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    ‘Absolutely disgusting’ – Sunderland fans blasted after footage of how Trafalgar Square was left following party emerges

    SUNDERLAND fans were blasted for the “absolutely disgusting” state they left Trafalgar Square in.Black Cats supporters gathered in central London on Friday night to party ahead of Saturday’s Championship play-off final at Wembley.Sunderland fans left Trafalgar Square in a messCredit: X formerly TwitterBottles, cans, bags and litter were strewn across the floorCredit: X formerly TwitterThere was a major clear-up job left behindCredit: X formerly TwitterRival fans hit out at their Black Cats rivals for their selfishnessCredit: X formerly TwitterSunderland supporters took over Trafalgar Square on FridayCredit: ReutersThe game kicks off at 3.01pm – the one minute later due to an initiative with the Every Minute Matters, encouraging supporters to learn the life-saving skill of CPR.Regis Le Bris’ side face Sheffield United in the £190million match desperate to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017. And their fans made the most of their trip to the national stadium – by descending on Trafalgar Square the night before the big game.Thousands of Sunderland supporters gathered at the iconic London landmark to get in the mood ahead of the final – with some even getting in the fountain. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut after everyone had gone, video footage of the aftermath emerged – and makes for shocking viewing.The entire square was left littered with cans, bottles, plastic bags and other rubbish.In the video, a man can be heard saying: “Aye we’ve got to do better than this.”And plenty of football fans took to social media to slam the Sunderland fans for their selfish, horrible attitude and antics.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne labelled it “embarrassing”.Another wrote: “It looks awful.” Wild scenes in Naples as fans celebrate after Scott McTominay wins Serie A for NapoliA third replied: “Absolutely disgusting – @SunderlandAFC you should be ashamed of it, your club should be billed for the cleaning up.”And a final user simply wrote: “Vile.”In 2023, Newcastle fans were praised for helping clear up their mess at Trafalgar Square ahead of the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United.And Crystal Palace supporters drew similar adulation for the way they played their part to tidy the rubbish after last week’s jubilant FA Cup final.Sunderland saw off Frank Lampard’s Coventry in dramatic fashion to book their spot in the play-off final – with the winning goal in the 122nd minute.Black Cats midfielder Jobe Bellingham is hoping to enjoy his moment in the Wembley spotlight – a year on from his brother Jude lifting the Champions League trophy under the arch.For team-mate Enzo Le Fee, it promises to be an emotional day.He bravely opened up on finding his father dead in bed after he had taken his own life.Read More on The SunOn the other side, Sheffield United striker Kieffer Moore is relishing his chance to finally play on the hallowed turf – and is desperate to secure a hat-trick of promotions to the Premier League.And Premier League clubs will be supporting the Blades because victory for them would ensure a bumper £39m cash bonus windfall due to the parachute payments. Thousands of supporters gathered in central LondonCredit: The Mega AgencySome even got in the fountainCredit: ReutersThis fan held a flare in his mouthCredit: ReutersSunderland fans stayed put until after darkCredit: ReutersThe Black Cats followers will be hoping for more partying after the play-off finalCredit: Reuters More

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    Why are the EFL play-off finals kicking off a minute later?

    SUNDERLAND and Sheffield United will meet in one of the biggest games on the English football calendar.A place in the Premier League awaits either the Blades or the Black Cats, with Chris Wilder’s side eyeing an immediate return to the top flight.Daniel Ballard headed Sunderland to Wembley with a last minute winner vs CoventryCredit: Scott Llewellyn | MI NewsChris Wilder is looking to guide Sheffield United straight back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Nick Potts/PA Wire.Charlton and London rivals Leyton Orient will meet in the League One play-off finalCredit: GettyWimbledon will take on Walsall in the League Two play-off finalCredit: Tom West | MI NewsRegis Le Bris is hoping to guide Sunderland back to the Premier League for the first time since 2016/17. The Championship play-off final is just one of three promotion deciders happening at Wembley over Bank Holiday weekend, with the League One and League Two play-off finals also occurring.League One sees an all-London affair, as Charlton and Leyton Orient both look to book their place alongside Wrexham and Birmingham in the Championship next season.In League Two, either Walsall or Wimbledon will be joining Doncaster, Port Vale and Bradford in League One next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport can reveal why these games are starting one minute later than usual. Why are the EFL play-off finals starting a minute later?The kick-off times have been moved back one minute to promote the Every Minute Matters campaign.The campaign is a collaboration between EFL sponsors Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation, which aims to get supporters to learn CPR.More than 270,000 people have already learned the life-saving skill thanks to the campaign, which launched during last season’s play-offs.Most read in EFLAs a result, the three play-off finals will now have amended kick-off times:Sat, May 24: Sheffield United vs Sunderland – 3:01pm BSTSun, May 25: Charlton vs Leyton Orient – 1:01pm BST Mon, May 26: Wimbledon vs Walsall – 3:01pm BSTWhat TV channel are the EFL play-off finals and is there a live stream?All three play-off finals will be aired by Sky Sports.The matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.They can also be live streamed to customers on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.SunSport will have live coverage of all three matches. More

