More stories

  • in

    Huge Arsenal injury blow as Riccardo Calafiori forced off after ‘feeling something strange’ in Italy clash

    ARSENAL are sweating over a fresh injury blow to Riccardo Calafiori after the star “felt something strange” while playing for Italy.The defender, 22, picked up the potential problem in his side’s 2-1 defeat to Germany last night.Riccardo Calafiori has suffered another injury scare for ArsenalCredit: RexThe ace jarred his knee during Italy’s 2-1 defeat to GermanyCredit: GettyCalafiori lined up on the left side of a three-man defence and enjoyed a good performance.But towards the end of the match, disaster struck.The £42million Arsenal man slipped and twisted awkwardly as he attempted to re-angle his body while running backwards.The jarring movement results in one leg flying out as the other remained stationary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCalafiori managed to see out the rest of the game, despite initially being forced off the field.But he looked to be moving awkwardly.And speaking afterwards, Italy boss Luciano Spalletti revealed Calafiori will need to undergo tests to determine the extent of his problem.Spalletti said: “We still don’t know if he’s injured.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates“Ricky felt something strange in his knee but we still don’t know.”Calafiori was also asked about the problem but was equally cryptic.Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori reveals he learned English through Netflix and drill music The Gunner said: “I still don’t know…”Should Calafiori have suffered a knee injury, it would already be the THIRD of his Arsenal career following last summer’s move from Bologna.He missed a month of action between October and November with a similar issue, leaving him absent for eight matches.He missed a further three games in December with knee problems.While calf and muscle issues have resulted in another five games missed, making for a total of 16 games out injured so far. More

  • in

    Harry Kane: People have got bored with my goals as they did with Ronaldo and Messi – I can win Ballon d’Or this year

    HARRY KANE claims he is under-appreciated as fans have become “bored” with his stunning scoring stats.The England skipper faces Albania tonight with an incredible international record of 69 goals in 103 appearances, while he has also struck 76 times in just 82 matches for Bayern Munich.Harry Kane says fans got bored of his goalsCredit: GettyCristiano Ronaldo, pictured in 2018, was a goal machine at Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – GettySo too was Lionel Messi, pictured here in 2019, during his Barcelona daysCredit: Getty Images – GettyKane, 31, said: “It’s like when Ronaldo and Messi were throwing these crazy numbers out there.“The next season, they’d score 40 goals instead of 50 and it was like they were having a bad season.“People take it for granted and maybe it’s a little bit for me with England as well.“I’ve scored 69 goals and when you score against Albania or Latvia, people just expect it, so it’s not spoken about so much.READ MORE IN football “If I was 25 now and doing what I’m doing, the excitement around me would be a bit different.“Again, that’s part of where we are with football and I’ve seen it with some other players as they get into their 30s.“Maybe people just get a little bit bored of what you do but I’m certainly not bored. I’m excited for the games ahead.”The striker, back at former club Tottenham’s training ground yesterday, was asked whether he can win the Ballon d’Or this year. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “One hundred per cent.“I felt that last season as well, I scored over 40 goals but I was never going to win the Ballon d’Or because we didn’t win the team trophies.How Tuchel will excite England fans by unleashing high press footballHarry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.”“I finished tenth in the Ballon d’Or while at Spurs and that was as high as I could have finished.”Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first game as England manager in what is the start of a new era following the reign of Sir Gareth Southgate.It was Tuchel who persuaded Kane to leave Spurs for Bayern in 2023.The German’s assistant in Munich was Englishman Anthony Barry and he is now the Three Lions’ No 2.Kane, set to win his first major title this season with Bundesliga leaders Bayern, said: “We had conversations before the transfer happened.“Gareth and Thomas are different characters. In terms of coaching, Thomas takes a bit more on the pitch.”I finished tenth in the Ballon d’Or while at Spurs and that was as high as I could have finished.Harry Kane Kane is also delighted that Jordan Henderson is back in the England squad after 16 months out.There is no doubt the Three Lions missed the influence of Hendo, 34, during Euro 2024 with skipper Kane not the loudest of characters.Kane added: “Whenever you go to tournaments, I don’t think it’s just about having the best players.“It’s about creating an environment where you allow other people to thrive. I would say we were a little bit light on leadership in the summer.“Especially when things are not going well, that’s when you need me and Jordan — experienced players to take that responsibility on.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Hendo brings that experience as good as anyone I’ve played with.“Thomas has been clear on trying to build that environment. And it starts from this camp.”Tuchel persuaded Kane to leave Spurs for Bayern in 2023Credit: AP More

