Philippa Kaur

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    Fifa confirm biggest cash pot in football history at Club World Cup with Man City and Chelsea getting share of $1BILLION

    CHELSEA and Manchester City will take shares of the biggest cash pot in football history when they play in this summer’s inaugural expanded Club World Cup.Fifa chiefs confirmed a stunning £776million cash pool for the 32-team tournament to be played in the USA in June and July.Fifa have confirmed the prize money for the Club World CupCredit: GettyA global TV deal with streamer DAZN will pay for the competition.It will see the 12 European teams getting the biggest up front payments.Prize money will be top loaded for progress to the latter stages with full details due to be confirmed next week.But getting to the last eight is expected to be worth £60m for the two Prem sides.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile there is a potential £100m reward if they win the tournament.Fifa will also give a large “solidarity” payment to clubs and nations not involved.Fifa President Gianni Infantino said: “The Fifa Club World Cup will not only be the pinnacle of club football.”But also a vivid demonstration of solidarity that will benefit clubs at large to a scale that no other competition has ever done.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“All revenue generated by the tournament will be distributed to the participating clubs and via club solidarity across the world as Fifa will not keep a single dollar.“Fifa’s reserves, which are there for global football development, will remain untouched.”Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup draw More

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    PSG vs Liverpool LIVE RESULT: Harvey Elliott scores dramatic goal as Reds earn LATE win after Alisson MASTERCLASS

