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    Baller League draft LIVE: Latest as Gary Lineker, John Terry and Luis Figo pick their teams ahead of the opening games

    THE Baller League draft took place at London’s Copper Box Arena as 144 players were selected. A host of football legends and social media stars are set to compete in the thrilling new indoor six-a-side competition beginning on March 24.A star-studded managerial line-up, featuring the likes of Gary Lineker and John Terry choose 12 players from a 160+ shortlist after six rounds. Former Premier League players, futsal players, free agents and released academy stars made up the mammoth pool.The likes of Jordon Ibe, Michael Hector and Manchester United graduate and debut scorer Josh Harrop were all selected in the first few rounds. Games will be played weekly every Monday from the 24th of this month. Follow our live blog below…Who are the teams and managers?Luis Figo – Trebol FCTBJZL – VZN FCAlan Shearer, Gary Lineker, Micah Richards – DeportrioSharky – SDS FCJohn Terry – 26ersAngry Ginge – YanitedJens Lehmann, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg – N5 FCMiniminter – M7 FCDave – Santan FCClint 419 – FC Rules the WorldIan Wright and Chloe Kelly – Wembley Rangers AFCAlisha Lehmann and Maya Jama – MVPS UnitedCopy linkCopiedVision for Baller LeagueBaller League CEO, Felix Starck has revealed the grand plans for Baller League.He said: “Baller League is a brand new way to consume football.”We’re redefining how the game is played by bringing an exhilarating and authentic approach to football, and one that will appeal to current fans along with future generations.”Baller League is all about forward-thinking, aggressive, hyper-exciting football. We’re about creating a version of the game that’s impossible to ignore – thrilling, bold and packed with excitement.”Copy linkCopiedLive every MondayBaller League has agreed a one-year broadcast deal with Sky Sports and NOW TV for the inaugural UK season of the six-a-side competition.Every match from the debut campaign is set to be shown live on Monday nights from the Copper Box Arena in London.Coverage will be hosted by social media personality Chunkz and sports presenter Olivia Buzaglo.Match-day One starts on March 24 and runs for 11 consecutive weeks.Copy linkCopiedLast team picksTrebol FC: Montel McKenzie, Vani Da Silva, Ciaran Clark, Isaac Modi, Ethan Oke, Reggie, Emi, Ryan Gorwell, Jordan Brown, Shani Omed, Aaron Steven, Nathan BowenMVPS United: Lorenzo Spinelli, Ashton Peltier, Jake Chambers Shaw, Ross Derham, Josh Misoki, James Canton, Alfie Matthew, Declan McCarthy, Jay Beckford, Joe Edwards, Dwayne Suel, Esteban SalgadoYanited: Kadell Daniel, Michael Hector, Mohammed Mahyoub, Remy Clerima, Percy Kiangebeni, Medy Elito, Max Pitman, Harry Cain, Henry O’Shea, Daniel Thompson, Daniel Woods, Pharrel MensahCopy linkCopiedSome big names involved…Deportrio: Bakary Sako, Adam Dawson, Francis Gerald Mapolo, Zach Fagan, Marvin Sordell, Charlie