Philippa Kaur

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    Premier League cult hero begs X for help after being prank called by someone ‘pretending to be from Shamrock Rovers’

    PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Charlie Austin has pleaded for help after falling victim to a prank phone call.The former Southampton and QPR star returned to non-league football last summer, signing for AFC Totton.Charlie Austin made a plea after being prank calledCredit: Instagram @charlie_austin89Austin became a cult hero playing for QPRCredit: ReutersHe once went viral for a rant calling for VAR while playing for Southampton in 2018Credit: PA:Press AssociationAustin is enjoying life in the Southern Premier League where he is trying to help his side win promotion.However he has been on the receiving end of a prank phone call from someone pretending to work for Irish side Shamrock Rovers.Austin shared the mobile number he received the call from on X and offered his followers the chance to ring the person.He tweeted: “Please find out who this [is] pretending to be from Shamrock Rovers and giving me prank calls. Feel free to call this number for yourselves much appreciated 👍🏻”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMost fans reacted by advising Austin to block the number although some found the incident amusing.One reacted saying: “Best tweet of 2025 so far.”Another added: “Cracker!”A third wrote: “Contender for best tweet of all time.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd another commented: “Can’t believe this is a real tweet.”Austin, 35, looks set to finish his career in the same way he started it – in non-league.Charlie Austin goes on furious rant about officials after Southampton’s draw with Watford The striker began his career at Kintbury Rangers followed by Hungerford Town, Thatcham Town and Poole Town.He got his first big move by joining Swindon and worked his way up the leagues to play in the Prem for QPR, scoring 18 goals in 2014-15 season.Austin earned himself acclaim in 2018 while playing for Southampton over his call for the introduction of VAR.Speaking about a disallowed goal against Watford, he said: “They said it was offside… it’s a joke!”Going on about VAR this VAR that, help the officials out. Clearly they need help.”We play in the Premier League. The best league in the world, the most watched league in the world. “Give them all the help they need because clearly they cost us two points today it’s a joke.” More

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    in Motorsport

    I was in a helicopter with Lewis Hamilton as it was forced to make an emergency landing – but he didn’t even notice

    SIR LEWIS HAMILTON once slept through a helicopter making an emergency landing, F1 legend David Coulthard has revealed.The incident took place 12 years ago when the now-Ferrari driver was doing a feature with the BBC and the Red Arrows at RAF Scampton.Sir Lewis Hamilton once slept through a helicopter making an emergency landing due to bad weatherCredit: GETTYDavid Coulthard was on the flight with Hamilton and couldn’t believe he slept through the ordealCredit: GETTYShortly after being picked up at Battersea, Hamilton, whose car number is No44, decided to get 40 winks in the back of the chopper.Bad weather conditions forced the aircraft to perform an emergency landing in a field, where it sat for 45 minutes.Hamilton, however, was completely oblivious to the stop or the fact that the chopper had been grounded for the best part of an hour as he was flat out.Former McLaren star Coulthard was on board the flight and recalled the incident by saying: “Well, this was a feature we did for BBC, when I was working for them.READ MORE F1 NEWS“Red Arrows, which is our display team for the Royal Air Force, we went over to, I think it’s RAF Scampton, and I remember I picked up Lewis in a helicopter in Battersea, which is the only place you can land a helicopter in London.“If you follow Tom Cruise, you’ll see him very often in London getting out of his helicopter, he is usually at Battersea.“And anyway, we took off from Battersea, I sat in the front with the pilot, Lewis was in the back, and he fell asleep. “He must have been either out partying or whatever the night before.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKDavid Coulthard has fond memories of the RAF event with Lewis HamiltonCredit: GETTY“And we hit fog on the way to the airfield, and we basically had to put down in a field, in a cornfield, because they knew there was big wind generators between Battersea and getting to the airfield.“And we sat there probably for a good 45 minutes. The whole time Lewis is asleep!Lewis Hamilton has perfect response to dismal Ferrari debut as he achieves feat not seen for 35 years “We eventually take off. We eventually turn up at the airfield, late. “There wasn’t any fog. And then we got to go up with the RAF together.“And then he drove his Formula 1 car in a sort of shootout along the runway.”And I have a picture in my office wall here, actually, where I’m in the jet fighter, and he is in the Formula 1 car. “And, yeah, it was just a fun experience. It was a great feature.”Hamilton, 40, is now plying his trade with Ferrari after leaving Mercedes last December following 12 years with the team.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe currently sits ninth in the Drivers Championship with nine points to his name after the Australian and Chinese Grand Prix.The most recent weekend was one of mixed fortunes as Hamilton won the sprint race, but was then disqualified from the feature race.Sir Lewis Hamilton is currently ninth in the Drivers’ ChampionshipCredit: Getty More