    ALISSON delivered a goalkeeping MASTERCLASS – but Harvey Elliott stole the headlines with a dramatic late winner in Paris!Paris Saint-Germain dominated the game – with 71% possession and 27 shots – but couldn’t find a way past Liverpool stopper Alisson, who was in inspired form with 10 saves.Earlier, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had a beautiful curling strike ruled out by the semi-automated offside system, before PSG had a strong penalty claim denied by the VAR.Arne Slot’s Reds were hanging on in the Champions League first leg against the French giants before Elliott scored with his first touch – less than a minute after coming on – and Liverpool’s ONLY shot on target.TV Channel: TNT Sports 1Kick-off: 8pm GMTPSG XI: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz, Kvaratskhelia, Dembele, Barcola.Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Diaz, Jota.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFollow the blog below for live updates…Match reportIn a remarkable season for Arne Slot’s Liverpool, this was perhaps the most incredible result of the lot.It is a miracle that the runaway Premier League leaders are still standing in this Champions League tie and an absolute wonder that they kept a clean sheet.But that sub Harvey Elliott should have sealed the ultimate smash-and-grab victory with an 87th-minute winner was beyond miraculous, it was simply ridiculous.Copy linkCopiedNext upSouthampton at home next in the Premier League before a trio of huge games.They host PSG next midweek before the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on the Sunday.The small matter of a Merseyside derby is on the horizon too!Copy linkCopiedSlot reactsArne Slot said had Liverpool drawn tonight, they’d have still counted themselves as fortunate.He told Uefa: “Had we got a draw, we would still have been the lucky ones. “They were much the better team today. In the first half, they had many chances. In the second half, they were still the better team.“I saw again today how much quality they have. “Despite that, I felt we were in the game and could hurt them in the transitions. We had three or four chances to do so, but we waited until the last moment.”It’s a good result for us, but we felt the quality of Paris. “Every underlying stat shows you they were the best side in the Champions League. I wasn’t surprised at how good they were. “We were not under-par, it was just down to the quality of the opposition. They showed it today. Luis Enrique has created an incredible team here.”Copy linkCopiedTightOh how different it could’ve been!This was how close Kvaratskhelia was to being onside when he finished so superbly in the first half.Copy linkCopiedMore from HarveyOn Alisson’s display, he added: “I’ve got no words. He’s unbelievable, the best in the world. “He shows it in every game and keeps us in so many games. It was my opportunity to repay this man. It’s down to me to put the opportunity away and, thankfully, it went in. “Without him, I don’t know where we’d be. But it was a great team performance.”Copy linkCopied’I have no words’Tonight’s matchwinner Harvey Elliott told TNT Sports: “Full credit to the team. Paris became a little bit tired towards the end due to our workrate. “They were creating chances but [we kept a clean sheet] thanks to [Alisson] and the defence. It was a very solid game defensively.”Copy linkCopiedCelebrations in the dressing room?A late, great winner from Harvey Elliott means he’ll be celebrating with his teammates in the changing room, right?Well, no.The BBC say he is instead now back out on the pitch doing a warm down alongside the other Liverpool substitutes.Poor guy!Copy linkCopiedMore Alisson statsA third successive clean sheet. The opponents being Man City, Newcastle and PSG.Squawka also tweeted: “The Brazilian made 9 saves against PSG, his joint-most in a Champions League game.”He stopped a PSG side who had scored 40 goals in their previous 10 matches before tonight, from finding the back of the net. “That shutout also means he has now kept more Champions League clean sheets for Liverpool than any other GK in the UCL era (22), breaking Pepe Reina’s record.”Copy linkCopied’Performance of my life’On his performance, the team’s victory and man of the match award, Alisson told TNT Sports: “It was probably the performance of my life. “The manager was telling us how hard it would be to play against PSG, how good they are with the ball and that we would have to be ready to suffer. We knew what was coming.”We worked hard. We gave away so many chances, sometimes one v one but the biggest part of the chase is having someone make the player with the chance think a bit more.”All the efforts the team put in makes my job easier. Then at the end Harvey [Elliott] coming in and scoring the goal, it is a great story for us. A great night.”Copy linkCopiedMan of the matchNo surprises to see this man hold the award….Copy linkCopiedOne word – Smash-and-grabTwo shots at goal, only one on target. Which happened to be the only goal.Have you ever seen anything quite as ludicrous as this.TWENTY-SEVEN shots at goal for the home side without scoring. 10 on target too that Alisson matched.Very nearly three times as many completed passes as Liverpool managed and 14 corners. Copy linkCopiedTonight’s Champions League resultsFeyenoord 0-2 InterBayern 3-0 LeverkusenBenfica 0-1 BarcelonaPSG 0-1 LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedTonight’s heroCopy linkCopiedFT: PSG 0-1 LiverpoolRemarkable.Had Liverpool faced a deficit of a couple of goals going into next week’s second leg, they’d have had no complaints.PSG had an offside goal, missed the target with two glorious chances and when they did manage to hit the target, they were met with a brick wall.Alisson has had some outstanding nights in goal for Liverpool but this must be right up there. He kept them in it and when Mo Salah was eventually hooked after a rare, very poor night, substitute Harvey Elliott popped up with the winner with a few minutes to go with his first touch.Genuinely, remarkable.Copy linkCopiedFULL TIMEDon’t ask me how but Liverpool take a lead to Anfield next week!Harvey Elliott with the winner with his first touch – Alisson with a sensational performance between the sticks.PSG 0-1 LiverpoolCopy linkCopied90+5 – PSG 0-1 LiverpoolLiverpool defend it and Alisson collects.Copy linkCopied90+5 – PSG 0-1 LiverpoolDoue showing outstanding footwork down the left to create an angle for a cross.Endo matches him though and a well-timed block sees him stop the cross.But it is a corner!Copy linkCopied90+3 – PSG 0-1 LiverpoolNuno Mendes with a terrific run into the box on the left and smashes a cross towards goal.It’s read by Alisson who is equal to it again and catches it.Copy linkCopied90+2 – PSG 0-1 LiverpoolMarquinhos puts his foot through it on halfway to launch it into the Liverpool box.Endo is on the end of it and nods it back to Alisson, who controls with his knee before picking it up, just wasting a few more seconds.Great composure from both.Copy linkCopied90 – PSG 0-1 LiverpoolFive minutes added on at the end of this first leg.Copy linkCopiedGOAL DETAIL: PSG 0-1 LiverpoolExtraordinary. Slot should’ve made the change sooner!No, all credit to him for taking Salah off and bring Elliott on.It’s superb from Nunez, putting his weight about and be a physical presence to ruffle some feathers.He brings the ball down and plays in Elliott who arrives late into the box off the right and coolly with a first time finish passes it into the far corner with his left foot.Donnarumma has had nothing to do all night and got a touch but couldn’t keep it out – Alisson likely would’ve!A priceless goal!Copy linkCopied86 – PSG 0-0 LiverpoolOops, Slot obviously agrees….Liverpool change:OFF: SalahON: ElliottCopy linkCopied87 – GOAL!! PSG 0-1 LIVERPOOLWOULD YOU BLINKIN’ BELIEVE IT!!HARVEY ELLIOTT scores for Liverpool seconds after replacing Mo Salah!Copy linkCopied84 – PSG 0-0 LiverpoolOh Mo, what a waste!!!Dembele curls a great ball towards the back post and Alisson dives off his line to push it away with one hand superbly.Liverpool are then on the break and Salah races onto a pass on halfway and tries to play in Nunez with a right-footed pass with only one defender to beat but passes it to that one defender.He could’ve gone alone or made better use of the pass. That was a huge chance wasted by Salah again. He’s irreplaceable of course but he’s lucky to still be on!Copy linkCopied82 – PSG 0-0 LiverpoolHakimi gets space down the right as PSG continue to push.His cross is met by Alisson who comes off his line to gather.Copy linkCopied More