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    ‘Only thing not erupting is Mount Vesuvius’ – Fans can’t believe how Napoli have been celebrating Serie A title

    THOUSANDS partied in the streets and fireworks were let off across the city as Napoli clinched Serie A glory.Antonio Conte’s side beat Cagliari 2-0 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona last night to pip Inter Milan to the title.Naples erupted as the club won their fourth ScudettoCredit: SplashThousands lined the streets as the city partied all nightCredit: Shutterstock EditorialFans watched on big screens and celebrated in Piazza del PlebiscitoCredit: Shutterstock EditorialFireworks and flares lit up the skyCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAntonio Conte was thrown into the air by his playersCredit: GettyScott McTominay is a fans’ favouriteCredit: GettyNapoli celebrated the club’s fourth Scudetto in style as wild festivities carried on until the following morning.The stunning atmosphere began hours before kick-off as supporters without a match ticket rushed to the city’s main square Piazza del Plebiscito to watch the game on big screens.Incredible videos showed thousands filling the huge square within minutes of it opening as others gathered outside the stadium.Fireworks were lit across Naples when Scott McTominay scored an outrageous bicycle kick to put them 1-0 up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSmoke from flares engulfed the Maradona Stadium and the pitch could barely be seen on TV.Romelu Lukaku then sealed the title with a wonderful solo goal as the party truly started.Even more fireworks and flares were let off, as amazing footage taken from the mountains overlooking Naples showed the place erupting.As far as the eye could see there were lights vibrantly flashing as the football-obsessed city rejoiced. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFireworks were set off for Napoli in MilanCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHundreds partied in other cities across ItalyCredit: Shutterstock EditorialFans were left stunned by the footage, with one saying: “Only thing not erupting is Mount Vesuvius.”Another added: “Best fans in Italy and home of the most iconic football player in history. Diego would be proud.”Wild scenes in Naples as fans celebrate after Scott McTominay wins Serie A for NapoliA third marvelled: “Scenes. They know how to celebrate.”The joy stretched as far as Milan as hundreds of Neapolitans emerged in front of the Duomo Cathedral late last night.At the final whistle, Napoli players threw Conte into the air as he and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis then shared an emotional hug and were close to tears.Fans were left in anticipation though as the manager was forced to do his post-match press conference before the trophy lift.But the Napoli squad gatecrashed the interview and soaked him in champagne.Every member of the team then dyed their hair blue and a guard of honour from the tunnel to the podium was formed by members of the backroom staff.Players re-appeared from the dressing room one-by-one when their name was called and all were serenaded by the crowd.Serie A player of the season McTominay got one of the biggest receptions, completing a remarkable turnaround since leaving Manchester United last summer.The Neapolitan party carried on long into the night as hundreds of banners with the number four were hung above the iconic narrow streets in the Quartieri Spagnoli neighbourhood. Read More on The SunMcTominay has been called the “darling of Napoli” after being one of the team’s main men en route to Serie A glory.There are Maradona-style shrines, flags and kits everywhere you look in the city based around the Scottish midfielder signed for just £25million a year ago.Conte’s press conference was ambushed by the jubilant playersIncredible footage showed the whole of the city letting off fireworksCredit: X formerly Twitter / @AzatAzadi3444Everything but Mount Vesuvius was lit upCredit: X formerly Twitter / @AzatAzadi3444Napoli won it with a last day victory over CagliariCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThousands rejoiced across NaplesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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    Why every Premier League club will be supporting Sheff Utd over Sunderland in the Championship play-off final

