Philippa Kaur

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    Fears Rio Ferdinand will LEAVE TNT Sports with Man Utd legend yet to sign new deal months after it was offered

    RIO FERDINAND could be set to leave TNT Sports.The Manchester United legend has worked with TNT since 2013, but MailSport report he is avoiding signing a new contract with the broadcasting giant.Ferdinand has become a popular pundit since ending his playing career in 2015Credit: Rex FeaturesThe former West Ham and Leeds defender is eyeing up work in the US ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Credit: GettyFerdinand made 81 England appearances between 1997 and 2011 and was included in three World Cup squads.Credit: AFP – GettyThat contract offer was reportedly made several months ago. In the background, Ferdinand’s management company, New Era, have entered into a partnership with Los Angeles-based media management giants William Morris Endeavour (WME).This is understood to have unsettled some at TNT, who fear Ferdinand may be eyeing up greener pastures elsewhere.The Hollywood Reporter claim that the partnership will focus on securing broadcast and commercial opportunities in the buildup to the 2026 World Cup.Read more footballThe tournament will be jointly hosted in 16 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.To lose a key presenter in Ferdinand would be a major blow for TNT, who face more competition than ever in the football broadcasting market.While they hold the exclusive right to broadcast the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League in the UK, they now share the Premier League rights with both Sky and Amazon Prime.WME, who brand themselves as “the original talent agency,” also represent Kylian Mbappe, Tom Brady, and LeBron James alongside a host of other world famous actors, musicians, and personalities.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFerdinand appears regularly as a commentator and pundit on TNT’s coverage of the Premier League and Champions League.He has also cultivated a large online following through his YouTube channel ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’, which has accrued 1.2million subscribers a he interviews football personalities for his podcast.Eurosport to disappear from TV screen after merger TNT SportsHe relies heavily on his experience at Manchester United in his punditry, often covering the Red Devils and providing behind-the-scenes knowledge of the club’s inner workings.Ferdinand enjoyed a storied playing career and is best known for the 12 years he spent at Old Trafford, during which time he won six Premier League titles and the 2007-08 Champions League.His media career has also seen him dabble in filmmaking and music production. More

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    Bournemouth vs Man City LIVE SCORE: FA Cup latest updates from huge quarter-final with Nottingham Forest waiting

