Philippa Kaur

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    in Soccer

    Two Premier League managers lined up to replace Ange Postecoglou as pressure grows on Tottenham boss

    TWO Premier League managers are being lined up as possible replacements for Ange Postecoglou, according to reports.Pressure continues to grow on the Tottenham boss during a season of struggles.Ange Postecoglou is feeling the heat at TottenhamCredit: AlamyHe survived a nightmare run of form throughout December and January then saw Spurs get knocked out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup within three days in early February.But the North Londoners have not won any of their last three Premier League games – against Manchester City, Bournemouth and then Fulham on Sunday.And although they scraped past AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League round of 16, the disappointing defeat at Craven Cottage piled more misery on Postecoglou.His side are way down in 14th in the Premier League table, ahead of Everton and West Ham on goal difference. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd should the club decide to sack the irritated Aussie, they have reportedly drafted up two options as successors. The Telegraph state Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva are the leading candidates for the Tottenham hierarchy. Silva was in the home dugout as Fulham secured the 2-0 win on Sunday and his side sit eighth. One point and two places back are Bournemouth, with Iraola doing a fantastic job on the south coast. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs well as their impressive Premier League campaigns, both Fulham and Bournemouth are in the FA Cup quarter-finals with dreams of Wembley glory in May. The Cherries will fight hard to keep hold of Iraola, who is expected to be in high demand in the summer with reports Real Madrid are keen. Ange Postecoglou snaps at journalist over question ahead of Tottenham vs AZ AlkmaarAnd they may even try and extend his contract which currently runs to 2026 – but the Spaniard is said to be interested in the possibility of managing Tottenham. As for Silva, his future at Fulham is already in doubt with suggestions the two parties could be open to going in separate directions at the end of the season. Silva’s contract also runs until 2026 but there are rumours of a £6million release clause. Postecoglou’s frustrations boiled over as he clashed with a fan in another heated exchange following the Fulham loss. Tottenham’s remaining hope of ending their long trophy drought this season is the Europa League.But while Postecoglou’s future is not totally dependent on winning the European competition, a disappointing exit to Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals would not help his cause. Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is reportedly on Spurs’ radarCredit: GettyMarco Silva could be a target for the North LondonersCredit: Reuters More

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    ‘He thinks we are all idiots’ – Chelsea fans turn on Enzo Maresca after ‘delusional’ comments following Arsenal loss

    CHELSEA fans were furious with manager Enzo Maresca’s post-match comments after their loss to rivals Arsenal.The Blues lost 1-0 to the Gunners at the Emirates on Sunday following Mikel Merino’s winner in the 20th minute.Chelsea fans were furious with manager Enzo Maresca after their loss to rivals ArsenalCredit: X @ChelseaFCMaresca claimed Chelsea ‘controlled the game’ and ‘competed very well’Credit: GettyThe West Londoners’ faithful were furious with the performance against Mikel Arteta’s side.And their frustrations got worse after hearing Maresca, 45, telling Sky Sports his side “controlled the game” and “competed very well” against the North Londoners.Fuming Chelsea fans took to social media and lashed out at the Italian tactician, with some calling him “delusional”, amid a turbulent run in the Premier League.One fan tweeted: “This guy is delusional. The difference was Arsenal tried to win the game. And we had no intention of doing that.”Read More on ChelseaAnother commented: “We controlled the game”??!! Honestly it’s worrying how deluded he is. Controlling the bits of the pitch with sideways passing doesn’t mean you control the game. “We didn’t look threatening at all. Arsenal forced us wide & shut the central areas out comfortably.”A third wrote: “It’s not the fact that he is watching a different game, it’s the fact that he thinks we are all idiots and that we can not see how dire we are. Insulting.”This fan added: “We certainly didn’t control the game.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesdayplus player ratings and exclusives from Stamford BridgeAnd that one asked: “Does Maresca watch a different game to the rest of us?”Chelsea fans were also left upset with Maresca following a heated exchange with Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber during the closing stages of the game.Enzo Maresca defends lacklustre Chelsea after Conference League progress Timber was caught on camera leaning in and telling the ex-Leicester boss on the sidelines to: “Try harder, try harder.”Maresca responded with his mouth covered, before the full-back cheekily held out his own hand.The Chelsea boss shook it and fans were not impressed with his light-hearted reaction.Chelsea ratings vs ArsenalCHELSEA missed the chance to pull clear in the race for Champions League football as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal.Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the game as the Blues produced a limp performance at the Emirates.They were without several key men including Cole Palmer.And they struggled to create chances against Arsenal with a threadbare subs bench to boot.But who was Chelsea’s best player in North London?And which players will want to forget about their performance as soon as possible?See SunSport’s Andy Dillon’s verdict on the Chelsea players here More

