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    Gary Lineker ‘in talks to launch MOTD-style show with major sport broadcaster’ after controversial BBC exit

    GARY LINEKER is planning for life as a “media disruptor” after leaving the BBC, according to reports.The 64-year-old parted ways with the Beeb earlier this week following an anti-Semitism row. Gary Lineker has left the BBC after 26 yearsCredit: BBCReports suggest Lineker’s podcast The Rest is Football is set to cover the Club World CupCredit: AlamyLineker announced earlier this season he would depart his role as Match of the Day host after almost three decades.But he had been due to stay for the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup next summer. The former England striker is now reportedly planning to expand on an existing role. According to The Guardian, Lineker’s podcast The Rest is Football are in talks with DAZN. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe discussions are based around “launching shows featuring match clips of this summer’s Club World Cup.”Lineker’s Goalhanger Productions company are reportedly leading the talks with DAZN, who hold global rights to the tournament. Episodes of The Rest is Football were previously available on BBC Sounds after Goalhanger signed a one-year deal with the Beeb last November. Following Lineker’s departure, future episodes will not be streamed on the platform. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe outlet also claims TV insiders believe Lineker moving to a rival such as ITV or Sky Sports is “highly unlikely.”Any success this summer with the Club World Cup could see The Rest is Football return for extended World Cup episodes in 2026. Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he’s quitting BBC next weekLineker faced a huge backlash after he re-posted a video last week which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.The Three Lions legend agreed to leave the BBC for good and apologised unreservedly in a video message on Monday.The 64-year-old said in the clip: “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio.”I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. “As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for.”However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. “Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.” More

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    Top flight star, 26, banned for two years after testing positive for ECSTASY as he’s released by club

    FRENCH top-flight star Ibrahima Niane has landed a two-year ban from football after testing positive for ecstasy.The striker has scored three goals in 27 games this season to help minnows Angers keep their place in Ligue 1.Angers ace Ibrahima Niane landed a two-year ban from football after testing positive for ecstasyAngers banished Niane after he injured a teammate in a training-ground clashBut France’s anti-doping agency AFLD has now banned Niane, 26, until April 2027 after drug tests found he had taken ecstasy and MDMA.Angers had already banished him from their first-team squad after he injured a team-mate in a training-ground clash in early April.He has since become one of seven first-teamers released by the western club, who finished 14th in France’s 18-team top flight.Senegal-born Niane’s contract with the Loire-region club is due to expire this summer.  Read More on FootballHe recently returned to his West African home country to consider his options.The AFLD said Niane may not “participate in any form of professional competition”.That includes “any form of activity, training camps or friendly matches.”Angers announced: “Initially signed on loan from Metz on 31 January 2023, Ibrahima Niane joined Angers SCO on a permanent contract the following summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The Senegalese striker scored six goals and supplied three assists in 76 games in all competitions”Former Senegal Under-20 international Niane helped Metz win promotion to Ligue 1 before moving to Angers.Niane amassed a total of six goals and three assists in 76 appearances during his two-year stint at Angers. More

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    Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 37: William Saliba among players unavailable for closing weekend

    DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 37 in one convenient location.William Saliba and Jurrien Timber have joined Gabriel and Takehiro Tomiyasu on Arsenal’s injury list, leaving Mikel Arteta short in defence for the final weekend of the Premier League campaign.Kai Havertz returned for the Gunners last weekend and is expected to play some part against Southampton on Sunday.Saliba won’t play against SouthamptonCredit: Dream TeamChelsea have been short of strikers lately but Enzo Maresca told reporters that both Marc Guiu and Christopher Nkunku are available ahead of his side’s decisive trip to Nottingham Forest.Nicolas Jackson remains suspended in domestic football but the Senegal international can be selected for Wednesday night’s Conference League final in Poland.As for Forest, Murillo hasn’t trained all week due to a twisted ankle and will be assessed tomorrow.Both Alexander Isak and Kieran Trippier will be assessed on Saturday before a final decision is made on the pair ahead of Newcastle v Everton – neither have trained this week.As for the Toffees, Seamus Coleman and Jarrad Branthwaite will not travel with the squad having limped off last weekend.Isak is yet to trainCredit: GettyJoao Pedro will not feature for Brighton for disciplinary reasons following a bust-up with team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke.Ferdi Kadioglu, James Milner, Georginio Rutter and Solly March remain sidelined with injury – Jason Steele and Tariq Lamptey are doubts.Most read in FootballPep Guardiola confirmed that John Stones is Manchester City’s only injury absentee but revealed that Rodri is not yet ready to start.Mateo Kovacic is suspended having seen red against Bournemouth in midweek.Guehi is among Palace’s absenteesCredit: AlamyAdam Wharton and Marc Guehi will not play any part for Crystal Palace at Anfield having suffered injuries in the FA Cup final.Defenders Nathaniel Clyne and Ben Chilwell are said to be ill.Arne Slot has not yet decided whether Trent Alexander-Arnold will play against the Eagles in what would be the defender’s final appearance for Liverpool before his exit.Joe Gomez may get some minutes in the second half.Both Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim will address the media on Saturday following their involvement in the Europa League final.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 NOWARSENALInjuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel, William SalibaSuspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Youri Tielemans (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Enes Unal, Luis Sinisterra, Ryan Christie, Alex Scott (doubt), Dango Ouattara, James Hill (doubt)Suspensions: Lewis CookBRENTFORDInjuries: Josh Dasilva, Fabio Carvalho, Vitaly Janelt, Michael Kayode (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Solly March, Ferdi Kadioglu, Georginio Rutter, Jason Steele (doubt), Tariq Lamptey (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Wesley FofanaSuspensions: Mykhailo Mudryk, Nicolas JacksonCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Chadi Riad, Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton, Ben Chilwell (doubt), Nathaniel Clyne (doubt)Suspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Orel Mangala, James Tarkowski, Jesper Lindstrom, Jarrad Brathwaite, Seamus ColemanSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Reiss Nelson, Rodrigo Muniz, Timothy Castagne, Harrison ReedSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Wes Burns, Sammie Szmodics, Conor Townsend, Jaden Philogene, Arijanet Muric, Cameron Burgess (doubt), Kalvin PhillipsSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Abdul Fatawu, Stephy Mavididi, Mads Hermansen, Bobby De Cordova-ReidSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Alexis Mac Allister (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: John StonesSuspensions: Mateo KovacicMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de LigtSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Lewis Hall, Matt Targett (doubt), Joelinton, Kieran Trippier (doubt), Alexander Isak (doubt)Suspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Taiwo Awoniyi, Murillo (doubt)Suspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Kyle Walker-Peters (doubt), Taylor Harwood-Bellis (doubt), Jan Bednarek (doubt)Suspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Lucas BergvallSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Crysencio SummervilleSuspensions: NoneWOLVESRead More on The SunInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Yerson Mosquera, Leon Chiwone, Sam Johnstone, Jorgen Strand Larsen (doubt)Suspensions: None More

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    Tottenham star Djed Spence recreates famous cigar pose he used to troll Neil Warnock after winning Europa League final

