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    Bizarre reason England star was BANNED from coming on to the pitch despite being stripped off and ready for substitution

    SARINA WIEGMAN has revealed why England were BANNED from bringing on Lucy Bronze in their friendly win over Switzerland.The Lionesses treated fans to a 1-0 victory courtesy of an early Grace Clinton goal to follow up their 0-0 draw with the USA.Bronze was dressed and ready to come on to earn her 128th capBut the Chelsea star was sent back to the bench in the 83rd minuteIt came after a baffling administrative errorBronze was geared up to enter the contest, for what would’ve been her 128th cap, in the final 10 minutes of the contest at Bramall Lane.The Chelsea star, 33, was dressed and ready on the touchline before being asked to return to her seat.Wiegman was instead forced to bring on NJ/NY Gotham defender Jess Carter on Tuesday.It was later revealed that England had failed to include Bronze on their official team list.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWiegman explained: “That was the moment where she was not on the list. There had been a mistake, unfortunately, a human mistake.”We found out there and we still wanted to bring her on the pitch but unfortunately she couldn’t go so that was really frustrating, of course the most for herself but, we couldn’t change it anymore.”According to the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) laws of the game, “only the players and substitutes named on the team list may take part in the match upon their arrival”.For those who are not named on the team list as a player, substitute or a team official, they are classified as “an outside agent”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWiegman made ten changes from England’s stalemate with the US, managed by Emma Hayes.And Clinton, 21, repaid her faith with her third international goal in five appearances.My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s teamThe Manchester United star had England in front within ten minutes, firing home from close range.She was on hand to smash home the rebound after Millie Turner headed the ball on to the post from a free-kick.The Lionesses return to action on February 21 when they take on Portugal in their first match of the Women’s Nations League.Grace Clinton scored the only goal of the evening More

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    Former Premier League star Van der Vaart reveals why he never saw ex-team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo naked

    RAFAEL VAN DER VAART hilariously explained why Cristiano Ronaldo is the hardest worker he’s ever played with.Van der Vaart, 41, and Ronaldo, 39, played together at Real Madrid for only a year until the former left in 2010 for Tottenham.Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael van der Vaart spent a year together at Real MadridCredit: GettyRonaldo is the hardest worker Van der Vaart has ever played withCredit: GettyVan der Vaart has a hilarious way to explain Ronaldo’s work ethicCredit: GettyBut that was enough for the Manchester United legend to make a major impression on the ex-Netherlands international thanks to his undying work ethic.CR7’s passion has led him to a staggering five Ballon d’Or awards and five Champions League titles throughout his 22-year career that’s still going on as he plays for Al-Nassr.Van der Vaart is not surprised as he claims the star forward was constantly on the training pitch.So much so that the former playmaker never saw Ronaldo in the dressing room.Read More on FootballVan der Vaart told talkSPORT’s ‘The LineUp: “He never left his house!”I always say as a joke, Ronaldo is the only player that I never saw his willy!”He was the first one on the training [pitch]! And the last one who went.”First of all his body, wow! A machine. He was a little bit ahead of his time, players now are the same.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But his training in the gym, food, sleep. For him that was more important than training extra hard.”Ronaldo was so unbelievably selfish, if we won 6-0 and he did not score, he was not happy. When we lose but he scored twice, it’d be alright!”Van der Vaart reveals Redknapp’s three-word half-time team-talk that inspired Tottenham to Arsenal triumphVan der Vaart never won anything with Ronaldo, who conquered his first of many pieces of silverware with Real in 2010 by claiming the Copa del Rey. More

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    British driver wins F1 Academy title then is immediately stripped of honour after last-minute change

    BRITISH driver Abbi Pulling will have to earn the F1 Academy title this weekend… despite having already been declared the champion.The bizarre situation comes after some last minute changes to the women-only series.Abbi Pulling had been declared champion last weekendCredit: RexTwo races had been scheduled to take place in Qatar last weekend.But due to barrier repairs, the second was cancelled.This meant that Pulling, 21, held an unassailable lead heading into the final races of the season in Abu Dhabi.It saw the Alpine driver declared champion and she even celebrated her triumph.READ MORE IN F1But she will now have to earn it again, after organisers decided to add a third race to this weekend’s schedule in Abu Dhabi.This late addition means that 84 points are now on offer, which means that Pulling’s current lead of 83 points is not quite enough to declare her the official champ.In truth, it would take something astonishing for the Brit to not be champion.Each race offers 25 points for a win.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA further two are earned for securing pole, while a bonus point is added for fastest lap.Organisers have confirmed that two points will be declared for securing pole in each of the three races.Ferrari urged to rip up Lewis Hamilton’s contract by F1 legend after star’s ‘worrying’ admission This means that 84 points will be available this weekend, with Pulling 83 ahead of closest rival Doriane Pin.Pin, 20, had earned pole for last weekend’s second race that never was in Qatar.Despite the race not going ahead, Pin has retained those two points.Formula One teams each nominate a driver and have their livery on a car in the Academy, a series on their support programme aimed at helping female racers climb the ladder.The last woman to start an F1 Grand Prix was the late Italian Lella Lombardi in 1976.Pulling, 21, will have to earn her title againCredit: Getty More