  • in

    Inside the rise of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly as Arsenal pal reveals what England wonderkids are really like

    WHILE Prem stars Myles Lewis-Skelly and Levi Colwill are ready to do battle for England, two old team-mates are fighting the drop to League Two.Crawley midfielder Bradley Ibrahim, 20, was captain of the Arsenal team which got to the FA Youth Cup final two years ago and featured Lewis-Skelly as well as Ethan Nwaneri.Crawley ace Bradley Ibrahim played with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri at ArsenalArsenal ace Myles Lewis-Skelly is eyeing an England debutCredit: GettyEthan Nwaneri has enjoyed quite the breakout season with ArsenalCredit: EPAMeanwhile, Burton midfielder Charlie Webster, 21, came through the ranks at Chelsea with 22-year-old Colwill and worked with England boss Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.Ibrahim, on loan from German club Hertha Berlin, believes this England call-up for Lewis-Skelly, 18, will be the first of many.The pair grew up together at Arsenal, and Ibrahim told SunSport: “I spoke to Myles on Friday after his selection was announced while on the way to Cambridge. He was buzzing.”Ibrahim says Lewis-Skelly’s aggression, strength, fearlessness, self-confidence and humility drove him to the top.Read More on ArsenalHe said: “Myles was always brave — he’ll never play with fear. No matter where he is or who he’s against, Myles has a belief in himself that he’s one of the best and is going to be the best.”But Ibrahim insists off the field the teenager is humble because of his family roots.He recalled how the Arsenal star’s mum, Marcia, always kept him on the straight and narrow. He said: “His progress has been helped by having great parents.“His mum is a strong character and always kept him well disciplined.“He was never one to go out. His mum sometimes didn’t let him.Most read in SportJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates“He’s well-spoken and talks to everyone exactly the same — whether it’s the kitchen staff, cleaners or manager. He’s so humble.”Lewis-Skelly, who could make his senior debut on Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Albania, only made his Prem bow in September at Manchester City. He was red-carded against Wolves and West Ham this season.’It’s like Messi… there I said it’ – Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him ‘potential superstar’And Gunners boss Mikel Arteta had to sub him after 35 minutes at PSV Eindhoven this month to safeguard him after the teenager picked up an early booking. Although the dismissal against Wolves was rescinded, there have been concerns raised about his aggression.But Ibrahim said: “If you take a bit of his aggression away, you take a big thing out of his game.“If he was an older player, people wouldn’t talk about it but because he’s young, people spin it negatively. Even in training and mini-games he’d take it seriously.”He’s well-spoken and talks to everyone exactly the same — whether it’s the kitchen staff, cleaners or manager. He’s so humble.Bradley Ibrahim on Myles Lewis-SkellyIbrahim’s favourite memory of his pal was his last-gasp extra-time winner in the FA Youth Cup semi-final against Manchester City in 2023.However, the Gunners lost 5-1 to West Ham in the final.Part of that team was Nwaneri, 18 today, who incredibly broke into the Under-18s side at 14.The Arsenal whizkid has already clocked up 21 top-flight appearances since making his debut two-and-a-half years ago, aged 15 years and 181 days, the youngest in Prem history.Ibrahim, whose third-from-bottom Crawley side host Bristol Rovers on Friday, said: “It’s not like he’s overhyped. He’s unbelievable and one of the best I’ve played with.”Ibrahim now turns out for Crawley in League OneCredit: RexHe has been shining for Crawley in a tough seasonWebster signed for Burton in the summer after 12 years at Chelsea.The midfielder first joined the Blues at Under-10 level and says he will be forever grateful for Tuchel naming him on the bench for a Carabao Cup game against Brentford in December 2021 when he was 17.He said: “Tuchel will be unbelievable for England. He’s intense in terms of how he focuses on key details, he never misses anything.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCentre-back Colwill, now a first-team regular, was a team-mate of Webster for the Blues’ youth teams.Webster, whose Brewers side are not in action due to international call-ups, added: “Every player’s journey is different but he has been given his chance and taken it. That’s all down to him. He’s a brilliant footballer.” More