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    PSG 0 Liverpool 1: Sub Harvey Elliott scores with first touch as Reds seal smash-and-grab victory thanks to Alisson

    IN a remarkable season for Arne Slot’s Liverpool, this was perhaps the most incredible result of the lot.It is a miracle that the runaway Premier League leaders are still standing in this Champions League tie and an absolute wonder that they kept a clean sheet.Harvey Elliott was the hero from the bench for LiverpoolCredit: PAPSG were made to rue their missed chancesCredit: AFPLiverpool had Alisson to thank for keeping them in itCredit: ReutersBut that sub Harvey Elliott should have sealed the ultimate smash-and-grab victory with an 87th-minute winner was beyond miraculous, it was simply ridiculous.The scoreline at the top of this page reads like a misprint.England’s champions-elect were subjected to a 90-minute pummelling from an electrifying Paris St Germain side.There were elements of sheer fortune, including two major VAR calls which went in their favour – ruling out a first-half strike from the phenomenal Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and allowing Ibrahima Konate to escape a red card.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Alisson conjured up a masterclass in the Liverpool goal and the rest was all about an obdurate Reds team who lose so rarely that they have simply forgotten how to do so.Elliott’s strike was his first touch since arriving as a sub less than a minute earlier.Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele had been magnificent all night but ended with nowt. Elliott sat on the bench for so long, yet went on and won it.It is supposed to be France’s perma-champions PSG who don’t get proper competition in their domestic league. In this match, it felt like Liverpool – who simply never get dominated in this manner in the Premier League.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYet they will head back to Anfield on Tuesday as favourites to book a likely all-English quarter-final against Aston Villa.Both of these clubs are champions-elect in their homelands – both 13 points clear at the top.Arne Slot impressed as Liverpool brush off nervy displays to close in on title And if Liverpool’s form had been excellent, then PSG’s was even better – they had scored 40 goals in a run of ten straight wins.The Parisian Galactico era is over after Kylian Mbappe followed Lionel Messi and Neymar out of the exit door. In their place was a proper team.And Slot’s side were subjected to a magnificent pounding, pass-and-move football from the Gods as well as dribbling and nutmeggery from the Messi school.The fact that Alisson’s goal survived unscathed for 45 minutes was genuinely extraordinary.At the centre of it all were Dembele – the hottest forward in Europe with 14 goals from his previous 18 games – and the Georgian winger Kvaratskhelia – try to get the ball off him, try to spell his name.First, Dembele sprinted down the right, skipping past two Liverpool players and centring for Joao Neves to fire over inexplicably.Then Dembele nutmegged Mac Allister and sprinted through four Liverpool defenders before his shot was deflected wide off Virgil Van Dijk.And then on 20 minutes, PSG thought they had taken a well-deserved lead when Vitinha squared for Kvaratskhelia to bend a left-footed shot into the far corner.You could have headed into the centre of town and hung it in the Louvre – but then the VAR robot ruled it out for a fractional offside.If that was a stroke of luck for Liverpool, the next one was outrageous good fortune.Ibrahima Konate shoved over Bradley Barcola on the edge of the box but the incident was waved away by Italian ref Davide Massa.Liverpool launched a counter-attack but play was halted for a red-card check against Konate yet VAR Aleandro Di Paolo surprisingly allowed the on-field decision to stand.Here was the ‘high bar’ for VAR interventions, which we are supposed to have in the Premier League but clearly don’t.Then Kvaratskhelia – a nightmare for full-backs and spell-checks alike – produced a fierce long-ranger pushed out by Alisson.After that, Barcola fed Dembele, with Alisson rushing out to block – Barcola having a follow-up effort blocked by Dominik Szoboszlai before his next shot was skied.And then the Countdown conundrum man darted between defenders like a rat in a subway before he nutmegged Konate with a shot which Alisson clawed away.Liverpool’s defenders had seen so much of the name on the back of his shirt that they might even be able to spell it.It was difficult to recall such a sublime 45-minute performance going unrewarded. The scoreline read like a misprint.The Reds, simply not used to this kind of pummelling, were clinging on for dear life. The shot-count read 13-1 in favour of the French champions.Kvaratskhelia pinged a free-kick just wide, then forced another save from Alisson.When Liverpool did manage to break, Nuno Mendes had Mo Salah under lock and key.Van Dijk was booked for time-wasting – one of the most laudable yellow cards ever seen. Liverpool were desperately wishing these 90 minutes away.Darwin Nunez arrived in place of Diogo Jota and soon left PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma needing treatment.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd then came the ridiculous denouement as Alisson punted forward, Nunez held it up and angled a pass to Elliott who drilled past Donnarumma, who ought to have done better.It ended PSG’s 22-match unbeaten run. And it defied all reason. More