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    Inside Alan Shearer’s wild Carabao Cup final day as he ends night boozing with Newcastle heroes and fans

    ALAN SHEARER’S long, long wait to see Newcastle win a trophy is over.And he made absolutely sure to celebrate the day in full.Alan Shearer revelled in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup winCredit: InstagramHe posed for photos at Wembley Boxpark with the likes of JoelintonCredit: InstagramShearer headed to Wembley with his kids Will and ChloeCredit: Instagram @alanshearerShearer’s beloved Magpies beat Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final thanks to goals from local hero Dan Burn and star striker Alexander Isak.And one of the club’s all-time greats was in the stands to soak up the occasion – before joining the players at the afterparty. Shearer, 54, got himself into a VIP box at Wembley where he was joined by kids Chloe and Will as well as a host of former Newcastle stars and celebrities. The likes of Yohan Cabaye, Warren Barton, Jonas Gutierrez, Ryan Taylor, Steven Taylor and Steve Harper were in the same VIP box – as were South Shields’ Little Mix Jade Thirlwall plus James Bay.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd two competition winners managed to get seats at Shearer’s table – auction prizes from his foundation’s recent gala evening at the Hilton in Newcastle. The Toon icon opted for a smart casual look with a grey jumper over a white shirt, dark trousers and a flat cap – but made sure to show his colours with a black-and-white scarf. But there was nothing casual about his celebrations when Burn opened the scoring just before half-time as he leapt around in the posh seats. And Shearer could not contain his excitement when Isak made it 2-0 then again when the full-time whistle blew after a nervy injury time in which Federico Chiesa pulled one back for the Reds.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Premier League’s record goalscorer was regularly shown on TV throughout the game – as were duo Ant and Dec.But Shearer also kept pals Gary Lineker and Micah Richards updated throughout the day with some short videos shown on their Rest Is Football podcast.Alan Shearer is wild with celebration as Newcastle win the Carabao Cup The first saw the upbeat Geordie before he headed to Wembley before breaking into a cackling laugh in his first update from the stadium when he spotted two magpies in the floral table display.Shearer beamed: “Two f***ing magpies. It’s going to be our day.”Do you know what two magpies mean? One for sorrow, two for joy.”His half-time video heaped praise on big Burn following his goal and then he sent another one at the end, singing along to a Sam Fender song.Seemingly holding back tears, an emotional Shearer told the camera: “F***ing hell, 70 years, man.”We’ve done it. See you whenever lads, I’m not sure when I’ll see you somewhere.”Then after watching Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier lift the Carabao Cup trophy, Shearer and his family headed to Boxpark just a stone’s throw from the national stadium to continue the jubilations. Shearer updated The Rest Is Football lads with his excitable video messagesCredit: YouTube @TheRestIsFootballShearer sang along to Sam Fender during the trophy celebrationsCredit: YouTube @TheRestIsFootballThe emotion was clear to see for ShearerCredit: YouTube @TheRestIsFootballShearer filmed the scenes as thousands of the Toon Army sang various songs and chants.And then Eddie Howe’s triumphant squad headed into the venue to celebrate with the supporters.But as VIPs, the Shearers got into the exclusive area and posed for photos with the stars.Shearer got snaps with goalscorer Burn, Brazilian hero Joelinton and back-up goalkeeper Mark Gillespie, who was still in his kit.And the former Premier League winner with Blackburn – who was twice a beaten FA Cup finalist with his boyhood club – finally got his hands on Newcastle silverware as he put on Gillespie’s medal. Needless to say, Shearer did not join Lineker and Richards to film their podcast on Sunday night.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he did share posts to his Instagram story as early as 8am on Monday and then again later in the morning. Make no mistake about it, Alan Shearer made the most of witnessing his Newcastle side win the first major trophy in his lifetime. Shearer was in a VIP box with plenty of former Newcastle playersCredit: Instagram @steventaylor27officialHe wielded his scarf around his head when Alexander Isak made it 2-0Credit: Sky SportsShearer put on Mark Gillespie’s medal at the afterpartyCredit: Instagram @alanshearerThe Shearers joined the Toon Army in the celebrationsCredit: Instagram More