  • in

    Jake Humphrey breaks down in tears on BBC as he pays touching tribute to F1 legend Eddie Jordan

    BBC presenter Jake Humphrey was reduced to tears during a touching tribute to the late Eddie Jordan live on air.It was announced on Thursday that Jordan had passed away aged 76 following a battle with cancer.Jake Humphrey was reduced to tears in an emotional tribute to former colleague and friend Eddie JordanCredit: BBCJordan passed away on Thursday following a battle with cancerCredit: RexJordan was an iconic figure in Formula One, working as both a presenter and team owner for the sport, as well as competing in F2 and F3 as a driver.During his time as a presenter for the BBC’s coverage of F1, Jordan worked alongside Humphrey.Now working on different projects, Humphrey recalled his time alongside Jordan at the Beeb during a heartfelt tribute live on BBC Radio 5 Live.Brought to tears as he was speaking, Humprey said: “He won races, which was remarkable, but I think, more important than that, was that he won hearts.READ MORE ON F1″You know, I remember when I left Formula One a lot of people were questioning why on earth you would leave the BBC to go and join BT Sport (now TNT).”And I’ll never forget, he pulled me to one side and he just said, ‘I know why you’re doing this’.”I said, ‘really?’ and he said, ‘Yes – because you want to be with your kids’, because my wife was pregnant at the time.”I said, ‘You’re absolutely right’. He was the only person in Formula One that knew I was walking away to be with my family.”Most read in MotorsportChoked up, Humphrey added: “I recently went to a Formula One race and I sent him a message afterwards.”I said, ‘The sound, the smell and the heat today reminded me of our days together travelling the world. I love you brother.’.Humphrey, Jordan and David Coulthard worked together to host the BBC’s coverage of Formula One for four yearsCredit: Getty Images – GettyJordan and Humphrey became close friends during their time with the BBCCredit: X/mrjakehumphreyF1 legend Eddie Jordan gives health update on prostrate cancer a month before he sadly passed away “‘Those were the greatest four years of my career, and the impact you had on me was massive.'”‘My ambition and drive came from seeing what you did and how you did it. But more importantly you were the person who made me truly realise that it’s family first every time.'”Jordan’s passing has rocked the world of F1 after a family statement was released confirming the heartbreaking news. It read: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE, the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit and entrepreneur.”He passed away peacefully with family by his side in Cape Town in the early hours of 20th March 2025 at the age of 76, after battling with an aggressive form of prostate cancer for the past 12 months.”EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm everywhere he went. We all have a huge hole missing without his presence.”He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves us with tonnes of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow.”Since then, tributes have poured in for the icon from across the sport and beyond including from the likes of Carlos Sainz, Martin Brundle, Christian Horner and Katie Price.Jordan was a legend in his field and although he never drove in F1, he did race in F2, F3 and Formula Atlantic, as well as 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1981.Ten years later he did finally make it to F1 with his Jordan Grand Prix team, and gave Michael Schumacher his F1 debut in 1991.Jordan Grand Prix raced in F1 until 2005, and achieved its best ever result in 1998 when Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher finished first and second at the Belgian Grand Prix.The team was sold in 2005 and rebranded as MF1 Racing a year later before becoming Force India and later Racing Point and now Aston Martin.Jordan returned to F1 in 2009 as a pundit for BBC Sport’s Grand Prix and later joined Channel 4 in 2016.He had also been a regular pundit on Sky Sports over the years.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was awarded an honorary OBE by Her Majesty The Queen in recognition of his services to charity and motor racing in 2012.In 2016 he joined the cast of presenters on Top Gear, who at the time included Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc.Jordan was a F1 team ownerCredit: AFPHe also spent time as a driver in F2 and F3Credit: GettyJordan turned his hand to presenting later in his careerCredit: GettyJordan, seen posing with his daughter Micki and son Zak, was a family man as well as a businessmanCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Barcelona forced into major stadium decision as Nou Camp reopening delayed AGAIN