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    Kidnapped former Ecuador international star Pedro Perlaza RELEASED as police confirm he was ‘mistreated but alive’

    AN Ecuadorian footballer who was kidnapped close to the Colombian border has been released.Pedro Perlaza was abducted in the province of Esmeraldas in his native country.Pedro Perlaza has been released after he was kidnapped on MondayCredit: GettyPerlaza’s family reported him missing on Monday evening, with the alleged abduction taking place at 9am that day.But it has now been confirmed by local authorities that he has been released along with another individual.Police posted on X: “Through its specialised units, it freed citizens Pedro P. and Juan M. in #Esmeraldas [northwest], who were involuntarily missing.”Colonel Diego Velastegui, police chief of the oil port of Esmeralda, said: “They have been mistreated, but they are alive.”Velastegui went on to reveal the rescue operation saw the police “greeted with bullets by these criminals when they entered the area”.He also stated the kidnappers left the scene and are “presumed injured”.Perlaza and the other victim were reunited with their families at the police headquarters in Esmeraldas.They were barefoot and wearing caps given to them by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ecuadorian Police.Most read in FootballIt is alleged Perlaza, 33, was intercepted by a motorcyclist while travelling on a road and forced into a vehicle.He has spent his entire football career playing in Ecuador and has won three caps for the national team.He now plays for Ecuadorian top flight side Delfin. More

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    ‘Find the way out’ – Ferrari urged to RIP UP Lewis Hamilton’s £78m contract by F1 legend after ‘worrying’ admission

    FERRARI have been urged to tear up Lewis Hamilton’s mega-money contract after the Brit made a “worrying” admission.It has been a season to forget for Hamilton as he has struggled to bring the best out of his car in his final year with Mercedes.Ferrari have been urged to rip up Lewis Hamilton’s dealDavid Coulthard believes Ferrari should reconsider Hamilton’s dealHamilton, 39, is due to switch to childhood heroes Ferrari next season, as Carlo Sainz heads to Williams.But last week, he was called out for making a “worrying” comment ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix.Hamilton said after sprint qualifying: “The positive is that the car is fast and George should be able to shoot for pole tomorrow. “Who knows? I’m definitely not fast anymore.”READ MORE ON F1Ex-F1 team owner Eddie Jordan has now advised the Italian team to tear up Hamilton’s contract in light of his admission.Jordan told the Formula For Success Podcast: “If you don’t believe 100 per cent, you’re f****d. Do you understand that? “Because belief, 99.9 per cent means that there is that tiny, little, little thing in there knocking on your head that gives you the things that maybe, oh, I don’t really have that confidence. “I don’t really have the ability. And at the moment what I heard from Lewis, I’m not fast enough anymore, they were the words, I think.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe added: “Honestly, if I was Ferrari, I would say close the book, find the way out. That’s it. “I think also, if it’s a little message to you, Lewis, if you’re out there, always remember in life. You’ve got your music, you’ve got your fashion, you’ve got all sorts of other things.Max Verstappen claims he has ‘lost all respect’ for F1 star George Russell in X-rated rant”You are, in most people’s view, the greatest driver of all time. Please remember what I’m going to say to you. Always, always think about the best exit. And this is the time to take the money off the table. Go.”Former F1 star David Coulthard also found Hamilton’s uncharacteristic admission troublesome.Coulthard said: “He’s as low as he can be right now. But I would say that’s pretty worrying.”It doesn’t detract from his brilliance, it doesn’t take away anything from the records, but there is a thing called mother nature and the clock is ticking.”Hamilton holds the all-time F1 record for pole positions but has been beaten over one lap by team-mate George Russell 20 times this season.And it has raised questions about his competitive edge as he looks towards teaming up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Brit did manage to win two races, at Silvertone and in Belgium earlier this term but sits seventh in the driver’s standings.The seven-time champ activated a release clause in his Mercedes contract to join Ferrari in a “multi-year” deal that is reportedly worth £78million per year.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    Man Utd’s much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps dies aged 85 as tributes paid to ‘heartbeat of United’

