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    ‘If there is a message to be sent, it is that we are human’, says Millie Bright on fan abuse of players 

    MILLIE BRIGHT says speaking out about the abuse she received from a fan was prompted by her wish to protect players who have been through similar ordeals. And the Chelsea and England star wants supporters of the women’s game to see footballers as “human” and “not items”. Millie Bright and her England team-mates are in Portugal preparing for their Women’s Nations League games this monthCredit: GettyThis month Lioness centre-back spoke out on being the target of an expletive-laden insult from fan at a WSL gameCredit: GettyBright, who is in Portugal ahead of the Lionesses’ upcoming Nations League games, was reflecting on being the target of expletive-laden insults from a fan at a WSL game. The England vice-captain said a supporter who had attended Chelsea’s away duel with Aston Villa had made the remark after her for pictures and autograph.In an online post shared via her Instagram account following the incident, Bright recalled being ”hugely disappointed.”While the centre-back usually has “good responses” and interaction with supporters she hopes they treat female players will respect Read More Football StoriesBright, who is preparing to face Portugal in the Nations League tomorrow, said: “If there is a message to be sent, it is that we are human. “We are somebody’s partner and somebody’s daughter. We are not items. “Nobody owns us. We own ourselves and that needs to be reminded and told.”Reflecting on how she felt immediately after being the target of insults from a supporter, Bright added: “In the moment I didn’t actually do anything. I was really taken aback and disappointed. Most read in Sport“That was the biggest thing. Football is opinionated and everyone can have one. I wasn’t actually bothered about the opinion of my performance.“It was more the fact I had gone to the fans to give my time, give signatures and inspire the next generation and say hi to little ones. “To give that time and to try to have a genuine conversation and to then be disrespected afterwards immediately, I just thought ‘I’m here off my own back.’. “I thought ‘I’m so glad it was me and not one of my team-mates, a youngster, or someone going through something that nobody knew about.’ “We go out to play for our fans every single game – whether that’s with our clubs or countries – and we want to make everyone proud. “We’re trying to inspire the next generation. “I’ve heard of a couple of situations that players went through where they maybe didn’t feel strong enough to speak out. “You don’t deserve to be disrespected, especially not when you have given your time and efforts after a game.”England will play Portugal at Portimao Stadium on February 21 in their first Women’s Nations League fixture this yearCredit: Getty“Ultimately, I wanted to protect my team and let them know that if they need to speak out, they have a right to. READ MORE SUN STORIESIf there is a message to be sent, it is that we are human. “We are somebody’s partner and somebody’s daughter. We are not items. Nobody owns us. We own ourselves and that needs to be reminded and told.” More

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    ‘I can’t say that, he’s my captain’ – Aston Villa star put in awkward situation live on TNT Sports before Liverpool game

    ASTON VILLA star Amadou Onana was put in an awkward spot before the Premier League match against Liverpool when asked about captain John McGinn.Villa snatched a point against the Prem leaders thanks to a 2-2 draw at Villa Park, where Onana, 23, was sidelined due to a hamstring injury.Aston Villa star Amadou Onana was asked about captain John McGinn on TNT SportsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntAlan Hutton egged Onana on as he asked him if McGinn is ‘still annoying’Credit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntOnana refused to comment on Hutton’s tongue-in-cheek statement about McGinnCredit: GettyOnana sang Aston Villa captain McGinn’s praises before the Liverpool gameCredit: RexThe midfielder joined TNT Sports’ pre-match coverage to preview the game and host Lynsey Hipgrave asked him about his skipper’s personality and leadership in the dressing room.McGinn’s former Villa and Scotland team-mate Alan Hutton jumped in with a tongue-in-cheek comment about the 30-year-old.Hutton asked: “Is he still annoying? You can tell, he’s still annoying…”Onana responded with an awkward chuckle before refusing to comment as Hipgrave and Hutton started laughing.Read More on FootballThe Belgium international went on to sing McGinn’s praises after the warm welcome he received from him after his £50million arrival from Everton last summer.Onana responded: “I can’t say that, he’s my captain. But really fun guy, [he] welcomed me and the new boys really really well.”Always up to a joke here and there but we just love him, we love him.”Onana was then asked about McGinn’s unique fashion sense that sees him constantly wearing shorts no matter what the weather is.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the Belgian maintained his silence and continued to hold a neutral stance.Onana added: “I can’t say much about it, it’s really different to mine.Roy Keane breaks silence on Marcus Rashford’s shock transfer to Aston Villa and has MAJOR concern”But as long as he’s comfortable, that’s all that matters.” More