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    Ex-Man Utd keeper makes horror blunder to gift Musiala goal as Bayern Munich thrash Leverkusen 3-0 in Champions League

    BAYER LEVERKUSEN goalkeeper Matej Kovar made a horror blunder to gift Bayern Munich the edge in their Champions League crunch clash.Jamal Musiala capitalised when Kovar – who spent three years at Manchester United between 2020 and 2023 – dropped Joshua Kimmich’s simple cross in the 55th minute.Former Manchester United keeper Matej Kovar made a horror blunder against Bayern MunichKovar failed to collect Joshua Kimmich’s cross in the 55th minuteCredit: GettyKovar never made a first-team appearance for the Red Devils, but did play 53 times for their under-21s.With Bayern 1-0 up at the time, Arsenal and Liverpool target Kimmich’s lofty long cross should’ve been a simple catch for the Czech Republic Euro 2024 stopper. But Kovar, 24, jumped and somehow let the ball slip through his fingers in the 55th minute, to double the home side’s lead.Musiala, who was lingering underneath Kovar, pounced on the mistake and tapped home his third Champions League goal of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe camera turned to a devastated Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso on the touchline.During his three year stint at United, Kovar was shipped out on loan to Swindon Town, Burton Albion and Sparta Prague, before joining Leverkusen on a permanent basis in 2023.Things went from bad to worse for the visitors after Kovar’s howler when Nordi Mukiele was sent off for a second booking for a foul on Kingsley Coman in the 62nd minute.Meanwhile, Harry Kane marked his reunion with blunder referee Michael Oliver, with two goals – his 53rd and 54th in the competition.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKane got Bayern off to a dream start after just nine minutes, with a high back-post header over Leverkusen’s Mukiele.The England captain met former Crystal Palace star and countryman Michael Olise’s blistering pristine cross. Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich shows off his skills on the training pitch Kovar spent three years with Manchester UnitedJamal Musiala was behind Kovar and capitalised on his faux-pas to put his 2-0 upCredit: GettyBlunder ref Michael Oliver was kept busy on Wednesday nightCredit: AFPKane then won a foul from Edmond Tapsoba inside the box and scored a penalty in the 71st minute to secure a 3-0 win for the Bundesliga leaders.The former Spurs star has now scored 30-plus goals in a season for the seventh time in his club career, since the first season he did so in 2014-15.Only Robert Lewandowski has more 30 goal campaigns (nine) for clubs in Europe’s big-five leagues.Olise looked at home in the Champions League and was a menace throughout.But it took just 16 minutes, for under-fire Prem ref Oliver to be sucked into his first bit of drama.Bayern stars crowded him when Kane’s free-kick, won by Olise, struck Mukiele’s arm, who was standing in the wall inside the box inside 15 minutes.Oliver waved on before a standard VAR check confirmed no penalty.The biggest controversy came when Kane escaped a red card after a David Beckham-style kick out at Granit Xhaka.Oliver was reunited with former Tottenham star Harry KaneCredit: AFPKane lashed out at Granit Xhaka with an apparent kickXhaka shoved Kane in the back, causing the striker to fall.The England captain then lashed out at Xhaka and appeared to throw out his leg as the ex-Arsenal star fell to the turf.Team-mates and the referee had to intervene to separate the former North London derby rivals, though neither were booked.Oliver was kept busy on Wednesday night after two red card checks across the 90 minutes.He might welcome a weekend off after being kept off the Prem schedule.It comes after Oliver’s stunning initial decision not to send off a Millwall player for a kung-fu kick on Saturday.Oliver, 40, needed a VAR intervention to persuade him to issue a red card to Lions keeper Liam Roberts for his outrageous challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.Meanwhile, 10-man Barcelona beat Benfica 1-0 away from home in their first-leg tie in Lisbon.Former Leeds star Raphinha broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, with a stunning low corner finish past Anatoliy Trubin.Barca star Pau Cubarsi showed his age when he was given a straight red for a last-man challenge on Vangelis Pavlidis in the 22nd minute.Cubarsi, 18, was hoping to execute the perfect challenge, but caught Pavlidis on the edge of the box.READ MORE SUN STORIESInsodoing, he became the the second youngest player to be sent off in Champions League history after Celestine Babayaro in 1994 (16 years and 86 days).Benfica keeper Trubin had been forced into a sensational triple save just moments before the red card.Pau Cubarsi was given a straight red for a last-man challenge on Vangelis PavlidisCredit: EPA More