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    in Motorsport

    Lewis Hamilton and new Ferrari race engineer set for crunch meeting after fiery exchange at Australian GP

    LEWIS HAMILTON and his new race engineer will be having a bonding session ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend.For 12-years all Hamilton knew at the end of his team radio at Mercedes was Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington and his famous ‘Hammer time’ call.Lewis Hamilton cut a frustrated figure after a disappointing debut race with FerrariCredit: GettyRiccardo Adami is the 40-year-old’s new race engineerCredit: GettyThe pair began working together in 2013 when Hamilton joined the team and forged one of the greatest racer-engineer partnerships in history, winning six world titles together over 12, mostly glittering, seasons.The two developed an unbreakable bond over the years with Hamilton referring to Bono as a “brother”.But that pair were ripped apart when Bono was promoted to head of race engineering at Mercedes, meaning the pair’s partnership concluded when Hamilton joined Ferrari this season.Seven-time world champion Hamilton, 40, said before his debut in Melbourne on Sunday that he will “know early on” whether or not his relationship with his new race engineer Riccardo Adami at Ferrari will work.Read More in F1Well, if the fiery exchange between the two after a Ferrari strategy blunder in the opener in Melbourne is anything to go by then it’s not looking good.Hamilton played things down after Sunday’s race and said: “We’re learning about each other, and after this we’ll download and go through all the comments, things I said and vice-versa.“Generally, I’m not one that likes a lot of information in the race, unless I need it, I’ll ask for it. He did his best today, and we’ll move forwards for sure.“I’ve learned a huge amount this weekend, there’s a lot to take away from it. And I’ve got some changes I’ve got to make for next week.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Sunday was a crash course in driving a Ferrari in the rain.”Hamilton led the Australian Grand Prix briefly but the Italian team produced a strategy blunder leaving him finishing the race in P10 as they left it too late to pit him as the rain came down.’I’m about to cry’ – Fans praise Lewis Hamilton’s dad for classy gesture as he consoles F1 rookie after debut crashHamilton blasted, “S***!” before apologising after not realising the radio was still on after Ferrari’s mistake.Hamilton had qualified eighth and was sassy throughout with Adami who tried to give the Brit information about DRS, but he replied: “Leave it guys, leave it.”Adami, 51, has been working with Ferrari since 2015, having previously worked with Toro Rosso.He worked as Sebastian Vettel’s race engineer and worked with Carlos Sainz in 2021 before he was replaced by Hamilton.When Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur was asked if there were communication issues between Hamilton and Adami, he replied: “It was the first race, the first time that we have to communicate between the pitwall and the car.“We can do a better job and know each other more, for sure it was not a clean one at all, the strategy was difficult and we need to find a better way to communicate between the car and the pitwall but we will learn from race one and it is not an issue.McLaren looked like the fastest car on the grid, with Lando Norris securing the win and Oscar Piastri second for most of the race before finishing in P9 after spinning off track.Max Verstappen came in second ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell and Red Bull boss Christian Horner has urged people not to get too carried away due to how unique the Melbourne track is.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “China is the first representative race circuit of quite a few venues. It will be fascinating to see how Ferrari performs there.“McLaren will be quick there I have no doubts about that.” More

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    in Soccer

    Fans think the Wealdstone Raider is a time traveller after his incredible Carabao Cup prediction goes viral

