Philippa Kaur

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    in Soccer

    Olympiacos receive FIERY heroes’ welcome after Europa Conference League triumph sets semi-final clash with Aston Villa

    OLYMPIACOS received a stunning heroes’ welcome from fans back home after sealing a historic qualification to the Europa Conference League semi-finals.The Greek giants lost 1-0 to Fenerbahce in Turkey on Thursday but took the game to a dramatic penalty shootout thanks to a 3-2 victory in the first leg at Georgios Karaiskakis last week.Olympiacos received a fiery heroes’ welcome at Eleftherios Venizelos AirportCredit: Olympiacos FCOlympiacos made it to the Europa Conference League semi-finals and will face Aston VillaCredit: Olympiacos FCOlympiacos defeated Fenerbahce on penalties in TurkeyCredit: Olympiacos FCOlympiacos made it to the semi-finals of a European competition for the first time everCredit: Olympiacos FCAbout two thousand Olympiacos fans welcomed the team with flaresCredit: Olympiacos FCOlympiacos goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis received special praise after his penalty heroicsCredit: Olympiacos FCThe visitors won 3-2 thanks to an incredible performance by 21-year-old goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis who caught three spot-kicks by Dusan Tadic, Cengiz Under and finally Leonardo Bonucci.Olympiacos are now set to compete in the semi-finals of a major European campaign for the first time in their near 100-year history.Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side flew back to Athens during the early hours and landed at 3am.The Piraeus outfit was then met by incredible scenes as about two thousand fans were out in force and set up a fiery welcome at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport.Read More on FootballThe team walked through a sea of supporters who called for the club’s first ever European title.A number of Olympiacos enthusiasts lit up flares, which set up an amazing atmosphere.Tzolakis received special praise after his penalty heroics and even held one of the flares before boarding the team bus.Club icon Youssef El Arabi, on the other hand, was spotted dancing with the fans.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMendilibar, who only took over as Olympiacos’ third manager of the season two months ago and immediately turned a torrid campaign on its head, also enjoyed immense recognition.The Spaniard’s side is now set to lock horns with Aston Villa in the semi-finals with the first leg taking place on May 2 at Villa Park before they meet again a week later in Greece for a place in the final.Emiliano Martinez receives second yellow card during Aston Villa penalty shoot out – but DOESN’T get sent off Villa punched their ticket to the final four after beating Lille 4-3 on penalties to become the only Premier League club left standing in Europe. More

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    Fans stunned as Fiorentina boss ‘kisses’ female Sky Sports journalist in Conference League tie as husband breaks silence

    FOOTBALL fans were left stunned after Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Italiano allegedly kissed Sky Sports journalist Vanessa Leonardi.The Italian watched his side beat Viktoria Plzen 2-0 after extra time on Thursday night as the Serie A side booked their spot in the Europa Conference League semi-finals.Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Italiano went up to journalist Vanessa Leonardi after his side’s second goalHe allegedly kissed her although it is unclear what happened as his face moved out of shotLeonardi’s husband has denied Italiano kissed his wifeCredit: AlamyBut the big story from the match came moments after Cristiano Biraghi scored Fiorentina’s second goal.The camera cut to ex-Spezia boss Italiano, 46, who was seen walking towards Leonardi – who was sat down with her hood up.The Fiorentina head coach was gesturing with his hands right in front of her face, before he appeared to kiss her.He then wiped his hand over his lips while walking away.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport cannot confirm whether or not Italiano actually kissed her.According to Fanpage, Italiano has a wife named Raffaella who he has two children with – born in 2002 and 2007.Meanwhile, Leonardi is married to sports commentator Maurizio Compagnoni.Responding to the incident, Compagnoni insisted the pair did not kiss.Most read in FootballWhen asked about the moment, he replied: “But he didn’t kiss her.”But do you think Italiano does it in front of a thousand cameras and with his wife in the stands?Most dramatic Premier League’s final days”Someone, poor thing, just doesn’t get there.”Italiano’s wife was reportedly in the stands for the gameCredit: Rex More

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    Clubs threatening to BOYCOTT FA Cup in protest after replays axed as Government wades into row