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    How Myles Lewis-Skelly handed Thomas Tuchel major England dilemma with best and worst of Arsenal wonderkid on display

    WHEN Thomas Tuchel was appointed England manager back in October, the world had barely heard of Myles Lewis-Skelly.The left-back had only just made his Arsenal debut as a late sub in a 2-2 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League.Arsenal ace Myles Lewis-Skelly offers quite the dilemma to England boss Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyTuchel is set to name his first ever England squadCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly has received two red cards already and almost had a third oneCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly’s temparatent will play a huge role for his England hopesCredit: GettyDuring a post-match fracas at the Etihad, Erling Haaland asked the young Gunner, “Who the f*** are you?” — and Tuchel might well have asked a similar question.Now, as Tuchel prepares to name his first England squad next week, Lewis-Skelly is providing the German’s most fascinating selection dilemma.As Mikel Arteta’s men ran amok in Eindhoven on Tuesday night — obliterating the Dutch champions PSV 7-1 — we saw the good and the bad side of 18-year-old MLS. First, he provided a gorgeous assist for fellow England prospect and old mate Ethan Nwaneri to provide an emphatic finish for the second goal.Read More on ArsenalBut then Lewis-Skelly narrowly avoided a third red card in less than six weeks with two clumsy tackles, which earned him one yellow before he was hooked by Arteta after only 35 minutes.Since Tuchel’s appointment, Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri are the only two kids to have burst on to the Premier League scene and into serious contention.For MLS, the prospect of a lightning-fast promotion into the senior squad is far more likely.The Three Lions have been crying out for a fully-fit left-back for years now.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWith Newcastle’s Lewis Hall – who made his international debut under Lee Carsley in November – ruled out for the season, the Arsenal star has a great chance of being called up.England’s premier left-back Luke Shaw is, sadly, almost permanently injured and there are few other options. Listen to Michael Oliver’s conversation with VAR over Lewis-Skelly red card as Howard Webb says referee got it wrongThe issue is Lewis-Skelly’s temperament.While his first red card against Wolves was rescinded, it was for a wild challenge.His second sending-off, 17 minutes after coming on as sub in the loss to West Ham, saw Lewis-Skelly undone by the positioning of keeper David Raya.It meant his foul on Mohammed Kudus was deemed to have denied a goalscoring opportunity. But in Lewis-Skelly’s first match back, in Eindhoven, the youngster was fortunate to find a lenient referee.Arteta was right to haul Lewis-Skelly off.And then there was the way he marked his first senior goal, mocking Haaland’s goal celebration in the 5-1 hammering of City at the Emirates last month.Was this refreshing self-confidence or premature arrogance?Tuchel faces riskThere is certainly no doubting Lewis-Skelly’s belief but can Tuchel trust such an inexperienced player in World Cup qualifiers?For Nwaneri, just 17 but with eight goals in his breakthrough season, the route to an England place is more crowded.Although his Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka and Chelsea’s Noni Madueke will miss Tuchel’s first squad through injury, England have plenty of wide options.Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen and Eberechi Eze are among them.Tuchel is effectively only in the England job for 16 months, with a contract that runs until next year’s World Cup, so he will have less of an eye on the long-term future than predecessor Gareth Southgate.Unless he can envisage a player capable of featuring in the World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19 next year, he is unlikely to call him up.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor all his promise, Nwaneri is likely to be on the bench once Saka is fit.So he looks destined for a place in the Under- 21 squad. But for left-back Lewis-Skelly, the World Cup could be calling. More