    MANCHESTER CITY are trailing to Bournemouth RIGHT NOW in a huge FA Cup quarter-final.The winner will take on Nottingham Forest in the semi-final, with the draw having taken place ahead of the match.Aston Villa booked their place in the final four with a crushing 3-0 win over Preston earlier today.Kick off time: 4.30pm BSTTV channel: ITV 1FREE live stream: ITV XBournemouth team: Kepa, Soler, Senesi, Zabarnyi, Cook, Adams, Christie, Semenyo, Kluivert, Brooks, EvanilsonMan City team: Ederson, Nunes, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, Gundogan, Kovacic, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, HaalandCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Bournemouth 1-0 Man City35. It is crucial that Bournemouth protect their clean sheet until the break now.They have worked hard to get themselves into this position.Adding a second goal would not be against the run of play whatsoever.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBournemouth 1-0 Man City33. This has been the perfect start for Bournemouth.It all looked so negative as Haaland stepped up to take that early penalty.How different things are looking now since that Evanilson goal.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Charlie Wyett at Vitality StadiumWhat a cracking FA Cup tie this is proving to be. Erling Haaland could have had a hat-trick inside six minutes although his penalty in the 13th minute was poor. City defender Matheus Nunes hardly covered himself at the other end by giving the ball away and then being beaten at the far post by Justin Kluiviert before Evanilson got the final touch.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 1-0 Man City31. Haaland is looking like these fans are living in his head rent free.The penalty miss, followed by the chance he put over the bar as haunting him.Not that The Cherries will be complaining at all.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 1-0 Man City29. Fantastic play from Semenyo in his own box.He hacks the ball clear but straight into Evanilson, who is bundled over.Man City are still looking all over the place since that Cherries’ goal.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 1-0 Man City27. The visitors are trying to find a way back into this game.That will play into the hands of Iraola’s side, who will look to pick them off on the break with their pace.Semenyo has Nunes in his pocket so far in this tie.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 1-0 Man City25. Man City are really struggling to contain the hosts’ attack.Nunes is all over the place and Khusanov does not look much better.You feel The Cherries have the chance here to really punish Man City at the moment.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBournemouth 1-0 Man City23. Gundogan tries his luck from the edge of the box.Kepa gets down well to save and gathers the second ball.He will need to have a good game this afternoon if The Cherries are going to book a semi-final spot.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 1-0 Man City21. The roof almost came off the Vitality Stadium as that went in.Kluivert does well to cut it back from the byline and Evanilson wanted it more than Khusanov.Man City have it all to do now.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Evanilson (Bournemouth)Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Man City19. Semenyo robs Nunes of the ball on the halfway line.Foden tries to track him but gets outmuscled by the winger.He looks to get a shot off in the box but slices it wide of the target.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Man City17. Haaland has another sight of goal.As Kepa advances, the Norwegian looks to lift it over the keeper.He gets his angles all wrong as it goes over the crossbar.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Man City15. Adams will breathe a sigh of relief following that penalty save.It was his handball that gifted Man City the chance to take the lead.Kepa’s save has got this crowd going now, it is an electric atmosphere.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Man City13. How important that could be.Kepa guesses the right way and saves Haaland’s penalty.The Vitality Stadium erupts as the keeper gathers it.Copy linkCopiedPenalty savedCopy linkCopiedPenalty to Man CityCopy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Man City11. Man City work it well as it is played out to Nunes out wide.His cross is inch-perfect as he picks out Haaland in the box.The Norwegian sends his header wide of the target.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Man City9. First real chance of the game falls to Bournemouth.Gundogan is penalised for another foul, giving The Cherries a free-kick in a dangerous area.Kluivert steps up to take it but sends his effort high into the stands.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Man City7. This is a good start from The Cherries.They are already asking questions of Man City.It is high-octane stuff from Andoni Iraola’s team.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Man City5. It is crazy to think that, with three quarter-finals played, we are still waiting for a goal by a home side.Bournemouth will need to change that if they are to have any hope of making the semi-finals.Gundogan is penalised for a foul in the middle of the park.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Man City3. Man City are happy to knock the ball around and control the tempo.However, The Cherries are closing them down and pressing high up the pitch.Ederson sends the ball sailing into the stands, met with a huge cheer from the home fans.Copy linkCopiedBournemouth 0-0 Man City1. The visitors will have their last visit here on their mind.Bournemouth really came at them in that game and Man City struggled to cope.Guardiola will be keen to see his side get on the front foot and look to grab the first goal of the game.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Bournemouth vs Man CityWe are underway at the Vitality Stadium.The ground is basked in spring sunshine for this one.Man City get the game started.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Charlie Wyett at Vitality StadiumIt’s a cracking day here on the south coast and a home win would put a smile on the face of neutrals everywhere in the country.Yet if Bournemouth are to join Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in the last four of the FA Cup they will still need to be at their very best even though Manchester City are not enjoying a good season by their standards. Bournemouth have a few injuries, like City, and they will need Justin Kluivert and Evanilson to be clinical as you would expect the visitors to score.Copy linkCopiedVeteran looks for more silverwareWhile his game time has been limited this campaign, Kevin De Bruyne would love nothing more than getting his hands on the FA Cup again.Many wonder whether this could be his last season at The Etihad, the Belgian will always go down as a true Premier League great.Despite his advancing years, he still has the ability to turn a game on its head in an instant, something The Cherries need to be wary of.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopied More

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    ‘Finally we have a fighter’ – Arsenal fans find video of new sporting director Andrea Berta SLAPPING Man City doctor