    THE Championship play-off final is already the richest game in football. Either Sheffield United or Sunderland will be £190million richer as a result of winning at Wembley today.Sheffield United winning promotion would lead to a bumper cash windfall for Premier League clubsCredit: GettyThe game kicks off at 3.01pm – the one minute later due to an initiative with the Every Minute Matters, encouraging supporters to learn the life-saving skill of CPR.But come 5pm, it will not just be the Blades fans hoping Chris Wilder’s side have secured victory and snatching the 20th spot in the 2025-26 Premier League season. That is because every remaining Premier League club will also be supporting United against Sunderland. As explained by football finance expert Kieran Maguire, Sheffield United returning to the Premier League will see the rest of the Premier League entitled to a £39million windfall.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat is because Premier League rules state clubs are entitled to three years of parachute payments upon relegation from the top flight – two years if they were relegated immediately after promotion. The parachute payments are 55 per cent, 45 per cent and 20 per cent of the equal share elements of the Premier League distribution to its member clubs.Maguire confirmed this is £48m, £39m and £17m respectively across the three years of payments. However, if a Championship club due to receive parachute payments are promoted back to the Premier League within those three years, they do not get given the outstanding money. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSInstead, the cash is kept by the Premier League who then distribute it to their own clubs. After being relegated in 2023-24, Sheffield United received £45m this season and were due to pocket another £39m next season.’Absolutely disgusting’ – Sunderland fans blasted after footage of how Trafalgar Square was left following party emergesHowever, the Premier League will not have to shell out that money should the Blades return to the top table for 2025-26. Leeds and Burnley’s promotions also saved the Premier League £17m and £39m respectively in parachute payments not needing to be paid. That means a total saving of £95m in parachute payments through promotion. Meanwhile, Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton were all relegated immediately after being promoted.That ensures all three clubs are ineligible for the £17m third-year parachute payments, slashing a further £51m from the Premier League’s expenditure.It all means the Premier League could save a whopping £146m overall – which will be shared among the top 20 clubs, who would each receive a bumper bonus. Sheffield United booked their spot in the final having fallen away from Burnley and Leeds in the automatic spots – but breezed past Bristol City 6-0 on aggregate in the play-off semi-finals.Sunderland saw off Frank Lampard’s Coventry in dramatic fashion – with the winning goal in the 122nd minute. Black Cats midfielder Jobe Bellingham is hoping to enjoy his moment in the Wembley spotlight – a year on from his brother Jude lifting the Champions League trophy under the arch. For team-mate Enzo Le Fee, it promises to be an emotional day. Read More on The SunHe bravely opened up on finding his father dead in bed after he took his own life.On the other side, Blades striker Kieffer Moore is relishing his chance to finally play on the hallowed turf – and is desperate to secure a hat-trick of promotions to the Premier League. More

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    Women’s Champions League 2025 prize money: How much is on offer for Arsenal and Barcelona?

    THE pinnacle of the women’s football season takes place TODAY!The biggest game in the calendar is on our doorstep – and Arsenal women have the chance to win their first Champions League title since 2007.Arsenal are hoping to win the Champions League for the first time since 2007Barcelona could make it four wins out of the last five in the competitionIt’s been a very long wait for the Gunners who have had a barren spell in Europe in recent years.They reached the semis in 2023 but that was their best performance since 2013.This will also be the first time they have reached the final since that special win under Vic Akers.Alex Scott, long before she became a fixture on our TV screens, scored the only goal over two legs against Swedish side Umea.Read more Arsenal newsBut this is a different task entirely, with Arsenal now facing Barcelona – one of the most dominant sides ever.This will be the Femeni’s FIFTH consecutive women’s Champions League final, with three wins in the previous four.They have lost just three matches all season, have already won the Spanish league title and are on for the treble.Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers will have her work cut out.Most read in FootballWhat is the Women’s Champions League prize money?Uefa announced last summer that the total prize pot for the competition remains at €24million (£20.2m), the same figure as last season.Each club was given a base reward for reaching the competition and there were then bonuses for wins and draws.Prize money also increased the further a team went into the competition.The breakdown is as follows: Group stage base reward: €400,000Group stage win bonus: €50,000Group stage draw bonus: €17,000Group winner bonus: €20,000Quarter-final: €160,000Semi-final: €180,000Runner-up: €200,000Winner: €350,000How much prize money have Arsenal won?Arsenal were handed €250k in prize money on top of the €400k base after winning five of their six group-stage matches.They also earned a €20k bonus for topping the group.Having reached the final, they have earned a further €340,000.Total prize money so far: €1,010,000 (approx. £850,000)Read More on The SunBarcelona also won five of their six matches to top the group so have won the exact same amount.When is the Women’s Champions League final and how can I watch it?The Women’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Barcelona takes place on Saturday, May 24.Kick-off is at 5pm BST, with the march held at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal.The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports in the UK.The game is also available to live stream for FREE on Discovery+ and DAZN’s YouTube channel.Alternatively, SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens. More