Kuehn, Tommy Scott, Raphael Gas, Alex Dyer, Ruben Singale, Tristan Goodridge, Leo SerriFC RTW: Michael Ndiweni, Josh Harrop, Tareiq Holmes-Dennis, Kevin Gonzalez, Oliver Bosworth, Karim Kamhouri, Erghis Pepy, Onuchi Oki, Yusuf Shentu, Alamiji Oluma, Sandro Kamara, Festus ChaletM7 FC: Jesse Waller-Lassen, Femi Akinwande, Stefan Ilic, Jean Belehouan, Toby Bull, Sam Fitzgerald, Arjun Young, Ramez Gonzalo, Arin Zaha, Lewis Garcia, Henry Wise, Zion NditiCopy linkCopiedMore Baller picksN5 FC: Owen Locke, Adrian Mariappa, Brian Ly, Charlie Wakefield, Dayo Adekayo, Chris Arba, Imran Kahani, Michael Class, James Alabi, Troy Molunda, Freddie Berrati, Callum CharltonSantan FC:  Michael Hill, Richard Kesey, Dominic Voss, Erick Kenco, Ranell McKenzie Lowes, Jamell Abou-Bakare, Rico Okinari, David Upu, Abdullah Gervardi, Jack Wilson, David Solidemi, Luka ValentineWembley Rangers: Domingos Pires, Check Fayum, Ben Long, Stuart Cook, Oliver Cannon, Juan Pablo, Ruben Junior, Luke Gambin, Kaylen Kofi, Braden Shaw, Joseph Diomande, Nabid EshariCopy linkCopiedBaller League draft picksSDS FC: Bruno Andrade, Bayley Brown, Ody Alfa, Cole Da Silva, David Marques Castanho, Calvin Dickson, Big John, Camillo Astreppo, Finley Chadwick, Michael Felibe, Hussein Mahdi, Tyler EdmundsonVZN FC: Henri Lansbury, Kurtice Herbert, Jerome Sinclair, Remy Mitchell, Montel McKenzie, Florian Kastrati, Michael Olive-Wigan, Barrell Mensah, Ethan McClear, Diego Dombaboni, Jami Kheresi, Luka Barusic26ers: J’ardell Stirling, Bilal Sayoud, Sak Hassan, Kojo Apenteng, Marcel Lewis, Jordon Ibe, Matt Chizzum, Emmanuel Rowe, Justin Dass, Spike Stegel, Vladislav Platinov, Jack CrookCopy linkCopiedAnd breatheA mega event there for all involved at the Copperbox.We hardly had time to come up for air ourselves!But the Baller League draft has finally been completed.Who do you think got the best picks?Copy linkCopiedFinal round overCopy linkCopiedYanited: Daniel Thompson, Daniel Woods, Pharrel MensahCopy linkCopiedVZN FC: Diego Dombaboni, Jami Kheresi, Luka BarusicCopy linkCopiedMVPS United: Joe Edwards, Dwayne Suel, Esteban SalgadoCopy linkCopied26ers: Spike Stegel, Vladislav Platinov, Jack CrookCopy linkCopiedFC RTW: Alamiji Oluma, Sandro Kamara, Festus ChaletCopy linkCopiedWembley Rangers: Braden Shaw, Joseph Diomande, Nabid EshariCopy linkCopiedDeportrio: Ruben Singale, Tristan Goodridge, Leo SerriCopy linkCopiedTrebol FC: Shani Omed, Aaron Steven, Nathan BowenCopy linkCopiedM7 FC: Lewis Garcia, Henry Wise, Zion NditiCopy linkCopiedSDS FC: Michael Felibe, Hussein Mahdi, Tyler EdmundsonCopy linkCopiedSantan FC: Jack Wilson, David Solidemi, Luka ValentineCopy linkCopiedN5 FC: Troy Molunda, Callum Charlton, Freddie BerrattiCopy linkCopiedFinal round, first pickers:N5 FCSantanSDS FCM7 FCTrebol FCDeportrioWembley RangersFC RTW26ersMVPS UnitedVZN FCYanitedCopy linkCopiedEnd of round fiveCopy linkCopied26ers: Matt Chizzum, Emmanuel Rowe, Justin DassCopy linkCopiedWembley Rangers: Ruben Junior, Luke Gambin, Kaylen KofiCopy linkCopied More

