Philippa Kaur

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    in Motorsport

    F1 chiefs make major change to controversial swearing punishment after Max Verstappen led furious backlash

    FORMULA ONE’s governing body has reduced the penalties for drivers swearing or blasting officials after a huge backlash from the grid.The maximum sanctions for using X-rated language has been reduced by 50 PER CENT ahead of the sixth race of the season at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend.Max Verstappen has often been on the wrong end of the rules since they came inCredit: GettyThe ‘base fine’ level for penalties handed out for driver misconduct, including F-bombing, has been halved from €10,000 (£8,430) to “up to” €5,000 (£4,210).A revised version of the new FIA guidelines issued to stewards on Wednesday has also removed the threat of a race ban and championship points deductions are no longer on the table.Drivers have been at loggerheads with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem after he introduced a ONE-MONTH suspension and £100,000 fine for repeat offences in January.In April, Ben Sulayem – who is up for re-election at the end of the year – said he was considering “improvements” to the rules after Max Verstappen and George Russell accused the FIA of not treating drivers like “adults”.READ MORE IN F1The new document also differentiates between offences committed in “controlled” and “uncontrolled” zones, which was carried over from a deal that rally drivers reached last month.This differentiates between things drivers say and do while racing, and in forums such as news conferences, where adrenaline is not a big factor.The FIA has also softened the rules by allowing stewards to suspend penalties for certain first offences.It comes two weeks after Mercedes driver Russell, a director of the Drivers’ Association, called for “action” rather than words, after Ben Sulayem had teased this move on his Instagram account.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTHE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FARUnlucky Ferrari star Charles Leclerc has already forked out a €10,000 fine for letting the F-word slip at the Mexico City Grand Prix in October.Ben Sulayem said in a statement: “As a former rally driver, I know first hand the range of emotions that are faced during competition.Yuki Tsunoda explains why he is the right driver for Red Bull’s Formula 1 team “The improvements the FIA has announced to Appendix B will ensure we continue to promote the best of sportsmanship in motorsport, while also giving stewards effective guidelines to act against individuals who may bring the sport into disrepute.”The FIA will always be committed to ensuring motor sport is accessible for all our sporting family.”The initial decision to introduce heavy fines comes after world champion Verstappen was forced to do the F1 equivalent of community service after swearing in Singapore last year.The paddock heads to the iconic Imola this week for the start of a European triple-header which could dictate the path of the title race.After making it four wins from six, Oscar Piastri has a 16-point advantage over McLaren team-mate Lando Norris, with Verstappen 32 points adrift of the Australian and Russell 38 points back. More

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    in Soccer

    Jordan Henderson’s Ajax choke away title after 99th-minute equaliser – having needed just six points from five games

    JORDAN HENDERSON is set to miss out on the Eredivisie title after Ajax suffered the ultimate choke.The Dutch giants saw victory against Groningen snatched away in the 99th-minute.Jordan Henderson could be about to miss out on the Eredivise titleCredit: GettyHis Ajax side were favourites to win the league with just five games to goCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAjax have now fallen behind PSV, ahead of the final game of the seasonCredit: GettyPSV are now the favourites to win the Dutch league titleCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAjax had taken the lead through Anton Gaaei but were pegged back by Thom van Bergen in the second half.Former Manchester United and Burnley striker Wout Weghorst would have thought his 68th-minute goal was going to be enough for a vital three points.But it was the ten men of the hosts that struck the heartbreaking goal through Thijmen Blokzijl in the dying seconds of added time.The result sees Ajax fall to second place and one point behind title rivals PSV.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHenderson and co were the favourites for their 37th title with just five games left of the season.Ajax needed to pick up just six points to be confirmed as league champions.However, they have stumbled to defeats against Utrecht and NEC as well as a draw with NEC and Groningen before the final game of the season.Peter Bosz’s side took full advantage of Ajax’s slips to eradicate the nine-point gap, having won their previous six matches.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis means that with one game to go, the title is PSV’s to throw away.PSV face 11th-placed Sparta Rotterdam while Ajax will take on FC Twente.Furious Jordan Henderson goes off at journalist after being grilled over ‘wanting Monaco transfer’Ajax now need PSV to slip up in their final game of the seasonCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAjax will have to win and hope PSV slip up as their goal difference is significantly worse.After Blokzijl’s last-gasp goal fans on social media were left stunned by Ajax’s drop off.One posted: “How does Ajax give away a 9-point lead in 4 games? I have no words for it.”A second wrote: “Ajax have bottled it what is happening in the Netherlands.”A third commented: “In rap battles, we call that choking.”A fourth said: “How did Ajax bottle the league title?”Another added: “As a fan, my head would be on Pluto until the last games bc HOW?”Henderson is yet to win a trophy with AjaxCredit: GettyFrancesco Farioli has issued a defiant call ahead of the final game of the seasonCredit: GettyThe probabilities have changed drasticallyCredit: OptaFootage was captured from the PSV game of the club’s supporters and coaches waiting to hear the result of the Ajax match.Many appeared stressed and expecting the Amsterdam-based club to win but were quickly overjoyed when the late goal went in.PSV were beaten by Ajax 2-0 on March 30, which left the now favourites with just a one per cent chance of winning the league.Before last night’s drama, Opta could barely split the two sides, with Ajax being given a 50.1 per cent chance of landing the title.Whereas PSV were ranked with a 49.9 per cent chance of toppling Ajax.After the games, this has shifted dramatically in PSV’s favour who now have an 81.2 per cent chance of being named champions.However, the race is not fully over as Ajax manager Francesco Farioli issued a rallying call.He said: “It’s never easy to speak after conceding a last-minute equaliser.”It’s not over yet. We’ve got one more match to play: let’s go.”We gave it our all, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. Still, football teaches us that anything can happen.”Read More on The SunHenderson, 34, joined Ajax back in January 2024 after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.He has been given the captain’s armband but is yet to lift a trophy with the club.How the tables have turnedHere is how Ajax’s horrific form has changed the table…Eredivisie table on April 27:1. Ajax – 74 pts (+40 GD)2. PSV – 67 pts (+55 GD)Eredivisie table on May 15:1. PSV – 76 pts (+62 GD)2. Ajax – 75 pts (+33 GD) More