    BARCELONA’S move to their new stadium has been delayed AGAIN.Barca left the Nou Camp in 2023 and have since been playing at the Catalan city’s Olympic Stadium.Barcelona’s return to the Nou Camp has been delayed once moreCredit: BARCELONABarcelona left the Nou Camp in 2023 and have since been playing at the Olympic StadiumCredit: BARCELONABarcelona fans were informed they will play the rest of their LaLiga and Champions League matches at the Olympic StadiumCredit: BARCELONABarcelona were expected to return to the Nou Camp in NovemberCredit: RexThe legendary ground, which will be renamed the Spotify Camp Nou, is undergoing reconstruction that will see it hold a capacity of around 105,000 – the highest in Europe.The Blaugrana were initially expected to return in time for the club’s 125th anniversary last November.Barcelona president Joan Laporta then claimed the club would be back in the stadium by March.According to ESPN, however, the Catalan giants have now informed fans the club will finish the season at the Olympic Stadium, where they will play all remaining LaLiga and Champions League matches.Read More on FootballSupporters got the news via email on Thursday.Things have slowed down due to the fact more work is required on the second tier than initially planned.This comes after a recent report from Relevo claimed the earliest the Catalans could move would be October 2025.The same source added the stadium’s roof will not be installed until summer of 2026.Most read in FootballBarcelona are pushing for the LaLiga title despite playing away from their home.They currently top LaLiga, but bitter rivals Real Madrid are second with the same amount of points.Delayed Camp Nou appears far from completion as new video shows slow progress of £1Atletico Madrid are four points behind the El Clasico foes amid an exciting season.Hansi Flick’s side are also in the Champions League quarter-finals where they will face Borussia Dortmund. More

  • in

    Formula One icon Eddie Jordan leaves huge fortune to wife & 4 kids after death at 76 as celeb pals mourn ‘rockstar’