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    ‘I’ve never seen that’ – Kylian Mbappe scores first ever goal from free-kick – but hoard of fans claim it doesn’t count

    KYLIAN MBAPPE scored his first ever goal from a free-kick but fans have claimed it does not count.The Frenchman scored twice as Real Madrid beat Leganes 3-2 to go level on points with Barcelona at the top of LaLiga.Kylian Mbappe scored from a free-kick against LeganesCredit: GettyFans claim Mbappe’s goal does not count as a free-kick because he passed the ball firstCredit: GettyHis winner came from a free-kick with Mbappe bending his shot over the wall and into the bottom corner.However some fans claim it does not count as the first free-kick of his career because he passed the ball to Fran Garcia first.Garcia touched the ball to ensure it remained in place before Mbappe unleashed a shot that found a net.That means it was not a direct free-kick, according to some fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn X account that tracks whether Mbappe has scored a free-kick shared a screenshot of a website showing Garcia’s assist.It tweeted: “I have never seen an assist on a free kick. NOPE. DAY 3409.”A fan said: “That isn’t a free kick what are we doing here.”Another added: “It’s not a direct free kick though 😭”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd a third wrote: “That is an open play goal.”Another fan argued differently, saying: “It’s what we called an indirect free-kick. This type of free-kick does exist in football. Real Madrid star Vinicius clashes with Atletico crowd after winning Champions League game on penalties “Once another player touches the ball it will count as an assist for him and the free-kick will automatically become an indirect one. So Mbappe has still scored a direct free-kick.” More

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    Bournemouth slap £75million price tag on Antoine Semenyo as Premier League rivals circle for Ghana winger

    BOURNEMOUTH will slap a £75million price tag on Antoine Semenyo to ward off interest from Premier League rivals.Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool are eyeing a summer move for the Ghana winger, 25.Antoine Semenyo has caught the eye of several clubs this seasonCredit: GETTYBournemouth have slapped a £75million asking price on the Ghana wingerCredit: REXBut Cherries are determined not to allow anyone to pick off their best players on the cheap.They regard a £75m valuation as justified by similar sums paid for other, less effective Prem wingers like Manchester United outcast Antony and suspended Chelsea flop Mykhailo Mudryk.Bournemouth technical director Simon Francis and president of football operations Tiago Pinto are understood to be calm about the situation.They are ready for a busy summer of ins and outs, especially if the club qualify for European competition for the first time ever this season.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSSemenyo has scored nine goals and provided six assists in 32 appearances for Bournemouth this season.In total, he’s scored a total of 16 goals and provided seven assists for the Cherries.Semenyo has flourished under new Toffees boss Andoni Iraola, who he heaped praise on at the start of the season.After bagging a goal on the opening day of the season, he said: “It’s important.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I felt like I can help the team in so many dynamics. “I am happy the manager trusts me across the front three.Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen couldn’t be happier being nominated for Premier League player of the month “A bit of a roller coaster going up and down, left and right and down the right, but I’m glad the manager trusts me in that sense.”Semenyo and his Bournemouth team-mates will be back in action this evening, welcoming Manchester City to the Vitality Stadium for their FA Cup quarter-final clash. More

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    in Soccer

    ‘Brilliant, powerful’ – Emotional Man Utd legend Roy Keane was visibly moved by Ian Wright interview

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane is renowned for being one of the toughest players in Premier League history.But he once showed his emotional side when complimenting friend and colleague Ian Wright live on TV.Roy Keane showed his emotional side after being touched by an Ian Wright interviewCredit: ITVKeane is known for being one of the toughest players in Premier League historyCredit: GettyBack in February 2022, ITV broadcast an interview with then-Boreham Wood striker Adrian Clifton during its coverage of the FA Cup fourth round.Clifton had been mentored by Wright for 13 years after they met while filming ‘Football Behind Bars’.Having served time in a young offender’s institution, the forward accepted guidance from the Arsenal legend to make his own way in football.The duo reunited three years ago, just before Boreham Wood’s FA Cup clash with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd after watching the footage live on TV while working as a pundit with Wright, Keane became visibly emotional.Reaching over and touching the knee of his colleague, the United icon said: “Brilliant, very powerful. Great story, well done, Wrighty.”You gave him a bit of hope. Brilliant stuff. Absolutely brilliant.”Former Premier League hardman Keane has built a reputation for himself over the years with his no-nonsense approach on and off the pitch.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHowever, this week he admitted that he became emotional after winning a prestigious award.The 53-year-old was named Pundit of the Year at the British Sports Journalism Awards on Monday.Roy Keane left emotional on ITV as Man Utd hardman reveals ‘it’s nice to be recognised’ In the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, he said it was “nice to be recognised” for his work.Keane explained: “I feel quite emotional at winning the Pundit of the Year award at the Sports Journalists’ Association Awards.”It’s nice being recognised but I don’t have the ego about wanting to win the award – it’s all about working as a team and we’re a team on the podcast, and I’m also part of a team at Sky Sports.” More

