Philippa Kaur

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    Former Premier League star’s FA Cup dream comes to an end after he came out of retirement at 35 to play for minnows

    NON-league side Harborough Town’s FA Cup dream is over – after they were beaten by Reading 5-3 in the second round.And that also means a Tottenham favourite’s chance at a cup run is over too.A veteran midfielder saw his FA Cup dream with Harborough Town endCredit: RexBrave Harborough Town lost in extra time against Reading in the second roundCredit: GettyFormer Tottenham favourite Sandro poses with Harborough Town fans in the standsCredit: PAThe Leicestershire side produced a giant-killing in the first round when they ran out 4-1 winners over Tonbridge Angels.However, their luck ran out at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.They were in dreamland when they took the lead after 18 minutes, and went 2-1 up after 21 minutes were played.Incredibly, they forced extra-time in the 86th minute to make it 3-3.Read more football newsDespite their brave display, two goals in extra time meant they were finally beaten 5-3 after the extra 30 minutes was played.While they may have been disappointed, one player looked proud of his team’s performance.In fact, the 17-cap Brazil international even took time to pose with fans in the stands after the final whistle.Veteran midfielder Sandro, 35, lasted 46 minutes until he was replaced.Most read in FootballSadly for him, his chances of an FA Cup reunion against his former side are over – with Harborough’s exit.Bizarre moment man dressed as Elsa from Frozen sings Let It Go karaoke on pitch ahead of FA Cup first-round clashSandro retired from football in September 2023 at the age of 34 after a career that also saw him star for West Brom, QPR, Udinese, Genoa, and Internacional.However, at the turn of November he dusted off his boots and signed for Harborough Town – much to the delight of manager Mitch Austin.“What an unbelievable signing for the club, I really cannot express how I am feeling,” Austin said at the time.”I had a chance conversation with Sandro a couple of weeks ago and we got talking about football, told him about Harborough Town FC and the journey we are on and he has been messaging me ever since to sign on, totally unbelievable and gobsmacked is how I would describe this signing.Who are these famous footballers?”These sort of signings don’t happen every day but when you get a chance to sign an ex-professional footballer who has played at the highest level in the Premier League and Internationally with Brazil, you just cannot turn it down.”Sandro starred for Spurs between 2010 and 2014, making 106 appearances and scoring three goals.While he also played with Neymar, Ronaldinho, Thiago Silva, Dani Alves, and Marcelo for his country. More

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    Silva reveals reason Andreas Pereira was dropped from Fulham squad after interview claiming he wanted Marseille transfer

    MARCO SILVA said Andreas Pereira was left out of Fulham’s squad against Spurs due to a “technical decision” – and NOT for an interview discussing a move away from the club.Midfielder Pereira appeared to tell PL Brasil this week that it would be “very cool” to move to Marseille and play under Roberto De Zerbi.Andreas Pereira was dropped by Marco Silva for Fulham’s clash with TottenhamCredit: AlamyMarco Silva revealed why Pereira was dropped after the gameCredit: AFPBut the Brazilian took to social media on Sunday to hit out at the English translation of his comments, branding it “malicious and inaccurate”.The ex-Manchester United man, 28, wrote on Instagram: “In the interview, I clearly expressed my happiness and satisfaction with being at Fulham and my gratitude for everything the club and the staff have done for me, emphasising at all times that I still have two years remaining on my contract and that I am fully focused on my club.“However, the article includes comments that are neither accurate nor reflective of what I actually said.“I deeply regret the unprofessional conduct displayed in this situation and respectfully request a retraction of the quotes falsely attributed to me.”read more football newsPereira had started all 12 of Fulham’s Premier League games this season prior to sunday’s matchBut he was then left out of the squad altogether as the Cottagers battled to a 1-1 draw at Tottenham, despite goal-scorer Tom Cairney being sent off.Yet Silva said: “(The interview was) not why he wasn’t in the squad. I didn’t read the interview. I know some of the topics. For me to read something I need to be sure they did it. I“I don’t make decisions regarding interviews or newspapers or social media. I don’t follow them, of course I am aware.Most read in Football“He was not ready for the game. It was a technical decision from myself.”Former Man Utd star Andreas Pereira was told not to say anything after Paul Scholes ‘smashed’ him in first training session Without Pereira, Fulham managed to save a point at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.They fell behind in the second half to a Brennan Johnson goal in the 54th minute.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut it was Cairney who drew them level in the 67th minute.He would go from hero to villain in the 83rd minute, when he was given his marching orders.However, Silva’s side managed to hold on to share the spoils. More