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    Sir Jim Ratcliffe gives glimpse inside meeting with ‘grumpy’ Sir Alex Ferguson after £2m Man Utd role cancelled in cuts

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has opened up on Sir Alex Ferguson’s reaction to losing his ambassador role at Manchester United. The legendary Red Devils boss, 83, was removed from his £2million-a-year position last October. Sir Jim Ratcliffe (left) has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson’s reaction to losing his ambassador role at Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe Ineos owner has been ruthless with his cost-cutting since taking overCredit: GettyRatcliffe, 72, completed a minority takeover of United in 2023.The Ineos chief has since cut costs both on and off the field, including a wave of redundancies over the past year. More than 200 jobs went last summer at Old Trafford, with Ratcliffe claiming the club could have gone BUST by the end of 2025. One of the roles to go was Ferguson’s lucrative ambassadorial position, handed to him when he left the club in 2013. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Scot is the most successful manager of all time and won 13 league titles at Old Trafford.Ratcliffe revealed he spoke to Ferguson personally about the matter, telling Fergie the club “isn’t where you think it is.”Speaking to the BBC, Ratcliffe said: “I take my hat off to Alex.”I sat down with Alex, just the two of us in the room. And I said ‘Look, the club isn’t where you may think it is’. Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”It is spending more than it’s earning and we’re going to finish up in some difficulties. “Honestly, we can’t really afford to continue to pay you £2 million a year”.Fans spot Sir Alex Ferguson YAWNING as he watches woeful Man Utd – but get distracted by who he’s sitting next to”I said “I’m going to leave it with you, let you have a think about it”. “It was very grown up. Maybe a little bit grumpy at the beginning but he got it.”He came back three days later, after talking to his son, and said ‘Fine, I’m going to step away from it. My decision’.”I think it reflects really well on Alex, because he put the club before himself.”United are currently languishing in the lower reaches of the Premier League.Fan protests erupted against the leadership on Sunday before the 1-1 draw with Arsenal.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Man Utd signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances.And Ratcliffe admits that some of the players currently on the books are “not good enough”.He continued; “Some [players] are not good enough and some probably are overpaid.”But for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time.”We’ve got this period of transformation where we move from the past to the future.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There are some great players in the squad as we know, the captain is a fabulous footballer.”We definitely need Bruno Fernandes, he’s a fantastic footballer.” More

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    How Ruben Amorim’s genius tweak unleashed Noussair Mazraoui to give Man Utd new attacking threat vs Arsenal

    RUBEN AMORIM has a new attacking threat at his disposal following a successful “tweak” to his Manchester United side against Arsenal.The Red Devils shared the spoils with the north Londonrs thanks to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last Sunday.Manchester United shared the spoils with Arsenal in last Sunday’s meeting at Old TraffordCredit: REXRed Devils boss Ruben Amorim was frustrated to not have bagged all three pointsCredit: REXBut the attacking threat shown by Noussair Mazraoui will have pleased the Portuguese gafferCredit: REXAmorim, however, wasn’t happy with his troops’ failure to hold on to all three points, which Declan Rice denied them of with a stunning second-half finish.But he’ll be happy with the auxiliary attacking threat defender Noussair Mazraoui showed he can be on the right-hand side.And in the latest episode of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our tactics expert DEAN SCOGGINS looks at how the Moroccan showed how he can be a versatile threat going forward when paired up with Alejandro Garnacho.Here are four of Dean’s observations on Mazraoui from the draw…READ MORE ON MAN UTD1) Understanding with GarnachoGarnacho is creating that indecision because he trusts Mazraoui’s decision making to give him the ball when he can and not go bombing up the outside and leave him in a dodgy position.And also it means that Garnacho can then spring that counterattack when United win it back.And we saw that three or four times where Garnacho carried the ball up the right in the first half.At half time, fantastic from Amorim. What he’s done is just a subtle little tweak with their positioning to bring Garnacho wide to the right and running out to wing, and then Mazraoui going up the inside channel inside him.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsMan Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Man Utd signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances.2) Making troubleMazraoui was [often] the free man. He found himself in a number ten position, a striker position and a right wing position.Amorim ‘pleased’ with Man Utd performance despite missed chances against Arsenal He was the one causing all the problems and we saw the ideal Amorim scenario – [Diogo] Dalot, one wing back, crossing it to Mazraoui, the other wing back.[The] save from David Raya probably should have been the winner for United because they played really, really well in that second-half period on the counterattack.They were comfortable out of position. And with the crossover of Mazraoui and Garnacho and understanding where each other are going to go, they caused Arsenal a real problem on that left-hand side.3) Inside and outside threatsOh, definitely, [this is the Mazraoui Manchester United they were signing].And also, I think it’s a credit to Mazraoui that he’s done the job that Amorim has asked of him.Amorim is having to tick a few boxes as we go through here. They defended brilliantly against Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal away in the FA Cup.Noussair Mazraoui was a constant threat on the right wingCredit: REXThe defender caused the Gunners trouble thank to a great understanding with GarnachoCredit: AFPIs Mazraoui playing as a proper fullback in a back five? They did that in the first half. So he did get up the right sometimes.Mazraoui, he was the one going up the outside in the first half. In the second half, they switch that over and Garnacho going wide and then Mazraoui is coming up on the inside.He is a good baller in those positions. He can pick it up at number ten and he’s two-footed.He can play between those lines as well. And as we’ve said week after week, Amorim’s formation relies on wing-backs driving forward. Otherwise, they’re just nullified. Mazraoui provided. That was really good.READ MORE SUN STORIES4) VersatilityI think that he was an example [of a player who says to his manager], ‘Where?’ ‘Left back, boss? No problem.’Right back, boss? No problem? Wing back? Yeah I can do that attacking role. Second off? No problem. I’ll do that as well.’ More