    NEWCASTLE pulled off a stunning 2-1 Carabao Cup final victory over Wembley at Liverpool to win their first domestic trophy in 70 years.And given the Magpies’ dismal record in cup competitions spanning decades, few gave them much of a chance at all of overcoming the Premier League leaders at Wembley.The Wealdstone Raider was one of very few people to perfectly guess the outcome of the Carabao Cup finalCredit: https://x.com/brfcsammieHe previously went viral for his antics at Wealdstone gamesCredit: Andrew Styczynski – The SunDan Burn netted a headed goal as the Wealdstone Raider predictedCredit: APFew, that is, except 59-year-old Gordon Hill, better known as the Wealdstone Raider.The non-league superfan was seen donning a Newcastle shirt as he was interviewed ahead of the big match.And when asked what the score would be, he said: “2-1 Newcastle.”He was then asked who the first goalscorer would be and incredible responded: “You know what, I think Dan Burn to celebrate the England call-up.READ MORE NEWCASTLE NEWS”Well done for that Dan, you deserve it. Header, boom, straight in there.”And on 45 minutes, Burn did exactly what the Wealdstone Raider said he would do.Attacking a corner, the defender got to the ball first and coolly headed into Caoimhin Kelleher’s bottom right hand corner.Burn, who has just been called up to the England squad for the first time, has scored just seven goals in his four seasons on Tyneside.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd this goal was his first of the current season.Alexander Isak would then add a second goal after half time before Federico Chiesa pulled one back late on to make the final score exactly the 2-1 Toon victory that the Wealdstone Raider had predicted. Inside Newcastle’s wild dressing room celebrations as Burn does trademark dance and Longstaff drinks out of Carabao CupAfter the match, boss Eddie Howe joked that Dan Burn hadn’t shown any signs of making a goalscoring contribution during their set piece drills in training.He commented: “We worked consistently for two weeks on set plays just for this game and if you had seen us in practice you would have said we had no chance.”We couldn’t believe Dan Burn scored – he didn’t train like that! He was a colossus for us.”And fans were just as surprised that the prediction had come true, with many left wondering where the Wealdstone Raider’s knowledge of future events had come from.One posted on X: “Wealdstone raider turned mystic Meg”Another wrote: “Get the Wealdstone Raider to give us his lottery numbers. Blimey.”And a third commented: “someone had a vision” More

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    in Soccer

    ‘It’s not nice’ – Bruno Fernandes responds to Roy Keane’s scathing criticism of Man Utd captain live on Sky Sports

    BRUNO FERNANDES declared “it’s not nice” as he responded to scathing criticism from Roy Keane.The Manchester United captain has been in inspired form recently, starting with a hat-trick in Thursday’s Europa League win over Real Sociedad.Bruno Fernandes said Roy Keane’s criticism of him was ‘not nice’Credit: X @SkySportsPLKeane let rip at the Man United captain in an amazing rant last monthCredit: YouTube/The OverlapFernandes followed that up with a goal and two assists as United made light work of Leicester on Sunday.But before those two games, the Portugal star came under attack from ex-Red Devils skipper Keane.The Irishman blasted Fernandes for a lack of leadership on the Stick to Football podcast last month. Keane claimed the playmaker and teammates were “imposters” who were flattering to deceive.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArguing with Ian Wright, Keane said: “I see fans at matches, and they sing for Bruno [Fernandes]. I see these boys, I think they’re f***ing imposters.”You know what Wrighty? I’ve had enough of that rubbish man. You watch Arsenal every week, I’m focusing on United. Sit and watch a game. Sit and watch a game with him [playing].”People [including him] are pretending to be closing people down. They’re 15th in the league. And he’s saving them?! Praise the Lord.”Talent is not enough. You keep coming back to talent. Bruno is a talented player, but talent is not enough. Leadership is about action.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus player ratings and exclusives from Old TraffordFernands has now responded to Keane’s comments and admits it was not nice hearing criticism from someone he aspires to.The ace added he is working hard to improve the leadership side of his game and hopes that teammates are starting to take a leaf out of his book.Roy Keane slams Man Utd in angriest ever rant and has bust-up with Wright over BrunoFernandes said: “It’s not nice to hear those things about you, I think no one likes that. But at the same time, it motivates and makes you think people think there’s a lot of things you have to improve. “You have to take it in a positive way, and think whatever people are saying, if there’s a margin for improvement or not. I know you’re talking about Roy Keane.“I have huge respect for Roy Keane. I think he was one of the best captains the club had. An amazing player for the club, won basically everything for this club. “It’s the way he thinks about me as a player, as a captain. I have to respect that. I try to do the things in my own way to be not the best captain but person and team-mate as I can. I do it every day. I try to be an example in everything I do in the training sessions, on the pitch. “But obviously, not everyone will like (it), not everyone will think in the same way, and I respect every opinion of everyone. I have to accept there is a lot of margin for improvement in my game and my leadership.” More

