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    Gianluigi Donnarumma suffers horror facial injuries after sickening tackle that could have blinded him

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was left bloodied and bruised after suffering a horrendous facial injury during a crunch clash with Monaco.PSG face Monaco in a crucial Ligue 1 match at Stade Louis II, but the visitors lost their keeper early in the first half after a blood-curling challenge.Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma suffered a horrendous injuryCredit: AFPDonnarumma suffered the injury during PSG’s Ligue 1 match at MonacoCredit: AFPMonaco’s Wilfried Singo stepped on Donnarumma’s faceCredit: AFPThat reckless challenge could have blinded PSG star DonnarummaCredit: AFPDonnarumma was forced off after that horror injuryCredit: AFPDonnarumma’s cheek had been sliced open by the studsCredit: ReutersDonnarumma later shared a photo on X of his face with ten staples on his woundsWilfried Singo broke down the right flank and looked to beat Donnarumma, 25, while under pressure by Joao Neves.Singo, 23, fired a weak shot that was blocked by the Italy international and the Monaco ace then tried to jump over his opponent.However, the Ivory Coast international caught Donnarumma’s face – studs first – with his right foot.The Italian star was left bleeding with an awful wound on his face.Read More on FootballAnd PSG boss Luis Enrique had no other option but to take him off the pitch and replace him with back-up keeper Matvei Safonov after just 22 minutes.Singo was already on a yellow after a rough challenge on Desire Doue just nine minutes earlier.But shockingly enough, the referee opted against booking the Ivorian again.That is despite the fact Donnarumma was left with a devastating wound just a few inches away from his right eye, which could have led to something far worse.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Italian shared the full extent of his facial injury after receiving staples in the dressing room.Fans were left devastated and stormed social media claiming the ex-AC Milan star could have been blinded by Singo’s reckless challenge – that was no punished by a yellow or red card.Gianluigi Donnarumma didn’t celebrate after saving Bukayo Saka’s penalty as he didn’t know he had just won Euro 2020One fan tweeted: “Singo is already on a yellow card and this leap, while it was a collision, was incredibly reckless play and it could have taken Donnarumma’s eye off to be honest. Singo is on thin ice right now.”Another commented: “Donnarumma is 2cm away from losing his eye.”A third wrote: “Donnarumma’s injury tonight is scary.”This fan said: “Donnarumma is literally DISFIGURED.”And that one stated: “Gigio Donnarumma’s face… But it doesn’t even deserve a yellow card… Mind-blowing.” More

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    Gary Lineker’s final BBC appearance confirmed as Match of the Day presenter prepares to step down after 25 years

    GARY LINEKER’s final appearance of his historic BBC career has been confirmed.The Sun exclusively revealed last month that Lineker will LEAVE the national broadcaster in the summer of 2026.Gary Lineker will leave the BBC in the summer of 2026Credit: PAThe 64-year-old will leave his role as Match of the Day presenter at the end of the seasonCredit: BBCThe ex-Everton and England striker will, however, cover the 2025/26 FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup for the broadcasterCredit: PALineker’s 25-year stint presenting Match of the Day will come to an end at the culmination of the 2024-25 season.He will, however, head up the Beeb’s coverage of the 2025/26 FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico and the USA.And the final of the tournament, which will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New York on July 19, will be the 64-year-old’s swansong.BBC chiefs are weighing up who will replace the former Everton and England striker at the MOTD helm, which he took from Des Lynam.READ MORE ON LINEKERLineker has loved every minute of his run presenting the show but believes it is time “for a change” after dedicating nearly half his life to the footie institution.He said on the The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: “It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC.”But all things have to come to an end.”It came at a point where really the BBC and Match Of The Day, they’ve got the rights for another three years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWho could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment.”The cycle starts from next season so it felt like if I just do one more year it would be a bit weird. I feel this is now the right time.”I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match Of The Day slightly differently.Gary Lineker reveals he turned DOWN huge ITV show as he reveals salary demand for reality shows”So I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott are among the favourites to replace Lineker.Lineker will have no say in who ends up being his successor, but that hasn’t stopped him from giving his replacement a few words of wisdom.He said: “Obviously I don’t know who it’ll be, and I would never tell publicly my preference.”I don’t think that’d be the right thing to do – but whoever it is, I would say be yourself.”I had to fill the ginormous shoes of certain Des Lynam. I would say just be yourself and enjoy it.”It’s a wonderful programme to be a part of. It was brilliant before I took over and it will be brilliant after I leave.” More

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    Do Carabao Cup quarter-finals have extra-time or go straight to penalties after 90 minutes if draw?

