four managers, too.MANAGERIAL MERRY-GO-ROUNDIt started with Andrea Pirlo who was sacked in August after picking up one point from the first three second-division fixtures. Andrea Sottil lasted until October, Leonardo Semplici was pelted with rocks and flares and forced out in March when Alberico Evani came in for the final few weeks but was unable to turn the sinking ship around. Poor recruitment at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris also played its part, with no fewer than 16 players brought in on loan. This season’s squad featured ex-Liverpool striker Fabio Borini, former AC Milan man M’Baye Niang and former Manchester United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen’s son Melle.Meanwhile, the brilliantly-named Ronaldo Vieira was unable to channel the quality or leadership of his namesakes.Read More on The SunInstead, defender Alex Ferrari and his team-mates are racing at speed down to the third tier in embarrassing fashion, having let down the typically passionate partisan fans. And to rub it in even more, arch-rival Genoa revelled in their enemy’s struggles by setting off fireworks and celebrating the relegation in the streets – payback revenge for Sampdoria’s own gloating three years ago.Andrea Pirlo was sacked after three league matches in AugustCredit: GettyThe players hid their faces as the 0-0 draw sent them into Serie CCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThey were barely consolable when relegation was confirmedCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe squad includes Fabio Borini and Melle MeulensteenCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAlberico Evani was their fourth manager of a horror campaign seasonCredit: Getty More

  • 163 Shares107 Views

    in Soccer

    Emotional Frank Lampard struggles through Sky Sports interview after Coventry’s gut-wrenching play-off defeat

    EMOTIONAL Frank Lampard struggled through a Sky Sports interview after Coventry’s gut-wrenching playoff defeat to Sunderland.The Sky Blues fought back from a goal down to level things up in the north east last night.Frank Lampard struggled through an interview after Coventry’s playoff defeat to SunderlandThe Chelsea legend saw his side knocked out by a 122nd minute goalCredit: GettyCoventry and Sunderland then looked set for a penalty shootout to settle their thrilling tie.But disaster struck for the visitors as Dan Ballard headed home a winner in the 122nd minute.Sunderland’s 3-2 aggregate win means they will now face Sheffield United at Wembley for a place in the Premier League.However, Coventry have been left to pick up the pieces of their heartbreaking defeat after an epic season under Lampard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Chelsea legend replaced Mark Robins in November and led his side from a relegation battle to a fifth-place finish.But despite the amazing run, Lampard was left stunned after seeing his promotion hopes fade away.In an interview with Sky Sports, the former England midfielder was clearly shell-shocked as he opened up on one of the “cruellest” moments of his career.Yet Super Frank, who was harassed by a shirtless home fan at the final whistle, remained gracious as he congratulated Sunderland on their victory.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe said: “(Cruel way to go?) Yeah, that’s the biggest example I think I’ve probably been involved in.”Firstly, congratulations to Sunderland, they go to the final. But, I’ve got immense pride in my players, over the two games, we dominated at home and dominated huge periods of this game.Frank Lampard fumes after being harassed for selfie by pitch invader after last gasp Coventry loss at Sunderland”We came here with absolute bravery to play the way we play. They had to concede to us because of the way we played, the way the lads controlled the game. “They don’t deserve it, the players. I’m a lot older, I’ve been around a lot, so I’ve taken whacks and I’ve had success.”I suppose I can be maybe a tiny bit more balanced in my job, but for those players, they don’t deserve that. So, congratulations to Sunderland. We’re not bitter, but we were the better team over the two football matches.”I can’t ask for any more. I’m so disappointed for the club, for the fans, the owner and the players. Once the dust settles, I cannot be disappointed with the way they play.”It’s cruel. But I can’t think of anything but pride for the season and for tonight. We wanted to go to Wembley. But sometimes the gods conspire against you in certain ways.” More

  • 175 Shares156 Views

    in Soccer

    Which players should Dream Team bosses target in search of Europa League final points?