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    in Soccer

    EFL club set to SACK third manager in 12 months while former boss is flying high in Europe

    HULL CITY are set to sack their third manager in 12 months after reports suggested they would give the boot to boss Ruben Selles.Selles, 41, has been in charge of the team since December.Hull are set to sack manager Ruben Selles after narrowly avoiding relegationCredit: GettyThe club managed to avoid relegation from the Championship on goal difference after a 1-1 draw at Portsmouth on the final day.But following their narrow survival, club chiefs have opted to go into next season with new leadership as first-team coach Tobias Loveland and joint-assistant James Oliver-Pearce are also set to leave, according to The Telegraph.The Spanish boss, who was relegated from the Premier League with Southampton in 2022/23, won just nine of his 28 games in charge of the Tigers while drawing eight and losing 11.His imminent exit means Hull will now be looking to appoint their fourth manager in a year and the fifth under owner Acun Ilicali.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReports in Turkey suggest the businessman previously spoke to close friend and football legend Arda Turan about his future, with the ex-Barcelona star currently managing Super Lig outfit Eyupspor – although a move is not currently on the agenda.Instead, the odds on favourites for the job at this stage are former Derby manager Phillip Cocu, ex-Leicester boss Steve Cooper and Tayfun Korkut, formerly of Stuttgart and Hertha Berlin.Selles was the successor of caretaker boss Andy Dawson, who was in charge for two games following the departure of Tim Walter in November.The German was appointed into the role in July of last year and lasted just 18 games after winning a mere three times while also picking up six draws and nine defeats.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLiam Rosenior was the last boss to last more than half a year at the MKM Stadium, departing in May last year after narrowly missing out on the play-offs.The decision to sack him came down to a difference in football philosophy, according to Ilicali, who wanted to play attacking football.Hull City captain and his teammate brother ‘in brawl on nightclub dance floor’ – as club issues statementFormerly the assistant to Wayne Rooney at Derby before he became interim manager when the ex-Manchester United star resigned in June 2022, Rosenior now manages Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.The French outfit, owned by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly as part of the BlueCo group, are in the fight to qualify for European football next season.They currently sit sixth in France’s top flight, level on points with fourth and fifth placed Nice and Lille, with Nice currently occupying a Champions League qualifying spot.The final game of the season commences this Saturday, with Strasbourg facing 16th place Le Havre while rivals Nice face top half side Brest and Lille take on 14th place Reims.Sun Sport exclusively revealed earlier this month how Hull captain Lewie Coyle, 29, was involved in a street brawl outside a pub in the city centre.A local resident, who asked not to be named, said: “It all happened yesterday at around 8pm in town in Hull in the city centre.”I was just on my way home when I saw lots of people fighting. At the time I wasn’t aware it was Lewie Coyle – I saw him being pushed by his brother.”The witness said the bus came to a stop as Rocco Coyle guided his brother across the road by putting both hands on his chest.Lewie walked backwards away from the scene to the other side of the road as two women walked with them.The source added: “The bus stopped because it was starting in the middle of the street.”They were fighting right in the middle of the road so the bus was blocked. This bus and the other side of the road were both blocked.”Read More on The SunA club statement on the incident said: “Hull City is aware of a video currently circulating on social media and has launched an investigation into the matter.”The club will refrain from making further comment until the investigation has been concluded.” More