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    ‘I switched the TV off’ – Jurgen Klopp left shocked and ‘disappointed’ by Liverpool fans booing Trent Alexander-Arnold

    JURGEN KLOPP has criticised Liverpool fans who booed Trent Alexander-Arnold.The right-back is not signing a new contract at Anfield and will leave his boyhood club for Real Madrid this summer.Jurgen Klopp hit out at supporters that booed Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: PAHe brought a signed Alexander-Arnold shirt to auction off for charityCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold has been booed by Liverpool fans since his exit was confirmedCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSome Liverpool supporters have turned on the former fans’ favourite, booing him when he was subbed on against Arsenal two weeks ago.Klopp attended an LFC Foundation fundraising event last night and brought along a signed Alexander-Arnold shirt to auction off.The legendary boss defended the player and hit out at the reaction to his departure.Klopp said: “I don’t want to tell anybody what they shall think, I don’t want to tell you what you have to think.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But I can tell you what you think is wrong. That’s what I can do.”Because I’m an old man and I don’t waste time hiding my opinion.”Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the players that made it all happen. “This boy, 18-years-old, scored a free-kick in Hoffenheim where if he doesn’t score that we don’t qualify for the Champions League.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Against Barcelona he did the most cheeky thing in the world and set up the goal for 4-0, a result and a game which will not happen again.”I don’t tell you that you should not be disappointed, you should not be angry. I tell you don’t forget. This club doesn’t forget. We are famous for not forgetting, we don’t forget anything. Slot sends message to Liverpool fans who booed Trent Alexander-Arnold but vows to keep playing him”I watched the game where he came on and I heard the booing. “I switched the telly off because, honestly, I could not have been more disappointed in this moment. “This is not us. 100 per cent not us. Be angry, don’t understand, whatever.”This boy, I was there everyday, if he didn’t give everything I would tell you now. But everyday he gave absolutely everything to this badge.”Now he decided after 20 years at this club that he wants to go somewhere else. “Why didn’t he sign a new contract?’ I hear this from fans, this money discussion: ‘He goes without a transfer fee’.”If somebody should be angry about that it’s the owners, but they are not.”He wears the Liverpool badge in the skin. But now he plays for another club. We decide how we deal with that.”Klopp’s passionate speech was met by applause from the fans at the event.Team-mate Mo Salah previously criticised the booing, saying: “I was surprised because it is not how we act as Liverpool fans.“The fans have been harsh with him. He didn’t deserve that because he gave it all to the fans.Read More on The Sun“We always appreciate the people who came here, even if it was for six months.”He deserves the best farewell leaving the club. He has done a lot for the city and a lot for the club.” More

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    I needed emergency surgery last time I was meant to play at Wembley – now’s my time to shine in £200MILLION final

    KIEFFER MOORE today finally fulfils his dream to play at Wembley as he aims to complete a hat-trick of promotions to the Premier League.The Sheffield United striker was cruelly robbed of the chance to tread the hallowed turf nine years ago.Sheffield United’s Kieffer Moore will be hoping for yet another happy visit to WembleyCredit: GETTYThe 32-year-old has twice won promotion at the home of English footballCredit: GETTYKieffer Moore is confident of Sheffield United’s chances of returning to the PremCredit: PASheffield United signed Moore from Ipswich in July and were unlucky not to go up automatically.They finished on 90 points — after having two deducted for defaulting on transfer payments — and were only kept out of the top two by Leeds and Burnley both hitting a staggering 100 points.But three defeats in a week to Oxford, Millwall and Plymouth killed off their automatic promotion hopes in April.Moore said: “Our season got defined by that bad week but we’ve accepted that and reset ourselves. We know what we’ve got to do.”Lifelong Sheffield United fan Chris Wilder is looking to be the first Blades manager to earn three promotions at the club, getting them to the Championship in 2017 and Prem in 2019.Read More on The SunBut he will have to end the club’s play-off curse, that currently stands at NINE failures.Moore said: “He drums into you what it means to the fans, the city and everyone involved — it’s a privilege.” More

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    Alessia Russo willing ‘to suffer’ in Arsenal’s battle Champions League glory with holders Barcelona 