    WE have reached what promises to be a thrilling quarter-final round of Carabao Cup fixtures – and there is always one question at the front of everyone’s mind.Is there extra time and penalties if the match ends all square after 90 minutes? Liverpool are the current Carabao Cup championsCredit: GETTYWill Carabao Cup fourth-round ties go to extra-time and penalties if needed?If the scoreline is level after 90 minutes, the match WILL go straight to penalties.Extra-time is only used in the Carabao Cup from the semi-finals and onwards.What happened in the final last year?Last year, Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea contested the Carabao Cup final.The Reds secured Jurgen Klopp a piece of silverware in his swansong season after Virgil van Dijk headed in a 118th-minute winner.The Dutchman’s winner in last gasp winner secured a 10th League Cup for Liverpool, the most in the competition’s history.What is the Carabao Cup quarter-final schedule?Wednesday, December 18Arsenal vs Crystal Palace (7.30pm)Newcastle vs Brentford (7.45pm)Southampton vs Liverpool (8pm)Thursday, December 19Tottenham vs Man Utd (8pm)Including the semi-final draw following the Spurs vs Man Utd from 10.15pm More

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    Awkward moment footballer sent off seconds after celebrating team-mate’s goal as he leathers ball into goalie’s face

    A FOOTBALLER has been sent off just seconds after his team scored for leathering the ball into the goalkeeper’s face.The awkward moment happened in Peterhead’s 1-1 draw at Forfar in the Scottish League Two.Andrew McCarthy booted a ball at the goalkeeper after his side scoredCredit: https://x.com/HutchisonjournoHe was shown a red card for his effortCredit: https://x.com/HutchisonjournoAndrew McCarthy was the unfortunate man to see red just seconds after his side took the lead.Kieran Shanks belted in the opening goal at Station Park Forfar in the 46th minute.McCarthy tried to join in the celebrations by booting the ball back into the goal.However, his powerful effort missed the goal and smashed into goalkeeper Marc McCallum.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe midfielder was met with a furious reaction from the home side’s players.To make matters worse, the referee instantly brandished a red card for “violent conduct”.McCarthy was in disbelief at what had happened as he fell to his knees at the sight of the red card.A clip of the moment has been shared on social media, and fans have found it hilarious.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne posted: “An utterly bizarre few seconds of football.”A second wrote: “Scottish football is the best.”What’s the ‘Unify League’ and which Prem teams would play in new version of European Super League?A third commented: “Scottish football simply unrivalled.”A fourth said: “Honestly, if I was marketing Scottish football I would lean into the madness.”Another added: “Scottish football has peaked.”Forfar would find an equaliser through Nathan Cannon in the 78th minute to grab a share of the spoils.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Who is Liverpool wonderkid Rio Ngumoha, and why was he ineligible for the Champions League?