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    ‘It’s hugely important’ – Shay Given fires warning to Newcastle despite Carabao Cup triumph

    SHAY GIVEN hailed Newcastle’s Carabao Cup heroes but warned they need Champions League qualification to reach “next level”.Eddie Howe’s side ended a 70-year domestic trophy drought when beating Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley a fortnight ago.Shay Given spoke to SunSport in his role as brand ambassador for CopyBetCredit: CopyBetThe Magpies ended 70-years of hurt at Wembley this monthCredit: GettyToon’s much-loved former goalkeeper Given was part of the Manchester City squad that lifted the 2011 FA Cup to kickstart their Middle East revolution.But with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, the Irishman says it will take Newcastle’s Saudi owners a lot longer to get to the top.And that is why they cannot rest on their cup-winning laurels this term and must do everything possible to return to the Champions League.Given, speaking in his role as brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet, told SunSport: “The City lads really kicked on and obviously got the Premier League titles and other things that followed.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Hopefully it’ll be the same sort of pattern for Newcastle but I don’t think it’ll be straightforward because there’s all sorts of different legislations in place now that might make it take longer.“It’s an unbelievable achievement what they have done to lift that burden after 70 years but there is still a prize to play for with Champions League qualification.“That is, probably for the club to go on to the next level, nearly as important if not more than picking up the Carabao Cup.“What that would mean is they can strengthen again and regenerate the money back into the playing squad. At the end of the day, that’s only where you’re going to really challenge for a Premier League title, Champions League and things like that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Eddie Howe and the powers that be in Newcastle understand that as well. So, there’s so much to play for this season in the remaining games. It’s hugely important to get that Champions League spot.”And sealing a return to Europe’s top club competition is not only vitally important for the club coffers and PSR.Eddie Howe fights back tears as he dedicates Carabao Cup to late mum as Newcastle hero Dan Burn says ‘don’t wake me up’It would also help them to keep hold of £150m-rated top scorer Alexander Isak amid interest from Barcelona, Liverpool and Arsenal.And he insists that the Swedish hitman is the perfect man for Howe to build a side around to challenge the big boys.Given added: “The one player in the whole squad I don’t think you can afford to lose Isak.“It would send such a wrong message to everyone. It would put you back and leave a massive hole on what probably is the most important position on your team.“Hopefully Champions League will come and that’ll keep others from trying to lure Alexander away.“He’s the player that you can build around for years to come and he’s the kind of player that you can challenge at the very top with.”Shay Given is a brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet. Visit CopyBet.comKeeping Alexander Isak is a must for the Magpies, says their legendary former goalieCredit: AlamyHow ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More

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    in Soccer

    Marcus Rashford delighted by messages from former Man Utd team-mates after England recall

    MARCUS RASHFORD was left feeling united with former team-mates after they shared their joy at his England recall.The forward, who joined Aston Villa on loan in January, has endured a difficult relationship with some Old Trafford players.Marcus Rashford received well wishes from his Man Utd team-mates after his England recallCredit: RexBut he was delighted when stars including Bruno Fernandes, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Joshua Zirkzee congratulated him on starting in Thomas Tuchel’s first two games in charge.He had not featured in an England squad since March 2024 against Brazil.After Tuchel announced his squad, Rashford, 27, posted an image of himself in an England shirt with the caption: “Never stop believing. Can’t wait to get started.”Fernandes responded: “Love to see it.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEx-United aces David de Gea and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were also supportive.A source said: “Marcus had experienced a difficult time for several months, if not years, before he finally went on loan from United.“He’s definitely in a happier head space — but does worry a little that his 20 years at United have been forgotten.“He still loves the club and was really happy to see some of the past and present players offering their support to him and making him feel loved. It meant a lot to him.”Most read in FootballEngland ratings vs Albania as Lewis-Skelly enjoys dream debut but Tuchel fails to solve Foden issue By Tom BarclayMYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRashford has played nine matches for Villa and has four assists but is still yet to score.Villa have a £40million option to buy Rashford in the summer with United willing to sell.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decision More