    THE 2025 Europa League final is laced with compelling narratives.Tottenham and Manchester United will compete for the continent’s second-most prestigious trophy in Bilbao next Wednesday and the stakes are sky high.A mouthwatering showdownBoth teams have endured miserable domestic campaigns with Spurs currently 17th in the Premier League table and the Red Devils just one point better off in 16th.The winners of the Europa League will salvage their season while the losers will be forced to reflect upon a disastrous year that may have significant consequences.Then there’s the Dream Team angle.Despite their persistent league woes, both Spurs and Man United have provided plenty of points throughout the season with their European adventures being a major contributing factor.Just two Gameweeks remain before the fat lady sings and with fixtures at a premium, most engaged managers will be looking to target the Europa League final as a source of precious points.The Europa League final is make-or-break for PostecoglouCredit: ReutersAnge Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim’s sides are two of just four teams set to pull double duty in Gameweek 36 and so there’s every chance the events in Bilbao will shape Mini League standings worldwide.GAMEWEEK 36 DOUBLE HEADERSTOTTENHAM vs Aston Villa (a) & Man United (n)MANCHESTER UNITED vs Chelsea (a) & Spurs (n)CRYSTAL PALACE vs Man City (n) & Wolves (h)MANCHESTER CITY vs Crystal Palace (n) & Bournemouth (h)First and foremost, Bruno Fernandes (£7m) has to be considered a must-have asset at this moment in time.Most read in FootballThe Portuguese playmaker has racked up 425 points this season via 19 goals and 19 assists.Only Mohamed Salah (£6.8m) sits above Fernandes in the overall rankings but United’s captain is in a league of his own among midfielders, a 106 points ahead of his nearest rival, Bryan Mbeumo (£4.6m).There’s a chance the 30-year-old will be rested at Stamford Bridge on Friday night but he should still be considered a top target for Gameweek 36 given he averages eight points-per-game in 2024/25.Fernandes has been immense this seasonCredit: Shutterstock EditorialDeciding upon another viable Man United asset is far from straightforward.Alejandro Garnacho (£3.5m) ranks 11th among Dream Team midfielders with 269 points to his name but the young Argentine winger is unpredictable.It may be that Noussair Mazraoui (£3m) is the man to accompany Fernandes for gaffers who think the Europa League final will go the way of the Northerners.Betting on a clean sheet for either side is fraught with danger but the Moroccan defender has an ace up his sleeve in his immense tackling ability.Mazraoui gets stuck inCredit: REXMazraoui has made 166 tackles in all competitions this season, comfortable the highest tally among all players – only two other players have registered more than 120.This defensive effort has allowed him to collect 226 points despite United’s defensive frailties, enough to place him eighth in the rankings among players in his position. In terms of Spurs options, Pedro Porro (£5.4m) deserves credit for his mammoth tally of 287 points as Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.4m) is the only defender who boasts a superior total after 35 Gameweeks.The Spaniard has contributed four goals and TEN assists from right-back this term.Furthermore, he has earned 51 bonus points, which makes him joint-leader in the metric alongside Youri Tielemans (£4.5m).Porro could finish the season as Dream Team’s top defenderCredit: GettyJames Maddison (£4.4m) leads the way among his attack-minded team-mates with 272 points but the ex-Leicester midfielder has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.Frustratingly, Dejan Kulusevski (£3.9m) is flagged as a doubt for Gameweek 36 having hobbled off after just 18 minutes against Crystal Palace last time out.The Sweden international provided plenty of points earlier in the campaign but injuries have tanked his viability in the last two months.And so it appears Dominic Solanke (£4m) is the best attacking threat for gaffers keen on Spurs.The 27 year-old target man scored important goals against Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt to help his side reach the final of the Europa League.Solanke averages a goal involvement every 128.8 minutes this season.Read More on The SunSolanke has banked substantial points in the Europa League knockouts stagesCredit: APAlternatively, Son Heung-min (£4.3m) is available again having returned against the Eagles last weekend but his minutes are not guaranteed by any means.One way or the other, the Europa League final will have a bearing on the business end of the Dream Team season.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

  • 263 Shares126 Views

    in Soccer

    Man City vs Crystal Palace: Get 40/1 for either side to win FA Cup final in 90 mins with Parimatch

    MANCHESTER CITY and Crystal Palace meet in the FA Cup final on Saturday.And bookmakers Parimatch are celebrating the monster Wembley showpiece with a fantastic welcome deal for brand new customers by offering either side at 40/1 to win the contest!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereMan City vs Crystal Palace: Get either side to win at 40/1 HERE*How to claim..Parimatch welcome offerVisit the Parimatch website HERE*Create your accountOpt in to this promotion using the “Opt in” button before placing your qualifying betMake your first deposit of minimum £5Place a bet at the normal price on either Manchester City or Crystal Palace to win – match betting – 90 min.  If your bet wins, you will be paid at the normal priceYou will then have the extra amount credited in Free Bets, shortly after settlement, bringing your total returns up to the enhanced price of 40/1!Remember, this offer is a maximum £1 stakeMan City vs Crystal Palace: Get either side to win at 40/1 HERE*No Parimatch account? No problem! We’ve got you covered.To register, simply visit the Parimatch website HERE* and create an account.From there, opt in to this promotion using the “Opt in” button before placing your qualifying bet.After that, make your first deposit of minimum £5 and then place a maximum £1 bet at the normal price on either Manchester City or Crystal Palace to win the FA Cup final in 90 minutes.If your bet wins, you will be paid at the normal price. You will then have the extra amount credited in Free Bets, shortly after settlement, bringing your total returns up to the enhanced price of 40/1!Example: £1 bet at 1/1 gives £2 real cash and £39 in Free Bets.Man City vs Crystal Palace: Get either side to win at 40/1 HERE**18+ New customers only. Opt in and bet max £1 on either Manchester City or Crystal Palace to win – match betting – 90 min. No cash out. Enhanced odds paid in Free Bets; to be used on any Sports market. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Offer valid until 16:30 UK time on 17.05.25.  Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