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    Micah Richards left speechless at Kate Abdo introduction on CBS Sports as fans say ‘he turns up to work to get bullied’

    MICAH RICHARDS was left speechless after Kate Abdo’s brutal introduction on CBS Sports.The former Manchester City star was alongside Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher for his regular slot covering the Champions League.Kate Abdo made a brutal put down at Micah RichardsCredit: x CBS SPORTS The pundit was left speechless in the CBS Sports studioCredit: x CBS SPORTS Presenter Abdo, 43, is famed for her brilliant intros that often poke fun at Big Meeks.And this was no exception.She joked that footballers need more than just speed, grit and power to be successful.As she introduced the trio, she said: “First, one of the fastest players ever.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He is the OG speed, Arsenal and French national team legend Thierry Henry.”In the middle, a man with so much grit as a player, he was willing to anger some of the greatest names in the game.He’s brought those skills to his broadcasting career as well, Liverpool’s own Jamie Carragher.”Abdo then got onto Richards with a brutal put down.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSShe joked: “Finally, you haven’t seen power until you’ve seen Micah power through one of his Champions League night dinner orders.”Big for a reason, Big Meeks.”‘How wrong…’ – Kate Abdo mercilessly trolls CBS Sports panel as Henry, Carra & Richards ‘left her out’ of TV outingRichards, 36, was left dumbfounded as he could not muster a response.However, many found the moment hilarious as laughter could be heard coming from off the set.Fans also found the moment funny as they reacted on social media.One posted: “He turns up to work to get bullied.”A second wrote: “This isn’t nice at all. But the sense of humor is top notch.”A third commented: “Micah won’t be recovering from this anytime soon.”A fourth said: “Bruh you can see his heart sink in real time.”A fifth joked: “Meeks finally going to call HR one day, you know.”Another added: “Big for a reason had me rolling.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is not the first time that Abdo has gone after Richards.The retired footballer has often called for HR to get involved following some of the presenters’ jokes.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca handed NINE-MONTH ban after squaring up to referee in shocking scenes