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    ‘Totally unforgivable’ – Fans furious at Man City stars’ antics in Real Madrid clash and demand ‘they need to leave’

    MANCHESTER CITY fans were left furious with the antics of several of their stars in their heavy defeat to Real Madrid.City were sent packing from the Champions League after losing 3-1 at the Bernabeu.Man City fans blasted the body language of several stars against Real MadridCredit: X @footballontntPep Guardiola’s men crashed out of the Champions League 6-3 on aggregateCredit: GettyThe result saw Real secured a 6-3 aggregate win over Pep Guardiola’s struggling side.But supporters were far from pleased with City’s efforts in Spain.The Premier League champions lined up with a new-look midfield diamond.Yet they found themselves completely overrun in the middle of the park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd fans took aim at a number of City players who had been patrolling that area, insisting their effort were “unforgivable.”One said: “The body language of certain Man City players on the pitch at the moment is totally unforgivable.“Thankfully they’ll be given the chance to leave the club in the summer.”Another went ahead and named two players who they felt were underperforming.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe fan declared: “Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan need to leave.”One supporter reckoned one forward was barely visible during the game.’Pep Guardiola is stressed, man’ – Fans fear for Man City boss as Etihad legend spotted with fresh scratches on headIlkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva came under fire from fansCredit: AlamyPhil Foden was also targeted for his performanceCredit: GettyThey asked: “Has Savinho ever been on the pitch?”Another took aim at Phil Foden and his startling decline.They added: “I’ve never seen a player get Player of the Season and then suffer a fall from grace the following season like Foden has.“24 years of age and we still don’t know what his best position is in this City team.“They’re now looking for a Kevin De Bruyne replacement in the summer. That tells you everything.” More

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    Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 DEGREES temperatures

    LIONEL MESSI finally put an age-old argument to bed after playing in conditions even COLDER than a Tuesday night in Stoke.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is seen by many as the greatest footballer of all time.Lionel Messi braved crazy -17 degrees celsius temperatures to play for Inter MiamiCredit: GettyReports had suggested Messi was getting cold feet about playing in the Kansas City clashCredit: GettyHowever, one of the main arguments against his legacy is his lack of game time in colder weather due to his career mainly being played out in sunny Spain or Argentina.This is commonly related to Stoke, where games are typically dogged by windy, wet and cold weather in the evenings, hence the phrase: “Can they do it on a cold, rainy night in Stoke?”But in Inter Miami’s first competitive game of 2025 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup’s first round, Lionel Messi was forced to swap the pristine weather of Florida for the brisk conditions in Kansas City.It had sensationally been reported the 37-year-old did not want to play in the “blistering cold” the game was set to be played through.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTemperatures dropped as low as -17 degrees Celsius (1.4 Fahrenheit) during the game.Regardless, Messi was named in the starting XI by Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano and was seen wearing gloves for the occasion in a rare sight.After a goalless first half, the Argentine made his impact known as he scored a stunning match-winner ten minutes into the half.A pass was pinged forward by Sergio Busquets, with Messi taking the ball down on his chest and then dribbling to the right of a bamboozled defender with a left-foot touch to open up some space.Most read in FootballMessi scored the match-winner for Inter Miami against Kansas City from a tight angleCredit: X @FOXSoccerHis manager said his effort was ‘fantastic’Credit: GettyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe then arrowed a shot across the goal from a tight angle, finding the bottom corner to give Inter a 1-0 advantage ahead of the home leg at Chase Stadium next week.Fans were stunned at the goal but also believed it finally laid one of the arguments against him to rest.Watch incredible moment Lionel Messi’s son recreates Barcelona and Argentina icon’s goal against Getafe for inter Miami Messi was the star of the show for Miami, as usualCredit: ReutersPlayers could see their own breath throughout the freezing clashCredit: GettyOne fan said on social media: “The argument ‘Could Messi do it on a cold Tuesday night vs Stoke’ is now put to bed, the Goat can do it with ease.”A second said: “No way people said he couldn’t do it on a cold rainy night in Stoke.”A third added: “GOAT for a reason.”(I’m) very proud because I think it’s impossible to play in these conditions. It’s not human, you know. So I’m very proud, because they gave me 100 per cent…Javier MascheranoHis boss Mascherano was also impressed, calling his effort “fantastic” before adding: “(I’m) very proud because I think it’s impossible to play in these conditions. “It’s not human, you know. So I’m very proud, because they gave me 100 per cent…”Maybe for the people that know him (Messi) it’s normal because he did goals like this 1,000 times. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But we are very lucky to have him here.”Inter Miami’s first Major League Soccer game of the season is this weekend against New York City FC at home. More