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    West Ham 0 Newcastle 1: Bruno Guimaraes spoils Michail Antonio’s London Stadium return as Toon move 2 points off top 4

    EDDIE HOWE has something to smile about at last.A win to lift the Newcastle spirits ahead of what could be a week for the ages on Tyneside.Michail Antonio returned to the London Stadium for the first time since his December car accidentCredit: AlamyBruno Guimaraes reacted quickest to give Toon a deserved second half leadCredit: AFPThe Brazilian’s goal was his first since January 18Credit: AFPThe win moves Newcastle to within just two points of Chelsea in fourthCredit: ReutersAfter losing a trio of stars to injury and suspension as well as being dumped out of the FA Cup, a little bit of confidence was returned to the Magpies as Bruno Guimaraes claimed three points at West Ham.The Toon were far from their best and will have to show far more to down Liverpool at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final.But they controlled West Ham for the most part, rode out some rough patches and found their way through to move sixth – level on points with Manchester City in those precious Champions League places.All without the injured Sven Botman and Lewis Hall – and also lacking the pace and precision of Anthony Gordon, suspended for tonight and the final.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowe, looking to avoid a third straight defeat in all competitions and gain some confidence ahead of the weekend, took the risk of starting Alexander Isak up top.The Swede was quiet and looked a little off the pace – but he survived any injury scares ahead of the weekend. There has been natural concern on Tyneside about players’ minds drifting to Sunday over the past couple of weeks.The Toon have not quite looked themselves since reaching the final as Howe battles to correct patchy performances.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsIt is a well-worn cliché rolled out by players that they only focus on the next game. This side looks like they have been playing with Sunday’s showdown on their minds ever since the semi-final.Inside Newcastle’s £3BILLION new stadium plans with St James’ Park project to rival Old TraffordPotter, the only other English coach in the Premier League, has had his own problems but was able to welcome Lucas Paqueta back to the squad earlier than expected after his ankle injury.The Brazilian, though, was only named on the bench as the Hammers boss stuck with the eleven which had won the last two games.Potter had challenged his side to get the home fans invested and fired up for a game under the lights.And they certainly raised the roof when welcoming back Michail Antonio to the London Stadium for the first time since his horrific car crash last year. They could have had the start which would have delivered just that had Tomas Soucek not fired well over the bar from Mohammed Kudus’ cross inside the first minute.The Hammers had the better chances but neither team looked dangerous across a fiddly first half.Jarrod Bowen managed to wriggle into the box but fired a tame low effort straight at Nick Pope, before Kudus also saw a pot-shot stopped from range.Even with Isak back, Newcastle looked out of sorts going forwards.Harvey Barnes, bidding to keep his place for the final, had a couple of half chances but could not convert.Harvey Barnes went closest for Toon in a tepid first halfCredit: PAPotter has improved West Ham’s defensive record since replacing Julen Lopetegui, but they were hardly being stretched to their limits by the visitors.Despite being solid, the hosts were struggling to apply pressure or create anything clear cut.Kudus passed up a golden chance on the break but struggled to control the ball and got in the way when Bowen had a crack with the loose ball.West Ham’s two forwards found more gaps after the break, with Kudus causing particular trouble.They looked dangerous but, with their two fit strikers on the bench, were lacking the support to be truly dangerous.Newcastle had hardly come flying out the box, but finally found something to get them going.Alphonse Areola had to make an acrobatic stop after Jacob Murphy’s cross was almost sent looping into the Hammers goal by Max Kilman – though it may not have survived an offside check.Two minutes later, there was a Newcastle shirt ready to meet the cross and put them ahead.Having seen an initial effort blocked, Barnes collected the rebound and clipped a smart cross into the six yard box where Guimaraes slipped his markers and prodded home.Potter responded with a triple change before, a few minutes later, also sending January signing Evan Ferguson on.Sub Paqueta lifted a ball over for Bowen, who was sent tumbling by goalscorer Guimaraes. There were cries for a Hammers penalty, but there was nowhere near enough contact.While they had shown a flash of attacking intent there, the Toon goal seemed to knock West Ham flat.They are not going down but nor are they in the mix for anything exciting further up, meaning this could be a rather meandering end to the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESSitting 16th but also 16 points clear of trouble, Potter has the time to experiment and find out which players are worth keeping hold of in the summer.Valuable time for a manager – not very exciting to watch if you are paying for a ticket. More