    RIO NGUMOHA has been included in Liverpool’s squad for their Carabao Cup quater-final clash with Southampton.But who is the 16-year-old that is currently the talk of the Anfield faithful?England Under-17 international Rio Ngumoha has been included in Liverpool’s squad to face SouthamptonCredit: REXThe 16-year-old recently started training with the Reds’ first-team squadCredit: AFPSunSport is on hand to shed some light on the starlet, who reckons he has the brightest of futures ahead of him.How long has Rio Ngumoha been at Liverpool?The teenager joined the Merseysiders in September from Chelsea in a deal that proved to be the last of Arne Slot’s first transfer window.Liverpool made their move to sign the 16-year-old in April after seeing his goalscoring exploits in Chelsea’s U17 Premier League Cup final win over Wolves.But the west Londoners’ fury at the Reds’ snapping up of Ngumoha meant he wouldn’t be able to play for the Kop club’s Under-18s until September.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe forward has impressed Slot during his brief stint at the club, so much so that he was called up to train with the first team last month.Ngumoha recently travelled with the Reds for their Champions League clash with Girona.But he was ineligible to play in the match as he didn’t meet the List B criteria for Europe’s elite club competition. The only way he could’ve played in the match would have been if he’d taken a place in the 25-man List A squad.Most read in SportLiverpool snapped up Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea in the summerCredit: GETTYWhat position does Rio Ngumoha play?The right-footed starlet can play across the front line but predominately features on the left wing.Arne Slot punished for X-rated blast about Arsenal because fourth official thought he was talking to him Has Rio Ngumoha represented England?Ngumoha has been capped at Under-15 and Under-17 level for the Three Lions, finding the back of the net twice for the former side.What has Rio Ngumoha said?Ngumoha isn’t short of confidence and has already set his sights on winning the Ballon d’Or – despite not having a single first-team appearance to his name.During an appearance on Inside the Academy, he said: “I truly believe I can win the Ballon d’Or one day.”I want to be regarded as one of the best players to ever play football and be a legend of the game.”The love for football started when I was four or five. Rio Ngumoha has represented England at Under-15 and Under-17 levelsCredit: REXThe starlet has ambitions of one day winning the Ballon d’OrCredit: AFP”I was watching my brother and I wanted to be like him.”I was going to academies from a young age and it was a big thing when so many clubs wanted to sign me.”I have learned you have to be resilient and believe in yourself. READ MORE SUN STORIES”You can have a few bad games but you have to have that belief that you are the best.”For me, if I am in bad form I just put it behind me and work hard.” More

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    Newcastle outcast Miguel Almiron offered Premier League lifeline as three clubs battle it out over January loan transfer

    NEWCASTLE outcast Miguel Almiron could be loaned out to a Premier League rival in the upcoming January transfer window.Almiron, 30, has hardly featured this season for the Geordies as he has only amassed a mere eight appearances across all competitions.Newcastle outcast Miguel Almiron could be loaned out to a Premier League rivalCredit: GettyCrystal Palace, Leicester and Wolves are all monitoring Almiron from NewcastleCredit: GettyAnd the Magpies are reportedly keen to offload the winger by the end of the season.And SunSport understand the Paraguay international could be set for a loan move in January with three Premier League clubs interested in him.Crystal Palace, Leicester and Wolves are all monitoring Almiron, who is also believed to be desperate to move away from the North East.There is also interest from abroad with Marseille and Stuggart following developments.Read More on FootballThe Toon have decided to sell the forward to comply with Financial Fair Play rules and progress with other transfer targets.An unnamed Saudi Pro League club approached Newcastle last January to buy the Paraguayan. However, the move collapsed after talks between the two sides fell through.Many teams are now showing interest in Almiron and an official offer is expected to arrive soon.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe ex-Atlanta United star has been with Newcastle for the last six seasons. The 2022-23 campaign was his personal best as he scored 11 goals and registered two assists in 34 Premier League appearances.Miguel Almiron shows his skills at Newcastle training Last season, he netted five times and gained three assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. More

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    Jude Bellingham wins yet another trophy as Real Madrid become first winners of Fifa’s brand new tournament