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    Pep Guardiola does a Jose Mourinho with gesture to Liverpool crowd as fans convinced Man City boss has ‘lost his mind’

    PEP GUARDIOLA made a Jose Mourinho-esque gesture after being taunted by the Anfield faithful.Liverpool dominated Manchester City and after Mo Salah put them 2-0 up fans decided to have some fun with the City boss.Pep Guardiola reminded Liverpool fans of how many titles he has won after being tauntedThe Man City boss made the defiant gesture at the end of the match tooSupporters poked fun at Guardiola, joking he would get “sacked in the morning” following City’s abysmal display.The champions have lost six of their last seven matches and the pressure appears to be getting to Guardiola.He self-harmed after City threw away a 3-0 lead at home to Feyenoord and was left cut and bloodied.And in response to the taunts from the Liverpool crowd he raised his hands to show six fingers – one for each Premier League title he has won in Manchester.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”All the stadiums want to sack me, it started at Brighton,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “Maybe they are right with the results we’ve been having.”I didn’t expect that at Anfield. They didn’t do it at 1-0, but at 2-0. Maybe they should have sung it in the past. “I didn’t expect it from the people from Liverpool but it’s fine, it’s part of the game, and I understand completely. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We’ve had incredible battles together. I have a respect for them.”It was a scene reminiscent of when Mourinho reminded the press of how many titles he had won while he was still in charge of Manchester United.Guardiola left scratching his head as City blow 3-0 lead against FeyenoordFans mocked Guardiola and some made the correlation to Mourinho, who made a similar gesture to Chelsea fans when they mocked him during a match in 2017.One said: “Same stuff Mourinho did. What a finished coach.”Another added: “Tears he’s lost his mind 😭😭😭”A third wrote: “It’s over for Pep Guardiola. He’s getting rattled damn😂”And another captioned a pic of Guardiola holding up six fingers, saying: “Pep… How many games has it been since you won?”Guardiola made the same gesture at full-time as he and his players went over to the travelling fans to thank them for their support.Jose Mourinho gestures to fans to show his three Premier League titlesCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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    Inside former Champions League semi-finalists’ stunning 52,000-seater new stadium modelled on iconic ancient landmark

    ITALIAN giants Roma are preparing to move to a new state-of-the-art 52,000-seater stadium.The Serie A club have played their home matches at the Stadio Olimpico since 1953.The new 52,000-seater stadium is set to captivate fansIt is set to be the home of AS Roma fron 2027Construction of the project is set to get underway next yearThe project will also be a hub for ‘dining, entertainment, work and hospitality’ as well as sportBut they are planning to move away from the iconic 72,000 venue in three years.Their new home is set to become the Stadio della Roma.The project is expected to get underway in 2025, with a provisional finish date of 2027.This would mean they move into the stadium for their 100-year anniversary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club are describing the new ground as “more than a stadium” as it prepares to be situated in an entertainment district which will be a “hub for dining, entertainment, work, hospitality and sport”.It will be built at the location of the old Hippodrome in the Tor di Valle district.And it will take inspiration from the iconic Colosseum with “an ultra-modern, steel and glass stadium, wrapped in a stone ‘scrim’”.Other nods to the famous landmark will include “a floating stone screen that envelops the stadium” that will act as a “dynamic contemporary interpretation of the stone arches of the famous arena”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA Roma Hall of Fame building will also be builtThis is a shot of how the outside of the ground will lookOther elements will include a Roma Superstore and an interactive Roma Hall of Fame.Situated nearby will be a 2,500-seat “Spanish Steps” area, while a 14,000-seat amphitheatre will be included within the stadium.Chelsea legend John Terry reveals moment that ‘broke me’ three days after Champions League final penalty slip vs Man UtdSpeaking about the ground, Roma president Jim Pallota said: “It’s great for Rome but it’s also a spectacular project for Italy and a big project for all of Europe.”I can’t wait for Roma to have its own stadium, a stadium the team deserves.”Roma last won the Serie A title in 2001 – the third scudetto in their history.They also have nine Coppa Italias and two Italian Super Cups.Their only European trophy came in 2022 when Jose Mourinho led them to the Europa Conference League. More