    DJED SPENCE has taken a cheeky swipe at Neil Warnock after winning the Europa League. The former Nottingham Forest full-back came on as a sub during Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao. Djed Spence has recreated his infamous snap taking a dig at Neil WarnockCredit: GettyWarnock had suggested Spence would either be “Premier League or non-league”Credit: PASpence tagged Warnock in a cigar snap after Nottingham Forest’s promotion in 2022Credit: XSpence has enjoyed a strong year after breaking back into the Spurs first XI.The 24-year-old had looked set to exit from North London last summer following loan stints with Rennes, Leeds and Genoa. But he has been a rare bright spot for Spurs in the Premier League this season.And Spence made four appearances in Europe as Tottenham ended their 17-year trophy drought.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpence infamously trolled EFL legend Warnock following Forest’s promotion to the Premier League in 2022.He posed in the Wembley dressing room with a cigar in mouth, tagging in his former boss.Warnock had told the flying full-back during his time at Middlesbrough his future was “either Premier League or non league.”Spence cationed the snap: “Oh, where’s my Manners! Welcome to Twitter @warnockofficial.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTypically tongue in cheek, Warnock fired back: “Well done Djed I did say you were premier league or non league, glad you listened and took my advice on board now go and enjoy your success.He added: “Those cigars won’t do you any good though son.”How Tottenham won the Europa League final v Man UnitedSpence was at it again following Spurs’ Europa League triumph – but stayed clear of tagging Warnock this time.He shared a post to his Instagram followers on Friday, pretending to puff on a cigar alongside the Europa League trophy.Spence wrote: “Oh, where’s my Manners! .. WELCOME TO @championsleague.”One fan responded: “So glad you repeated this pic! The 1st one was iconic.”Another said: “Aura is unmatched, love it.”While a third joked: “Are you listening Neil?!” More

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    Thomas Tuchel hints Phil Foden is still affected by vile Man Utd chants about his mum as he explains England absence

    THOMAS TUCHEL has revealed why he left Phil Foden out of the latest England squad.The Manchester City ace was a surprise omission from the latest Three Lions announcement on Friday morning.Thomas Tuchel has revealed why Phil Foden has been left out of the England squadCredit: PAFoden was subjected to vile chants about his mum during the Manchester Derby in AprilCredit: AlamyTuchel has claimed that “injury and performance” factors are behind his absence from the upcoming international break.But he also appeared to suggest that Foden remains affected by the offensive chants he was subjected to about his mum during the Manchester Derby in April.Tuchel told talkSPORT: “It’s a little bit different, because Phil had difficult times in his last camp. I loved Phil as a person in the camp, he was fantastic.”I love his talent and the ability that he showed in training with us, simply outstanding. There’s no doubt about it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He struggled even before last camp to show it in the club, he struggled with in camp to feel the freedom and the excitement that is part of his game.”Things were not so easy for him, they became a bit more complicated after the Manchester derby.”On a personal level what happened in the Manchester derby with the fans, and then also on a physical level that he’s still suffering from ankle problems, cannot get rid of it.”So putting all in the mix, we thought it’s better. It’s the moment now for Phil to take a breath, to not be with us, which was also very hard for because I admire him a lot, and I like him a lot.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But we thought it’s better he took care of his ankle, fully pain free, and no reason for holding back and being fit for the Club World Cup.”So it was a mix between injury and performance wise.”New footage shows Phil Foden’s reaction to Man Utd fans’ sick chant aimed at his mum The Man City star recently opened up about his injury issues and mental healthCredit: GettyFoden was on the receiving end of vile chants about his mum during the 0-0 draw between Manchester United and Man City at Old Trafford earlier this year.City boss Pep Guardiola condemned the shocking treatment of the midfielder at full-time, stating: “It was a lack of class. We are so exposed in football — managers, owners and players especially.”I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil.”It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”Foden has experienced a drop in form this season and recently put it down to mental burnout and injury problems.He said: “It’s been a frustrating season for me. I’ve had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally. It’s one of them, sometimes there’s things in life that are bigger than football.”This season I’ve struggled a little bit. Hopefully come next year I can get my head mentally right and get back where I left off the season before, because I know what I’m capable of doing and the quality I have.”The club have been so supportive, I can’t thank them enough. I know if everything was okay, I’d definitely be better on the field.”Sometimes things happen and you have to deal with it and move on.”Obviously it’s a difficult situation for me with the internationals right around the corner. It’s something we have to speak about with the club and national team, to see if it’s better to rest and get my ankle fully 100 percent back how I want it.”I just don’t know at the moment, it’s a conversation to be had and we’ll see what happens.”I just need a few weeks off, without playing football, and obviously I can’t get it at the moment. It’s a bit frustrating to play with niggles like this.”A lot of people don’t know what football players have to go through, and play with. I’ve had a lot of ankle pain and playing with it in the last couple of months. Some people don’t see what we go through.”Read More on The SunAlongside Foden, the likes of Harry Maguire and Jarrod Bowen have missed out on a place in the squad.Marc Guehi and Marcus Rashford are unavailable due to injury, with Adam Wharton dropping down to the Under-21s. More