    MANCHESTER UNITED icon Kath Phipps has passed away aged 85.Kath had worked at the club since the 1960s in a variety of roles including as a receptionist and telephone switchboard operator, and was a hugely popular figure.Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps has passed awayKath worked for United for 55 years and joined when Sir Matt Busby was managerCredit: ReutersShe featured in David Beckham’s Netflix documentaryUnited expressed their “sadness” and “heartbreak” at Kath’s passing, and tributes have poured in from fans.A statement read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.”An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.”Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club’s culture.”If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, always ready to lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them – be they megastar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.”Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.”Rest in peace, Kath.”Most read in FootballLast year the club paid tribute to Kath with a feature about her life and career, in which they described her as the “heartbeat of United”.Kath’s first role at the club was as a telephone switchboard operator, in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was in charge.Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps kisses David Beckham at premiere of ’99’ documentary Fast forward 18 years and she was one of the first members of staff to welcome Sir Alex Ferguson to the club, and he later moved her over from Old Trafford to Carrington.Kath also built a bond with the players and even appeared in Netflix’s David Beckham documentary.In May 2022 Kath was honoured with a Service to Football Award – Beckham paid tribute to her afterwards saying the “amazing” receptionist “really deserved” the accolade “for her services to football, but more importantly for services to the club I love and you love”.He said she used to be “the first person I would see when I walked into the training ground reception” and he would be “forever grateful to her” for dealing with letters from his fans.Ferguson said she was “and continues to be a great servant to the club” and the award was “thoroughly deserved”.Wayne Rooney lead the tributes to Kath, saying: “The heart and soul of Man Utd. Everything what the club is about.”A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.”United defender Diogo Dalot wrote: “You’ve seen it all. You truly represented everything Man Utd is about.”Rest in peace Kath, we love you.”Former Red Devils skipper Harry Maguire said: “A legend that will never be forgotten.”I will miss you. We will miss you. RIP Kath.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited legend Paul Scholes also spoke fondly of Kath, saying: “The heart and soul of our special football club, will be sadly missed by all and impossible to replace…RIP Kath.”Jonny Evans shared a photo of himself with Kath alongside the caption: “A ray of light every single day at Manchester United. Rest in peace ❤️ Kath Phipps.” More

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    Ruben Amorim reveals four Man Utd stars who have a ‘time limit’ as he discusses squad issues