    ALESSIA RUSSO is ready to suffer against Barcelona if this leads to Arsenal lifting Europe’s biggest club prize once more.The chance of playing in Champions League final is a dream the Gunners striker has carried since childhood. Alessia Russo and her team-mates face huge Champions League final test against BarcelonaCredit: GettyThe Gunners receives dozens of messages from well-wishers and fans ahead of their bid to help the club win the contest for a second-timeCredit: GettyBarcelona have been in imperious form in Europe this term and scored eight goals across two games during their semi-final tie against ChelseaCredit: AFPAn ambition she “would have bitten off an arm” to fulfil.The dream Russo, 26, had during her younger years of featuring in a Champions League final is just hours away from coming true.It will be shared with a club who are to date the only English side to have won the women’s contest with their triumph over Swedish outfit Umea 18 years ago. This striker said: “As a little kid, the idea of competing in the Champions League, let alone playing in the final, is something I would have bit an arm off to get. Read More Football Stories “Now it’s coming around, it feels special and we’re just trying to enjoy the build-up and the moment.”I know that (so much) work has been done (by the players and the club) for a long time “Arsenal have been significant in terms of women’s clubs from England in the Champions League and making history in that competition.”We know what we’re coming up against with Barcelona. Their history speaks for itself.”Most read in FootballBarcelona have come a long way since their Champions League debut back in October 20212A match that ended with their 4-0 group stage loss to an Arsenal team then managed by English gaffer Laura HarveyAt 5:00pm today at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, a massive challenge faces Russo, her team-mates and their Dutch coach Renee Slegers.Arsenal hope to become the first team to topple Barcelona in the contest’s decider since Lyon’s triumph three years agoThe ten-time top-flight champs of Spain have won three of the last four finalsTheir journey to this one included a semi-final dismantling of Chelsea with an 8-2 aggregate win. Russo added: “They’ve been there and done it in almost everything. “Knowing that we’re coming up against an absolute world-class team, we have to be at our best, switched on, humble and ready to go”I feel if we weren’t, then we wouldn’t be in the final in the first place.”                                                              The 50,095 capacity ground they will play in, home of Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, has hosted some memorable games in the past.Encounters include Sporting’s 3-1 defeat of Manchester United in August 2003 in the stadium’s inaugural fixture.A friendly in which the trickery of a then 18-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo caught the eye of ex-Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson. A game that proved pivotal in influencing the Scotman’s decision to sign the forward who would go on to become the men’s Champions League’s all-time top scorer. Today Russo wants to create some pivotal moments of her own just as she did during Arsenal’s semis knockout of Lyon last month. “It’s going to be tough and we’re going to have to suffer in moments. Alessia Russo She scored her side’s third goal last as they pulled off a gutsy, second-leg fightback with the tournament’s record winners trounced 4-1 after their 2-1And the striker, who netted seven goals in ten Champions League appearances, this term is willing to suffer to secure the win. Russo added: “We want to leave everything on the pitch.”It’s going to be tough and we’re going to have to suffer in moments. “In games like this you just have to leave absolutely everything out there. I know that sounds cliché but it’s true.”The more you’re playing in these games and dealing with the pressures, the highs and the lows of it all can only help you further down the line.”We (my team-mates and me) talked about the biggest games in our careers.””This is definitely one of them. It’s massive for us all and to be doing it with Arsenal feels really special.”The last clash between the Gunners and their opponents, ended in a heavy 4-0 group stage loss for the London side in December 2021Today the Gunners have the bonus of an ex-Barca star Mariona Caldentey, 29, within their ranks. The Champions League-winning experience of the Spain playmaker, who has lifted the trophy three-times in the past four years, will be crucial. Russo said: “Mariona has got a crazy football brain and I’m sure she’s got some things up her sleeve. “It’s nice to have input from her, not only just because she’s played for Barcelona, but because she’s won the Champions League and the World Cup.”She knows how to win in these important moments.”Arsenal’s last foray in a Champions League final 18 years ago resulted in a triumph over Umea after a two-match tie. The decisive second leg for the team, then managed by former club kitman Vic Akers, ended as a 1-0 win at Boreham Wood with full-back Alex Scott’s strike sealing the victory.It’s a game Russo and her pals have been watching in the run-up to today’s match. The striker adds: “We were watching the highlights a couple of weeks ago of the second leg at Boreham Wood. “It’s crazy to think that was the last time an English club won the Champions League. “I was at an Adidas event with Rachel Yankey (who played in the match) and she reflected on the game. Russo reckons Mariona Caldentey’s experience of winnning the Champions League three times will be important for ArsenalCredit: PA“She recalled (the atmosphere) at Boreham Wood being electric. Read More on The Sun”Rachel said the players wanted to use the crowd massively because our fans are incredible.”I know we’ll have an amazing support out in Lisbon.” More