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    Forgotten Premier League star, 36, picked in new Baller League draft to play under Lineker, Shearer and Richards

    GARY LINEKER has selected a forgotten Prem star to play in his new Baller League team. The Match of the Day host takes charge of ‘Deportrio’ in the tournament alongside his Beeb colleagues Micah Richards and Alan Shearer.Gary Lineker has selected a forgotten Premier League star for his Baller League teamCredit: APAlan Shearer has joined Lineker in the venture alongside MOTD pundit Micah RichardsCredit: PALineker, 64, joined Richards and Shearer at the Baller League Draft on Monday night.The new six-a-side league kicks off later this month, with twelve star-studded teams entered in total. A host of former pros and A-listers from the social media world attended the glittering event at London’s Copper Box Arena.Ian Wright and Luis Figo are among the other captains, along with reality TV presenter Maya Jama.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLineker’s team were handed the seventh overall pick in the draft. And the trio opted to go for former Wolves, Crystal Palace and West Brom star Bakary Sako. The 36-year-old played over 100 times for Wolves before joining Palace in 2015. He spent three seasons in the top-flight at Selhurst Park, scoring 8 times in 50 games. Most read in FootballBakary Sako will play for Gary Lineker’s team in the Ballers LeagueCredit: GettyCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsSako left for the Baggies in 2018 but returned to Palace for another stint a year later.He has since played for clubs in Cyprus, France and Greece. Baller League lands major UK broadcast deal ahead of draft with star-studded competition to be shown on TV The Ballers League has proved a huge hit in Germany. The UK version will feature 12 teams – each with 12 players -competing in 15-minute halves. In the final three minutes, the match transforms into a quickfire three-a-side format, with goalkeepers unable to use their hands. Over 160 players were available in Monday’s draft, with matches to be shown live on Sky Sports from March 24.Baller League CEO, Felix Starck explained: “Baller League is a brand new way to consume football.”We’re redefining how the game is played by bringing an exhilarating and authentic approach to football, and one that will appeal to current fans along with future generations.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Baller League is all about forward-thinking, aggressive, hyper-exciting football.”We’re about creating a version of the game that’s impossible to ignore – thrilling, bold and packed with excitement.”What are the Baller League rule?THE Baller League promises to be “excitingBut what are the rules?Matches will be played in a six-a-side format on an smaller indoor pitch.Each half set to last 15 minutes.Shock rule twists to be introduced for the final three minutes of each half including a three vs three format, long-range goals counting as double, and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands.These rule twists for the final three minutes will be randomised.MLS style one-vs-one penalties to be used.12 teams in the league with the top four going through to the playoffs.League set to start in March 2025, with the final four play-off in May to crown the winner. More