  • 200 Shares126 Views

    in Soccer

    Liverpool star Darwin Nunez forced to serve five-match ban after losing appeal over clash with fans

    LIVERPOOL star Darwin Nunez will serve his five-match ban for clashing with fans after losing his appeal.The striker jumped into the crowd following a brawl between Uruguay and Colombia in the Copa America semi-final last summer.Darwin Nunez has lost an appeal against an international suspensionCredit: AlamyThe striker jumped into the crowd at the end of a Copa America match last yearCredit: EPAIt was claimed Nunez was defending his family after a brawl broke outCredit: GettyUruguay and Colombia fans clashed after the semi-finalCredit: GettyNunez will serve a five-match international banCredit: AFPNunez, 25, served two matches of his international suspension, against Paraguay and Venezuela, before the Uruguayan FA appealed the ban through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).However Cas has rejected the appeal following a review of the incident, finding Nunez’s case of self-defence does not stand up to scrutiny.A court statement read: “The panel found that in this case the principle of self-defence does not apply.”The conduct of the players constituted a voluntary, violent and unjustified action which was in violation of the Conmebol disciplinary code.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNunez’s guilty verdict also means he will have to pay a £15,145 ($20,000) fine.It was claimed Nunez climbed into the crowd in an attempt to protect his loved ones.But he also tried to throw a foldable chair before a security guard intervened to ensure he did not hit anybody.The ugly scenes took place after Nunez’s Uruguay lost 1-0 in semi-final clash.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFour other Uruguay players received three-match suspensions – Mathias Olivera, Ronald Araujo, Jose Gimenez and Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur.They have all served their bans but Nunez is set to miss Uruguay’s next three World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay, Venezuela and Peru.Liverpool boss Arne Slot parties with Wayne Lineker in Ibiza just hours after Premier League clash with Arsenal_2 More

  • 175 Shares156 Views

    in Soccer

    West Ham star left CRYING after beating Man Utd as he releases emotional statement

    GUIDO RODRIGUEZ has revealed that he was left CRYING after West Ham beat Manchester United.The Hammers midfielder posted an emotional statement after the victory at Old Trafford.Guido Rodriguez was left crying after helping West Ham beat Manchester UnitedCredit: instagram @guiido_rodriguezHe was an important part of the Hammers’ midfield in the matchCredit: Shutterstock EditorialRodriguez, 31, joined the East London club on a free transfer last summer after leaving Real Betis.The Argentine has struggled for regular game time in England despite being a World Cup winner in 2022. Since the arrival of manager Graham Potter, Rodriguez had only seen two minutes of action before the trip to Manchester.His inclusion in the starting XI came as a surprise to fans but he justified his selection.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe midfielder helped West Ham end an eight-game winless run and leapfrog the Red Devils and Tottenham in the Premier League table.After the match, he took to social media to celebrate the win and admitted that he was left crying at the achievement of a boyhood dream.He included a number of pictures from his performance as well as a selfie of him teary-eyed.He wrote: “It was about three months without playing… and after so much endurance and effort, today was a reward.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Better days, worse days, and today I was able to let out what was inside me.”Little Guido, who watched the Premier League and Old Trafford games at home on Sunday mornings, dreaming of being a soccer player one day, would be very proud of what he became, of what he achieved with his drive and dedication.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel Messi”Of how he enjoyed and continues to enjoy the process.”Of how he cried after the game. And of how he continues to pursue and work for his dreams.”Rodriguez received plenty of support from his West Ham team-mates as they flooded the comment section.Club captain Jarrod Bowen wrote: “You deserve brother.”Loan star Carlos Soler posted: “A great player, an impeccable professional, a tireless fighter, and, most importantly, a 10/10 person.”Vladimir Coufal commented: “You were amazing today.”Edson Alvarez said: “You are immense, brother.”Luis Guilherme added: “You deserve it bro.”West Ham ran out 2-0 winners over Ruben Amorim’s side with Tomas Soucek and Bowen netting the goals.Read More on The SunMeanwhile, Rodriguez has been tipped to leave the Hammers this summer.Reports have claimed he has had offers from former clubs River Plate, CF America and Betis. More