    ARSENAL’S new sporting director has plenty of feisty battle experience against Manchester City. Andrea Berta was entangled in a pitch side scuffle with City doctor Max Sala after an ill-tempered Champions League quarter final tie in 2022.Andrea Berta was entangled in a pitch side scuffle with Man City doctor Max Sala in 2022Credit: XHe was spotted pushing Sala in the face after chaos ensued following Atletico Madrid’s defeat to CityCredit: XBerta (left) has been announced as Arsenal’s new sporting directorCredit: GettyBerta has been announced as Arsenal’s new sporting director, replacing Edu, who departed last November.The Italian was in the same role at Atletico Madrid since 2017 and held other positions within the club’s sporting hierarchy after joining in 2013.He became one of Atletico manager Diego Simeone’s most trusted lieutenants on and off the pitch during his 12-year spell in Spain.The 53-year-old was popular with the players and close enough to Simeone to be a regular in the Atletico dressing room.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Berta used to get into the thick of the drama too.In April 2022, he was involved in the fracas which ensued after Atletico were knocked out of the Champions League by Pep Guardiola’s side.Arsenal fans have unearthed a video of their new director pushing a City club doctor in the face at full-time.Atletico defender Felipe had been sent off for a wild swipe at Phil Foden deep into added time before tensions boiled over after the final whistle.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesStefan Savic angrily confronted Jack Grealish and pulled his hair, while Sime Vrsaljko had to be held back from launching himself at Kyle Walker. And Arsenal fans were more than thrilled to see Berta’s role in Atletico’s typical passionate style and housery. Savic sparked the melee by charging at Phil FodenJack Grealish was involved in a heated altercation with Stefan Savic in 2022Arsenal star Kai Havertz gets haircut for wedding before marrying wife SophiaOne wrote on X: “Finally we have a fighter like Arteta in key decision making position.”A second said: “Berta doesn’t seat in the director’s box, he sits in the technical area. Love it! 😂😂.”A third added: “I love this. No nonsense. Arsenal through and through.”Another replied: “This is exactly what we need. The Emirates must be a cauldron of fire for opposing teams.”While one more wrote: “He means business.”Berta’s departure from Atletico in January can be linked to the club’s desire to modernise and revamp their recruitment process and overall board structure.He has as one of the most football-savy operators on the continent before being appointed sporting director in 2017.In the eight years that followed, Atletico won La Liga in 2021, as well as the Europa League and Uefa Super Cup in 2018, having also reached two Champions League finals in 2014 and 2016.Berta was named best sporting director at the Globe Soccer Awards in 2019, his acceptance speech lasted only 55 seconds.Berta was involved n bringing Kieran Trippier to Atletico in 2019Credit: EPAHe was also recently linked to the likes of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and AC Milan.Berta’s fingerprints were all over the impressive deals for Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak in 2014 and Kieran Trippier in 2019.Julian Alvarez and Conor Gallagher also joined under his watch last summer.And he was at the forefront of the profitable sales of the likes of Rodri to City and Thomas Partey to Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut there have been some failures, including the £113m paid for Joao Felix in 2019 and the £60m for Thomas Lemar in 2018. For now, Berta has the unenviable task of landing an elite No.9 this summer, raising funds through sales and extending the contracts of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel and William Saliba. More

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    FA Cup semi-final draw confirmed as Aston Villa, Man City and Co learn path to Wembley glory

    THE FA CUP semi-final draw has been completed and Wembley will be hosting some smashing encounters.Manchester City or Bournemouth will lock horns with Nottingham Forest, while Aston Villa will battle Crystal Palace.The FA Cup semi-final draw has been completedCredit: ReutersWembley is set to host two stunning FA Cup encounters before the finalCredit: ReutersPalace were the first team to punch their ticket to the semis after beating Fulham 3-0 on Saturday at Craven Cottage.Oliver Glasner’s men made it through thanks to goals by Eberechi Eze, Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah.Forest followed the Eagles soon after as they won their third penalty shootout in the competition this season at Brighton after a goalless draw.The Tricky Trees’ captain Ryan Yates scored the winning spot-kick to make it 4-3, while goalkeeper Matz Sels made two big saves.Read More on FootballVilla just became the third team to make the final four as they destroyed Preston North End with a score of 3-0 at Deepdale.Marcus Rashford broke his goalscoring duck with the Villans after his January loan switch from Manchester United as he registered a brace before Jacob Ramsey added the third.City and Bournemouth will now lock horns for the final spot in the FA Cup semi-finals when they meet at the Vitality Stadium.The reigning Premier League champions are the only team left of the Big Six in the competition and will be chasing their eighth cup – same as Villa.Most read in FA CupForest, on the other hand, have only lifted the trophy twice in their history, with their last triumph taking place way back in 1959, while Bournemouth and Palace have never won it.The semi-finals are scheduled to take place on the weekend of April 26 and 27 at Wembley.Wayne Rooney furious at what Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo did before FA Cup tie And the winners will meet in the final at the same venue on May 17.FA Cup semi-final drawHere’s the final pairs for the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley:Nottingham Forest vs Bourmemouth/Man CityCrystal Palace vs Aston Villa More

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    Bournemouth vs Man City live stream FREE: How to watch FA Cup quarter-final today