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    Man Utd fans will ‘never forgive’ Ten Hag for treatment of star as they say ‘he should be hired just to be fired again’

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans say they “will never forgive” Erik ten Hag after Amad Diallo emerged as a key star under Ruben Amorim.Diallo, 22, put in a top performance at right wing-back as United thrashed Everton 4-0 on Sunday.Man Utd fans ‘will never forgive’ Erik ten Hag’s mismanagement of Amad DialloCredit: GettyThe ace bagged two assists in Man Utd’s 4-0 win over EvertonCredit: PAThe Ivorian was relentless with his running and work-rate.And Diallo’s fine show was rewarded with two assists as Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee’s braces sealed victory at Old Trafford.It wasn’t the star’s first good performance under Amorim, having been one of United’s better players in last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town.But under previous boss Ten Hag, Diallo had struggled to impress.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was only used sparingly by the Dutchman, who insisted on keeping Diallo on the right of a front three.The youngster was unable to nail down a place in Ten Hag’s side as he frantically searched for consistent minutes.And fans reckon their former boss “should be hired just to be fired again” for his treatment of Diallo.One said: “The fact Ten Hag watched him every day in training and continue to play Antony over him blows my mind.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother declared: “Not sure I’ll ever forgive Ten Hag for his treatment of Diallo.”One noted: “Bizarre it took more than four months for Amad to get a start last season, he’s torn Everton to shreds today.”Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decisionAnother boomed: “Ten Hag should be hired just so he can be fired again, why did he not platform Amad?”One added: “Amad is the best pressing player we have and Ten Hag, who wanted pressing football, barely used him.”Boss Amorim is certainly enjoying watching Diallo and hailed his performance after the Ipswich game.Amorim said last week: “I think it was very good, he has improved a lot.”Since these three days, he improved so much defensively but for him, the opponent he had all the time was the left back. “He was so focused on everything, I think he did a great job.” More

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    Liverpool 2 Man City 0: Pep Guardiola’s horror run continues as Salah and Gakpo put error-strewn side to the sword