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    Marc Cucurella breaks down in tears with wife and Mahrez’s Wag gets breast op in dramatic Married To The Game trailer

    PREMIER LEAGUE stars – past and present – will be linking up with their Wags in a popular football-related reality show.Married to the Game has returned for a second season on Amazon Prime and will premiere on April 8.Famous football-related reality show Married to the Game returns for a second seasonCredit: YouTube/Amazon Prime Video UK & IEChelsea ace Marc Cucurella is seen crying to his wife Claudia RodriguezCredit: YouTube/Amazon Prime Video UK & IERiyad Mahrez’s partner Taylor Ward opens up about her breast reduction surgeryCredit: YouTube/Amazon Prime Video UK & IETaylor underwent surgery in Istanbul while Mahrez was awayCredit: YouTube/Amazon Prime Video UK & IEThe show promises drama and intrigueCredit: YouTube/Amazon Prime Video UK & IEManchester City hero Riyad Mahrez and Arsenal ace Jorginho return with their better halves Taylor Ward and Cat Harding respectively.They are joined by new signings Gabriel Magalhaes from Arsenal, Leon Bailey from Aston Villa and Marc Cucurella from Chelsea.Gabriel, Bailey and Cucurella will be coming with partners Gabrielle Figueiredo, Stephanie Hope and Claudia Rodriguez.And the new season promises some major drama and intrigue following the release of its first trailer.Read More on FootballCucurella is seen breaking down in tears next to Claudia as he tells the camera, “We need to learn a lot”.And Al-Ahli star Mahrez’s wife Taylor is seen getting breast reduction surgery in Istanbul while he’s away.The Wags are taking centre stage as they discuss their ambitions on camera.Some of them are also seen taking luxurious trips to glitzy destinations, such as Marbella.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe second season is covering the summer season as clips show Spanish fans celebrating Euro 2024.Cucurella was part of the Spain team that won the European title in Germany.Dramatic moment Prem ace Jorginho’s fiancee confronts woman in late-night doorstep showdown over Arsenal starThe Furia Roja did so by beating England 2-1 in the final in Gareth Southgate’s last match in charge of the Three Lions.Cucurella teams up with partner Claudia in the reality TV seriesCredit: Amazon PrimeArsenal ace Jorginho and Cat Harding return to the showCredit: Amazon PrimeMahrez and Taylor are also a returning couple in the showCredit: Amazon PrimeAston Villa star Leon Bailey is coming to the show with Stephanie HopeCredit: Amazon PrimeArsenal ace Gabriel Magalhaes will also debut with Gabrielle FigueiredoCredit: Amazon Prime More

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    Sergio Ramos jokes ‘I couldn’t leave this league without a red card’ after being sent off for booting rival in the bum

    SERGIO RAMOS made light of a red card for Mexican side Monterrey after a 3-1 win at Pumas.The former Real Madrid captain was seen kicking opponent Guillermo Martinez Ayala in the bum in stoppage time of the match.Sergio Ramos was sent off for kicking his opponent in the bumCredit: AFPBut he did end up on the winning side after a 3-1 victoryCredit: GettyRamos joined Monterrey in February after leaving SevillaCredit: GettyAnd afterwards, Ramos took to X to make light of the situation.He posted: “Very important win away from home against a difficult team. Time to rest and prepare what’s next. “P.S.: It was obvious I couldn’t leave this league without a red card. +3 and onwards! ¡Arriba el Monterrey!”Sergio Ramos was known for often bending the rules during his time in Spanish football.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe defender tended to be loved by his own fans and disliked by supporters of the opposition.During the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool, Ramos received no punishment for a challenge that saw Reds’ star man Mo Salah dislocate his shoulder.And some claimed in the aftermath that injuring Salah had been an intentional move.Following the victory, Monterrey sit in eighth position in the Liga MX, which would see them qualify for the play-offs and give them a chance of reaching the Final Series.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd the Mexican side will also take part in this summer’s Club World Cup alongside the likes of Chelsea and Man City.Ramos and co will face Inter Milan, River Plate and Urawa Reds in Group E of the competition.Mum of Thibaut Courtois’ love-child reveals fear they will be made homeless over unpaid mortgage despite his huge salary More