    MANCHESTER CITY make the mammoth trip to the South Coast for a huge FA Cup quarter-final clash with Bournemouth TODAY.Pep Guardiola’s side have endured a rare poor season with the Cityzens already out of the Champions League and the Premier League title race.Man City beat Championship strugglers Plymouth 3-1 in the last roundCredit: AFPBournemouth progressed to the quarter-finals with a win over WolvesCredit: GettyAnd Tottenham knocked City out of the Carabao Cup at the last-16 stage, meaning the FA Cup is their final chance of silverware this term.Meanwhile, Bournemouth have enjoyed a stunning campaign under Andoni Iraola, with the Cherries well in the hunt for European football as the season nears an end.The Spaniard will also be looking to lead the club to their first domestic trophy in their history, and a win over City would leave them two matches from unprecedented glory.How to watch Bournemouth vs Man CityBournemouth vs Man City will be broadcast live on ITV1.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe match will kick off at 4.30pm GMT on Sunday, March 30, with coverage beginning at 3.45pm.You can live stream all the action for free via the ITVX app/website.The Vitality Stadium will host the huge FA Cup quarter-final clash.When is FA Cup semi-final draw?The draw for the FA Cup semi-finals will take place on Sunday, March 30.Proceedings will begin following the conclusion of Preston vs Aston Villa.BBC One will broadcast the draw live after the match at Deepdale.You can live stream the draw for FREE via the Emirates FA Cup’s official social media channels.Most read in FA Cup More

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    Preston 0 Aston Villa 3: Marcus Rashford finally breaks drought to leave Villans two wins from first trophy in 30 years

    FINALLY Marcus Rashford is making headlines for the right reasons again. It has been a troubled season for the England forward but his first goals in almost four months ensured it could still finish in glorious fashion.Marcus Rashford scored twice to help Aston Villa into the FA Cup semi-finalCredit: PARashford broke the deadlock in the 58th minuteCredit: GettyThe forward scored his second from the penalty spotCredit: PAJacob Ramsey sealed the win with a thirdCredit: AlamyWhat a month April could be for Villa as they face a Champions League quarter-final and will now head to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final at the end of it. If they can get Rashford back to his best then who knows what could happen?He tapped home a Lucas Digne cross before converting a penalty six minutes later. Jacob Ramsey rounded things off with a long range effort for the third.And his confidence is clearly back again as shortly afterwards he stepped up to take the penalty which sealed Aston Villa’s ticket to Wembley.Of course this was against a team who lie 14th in the Championship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRashford will be judged on how he performs in the bigger tests – such as the double header against Champions League opponents Paris Saint Germain next month.But these goals will have done him the power of good – and mean he is dreaming of a glorious end to a troubled season for him.Preston were playing at this stage of the competition for the first time since 1966 and there was a party mood among the Deepdale fans.That extended into the start of the game as many of the balloons stayed on the pitch due to the swirling wind – causing a few issues for the players.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSYet Villa – at the start of what could be a huge month for them – could not burst the home crowd’s enthusiasm.They had lots of the ball and a few good opportunities but could not make any of them count.Marcus Rashford sells Lamborghini supercar for £450,000 and buys incredibly rare £177,000 Audi The best one fell to England defender Ezri Konsa who got on the end a cross from Marco Asensio but guided his header wide.They won a string of free-kicks in promising positions but did nothing with any of them and Rashford was particularly culpable for wasting them.North End were well organised and had comfortably dealt with most things Villa had thrown at them in the early stages.And then Paul Heckingbottom’s men had a golden chance to take the lead.Robbie Brady’s chip to the back post was pushed away by Emi Martinez but then headed straight back into the danger zone.With the Argentine keeper stranded Stefan Thordarson probably had more time than he realised and steered his header wide.Even so, Heckingbottom would have been well pleased with his team going in goalless at the break.After all, this is a Villa team who will play in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in just over a week – and they had looked anything but.Preston had not lost at home since early November and they had shown why teams have found it so difficult here.Yet there were signs soon after the restart that gaps were starting to appear in the home defence.Rashford benefitted from a lucky deflection into his path to go clean through but was denied by home keeper David Cornell.Yet his long wait to find the net did not last too much longer.A fluent move down the left saw Asensio play in Digne and his low cross was tapped home by Rashford.What a relief for the England forward and it clearly did his confidence a power of good.Morgan Rogers – who had seen an effort cleared off the line moments earlier – went down under a challenge from Andrew Hughes.He made the most of it but a penalty was given and Rashford – with his trademark shuffle – sent Cornell the wrong way.With Villa fans singing about Wembley, PNE knew the game was up. The only question was how many the visitors would score.They got another one as Ramsey collected a short free-kick and was allowed far too much time and space to rifle his shot into the corner.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Rashford got a standing ovation from the visiting fans as he was subbed shortly before the end.The man who replaced him Ollie Watkins fluffed a golden chance to make it four late on but it didn’t matter – Rashford had already put the outcome beyond doubt. More