    FORMULA One icon Eddie Jordan amassed an estimated €500million fortune in his astonishing life, it’s believed.The Dublin-born tycoon – who could “sell a used box of matches” according to old pals – owned homes in South Kensington, London, and Monaco.Former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan has died at the age of 76Credit: PA:Press AssociationThe Dublin-born tycoon was also a TV punditCredit: PA:Press AssociationEddie is survived by his wife Marie and his kidsCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe also had a home in Cape Town, where he died in the early hours of this morning after battling an aggressive form of prostrate and bladder cancer.Jordan had business interests in property, oil, golf, racing and football. He was a former shareholder at Celtic FC and was a long-time friend of Dermot Desmond and Denis O’Brien.He leaves behind his wife, Marie and children Zoe, Miki, Zak and Kyle.A statement on behalf of his wife Marie and four children said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE, the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit and entrepreneur.“He passed away peacefully with family by his side in Cape Town in the early hours of 20th March 2025 at the age of 76, after battling with an aggressive form of prostate cancer for the past 12 months.“EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm everywhere he went. We all have a huge hole missing without his presence.“He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves us with tonnes of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow.”Most read in MotorsportJordan’s net worth has been assessed in the hundreds of millions, according to experts.A source said: “He was very clever, extremely astute and made shrewd investments over the years.”Brave Eddie Jordan’s final public appearance just weeks before his deathThe former Bank of Ireland worker indulged in his love of the sea by owning up to 10 Sunseeker superyachts during his lifetime, taking possession of his final one in 2014 – a 47m vessel named Blush worth €32 million- which he sold three years later.He also owned a 45m sailing yacht – named Blush – which was sold for €12 million at the end of last year, just as he announced he was terminally ill.Jordan grew up in Dartry, south Dublin and Bray in Co Wicklow, and attended Synge Street Christian Brothers school.LOVE FOR MOTORSPORTSHe fell in love with motor racing after spending a summer in Guernsey in 1970 when a banking strike gave him time off from his day job.He bought a kart on his return to Ireland and built his way up from the Irish Karting Championships, through Formula Ford, Formula Three, Formula 3000to the owner of his own Formula One team, Jordan Grand Prix, in 1991.A former workmate at the Bank of Ireland branch on Camden Street in Dublin, where he worked for a number of years, joked: “You’d be taking your life in your hands if you got into a car with him.”But added: “He was a great character, well-remembered and well-liked. He could sell ice to the Eskimos or a used box of matches.”TRIBUTES POUR INTributes poured in for the flamboyant businessman, who also owned a helicopter, had racehorses trained by Irish trainer Mouse Morris and played drums in a rock band.Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: “I was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Eddie Jordan.“Eddie lived life to the full, facing his final days with the same courage and tenacity he displayed throughout his many years as an entrepreneur, Formula One pioneer, and TV pundit.“There were few like him. My deepest sympathies go to all his family and friends.”’TRULY REMARKABLE’Tanaiste Simon Harris added: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Formula 1 legend Eddie Jordan.“A proud Dubliner, Eddie’s impact on the world of motorsport was truly remarkable.“His passion, vision, and leadership shaped the sport and inspired so many. His legacy will live on.”Riverdance icon Michael Flatley, who was good pals with Eddie, took to Instagram this morning to dedicate a post to the late sports star.Sharing some throwback snaps of himself and Eddie jamming on stage together, he said: “God rest your soul dear Eddie.“Legend, brother, best friend, rockstar! You lived your life fearlessly. Love you forever.“See you on the other side.”’GREATLY MISSED’Horse racing legend AP McCoy tweeted: “So sad to hear the news of Eddie Jordan’s passing. Such a cool, kind, charismatic man with a huge presence. He will be greatly missed.“Sending my thoughts and condolences to Marie and all his family.”In late 2024, Jordan detailed his health issues on his Formula For Success podcast, which he co-hosted with David Coulthard.“He was a great character, well-remembered and well-liked. He could sell ice to the Eskimos or a used box of matches.”Former work colleagueHe said: “Way back in March and April, I was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer.“And then it spread into the spine and the pelvis, so it was quite aggressive. And we’ve all heard about our wonderful friend Sir Chris Hoy, who is an absolute megastar, and he [was] coming out and talking about illness such as like what I’ve got, but he’s a far younger man.“But this is a little message for all the anchors and everybody listening to this: don’t wait or put it off.“Go and get tested, because in life you’ve got chances and there is so much medical advice out there and so many things that you can do to extend your lifetime. Go and do it.”’DEEPLY SADDENED’Despite his diagnosis, last month Jordan led a consortium in the purchase of English rugby club London Irish.Paying tribute the club said: “He was working until the last, having communicated on St Patrick’s Day about his ambitions for London Irish Rugby Football Club, of which he had recently become Patron.”F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said he was “deeply saddened” by the news describing him as a man with “inexhaustible energy who always knew how to make people smile, remaining genuine and brilliant at all times.”RACING ROYALTYJordan’s first major taste of the racing world came when he entered and won the 1971 Irish Karting Championship.Over the following years Jordan debuted in Formula Ford, the Irish Formula Championship and, in 1975, Formula Three before a serious accident at Mallory Park in 1976 stunted his progress.He returned to racing the following year and in 1978, he won the Irish Formula Atlantic Championship and following a Formula Two race and testing for McLaren, he founded his first team, Eddie Jordan Racing, in 1979 before moving into the world of Formula 1 with Jordan Grand Prix, which was established in 1991.Highlights include giving a debut to Michael Schumacher at the Belgian Grand Prix while giving driver Eddie Irvine real profile.READ MORE SUN STORIESAt the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, Jordan completed a one-two with Damon Hill winning and Ralf Schumacher finishing second. Third was Jean Alesi, who had previously won a F3000 Drivers’ Championship for Eddie Jordan Racing.The Jordan Grand Prix team enjoyed its best season in 1999 when it finished third in the Constructors’ Championship with Hill and Heinz-Harald Frentzen, the latter also finishing third in the Drivers’ Championship.Eddie with Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Jarno Trulli during his racing daysCredit: PA:Press AssociationJordan had business interests in property, oil, golf, racing and football.Credit: PA:Press AssociationThe business tycoon had a lot of famous pals, including Eddie Irvine and Liam CunninghamCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