    IT was a day when the league leaders faced the champions and it ended up as men against boys.A meeting between the two dominant English clubs of this age which turned out to be a routine cakewalk for Arne Slot’s relentless Liverpool.Cody Gakpo opened the scoring after just 12 minutesCredit: PAMo Salah put the game to bed from the penalty spotCredit: AFPGakpo tapped home from close range after a brilliant Salah crossCredit: ReutersAs Liverpool surged nine points clear at the top of the Premier League, Pep Guardiola’s freefalling side were left in the Europa League places and in full-on meltdown after a sixth defeat in seven winless games.Slot’s men can be declared champions-elect on the first day of Advent – having won 18 games out of 20 in all competitions under their new Dutch manager.The Kop crowed that Guardiola would be ‘sacked in the morning’ and while that is not going to happen City’s extraordinary capitulation – which their manager has literally been beating himself up about – shows no sign of abating.Aside from Rodri’s long-term injury absence, City’s side seemed to have aged significantly before our eyes over the past month and have been shorn of all confidence.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGuardiola responded to the gloating of Liverpool fans by counting up his Premier League titles and sticking up six fingers to his Scouse tormentors.He would be better off picking the right team. One which includes his best player Kevin De Bruyne and an authentic winger or two.Guardiola made a major call in dropping keeper Ederson and bringing in Stefan Ortega, but there was no De Bruyne and precious little natural width.But the most shocking aspect of his starting line-up was that Erling Haaland was the only player included who had scored a Premier League goal this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRight from the off it was true to the formbook – a team who had won their last six matches battering a side who hadn’t won any of their last six.Under Klopp, Liverpool enjoyed a few similar whirlwind starts against City but this one felt different given City’s horrendous run of results.Mo Salah admits he’s ‘more OUT than in’ as he piles pressure on Liverpool to offer him a new contractOrtega was swiftly into action, making saves from Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai – included in place of Curtis Jones.Then Virgil Van Dijk headed against the inside of the post from an Alexis Mac Allister centre.The pressure was unbearable and in the 12th minute, the dam broke.Salah whistled in a low centre from the right and Gakpo – included ahead of Darwin Nunez – arrived at the back stick to shin it over the line for his sixth goal in seven games, with City skipper Kyle Walker seemingly unaware of the scorer’s whereabouts.Van Dijk headed wide from a Mac Allister corner, Gakpo scooped over, Trent Alexander-Arnold pinged one wide.Then in the 39th minute, something unexpected happened – City joined in and had a shot on goal, Rico Lewis scuffing wide.The champions were relieved to go in at the break only one goal down and though they started the second half in brighter fashion – even winning their first corner – there was no serious threat on the Liverpool goal.A sweeping Andy Robertson pass picked out a galloping Gakpo but Matheus Nunes made a saving tackle, then Van Dijk headed narrowly overAnd when Bernardo Silva was guilty of a poor pass, Salah nicked the ball from Manuel Akanji, surged clean through but curled over when ought to have doubled Liverpool’s lead.Guardiola decided it was time to give his team some width, introducing Savinho and Jeremy Doku for Nunes and Ilkay Gundogan.Liverpool were sitting back but giving up no chances.Slot sent on Darwin Nunez who was soon instrumental in Liverpool winning their penalty, dispossessing Ruben Dias and feeding Luis Diaz, who was upended by an onrushing Ortega with Walker dawdling again.Salah stepped up and slotted home the penalty, at which point Guardiola belatedly sent on Kevin De Bruyne.It was the Belgian who finally forced a save from Caoimhin Kelleher after an unlikely slip from Van Dijk.But there was no serious sign of a City comeback.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs Scousers battered his eardrums, Guardiola smirked and lifted those six fingers.One for each defeat City have suffered in their last seven games. More

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    Who is Edoardo Bove?