    RUBEN AMORIM has revealed four Manchester United players have a “time limit” on the pitch at the moment due to their fitness levels.The Portuguese coach, 39, suffered his first defeat as Red Devils boss on Wednesday night in a 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates.Rúben Amorim admitted some of his players have a ‘time limit’ on the pitchCredit: Beanyman SportsAmorim made six changes to his starting line-up from the 4-0 win over Everton.He brought the likes of Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount in from the cold after little game time over the last 12 months.But before the hour mark he took Maguire and Mount off for Leny Yoro and Marcus Rashford.Alejandro Garnacho was also replaced by Joshua Zirkzee, while Antony came on in the 79th minute for Rasmus Hojlund.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has been a mark of Amorim’s first four games in charge that he has not been afraid to change up his team – far more than his predecessor Erik ten Hag.But he has admitted part of the reason is because he is having to manage the minutes of Maguire, Malacia, Mount and Yoro.He said: “It’s not because I like to change all the time but we have to have all the squad fit.”For example, Harry Maguire has a time limit, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount have time limits. Leny Yoro really has a time limit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHarry Maguire came off just before the hour mark against ArsenalCredit: GettyMount was also replaced in the 59th minuteCredit: Rex”We have to manage winning games in a different methodology, different way of playing, more metres to press.”Tomorrow we have to assess and the guys who have a little bit of a risk to some injury will not play.Man Utd vs Arsenal: Player Ratings”We have to have everybody to work, to play and to improve the squad.”Man Utd’s only current injury concerns are Jonny Evans and Luke Shaw.They host Nottingham Forest on Saturday, before travelling to Viktoria Plzen on December 12.Three days later they then travel to the Etihad to take on Manchester City in a crunch derby clash.Man Utd ratings vs ArsenalRUBEN AMORIM lost his first game since taking charge of Man Utd after a 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates.See how the players rated…ANDRE ONANA – 5He was let off early in the game after a stray pass saw Gabriel Martinelli put the ball in the net before the linesman raised his flag.Failed to command his area as 5″10 Jurrien Timber leapt highest to rattle the back of his net, before the ball floated to the back post for Arsenal to score their second set piece.DIOGO DALOT – 6Flashed a shot just wide at the end of the first half when he did eventually get forward.Not bad defensively but more dangerous going forwards.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Formed a good partnership with Maguire in the first half, and fans will be hoping he is okay after suffering a slight knock.Needed to be a more commanding figure in the box to stop being dominated by The Gunners at set pieces.HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was actually very impressive in the first half, with a solid showing.Not at fault for Timber’s header hitting the back of the net, before he was replaced by Leny Yoro.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Playing as a left-sided centre-back he looked fairly comfortable, which is a credit to the Moroccan’s versatility.That said, he still looked better off in the role that Malacia, then Dalot occupied tonight as a left-wingback.TYRELL MALACIA – 3Noticeably looked extremely physically weak up against Bukayo Saka on the left-hand side, before being booked for a kick out at Kai Havertz.Offered nothing going forward and his link-up with Garnacho was practically non-existent. Hooked at half-time for the far more threatening Amad.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Another one who was booked in the first half, he failed to establish any kind of presence in the game and on the ball, looked pretty woeful.Cleared a Joshua Zirkzee header off of his own line to stop Arsenal from doubling their lead early in the second half.BRUNO FERNANDES – 4This game was crying out for Bruno Fernandes to stamp his authority on it, and it seemed he just couldn’t quite get his foot on the ball to do so.Played a deeper role today, next to Ugarte, which meant we didn’t see any of his attacking spark.MASON MOUNT – 3Mason Mount at right wing was an experiment tried and failed at Chelsea, which Amorim tried again tonight.He was often lost in the half-space, meaning he was essentially useless going forwards. Hooked in the second half after a fairly abysmal showing.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5A very quiet first half, only brightened by one half-decent cross, was met by a second half where he was quickly subbed for Marcus Rashford.Quiet.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Battled well with the physical presence of William Saliba early on, but his side failed to create him any kind of chances.Cut a frustrated figure for most of the match, and rightly so. There will be no point signing Gyokeres if they can’t create anything for him to score.SUBSAMAD (TYRELL MALACIA, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.MARCUS RASHFORD (MASON MOUNT, 72) – 5Having been electric on the whole under Amorim, he wasn’t able to provide any kind of spark against an opponent which has been one of his favourites in recent years.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (ALEJANDRO GARNACHO, 72) – 4After an impressive display last time out, he failed to offer anything to his side going forward today.The closest he came to scoring was a dangerous header which almost saw him get an own goal on the scoresheet.LENY YORO (HARRY MAGUIRE, 72) – 6Looks like a pretty good defender on the whole, a tough game for a young centre-back, but he didn’t look out of place whatsoever.ANTONY (RASMUS HOJLUND, 79) – 5Played his part in a clever free-kick routine at the end of the game, before fluffing his lines and finding the gloves of David Raya. 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    Is this the future of Premier League football? Incredible new broadcast feature lets fans watch multiple matches at once

    A NEW multiview feature debuted last night on Peacock’s coverage of the Premier League.The American broadcaster offered fans the opportunity to watch four games at once on a split screen.Peacock have introduced their latest new featureCredit: X @FOSThe feature allows fans to choose which game’s audio to listen to.While it also makes it easy to switch between matches.Viewers also possess the option to focus in one game in particular, should they wish to.The multiview feature allowed fans to watch Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest, Newcastle vs Liverpool, Southampton vs Chelsea and Everton vs Wolves at the same time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United kicked off 45 minutes later, Peacock’s main coverage switched to solely that game, with multiview moving to its streaming platform.Peter Drury and former Gunners defender Lee Dixon were on the call for that match.Multiview will be available again to viewers this Saturday.Fans will be able to keep across Brentford vs Newcastle, Crystal Palace vs Manchester City and Aston Villa vs Newcastle at the same time.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe new feature appeared to go down well with viewers at home.One wrote on social media: “Glad Peacock added multiview for the Premier League!”Fans say ‘Zlatan Ibrahimovic is genius’ after icon’s hilarious comment live on Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverageWhile a second gushed: “Is MultiView new on Peacock?!? Because this is f***ing awesome, soooo much better than Goal Rush.”A third added: “This Peacock multi view thing is actually cool.”Multiview was already an option for NFL viewers in the States.YouTube TV enables subscribers to watch as many as four games at once during its Sunday Ticket coverage.The feature debuted in the Premier League last nightCredit: Peacock More