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    Football free bets: Get up to £50 in free bets for Premier League final day with talkSPORT BET

    THE Premier League season draws to a close with matchday 38 on Sunday.To mark the 10-game Super Sunday, talkSPORT BET are offering brand new customers the chance to claim up to £50 in free bets from the final day action!Premier League final day: Get up to £50 in free bets – CLAIM HERE*How to claim talkSPORT BET’s £50 free bets offertalkSPORT BETVisit the talkSPORT website HERE*Create an account and Opt In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabMake a deposit of £5+Place your first bet of £5 or more at odds of Evens (2.00) or more, on one or more of the Premier League final day fixturesYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOnly the first bet of £5 or more on each specified game will qualify and only bets which are placed pre-event will qualify.By 20:00 on 25th May, after the qualifying games will end, your account will be credited with up to £50 in free bets. Free bets are credited based on the number of £5+ bets that you have placed.talkSPORT BET: Get up to £50 in free bets – Claim Here*Premier League final day: Get up to £50 in free bets – CLAIM HERE*What’s the offer?talkSPORT BET are offering brand new customers the chance to claim up to £50 in free bets on the final day Premier League action this weekend.How to claim?Simply visit the talkSPORT BET website on your mobile device HERE* and create an account. Opt in to this promotion via the OFFERS tab and then make a minimum £5 deposit via debit card or Apple Pay.Stake £5 or more on any Premier League game at odds of at least Evens. And do this within 7 days of opening your account.The more £5 bets you put on the games, the more free bets you’ll collect!The Premier League final day games:Bournemouth v Leicester CityFulham v Man CityWolves v BrentfordNottingham Forest v ChelseaMan United v Aston VillaSouthampton v ArsenalNewcastle v EvertonLiverpool v Crystal PalaceIpswich Town v West HamTottenham v BrightonWhat happens next?By 8pm on 25th May, after the qualifying games end, your account will be credited with up to £50 in free bets. Free bets are credited based on the number of £5+ bets that you have placed.For example:if you placed a bet on 1 qualifying market you would receive £5 in free bets.if you place bets on 5 different qualifying markets you would receive £25 in free bets.if you place bets on 10 different qualifying markets you would receive £50 in free bets*18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet a min of £5 on set football markets (odds 2.00+) within 7 days to get £5 in Free Bets, up to 10 times. Get max £50 in Free bets for sports (odds 2.00+). Free bets expire in 14 days. Click for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember 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

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    Sunderland star Enzo Le Fee heartbreakingly found dad dead in bed then went to training without telling his team-mates