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    Van Dijk’s awkward slip of the tongue caught live on TV as Arsenal fans say ‘we’re living in his head rent free’

    LIVERPOOL superstar Virgil van Dijk appeared to suffer an awkward slip of the tongue after dropping points at Aston Villa.The Reds drew 2-2 against Villa on Wednesday, which means a win for Arsenal against struggling West Ham on Saturday would find Mikel Arteta’s challengers just five points behind Arne Slot’s high-fliers.Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk appeared to have suffered an awkward slip of the tongueArsenal fans claim they ‘live rent free’ in Van Dijk’s headCredit: GettyThe Merseysiders’ lead is now in peril, considering they are also visiting Manchester City on Sunday before hosting Newcastle at Anfield on Wednesday.Van Dijk, 33, faced the cameras after the final whistle to analyse the game and appeared to misspeak live on TV.The centre-back seemed to mention Premier League title rivals Arsenal instead of Villa when discussing the game.Van Dijk appeared to say: “Listen, credit to Arsen… Aston Villa as well.”Read More on ArsenalArsenal fans caught wind and took to social media, with some claiming that slip of the tongue was a result of the Gunners “living rent free” in his head as pressure piles up in the title race.One fan posted: “Arsenal living rent free in Van Dijk’s head.”Another commented: “It shows he thinks about Arsenal a lot!”And a third said: “The pressure is mounting, they are worried about us.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHoweverm many fans think he actually said something else.They suggest he was instead saying “us” in reference to Liverpool – not Arsenal.In that interpretation, Van Dijk said: “Listen, credit to us. Aston Villa as well.”Mo Salah calls out Jamie Carragher after Liverpool legend urged him to ‘take a leaf out of Virgil van Dijk’s book’Those supporters joined the debate in the comments’ section in their bid to set the record straight.One fan posted: “‘Credit to us, Aston Villa as well’. But nice try.”Another commented: “Think he’s rent free in YOUR head though.”And a third posted: “Arsenal fans always have a new theory every day to make their fans feels happy.” More

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    Fans spot Arne Slot ‘praying Darwin Nunez was caught offside’ as he gives heartbreaking update on Liverpool striker

    FANS spotted Arne Slot “praying Darwin Nunez was caught offside” before the Liverpool boss gave a heartbreaking update on his striker.Slot watched on with nerves as his title-chasing Reds were held to a 2-2 draw at rivals Aston Villa.Arne Slot was seen ‘praying for offside’ as Darwin Nunez missed a sitter against Aston VillaThe Liverpool striker fired wide in front of an open goal as the match finished 2-2Credit: GettyLiverpool went into the break 2-1 down but managed to secure a point through Trent Alexander-Arnold’s equaliser.However, they could have bagged all three points when Nunez managed to find a clear way to goal.The striker was played in as Emi Martinez left his net completely unguarded.But Nunez was unable to hit the target despite being presented with an open goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe miss left players on both teams stunned.And Slot was seeing speaking to an official immediately after Nunez’s shocking effort.The Dutch boss appeared to ask if Nunez was “not offside?”While at the same time, Slot clasped his hands together as if in prayer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAfter full-time, he lifted the lid on Nunez’s terrible piece of play.And Slot revealed the forward was taking it extremely badly.New footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver emerges as mystery surrounds Liverpool manager’s red card He said: “There is one player in the dressing room who feels quite down.“You know who it is. I’m not happy with 2-2. We had big opportunities to go in front.“It was an unbelievable pass from Conor Bradley and power from Dom (Szoboszlai) who made a perfect pass to square it. He made it an open goal chance.”Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk added: “We are disappointed but we fight.“We had chances to win the game, took a bit of a risk at the end so it got more open at times.“We take a point and move on and focus on a big one at Manchester City at the weekend.“In possession we did well, created good opportunities to score a second.“Disappointing to concede from a set-piece. We tried everything and unfortunately it wasn’t enough for three points.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We should have scored for 3-2 but credit to Aston Villa, they made it very difficult.“We have a very tough one on the weekend again, then we play Newcastle, our focus now will be on Man City, a very difficult game, we know that. Do everything in your power to win games, the focus will be that.” More