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    in Soccer

    Arsenal reveal new home kit for 2025/26 season with major change to badge and eye-watering price

    ARSENAL have released their new home shirt for the 2025/26 season.The club’s new shirt comes with an eyewatering price as the most expensive version will set back fans £130.Arsenal have released the club’s new home shirtCredit: Arsenal FCThe club made the announcement with a video on social mediaCredit: Arsenal FCBukayo Saka models the new kitCredit: Arsenal FCThe club has returned to the full crest rather than just the cannonCredit: GettyThe North London club unveiled the shirt in a video on social media.The video was captioned “the pulse of our club”.A heartbeat can be heard as the video showcases the new shirt.The shirt has a red body paired with white sleeves and red stripes on the arms.READ MORE ON ARSENALThere has been a major change to the club badge compared to the current season editions.The full crest has returned to the shirt rather than just the cannon that sits on the 2024/25 shirts.Fans have given the shirt a mixed reception on social media.One posted: “This looks really beautiful.. love every bit of it.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second commented: “Unfortunately, I don’t have money, clean though.”A third wrote: “Arsenal FC – Fashion Club. Less clothes and more wins please.”‘Those doubts maybe kick in’ – Jamie Carragher hints when Declan Rice will start considering his Arsenal futureArsenal’s new goalkeeper kit is a bright one for sureCredit: Arsenal FCA fourth said: “Look great wearing it whilst doing another guard of honour.”Another added: “Let’s win some silverware wearing this.”The authentic long-sleeve version of the shirt is an eye-watering £130 with the short sleeve version priced at £120.Fans can get a cheaper version of the shirt with a short sleeve priced at £85 and a long sleeve at £90.The kit is paired with whit shorts and red socks but there is also an alternate pair of red shorts.The goalkeeper kit is a bright yellow with red trim.Meanwhile, Manchester City have already released their kit for next season.Read More on The SunThe club dropped a hint over Jack Grealish’s future as he was featured in the promotion.And supporters believe that this could indicate that he will be staying at the Etihad past the summer transfer window.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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    in Soccer

    Tottenham star Son Heung-min ‘blackmailed with fake pregnancy’ as police arrest man and woman

    SON HEUNG-MIN contacted police after a man and woman attempted to blackmail him in South Korea, according to reports.The Tottenham star was allegedly approached by a woman claiming she was pregnant with his child.Son Heung-min contacted police over the attempted extortionCredit: AlamyThe pair attempted to extract millions from SonCredit: GettyA Seoul police station confirmed it had arrested a woman in her 20s on suspicion of extortion.A man has also been arrested on suspicion of attempted extortion, with the pair claimed to have approached Son demanding money in exchange for staying silent, according to Yonhap News.Son, 32, does not have a wife or child, and he reportedly contacted police to file a complaint last week.The pair reportedly attempted to extract several hundred million Korean won from the Tottenham ace.Son’s legal team revealed the woman claimed she fell pregnant with his child last June.Son has previously dated Korean pop stars Bang Min-ah and Yoo So-young, but he stated he had no plans to settle down until he has retired from football.He said in 2019: “My father says this and I agree, as well. “When you marry, the number one will be family, wife and kids, and then football. Most read in Football”I want to make sure that while I play at the top level, football can be number one.”You don’t know how long you can play at the top level. When you retire, or when you are 33 or 34, you can still have a long life with your family.”‘I’d dive head first through a brick wall for him’ – Ange Postecoglou’s rallying speech reduces Tottenham fans to tears More

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    in Soccer

    Norwich City ‘to hold talks with Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant for manager’s job after snubbing Jack Wilshere’

    NORWICH are set to hold talks with Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders, according to reports.The Canaries are on the hunt for a successor to axed ex-boss Johannes Hoff Thorup.Pepijn Lijnders worked under Jurgen Klopp at LiverpoolCredit: AlamyFormer Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere stepped in as caretaker for the final two matches of the season.But the 33-year-old is set to depart Carrow Road after being informed that he will not be considered for the job on a permanent basis.According to the Telegraph, Lijnders has emerged as a serious candidate and will speak to Norwich chiefs later this week.The Dutchman, 42, worked as Jurgen Klopp’s assistant manager for several years before leaving Liverpool alongside the German last summer.READ MORE NORWICH CITY NEWSLijnders was briefly in charge of Dutch side NEC in 2018, while last May he joined Red Bull Salzburg upon his Anfield exit.The former Liverpool No2 lasted just 29 games in charge of the Austrian outfit after finding himself 10 points off the pace in the title race.Norwich are claimed to have already spoken to former Bournemouth and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil.The 41-year-old, who played for the Canaries between 2014 and 2016, has been out of work since leaving Molineux last December.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLijnders, 42, worked alongside Jurgen Klopp for several yearsCredit: GettyNorwich chiefs are also said to be keen on ex-Nottingham Forest and Leicester boss Steve Cooper.But the Welshman is not believed to be keen on the move at this stage.Jack Wilshere in race against time as he faces huge 350-mile commute from managerial debut to run London MarathonDespite not having a manager, Norwich have released their retained list.While they have also confirmed that they will go on a pre-season training camp in the Netherlands, Lijnders home country.Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper, who succeeded Stuart Webber in December 2023, said: “We want somebody in as soon as we can without compromising the quality of our process and of the candidate, and finding the right person.”It’s not something we expect to wrap up in a week or two but we don’t want this to drag. We absolutely will have a head coach in place long before pre-season starts.”Norwich are expected to confirm an appointment before the end of this month.Gary O’Neil has also emerged as a contender for the Norwich jobCredit: AP More