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    Ruben Loftus-Cheek rushed to hospital for emergency surgery hours before AC Milan’s huge clash with Napoli

    AC MILAN star Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been rushed to hospital for emergency appendix surgery.The former England midfielder was expected to start in Milan’s crunch Serie A clash against second-placed Napoli at 7:45pm BST.Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been rushed to hospital for emergency appendix surgeryCredit: GettyLoftus-Cheek has struggled with a series of injury problems this seasonCredit: GettyLoftus-Cheek felt severe abdominal pains overnight while at the team hotel in Naples, according to Football Italia.Doctors sent him to the local hospital, where tests confirmed acute appendicitis with the need for emergency surgery.Appendicitis can be potentially fatal if left unchecked, as the appendix can become so inflamed that it bursts.The 29-year-old was slated for a start against his former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte’s side, with midfielder Yunus Musah suspended.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe travelled with the team from the north of Italy to the south before noticing something was wrong.Loftus-Cheek has struggled with a series of injury problems this season, making only 22 competitive appearances for Milan, in which he provided one assist.In fact, he had only just returned from a muscle injury to face Como in the Serie A on March 15.Before that, the former Chelsea star was out with a groin problem, leaving with only six starts from an available 14 league games this term.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Loftus-Cheek was involved in late drama with his former England team-mate Dele Alli upon his return.Alli – who plays for Como under manager Cesc Fabregas – was sent off 10 minutes into his club debut for a late lunge on his fellow countryman.Former Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek roasts Micah Richards live on TV with hilarious quip about his haircutThe former Spurs star’s initial yellow was upgraded to a red after VAR sent referee Matteo Marchetti to the monitor.But Loftus-Cheek and Alli found the funny side of it later that evening, with the latter sharing their WhatsApp conversation.Writing at 11pm on Saturday night, Alli wrote: “Picture looks bad, I just tried to clip your heel.”When the ref went to VAR I didn’t even know it was for me 😫😂.”Loftus-Cheek then added: “I stayed down because I was blowing.”The pair were part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2018 Russia World Cup.Milan have endured a poor campaign in Serie A this season and sit ninth, 14 points behind second-placed Napoli.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey started the season with Paulo Fonseca in charge, but he was replaced by former Porto boss Sergio Conceicao in December.Loftus-Cheek has scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 62 appearances since joining from Chelsea for £18.5m in 2023. More

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    ‘Stadium ban for life’ – Sick moment vile supporter spits at player sees fellow fans demand harsh punishment

    FANS are calling for a supporter to be banned for spitting at a player during a match.There were unsavoury scenes during Willem II’s Eredivisie defeat to Almere City.A supporter in the Netherlands spat at a player during a matchCredit: ESPNHe gestured towards the Almere ace while firing words in his directionFans threw missiles onto the pitch in protest at a penalty appeal being turned down.One supporter took things even further and committed a disgusting act by spitting at a player.The incident occurred in the 41st minute as Almere star Vasilios Zagaritis ventured to the touchline to collect the ball for a throw-in with his side 1-0 up.A fan walked up to the defender and shouted at him while making a hand gesture.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then spat at Zagaritis as he bent down to pick up the ball, much to the disgust of fans who saw the video of the incident online.One reacted saying: “What an incredibly pathetic figure.”Another added: “I say stadium ban for life!”A third wrote: “Disgusting.”Most read in FootballAnd another commented: “Too gross. Give them a stadium ban right away.”Willem II’s 2-0 loss leaves them just six points above Almere who are second bottom and in the relegation zone.Arsenal fans find video of new sporting director Andrea Berta SLAPPING Man City doctorThe Dutch side are in the relegation play-off spot but they have failed to win in ten games in a run that stretches back to before Christmas. More