    PAULO FONSECA has been handed a NINE-MONTH ban after his heated confrontation with a referee.The Lyon manager had squared up to official Benoit Millot during a Ligue 1 match against Brest.Lyon boss Paulo Fonseca has been banned for nine months after squaring up to a refereeCredit: AFPFonseca’s ban will last until November 30Credit: RexFonseca’s ban will last until November 30.The Portuguese boss had squared up and then pressed his forehead against the ref after being sent off for dissent during the game on March 2, which had ended in a 2-1 win over Brest.The act, which was paired with screaming in the refs face, was considered a head-butt and very aggressive gesture.Referee Millot told L’Equipe after the game he was “frightened”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFonseca apologised after the incident, admitting it was “the wrong thing to do”.Reports had suggested he could be banned for seven months.But the actual punishment handed out by French officials is an even harsher nine-month ban.It also means he cannot even step into the locker room to manage his squad until September 15.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe decision leaves Lyon chiefs with a decision to make over whether they stick with Fonseca going forward.Fonseca took over Lyon at the end of January, and has managed just five Ligue 1 games so far – winning three and losing two.Crystal Palace and Lyon chief John Textor wears cowboy hat in sarcastic response to rivalHe has previously managed Lille in France, where he lasted for 90 matches between July 2022 and June 2024.Elsewhere, Fonseca has managed the likes of AC Milan, AS Roma, SC Braga, Shakhtar Donetsk and FC Porto.He won seven trophies with Shakhtar, one with Braga and one with Porto. More

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    UK to make bid to host 2035 football Women’s World Cup as PM says tournament could be ‘monumental moment’ for country

    THE UK is set to make a blockbuster bid to host the 2035 football Women’s World Cup.Prime Minister Keir Starmer said holding the biggest tournament in the sport on British soil will be a “monumental moment” for the country.The UK is set to make a blockbuster bid to host the 2035 football Women’s World Cup following on from the Lionesses big win at Euro 2022Credit: GettyEngland’s players receiving the runners up medals at the 2023 Women’s World CupCredit: AFPThe Wembley Arch lit up red and white prior to the Uefa Women’s Nations League match between England and Spain last monthCredit: GettyEngland have an illustrious history with performing well at major football events held at home.The men’s side won the World Cup in 1966 with a thrilling final win in Wembley.Sarina Wiegman’s women’s side took home England’s second ever international trophy and its first ever Euros Championship when they “returned football home” in 2022.The FA has now officially registered their interest in the upcoming 2035 Women’s World Cup with hopes of again lifting a major trophy. read more in women’s footballEngland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are due to collectively submit an expression of interest to FIFA for the right to host the tournament. The FIFA Council has already recommend the 2035 competition has European or African hosts. Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke on the historic bid as he said: “Football is and always will be at the core of our country’s identity.”Whether we watch on TV, play at the weekends like I do, or simply enjoy soaking up the atmosphere in the pub, it brings communities together like little else. Most read in Football”That pride was on full display when England hosted UEFA Women’s EURO 2022. “It not only showed the best of our nation to the world but inspired a generation of girls into the game, all whilst boosting the economy. Devastated Lionesses collapse in tears on the pitch as bid to make Women’s World Cup history falls agonisingly short”The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035 on home turf would be another monumental moment in our sporting history, driving growth and leaving a lasting legacy.”He added that the bid will have his government’s full support. The declaration of interest will need to be submitted to FIFA in the first quarter of 2025 before a decision is made at some point in 2026.If the FA manage to land the lucrative deal then it will be the first ever Women’s World Cup held in Britain.It will also be only the second time a World Cup has been held in the UK since the 1966 men’s tournament.Several stadiums across the British Isles are expected to be used with the final set to be held at Wembley like usual.Mark Bullingham, the CEO of the English FA, said hosting the tournament would be an honour. He continued: “We strongly believe that we could organise a fantastic tournament, building on the success of the UEFA Women’s EURO in 2022 and the subsequent rapid growth of the women’s game in England. “We’re excited about the opportunity to welcome the world, and hosting participating nations and fans in sold-out stadiums. “There is outstanding support for the women’s game in this country and we want to maximise this, not only for women’s and girls’ football here but also for the benefit of the global game.”One of the biggest competitors for the British bid is expected to come from South Africa. READ MORE SUN STORIESSimon Morton, UK Sport’s deputy chief executive, said last year: “The Women’s World Cup is the biggest sporting event that the UK has never hosted and so in that respect, it has a special appeal to us. “There is definitely an aspiration to host it in the 2030s.”England won the 1966 World Cup at Wembley almost 60 years agoCredit: GettyEngland captain Leah Williamson holding up the Euro 2022 trophyCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunSarina Wiegman with the Euro 2022 trophyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More