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    David Moyes plotting shock transfer raid on Liverpool and EFL takeover to collapse – latest exclusives from Alan Nixon

    ALAN NIXON is SunSport’s Boss of Goss.Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our main man in the know…Scotland’s Ben Doak could be set for a surprise move in the summerCredit: PATOFFEE TWISTEVERTON boss David Moyes is ready to jump into the chase for Scotland’s new star Ben Doak in a sensational raid on neighbours Liverpool.Moyes is planning a swoop on his old rivals for the winger when he comes up for sale in the summer at about £25million.The Toffees want a wide man and Doak, 19, is firmly in their sights – despite the rarity of a cross-city move between the clubs.Only a handful have gone from Liverpool to Everton, with Peter Beardsley and the late Gary Ablett among a very elite group.However, Moyes is a huge fan of Doak, whose pace and trickery would add something to his hard-working squad.Bournemouth are keen on the teenager as we revealed, while Crystal Palace’s move for him is now in doubt.Liverpool may prefer Doak to go to the Cherries but Everton’s interest will alert the player, who is set to have a major say on his future.Meanwhile, Toffees’ chief scout Dan Purdy could get a reprieve in the club’s big backroom shake-up.Purdy’s position is under review but incoming chief executive Angus Kinnear is a known fan.Director of football Kevin Thelwell has already gone and a reshuffle is imminent but Purdy may stay on in a new capacity.Ben Doak gives hilarious answers at Middlesbrough Q&A SAIN OF THE TIMESSheffield United are preparing to swoop for Borja SainzCredit: AlamySHEFFIELD UNITED want to sign Norwich’s goal machine Borja Sainz – whether they make the Premier League or not.Blades’ American owners are willing to splash out on the Spaniard, 24, if they are back in the top flight or not.Sainz enters the last year of his deal this summer, and the Canaries may be forced to sell if he does not sign an extension.United are willing to pay over £10million for the 18-goal midfielder – even though they are well off in that position.SKY’S THE LIMITCaleb Kporha is wanted by Frank Lampard at CoventryCredit: GettyCRYSTAL PALACE are fighting to keep teenage right-back Caleb Kporha – with Frank Lampard’s Coventry in hot pursuit.Kporha, 18, has made a first-team debut but is yet to sign a new long-term deal.Cov want to offer a quicker route to starts and that may tempt the ex-Welling starlet.The Eagles want him to stay but will have to offer big terms.Meanwhile, Exeter want to get Palace keeper Joe  Whitworth, 21, back for a second season on loan.CITY SLICKERJuma Bah could make his City bow in the Club World CupCredit: GettyMANCHESTER CITY new boy Juma Bah is hoping for a Club World Cup call in the summer.The giant 18-year-old defender has been a stand-out for Lens on loan  in France and also starred for Sierra Leone against Egypt last week.Bah is due to return to City next season and he wants an earlier chance.Lens would like to keep Bah on loan but he wants City game time – or a Prem stint on loan.WALK-OVERMATT HOLLAND was always one of the fittest players around — and the former midfielder has still got it.Holland, 50, walked a staggering 113 miles in a recent MND charity event – the furthest covered by any of the ex-pros.The ex-Ipswich and Charlton star was one of dozens of former players walking while others joined in after appearing in the Liverpool Legends game last Saturday.KEV DOWN UNDERNewcastle legend Kevin Keegan is proving popular in AusCredit: GettyKEVIN KEEGAN is wanted in Australia – as a special guest at Blacktown City.Legend Keegan came out of retirement to play a couple of games for the New South Wales side in 1985. Now the club want their most famous player back for a bash to mark the 40th anniversary of his two appearances for them.SHREW-D DECISIONSHREWSBURY’S takeover talks with a US group are about to collapse.A lengthy period of exclusivity ends tomorrow and the Yanks have backed away from the deal to buy the League One strugglers, who saw boss Gareth Ainsworth quit on Tuesday.The current regime may look for new buyers at a reduced price once their relegation fate is sealed.WICKED WHISPERWHICH England player was leaking to mates he would be a shock selection in Thomas Tuchel’s first team?The squad man told chums he would be in the side and word spread on the grapevine that he would be named.But nobody in the media ran the tip-off off and, worse still, he was left on the bench to his embarrassment. More