    EDOARDO BOVE is a promising young footballing talent – but thoughts and prayers are with him at this time after he collapsed on the field in worrying scenes.Here is what we know about the Fiorentina star.Edoardo Bove is on loan to FiorentinaCredit: GettyWho is Edoardo Bove?Born in Rome, Edoardo Bove’s paternal family is originally from Naples while his mother is German-Italian.Bove was raised in the quartiere of Appio-Latino and studied at the Massimo Institute in Rome’s neighbourhood.The Italian midfielder started playing football in the Roman club of Boreale Donorione until 2012 when he joined Roma following a successful trial.He was called up by the first team on December 3 for a Europa League match against Young Boys in 2020.Read more on footballHowever, he made his professional debut for Roma on May 9 in 2021 – scoring his first senior goal in a 2-2 draw against Verona on February 2022.On August 30, 2024, Bove joined fellow Serie A club Fiorentina on a season-long loan with the option to make the move permanent.What happened to Edoardo Bove?Edoardo Bove collapsed on the pitch during Fiorentina’s match against Inter Milan.The horrible scenes occurred in the 15th minute of the clash.Most read in FootballPlayers and staff formed a wall around the midfielder while medical staff tended to the 22-year-old.Team-mates and rivals alike were seen crying and with their hands on their heads as the terrifying ordeal played out.Bove was then placed in an ambulance before being taken to hospital.Referee Daniele Doveri later told players to leave the pitch, with the match suspended due to the medical emergency.Did the match get postponed?Italian media have reported the star is now conscious and breathing on his own.The game was then officially postponed to a later date.A Serie A statement said: “The match will not resume and is postponed to a date to be determined.”With the game interrupted, Bove collapsed to the ground and the situation immediately appeared very serious.”An ambulance took the player away.”TributesFormer Manchester United star David de Gea, who joined Fiorentina earlier this season, released a statement on social media praying for Bove’s health.He said: “God please,” followed by a praying hands emoji.READ MORE SUN STORIESItalian tennis player Flavio Cobolli, who is said to be a good friend of Bove since his time at Roma posted a story on Instagram saying: “Come on my friend,” followed by a heart emoji.TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton said: “Thoughts with Edoardo Bove & all at Fiorentina.” More

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    Man Utd hit with Bruno Fernandes injury fears as worrying picture emerges days before Arsenal clash

    BRUNO FERNANDES has left Man Utd fans sweating on his fitness after limping off during Ruben Amorim’s 4-0 trouncing of Everton.And it comes at an awful time for United with a massive trip to the Emirates looming in just three days time.Man Utd fans are concerned about Bruno Fernandes’ injury status after he was spotted wearing an ice pack at Old Trafford on SundayFernandes provided two goals on Sunday before Amad Diallo did the sameFernandes provided two assists for double goal scorers Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee either side of half-time against the Toffees before he was subbed off in the 66th minute.The Portugal international was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho as United moved into the top-half of the table for the first time in months. But the only potential concern for United ahead of their trip to second-placed Arsenal on Wednesday was the sight of their best playermaker in discomfort.Fernandes was pictured with an ice-pack strapped to his ankle after being substituted.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe skipper was, however, able to join his team-mates on the pitch after the game to salute the home fans attending Amorim’s first Prem game at Old Trafford.It could, of course, be precautionary as United had scored all FOUR goals by the time he and Casemiro came off.But United fans are concerned about his availability before they travel to North London in three days time.One posted: “Bruno Fernandes off injured. Arsenal have never seen luck like this.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother said: “So if Bruno gets injured what happens?”A third replied: “Just when Fernandes starts to find some form. I hope he makes the Arsenal game 🙏.”Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decisionBut others were more optimistic.One wrote: “Bruno never misses a game. He’ll be there midweek 💪.”While a second quizzed: “Surely he’d be in the medical room if it was that bad?”The returning Kobbie Mainoo has been suspended for United’s trip to Arsenal after picking up his fifth yellow of the season. The England star went into the ref’s book in the 49th minute when he hauled down Dwight McNeil just outside the United 18-yard box.It marked Mainoo’s first start under Amorim having been an unused substitute against Ipswich Town and Bodo/Glimt.Kobbie Mainoo will miss United’s mid-week trip to ArsenalLikewise, Lisandro Martinez will miss the game against Mikel Arteta’s back in-form men for the same reason.Martinez received a caution two minutes later when he pulled back Toffees striker Beto, who looked to get on the end of a through-ball.Meanwhile, United fans fans labelled co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe a “c***” as they protested the rise in ticket prices.READ MORE SUN STORIESRed Devils chiefs have hiked Old Trafford tickets to a staggering £66 per game.They have also abolished concessions for children and pensioners as fans outside Anfield had their own protests ahead of Man City’s visit on Sunday.United fans staged a protest against the rise in ticket price More