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    Major Stuart Pearce health update after England legend’s terrifying health scare at 30,000 feet

    THREE Lions great Stuart Pearce left hospital yesterday following his transatlantic health scare at 30,000ft.The former England ace turned pundit was discharged by doctors in Canada after an eight-day stay and is planning his homecoming.The Three Lions legend was taken to hospital after the plane made an emergency landing in CanadaCredit: PA:Press AssociationFans had been rooting for the hardman defender, nicknamed Psycho, since we told how he became ill during a Virgin Atlantic flight from Las Vegas to Heathrow.The father-of-two, 62, was hooked up to a monitor as he began sweating profusely and struggling with acute pain on Flight VS156.First aiders treated Pearce whose partner watched helplessly as the drama unfolded.The decision was made to divert the flight to St John’s on Newfoundland where the star was helped off the plane.read more on Stuart PearceThe former full-back, who played for Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Man City, received 24/7 care.During Saturday’s Premier League game between Forest and City, supporters stood for a round of applause in the third minute. Pearce wore the number ‘3’.Sam Matterface, a talkSPORT colleague, told listeners: “I spoke to him yesterday and he was in great spirits. “He isn’t 100 per cent — that is definitely the case. Most read in Football”But he’s in the right place in the hospital.”Pearce, who won 78 England caps, had been flying home after watching Warrington Wolves play Wigan Warriors in Vegas in the first rugby league Super league match in the US. Tony Cascarino & Stuart Pearce recall hilarious memories during Irish Sun’s Goals Live eventFans had been rooting for the hardman defender since we broke the news of him falling illCredit: GettyThe talkSPORT pundit was hooked up to a monitor by the cabin crew as shocked passengers looked onCredit: TWITTER @talksportUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Michail Antonio given hero’s welcome as he returns to West Ham for 1st time since escaping death in horror Ferrari crash

    MICHAIL ANTONIO has made an emotional return to West Ham – just months after his horror car crash. The 34-year-old winger cheated death in December following a terrifying Ferrari wreck.Michail Antonio was presented on the field before West Ham’s clash with NewcastleCredit: AFPThe winger was given a hero’s welcome by the home crowdCredit: Sky SportsAntonio has been out of action since December following a horror car accidentCredit: ReutersThe Hammers star spent almost an hour trapped in his Ferrari before being airlifted to hospitalCredit: Steve BellAntonio was airlifted to hospital after his £260,000 Italian supercar spun off the road near Theydon Bois in Epping.He suffered a broken leg and numerous other injuries after being trapped in the car for over an hour. But after a remarkable recovery, the winger was back in the stands at the London Stadium for Monday’s clash with Newcastle. Antonio – the club’s all-time Premier League goalscorer – was given a hero’s welcome by the Hammers faithful in East London. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe forward was presented to the crowd moments before kick-off, with thunderous applause from all four corners of the ground. An announcer over the PA said: “Exactly 3 months ago we were all willing him on to recover as he lay in a hospital bed.”Since then he has shown the strength, resilience, and character that typifies the man.”And tonight he is reunited with his West Ham family.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”Please show your love and support for our all-time Premier League record goal scorer, our number 9.”Antonio has recently been in light training in Dubai, despite initial fears he might never play again.West Ham manager Graham Potter gives update on Michail Antonio after horror injury But there is no concrete date yet decided for his return to action. Hammers boss Graham Potter has not ruled out the Jamaican playing again this season. Potter said last month: “He’s recovering.“He’s been in Dubai and it’s been good for him to get that work in.”I wouldn’t want to put any time on [his return to playing] because it’s not fair on him.”We just take it day-by-day and see.”A grateful Antonio thanked emergency services for saving his life after he was discharged from hospital on New Year’s Eve.I honestly could not have got through this without you.Michail AntonioInstagramHe wrote on Instagram: “Every year around this time, I’m asked what I’m grateful for, and every year I’ve struggled to find the right words.”But this year, I know exactly what I’m grateful for: being alive.”I’ve spent so many years taking life for granted. I made plans for the next day, the next year, always assuming tomorrow was guaranteed.”What I’ve been through recently has opened my eyes. Life is fragile, and every single moment matters.”I’m so grateful to God for giving me the strength to keep going and for allowing me to still be here.”To the emergency services, the NHS, the Air Ambulance, everyone at the Royal London and Cromwell hospitals and everyone from top to bottom at West Ham United FC.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The medical team, the board, all of the staff, my teammates and the amazing West Ham fans.”I honestly could not have got through this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”Antonio needed surgery on a broken leg after being cut out of his carCredit: InstagramHe returned to light training last month – well ahead of scheduleCredit: Getty More