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    Moment diehard Lewis Hamilton fan chops down TREE to get better view of Ferrari star

    THIS is the hilarious moment a Ferrari fan chopped down a tree to get a better view of Lewis Hamilton.The seven-time world champion began his love-in with the Italian team when he stepped into the cockpit of their new SF-25 car for the first time in Maranello.A Ferrari fan chopped down a tree that was blocking fans’ viewSupporters cheered as the obstruction was removedHamilton waved to fans on his arrival at MaranelloCredit: SplashHe took Ferrari’s new car for a spin for the first timeCredit: SplashHamilton’s first spin sparked mayhem among Ferrari’s fiercely loyal Tifosi support.But a tree blocked the view of hundreds who visited the F1’s team base to get a glimpse of the Brit at the Fiorano circuit.One fan took matters into his own hands and was spotted making his way up a 25ft tree to chop it down with an electric saw.There were cheers from supporters as the obstruction tumbled to the ground.READ MORE IN F1Hamilton completed a quick turnaround for the 9am run, having been on stage at London’s O2 Arena the previous night as the teams unveiled their new livery.There he had spoken about how he had been “invigorated” about his challenge with the Scuderia.Hamilton, 40, also aimed a dig at his former team Mercedes by saying his new car was nothing like he had ever experienced.He said: “I’m really conscious of the fact that there are only a handful of special first times in life — the first kiss, the first date, the first time of school, the first time in the job.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“I honestly thought I’d had all my firsts and nothing would be new again.“Given I’ve raced for so long, even I’m surprised at just how much I still love what I do — it felt so new.Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in style“I remember putting my suit on, getting into the cockpit, and just the excitement I had was very reminiscent of maybe the first time I got to step in a Formula One car when I was 21 years old… 20 years ago.“But this time was different. I’ve always imagined what it would be like sitting in the cockpit surrounded by red.”Hamilton has been living and breathing life in Italy having spent 12 years with Mercedes, where he won six of his world titles after first making his name with McLaren.He has been living the ‘Dolce Vita’ — learning Italian and gorging on pizza. Hamilton added: “I’ve had quite a few pizzas but somehow lost weight! I love Italian food. Penne all’arrabbiata has always been my favourite dish.”He produced a squeaky-clean run in the new car having crashed the 2024 version at last month’s Pirelli testing in Barcelona.And Hamilton claimed: “It’s nothing like the car I had before over the last ten, 12, 17 years. It’s unique.“To feel the vibration of a Ferrari engine for the first time… wow.“That’s what ultimately put the biggest smile on my face.“I had seen all the drivers that have come before me in red and wondered how that would look on me.“It’s a real honour to be able to wear this badge and this suit. I hope I swag it out and make it look good.”Ferrari were able to complete a 200km shakedown with the car ahead of the official pre-season testing next week in Bahrain.Hamilton added: “I had been waiting such a long time for it, so firing the car up, it’s like such a new, uncharted journey.“It’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to me in as long as I can remember.“I knew that I would see the Tifosi on the bridge and to finally get to Turn One and see them down there, that was amazing to see.“And meeting the team, I was blown away just by the reception and the passion of the people.“I worked with two world championship-winning teams before.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know what a winning team looks and feels like.“Everyone here, the passion is like nothing you’ve ever seen. They’ve got every ingredient they need to win a world championship.” More

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    Marcus Rashford verdict: Man Utd loanee looks like astute signing for Villa and effort can’t be faulted vs Liverpool