    JUDE BELLINGHAM has added another trophy to his cabinet.The football superstar has enjoyed a spectacular year on and off the pitch.Jude Bellingham has added another trophy to his collectionCredit: AFPReal Madrid beat C.F. Pachuca to win the Intercontinental CupCredit: AFPThe LaLiga giants are the first-ever winners of the tournamentCredit: AFPBellingham, 21, won the LaLiga and Champions League titles earlier this year in his debut season with Real Madrid.The midfielder finished the campaign with a sensational 23 goals from 42 appearances.He was instrumental in England’s run to the final in Euro 2024, during which he scored a spectacular overhead kick against Slovakia.The former Birmingham City academy graduate has now added the Fifa Intercontinental Cup to his trophy haul.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReal Madrid ran out 3-0 winners over Mexican outfit C.F. Pachuca, who featured former West Brom, Newcastle and Everton striker Salomon Rondon at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.Kylian Mbappe netted the opener in the first half before Rodrygo doubled the lead in the 53rd minute.Vinicius Junior wrapped the result in the 84th minute as he squeezed his penalty kick under goalkeeper Carlos Moreno.Bellingham did not see the game through as he was replaced in the 88th minute by Arda Guler.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe tournament pitted Real Madrid as the Uefa representative against the Challenge Cup winner.Pachuca won the cup after qualifying as the CONMEBOL representative.Moment Jude Bellingham video chats sick child in hospital after ex-team-mate calls him out of the blueKylian Mbappe opened the scoringCredit: AFPVinicius Junior netted the third from the penalty spotCredit: ReutersItalian legend Andrea Pirlo brought out the trophy ahead of its presentation to Real Madrid.Speaking ahead of the game, Bellingham insisted that the title would mean “a lot” to win.He said: “It means a lot, you know? It’s an opportunity for another title and to tick off a good year of football for the club.”We’ve earned our right to be here, just like the opposition, because of what we did in the Champions League.”And it feels like we need to win this game to try to complete that achievement.”So it means a lot to us to try and win another trophy.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDue to playing in the match, Bellingham was unable to attend the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award.The award was won by Olympic hero Keely Hodgkinson and the runner-up was darts sensation Luke Littler.Bellingham’s trophy haulHere is a look at the trophies Jude Bellingham has won in his career so far…Borussia DortmundDFB-Pokal – 2021Real MadridLaLiga – 2024Champions League – 2024Supercopa de Espana – 2024Uefa Super Cup – 2024Intercontinental Cup – 2024England U17Syrenka Cup – 2019 More

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    Forgotten Arsenal star, 27, returns to starting XI for Crystal Palace clash almost 600 DAYS since last start for Gunners

    KIERAN TIERNEY has been named in the Arsenal starting XI for the first time in almost 600 DAYS.Mikel Arteta handed the defender the opportunity to play in the Carabao Cup clash against Crystal Palace.Kieran Tierney starts against Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyTierney, 27, last featured for the Gunners in the Community Shield against Manchester City in 2023.He then spent the season out on loan at LaLiga outfit Real Sociedad.But his previous start for the team was on May 14 in 2023, a day few Gunners fans will remember in a hurry.Mikel Arteta’s side were thumped 3-0 at home to Brighton in a game that all-but ended their title hopes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDespite having countless chances to take the lead, Arsenal fell behind in the 51st minute courtesy of a Julio Enciso goal.Denis Undav and Pervis Estupinan added two late goals to inflict further misery on Arsenal and leave them four points behind Manchester City with two games to play in the race for the Premier League title.Ahead of Wednesday’s clash with London rivals Palace, Arteta handed a number of fringe players a chance to impress, and gave some of his marquee stars a rest too.Teenage wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri starts alongside Mikel Merino and Jorginho in midfield, while Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus were also handed rare starting spots.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPervis Estupinan celebrates scoring Brighton’s third against ArsenalCredit: The TimesArsenal’s starting XI in Tierney’s last start for the clubYoung goalkeeper Tommy Setford was named on the bench too, with second-choice goalkeeper Neto cup-tied having played for Bournemoth in the competition earlier this season.Arsenal academy graduate Eddie Nketiah was also named on Crystal Palace’s bench for the London derby.Arsenal starting XI vs Crystal Palace: Raya, Partey, Timber, Kiwior, Tierney, Jorginho, Merino, Nwaneri, Sterling, Trossard, JesusCrystal Palace XI: Henderson, Kporha, Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell, Lerma, Hughes, Sarr, Eze, Mateta More