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    ‘I don’t like it’ – Gary Lineker has wild reaction after spotting ex-Match of the Day star at Baller League launch

    GARY LINEKER has been accused of being too friendly with his Baller League opposition – before a ball has even been kicked. The England legend, 64, attended the Baller League UK draft on Monday alongside a host of familiar faces. Gary Lineker went rogue at the Baller League UK Draft in LondonCredit: PAThe Match of the Day host (left) ditched fellow managers Alan Shearer (centre) and Micah Richards (right)Credit: YouTube/Baller League UKLineker raced over to give former MOTD colleague Ian Wright – a rival in the league – a massive hugCredit: YouTube/Baller League UKLineker was joined by stars including Luis Figo, John Terry and Robert Pires ahead of the upcoming six-a-side tournament. The Match of the Day host is managing a team in the tournament alongside his BBC colleagues Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. Host Olivia Buzaglo introduced the three former players to the crowd, as they debuted their team ‘Deportrio’,As they walked out past the other managers, Lineker spotted his former MOTD mate Ian Wright. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe England legend had a wild reaction as he immediately ditched Shearer and Richards to sprint over to Wright, before giving him a huge hug.Buzaglo was joined by influencers KSI and Chunkz to introduce the teams.And Chunkz was not impressed by Lineker failing to put on his gameface. He complained: “I don’t like the niceties, you know? They’re getting too friendly there.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsA laughing Buzaglo added: “Too friendly aren’t they.”Chunkz added: “I don’t like it.”Baller League lands major UK broadcast deal ahead of draft with star-studded competition to be shown on TV The Baller League saw immense success in Germany and will launch in the UK on March 24. Former pros, social media stars, and free agents are all invited to tonight’s draft in the capital. 12 teams in total are entering the competition, with six matches being held weekly before the playoffs. Baller League CEO, Felix Starck explained: “Baller League is a brand new way to consume football. “We’re redefining how the game is played by bringing an exhilarating and authentic approach to football, and one that will appeal to current fans along with future generations. “Baller League is all about forward-thinking, aggressive, hyper-exciting football. “We’re about creating a version of the game that’s impossible to ignore – thrilling, bold and packed with excitement.”What are the Baller League rule?THE Baller League promises to be “excitingBut what are the rules?Matches will be played in a six-a-side format on an smaller indoor pitch.Each half set to last 15 minutes.Shock rule twists to be introduced for the final three minutes of each half including a three vs three format, long-range goals counting as double, and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands.These rule twists for the final three minutes will be randomised.MLS style one-vs-one penalties to be used.12 teams in the league with the top four going through to the playoffs.League set to start in March 2025, with the final four play-off in May to crown the winner. More