    SUNDERLAND’s Enzo Le Fee bared all about his father’s suicide ahead of the “most important game of my life”.And the 25-year-old will not be bothered one bit by the spotlight at Wembley against Sheffield United after revealing his incredible journey from the prison gates to the cusp of the Premier League.Enzo Le Fee is set to be in action at Wembley tomorrowCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe French playmaker has become an instant hit on Wearside after reuniting with former Lorient boss Regis Le Bris at the Stadium of Light in January on loan.Eyebrows were raised when the ambitious Championship promotion chasers snapped up the star just months after he had joined Roma for £25m.But a move to the physicality of England’s second tier and starting a new life in the North East will hardly have fazed Le Fee.The maverick faced agonising pain throughout his childhood as his father, Jeremy Lampriere, served stints behind bars for violence, drugs and possession of a gun.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, nothing prepared Le Fee for finding his dad’s body in bed in 2021 having taken his own life.During a heartbreaking interview with The Times, he revealed how he tried to deal with that shock by not telling anybody and try to just continue training.Le Fee said: “It was Wednesday and I found my dad in his bed. The day after I have to go to the police because they have to ask me something and I said, ‘No, I can’t, I have to train’. The day after, again, I train, and the day after we play against Lens, away, and the coach didn’t know.“He knew only one hour before the game when my grandfather called him and he says it’s crazy that I didn’t say something.Most read in Football“In the dressing room nobody knew. I am like, my problem is my problem. I think it’s because of this, now I can speak. Now I am free.”Le Fee, who was brought up by his mum and grandmother, opened up more about his relationship with his late father.Emotional Frank Lampard struggles through Sky Sports interview after Coventry’s gut-wrenching play-off defeatHe said: “How much has it impacted me? Phew, a lot.“When I was three he put me directly on the pitch. He was a great player.“From when I was eight to 12 and after 14 to 20, I think, I would visit him in prison. Normally I train but every Wednesday I would go to the prison to see him. At 18 I started to see him alone.”’I WANT TO BE IN SUNDERLAND NEXT YEAR’How Le Fee bounced back from that heartbreak and agony is testament to the star’s mental toughness.And he does not hide the fact that he feels at home on Wearside playing back under mentor Le Bris.That initial loan from Roma will turn into a £25m permanent one should the Black Cats beat Sheffield United and the ace admitted that the stakes do not come much bigger.Read More on The SunLe Fee added: “I want to be in Sunderland next year, for sure. I work since the last six months for that.“Now it is one game, and it is the most important game of my life.”Le Fee spent the first half of the season at RomaCredit: GettyYou’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: More

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    Real Madrid star Luka Modric, 39, buying £1.1m house in SWANSEA after shock investment as he’s tipped for transfer

    REAL MADRID superstar Luka Modric is set to buy a £1.1million house on the outskirts of Swansea, leaving excited fans gobsmacked.The Ballon d’Or winner is snapping up a five-bedroom mansion in the Gower village of Three Crosses, according to a well-placed source.Luke Modric is set to leave Real MadridCredit: GettyModric, 39, was spotted at the property and his arrival quickly became the talk of the wealthy neighbourhood.It comes after he confirmed he’s leaving Real Madrid – leaving Swans at fever pitch he’ll soon be joining the Championship side.One neighbour said: “We don’t host many Galacticos in Swansea so it was a bit of a surprise to see him on our doorstep.“But it’s a fantastic house close to the beach and I’m sure he will enjoy exploring the Gower and the local restaurants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I doubt we have as many fancy nightclubs as they do in Madrid, but we have plenty of good pubs where he will be made to feel very welcome.”Father-of-three Modric is buying the huge mansion with a pool table from former Swansea footballer Leon Britton, who put the property on the market in 2017.Modric still owns a £10.1m home in Madrid but decided to create a base in the Welsh city after taking a minority stake in Swansea City, whose training ground is a short drive from the mansion.Former Tottenham midfielder Modric was announced as a co-investor and owner in Swansea City last month having become the most decorated player in Real Madrid history – winning six Champions Leagues, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four LaLiga titles, two Spanish Cups, and five Spanish Super Cups.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Swans finished 11th in the Championship and it is hoped that the backing of the star – worth an estimated £56m and married to glamorous Vanja Bosnic, who acts as his agent – will help them push for promotion to the Premier League.In a statement released through the club, Modric said: “This is an exciting opportunity. Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fanbase, and the ambition to compete at the highest level.Luka Modric passed out in a cubicle and had to be carried out by a bouncer on his first Tottenham night out, says Jenas v2“Playing at the highest level, I believe I can provide my experience to the club. My goal is to support the club’s growth in a positive way and to help to build an exciting future.”Modric and Leon Britton were approached for comment.Leon Britton starred for the Swans across two spells between 2003 and 2018Credit: AFP More