  • in

    Moment Scotland hero Scott McTominay has LASER pen flashed in his eyes by Greece fans before coolly opening scoring

    SCOTT McTOMINAY was coolness personified as he ignored LASER pens being shone in his eyes to give Scotland a Nations League playoff lead in Athens. The penalty award was debatable as the Napoli midfielder appeared to stand on the ball and accidentally initiate the contact himself – but there was no arguing about the finish as he notched his 12th goal for his country.McTominay ignores the laser pen i his eyesMcTominay ignores the laser pensThat’s despite BBC footage clearly showing fans attempting to shine a green laser in the midfielder’s eye as he prepared to take the penalty.Scotland boss Steve Clarke last night hailed his talisman for holding his nerve in the cauldron. He said: “It’s something that happens but it didn’t put him off. We are delighted with the result, 1-0 coming away to a difficult place. We had to dig in throughout the second half.”We saw two sides to the team tonight.”The first half we were excellent and played the ball around really well.”We created some good chances and could maybe have been a little further in front at half-time.”In the second half, to be fair to the Greeks, they came out and got about us. They stopped us playing and we went too long.”We didn’t get a hold of the ball enough. Then we were asked to defend and we defended quite well.Most read in Football”We defended our box and coped with what felt like a lot of pressure.”But Craig Gordon didn’t have too many saves to make. It was credit to the team defensively in the second half.Steve Clarke likes Lennon Miller’s stated ambition to become one of Scotland’s top players”It’s now game on for Sunday. I don’t see the game being closed at all. I was impressed with the Greeks in the second half.”Their away record is good too. They went to Ireland and Finland and won comfortably, while also going to Wembley and winning. The game is still wide open.”BBC pundit Steven Naismith said: “The laser pens are brought out frequently there too so Scotty was probably used to it.”McTominay has been a massive hit out in Italy, where they currently sit 2nd, three points ahead of Atalanta but three behind leaders Inter Milan.But excelling in a much more attack-minded role, McTominay has struck seven times in Serie A this season – with one of them coming against Inter in a 1-1 draw back in November.And there’s been reports in Italy that the midfielder is already a target for Napoli’s title rivals Inter.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

  • in

    David Moyes set to stand witness in Lucas Paqueta spot-fixing trial with West Ham star facing LIFETIME ban

    DAVID MOYES is expected to provide a witness statement as part of Lucas Paqueta’s spot-fixing hearing.Part of the Brazil international’s defence is that he asked boss Moyes to be left out of a game at Bournemouth in August 2023.Lucas Paqueta’s spot-fixing trial is due to beginCredit: RexDavid Moyes will provide a witness statementCredit: RexPaqueta was booked in the game against the Cherries, one of the four yellow cards he is accused of deliberately picking up.The midfielder’s team claim that he asked to be left out of the opening game of the season so as not to harm the possibility of an £85million move to Manchester City that month.Moyes instead started the former Lyon man, who was booked for handball in the 94th minute before then being replaced by Maxwel Cornet.Paqueta’s FA hearing began this week and could lead to a lifetime ban from football if found guilty, though he has denied all charges.READ MORE IN football The Hammers playmaker is expected to call a number of witnesses as part of his defence, including gambling experts.Suspicious betting patterns around Paqueta being booked in Premier League games were flagged by numerous bookmakers, including West Ham’s main sponsor, Betway.Paqueta has played 28 times this season – scoring four goals – having missed only four games with three of those down to injury. Boss Graham Potter said earlier in March: “He’s fine. Most read in Football”He’s been disappointed because he’s missed games with injury, but he’s worked hard and trained well this week. “I’ve found him no problem whatsoever.Dani Dyer reveals whether she will take West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen’s surname after marriage “The other stuff is out of my hands, but with us he’s been really good.”The Hammers went into the international break 16th in the league – but still 17 points clear of safety. More