    MARCUS RASHFORD’S bid to revive his career took a big leap forward with his first Aston Villa start… against the toughest of opponents.The loanee striker from Manchester United played 67 minutes of Wednesday’s 2-2 home draw with Prem leaders Liverpool.Marcus Rashford played his part in a thrilling Prem drawCredit: GettyRashford looked ecstatic after Youri Tielemans levelled for VillaCredit: GettyThe 60-cap Englishman, 27, has much to prove – not just to reignite his club career but also to impress new Three Lions’ boss Thomas Tuchel.Here’s how Rashford fared in a thrilling clash at Villa Park.PACE AND STAMINAThe first thing that stood out was his speed of thought.He almost caught Liverpool out early on with a clever 1-2 with Marco Asensio.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut when he did get the chance to stretch his legs that old electric pace was evident again.One particular run caught the eye when he scorched across the turf to close down Trent Alexander-Arnold and pressure the usually cool ball-player into gifting possession back to Villa.Crucially, his excellent close control allows him to remain super-speedy when running at defenders.Boss Unai Emery watched on as Rashford showed his commitmentCredit: ReutersBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAs far as stamina goes he was probably running on empty when he was replaced by Jacob Ramsey after 67 minutes by Emery.Most read in FootballPerhaps that’s why he never made those crucial 10 yards up to track Alexander-Arnold’s run when he scored.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionBut that’s being super critical because he possibly thought Morgan Rogers was responsible for that.EFFORTSpot on. He couldn’t be faulted for his commitment to the cause – in sharp contrast to his final days in a United shirt.Without fuss or fanfare he succeeded in snuffing out the very real attacking threat of Alexander-Arnold …. almost!For the first hour, his pace on the break kept TAA honest in his defensive duties, as the full-back was wary of wandering too far from his former England teammate.And he performed the less glamorous side of the game well too, chasing back and keeping Villa’s shape to seal off most of TAA’s passing channels.If I was being extremely picky I’d suggest he might look back with regret at his failure to track Alexander-Arnold’s run for his equaliser.He certainly put his hands on his knees and looked gutted afterwards as if he felt he might have done more.But I’d say that was a good sign of someone who clearly cares.The transfer-window recruit caused problems for Liverpool keeper AlissonCredit: APUSE OF BALLGenerally tidy.Sure, there were some tell-tale signs of ring-rust when he sent one left-foot cross harmlessly out of the park after half an hour.In general though he linked well and looks to be getting to grips with his new teammates movement and passing patterns.He was cocky and confident enough to nutmeg Alexis Mac Allister to win the free kick which led to Villa’s equaliser.He then whipped in the inswinging free kick which caused panic in Liverpool’s defence and led to Youri Tielemans’ opener.Not every attempted pass came off – sometimes he seemed one step ahead of his teammates – but the understanding will develop given more game time.Rashford whipped in a cross under pressure from Ryan GravenberchCredit: GettySCORING THREATCame close to creating an opener for Villa after 17 minutes when he played a rapid 1-2 with Marco Asensio and fired in a wicked delivery which Virgil van Dijk diverted into his own net.However the Reds defence had stepped up expertly to catch Rashford in their offside trap. Close but no cigar!He came even closer early in the second half when his blistering pace saw him beat Allison to a through ball.With the keeper stranded outside his box Rashford curled in a cute chip which was heading for the net until Ibrahima Konate got back to desperately head clear.From the resulting corner he curled his delivery in and the ball was heading in at the far post until Alisson frantically clawed it clear.He failed to score here but did more than enough to suggest the goals will flow in time.TACTICAL AWARENESSRashford was disciplined and followed Unai Emery’s instructions religiously.Out of possession he tracked Trent Alexander-Arnold and dropped into a mid-block centrally.Rashford had an impressive first full gameCredit: EPAIn possession he pushed high on the inside left channel to try and entice Konate out of his comfort zone in the middle.And though few Villa fans will have noticed it, he had a huge hand in Villa’s second goal too.Whether it was a direct instruction from Emery, or his own initiative, Rashford started drifting into the centre forward position just before half-time.That created room for Lucas Digne to exploit the space Rashford had vacated, allowing the full-back the time and space he needed to pick out Ollie Watkins with his brilliant cross.He has the game intelligence Emery will love.VERDICTIf Ruben Amorim really does believe he’d rather give his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach a seat on the bench than use Rashford – Jorge Vital better dust his boots off!Because all the early signs are Rashford looks as if he will turn out to be an astute signing by Emery.And if Vital can do better than this then he should be in line to START for United this week!Rashford looks to have the bit between his teeth and is ready to re-ignite his stellar career at Villa Park.He won the free kick which led to Villa’s opening goal with a cute nutmeg on Mac Allister.He then delivered the wicked cross which caused chaos in Liverpool’s defence and led to Tielemans’ opener.He also created the space Lucas Digne needed to create Villa’s second for Ollie Watkins.He skinned Alisson for pace in a straight sprint and had a shot cleared off the line by Konate.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat’s not a bad shift for someone who hadn’t started a game since December.Rashford will get better the more game time he gets for Emery who could have a bargain on his hands if he chooses to trigger his £40million option to buy this summer. 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