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    Premier League’s most expensive stand opens at full capacity with £15k season tickets, stunning views and SWIMMING POOL

    THE most expensive stand in the Premier League has opened – and it has some incredible features.Fulham unveiled the new £100million Riverside Stand hospitality section last weekend.The amazing new stand is on the banks of the River ThamesCredit: SuppliedFulham’s new Riverside Stand has openedCredit: AFPThe balcony offers incredible views of LondonCredit: FulhamIt also has an infinity pool overlooking the River ThamesCredit: FulhamThe new stand offers Michelin-star menusCredit: Fulham FCThe project was six years in the making and it provides a luxury way of watching football.Fans with tickets for the stand will have access to Michelin-star inspired menus, rooftop access on the three-floor ‘Sky Deck’ as well as an infitity pool.They will also have stunning views across the River Thames and London. But the luxuries come at a huge cost.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSeason tickets in the top tier will set fans back a whopping £15,000 while individual tickets in the cheaper areas cost over £100 each for adults.Meanwhile, non-corporate season tickets are priced up to £3,000. On Fulham’s website, club owner-chairman Shahid Khan boasts: “Make no mistake, the Riverside development will be a location like no other, a real game-changer for Fulham Football Club, our neighbourhood and all of London.”And chief executive Alistair Mackintosh told BBC Sport: “Fulham has always been blessed with a wonderful location but until today not had wonderful hospitality.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”This has been a long time coming. We wanted the best stand in the world.”Going way back, this was a real vision for me – but we had delays with Covid, and needing a lease for the River Thames.I experienced the poshest, most exclusive stand in the Premier League and it was like no other”I spoke to the Fulham Supporters’ Trust when I first started 17 years ago, and they said two things were important to them. First, sustainability and then staying at Craven Cottage.”They had moved before and it wasn’t right. The owner Shahid Khan took the vision and put it on steroids.”The new stand places focus on the River Thames.Fans can enjoy the views from an exclusive balcony and a new infinity pool.The top priced season tickets are £15,000Credit: Supplied More

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    Nottingham Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi ‘out of induced coma and recovering well with family after urgent surgery’

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST star Taiwo Awoniyi is out of his induced coma, according to reports.The striker, 27, was forced to undergo surgery following an abdominal injury suffered against Leicester on Sunday.Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone urgent surgeryCredit: PAAwoniyi, 27, is reportedly ‘recovering well’Credit: GettyAwoniyi required urgent medical attention after crashing into the post during the 2-2 draw.Following the first part of his emergency surgery on Monday, the Nigerian was placed in an induced coma.Awoniyi subsequently underwent part two of his operation earlier today, and according to the Mail is now out of his coma and “recovering well”.Nottingham Forest are set to launch an internal investigation into their medical team’s handling of Awoniyi’s injury.MORE ON NOTTINGHAM FORESTThe forward received lengthy treatment on the pitch following the incident, but was subsequently allowed to continue playing.Awoniyi was then finally forced to go off, with further assessments determining that he would have to go under the knife.SunSport revealed earlier tonight that Forest chief Evangelos Marinakis is furious with how Awoniyi’s injury was handled.The Greek tycoon is set to have experienced club doctor Dr Prithish Shyam Narayan quizzed, along with club medics and coachesMost read in FootballFollowing the final whistle on Sunday, Marinakis entered the pitch and confronted boss Nuno Espirito Santo.A Forest statement subsequently read: “The seriousness of Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first.Nuno Espirito Santo argues with Nottingham Forest owner on City Ground pitch moments after disastrous draw”This principle is not just policy for us, it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner. To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn’t just a club, it’s family, and he instils that message in all of us.”That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation. His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility and emotional investment in one of our own.”He didn’t just see it as an isolated incident, but something that reflected the values and unity of the entire team.”In moments like that he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence.”When he saw our player clearly in discomfort it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines.”It was instinctive, human, and a reflection of just how much this team and its people mean to him. He would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur.”There was no confrontation, with Nuno or others, either on the pitch or inside the stadium. There was only shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.” More