    CLUBS are threatening to boycott the FA Cup after the FA axed replays.On Thursday, it was announced that replays were being scrapped along with other changes.Clubs are threatening to boycott the FA CupCredit: PAA spokesman for Rishi Sunak has demanded to know why the changes have been madeCredit: AlamyThe FA also confirmed that the mid-season break would be removed and a £33million increase in funding for grassroots football.There has been a huge amount of backlash to the decision to dump replays as it could affect potential revenue for lower league clubs.It now appears that a number of EFL and National League clubs are threatening to boycott the competition next season.A number of EFL sides have issued statements condemning the changes made by the FA and Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTranmere Rovers chairman Mark Palios has suggested he would be willing to back a boycott.He told the Telegraph: “There needs to be further debate.”But if that was the situation that most of the clubs felt that way, I’d support it.”His comments came after Accrington Stanley’s chairman Andy Holt posted on social media.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I would support a boycott if enough clubs feel the same.”Traditionally replays have taken place until the fourth round if a match ends in a draw.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonHowever, the changes will see all first-round and onward matches go to extra-time and penalties if no winner can be found before the 90th minute.Leading Government figures have also waded in on the controversial matter.A spokesman for the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “David and Goliath fixtures are a part of the magic of the Cup.”We know that replays have been a welcome source of income for smaller clubs throughout the years.”These are, however, decisions for the footballing authorities.”But clearly it’s incumbent on the FA and Premier League to explain this decision and why it is in the interests of fans.”Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer slammed the decision as “wrong” and said that replays are “part of the tradition of the FA Cup”.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
    THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
    No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
    Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
    If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
    Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
    And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
    Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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    in Soccer

    Inside Real Madrid wonderkid Endrick’s relationship contract with special ‘I love you’ clause

    LOVE is in the flair for anyone who has seen Real Madrid’s exciting, incoming whizkid Endrick.But it’s also on paper with his girlfriend Gabriely Miranda – thanks to the couple agreeing an unusual relationship contract.Endrick and Gabriely Miranda have put their love in a contractCredit: Instagram / endrickGabriely and the forward can’t form addictionsCredit: INSTAGRAM @gabrielymiirandaThe fashion model has 703,000 Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAM @gabrielymiirandaPalmeiras hotshot Endrick, 17, and 21-year-old model Gabriely must tell each other “I love you” in all situations.Yet other clauses in the deal sound even more intriguing.The four-cap Brazilian will arrive at Real this summer for £52million.But negotiations over that massive move were surely more conventional than his agreement with Gabriely.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe couple have banned “drastic changes of action” between them as well as the use of certain words. However, many far older couples might be impressed with a more serious feature of the contract.Endrick and Gabriely are not allowed to form any sort of addiction.The striker revealed the couple’s love deal on the ‘Pod Delas’ podcast.Most read in FootballAnd after a challenging childhood, he is determined to resist temptation – not just because he hates partying.He told CazeTV: “I don’t want to drink because unfortunately with the things I’ve experienced in my family, I know that alcohol is not for me.Meet Brazil’s stunning Wags from glam influencer to sultry Mexican singer”Going out to buy clothes is. My parents control me if I spend too much, especially on video games.”Endrick, who has a brother and two sisters, was just 11 when his dad left the family to play lower-level professional football.The starlet’s mum was without a home and a job, so Endrick and his siblings lived in an orphanage until their father returned six months later.Endrick’s parents then reportedly worked at an underground train station cafe before Palmeiras hired his dad as a janitor.But the club’s manager Abel Ferreira has expressed concern over whether his Brazilian top-flight team’s greatest talent can shrug off all the hype and media attention.Ferreira said: “I hope he [Endrick] stays focused on football and doesn’t get distracted by other things.”Bearing that fear in mind, maybe a relationship contract is Endrick and Gabriely’s way of helping to stay on the right track.The Brazilian is a huge social media starCredit: INSTAGRAM @gabrielymiirandaOther models call Gabriely an ‘inspiration’Credit: INSTAGRAM @gabrielymiirandaEndrick is impressing in his final season for PalmeirasCredit: EPA More

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    Man Utd appoint Jason Wilcox as technical director with immediate effect in boost to Jadon Sancho

    MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed the appointment of Jason Wilcox as technical director.The former Blackburn winger, 53, who won the Premier League title as a player 19 years ago, will have overall responsibility for “football performance, recruitment and operations”.Jason Wilcox will join Manchester United as their new technical directorCredit: GettyJadon Sancho could be handed a second chance at Man Utd by former coach WilcoxCredit: GettyA club statement read: “Jason Wilcox has joined Manchester United as Technical Director with immediate effect.”He will work with all technical areas of the football department to achieve the highest standards of performance.”Wilcox’s former club Southampton confirmed they had received a compensation payment from Man Utd in a statement of their own.It read: “#SaintsFC has reluctantly agreed to allow Director of Football Jason Wilcox to join Manchester United, having reached agreement on an acceptable compensation fee.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWilcox, whose previous roles include technical director at Southampton and academy director at Manchester City, will report to the sporting director.The new sporting director has not yet been appointed but is expected to be Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth.And Wilcox’s arrival could hand a second chance to outcast Jadon Sancho as the pair worked together at the Man City academy.Wilcox is understood to be a “fan” of the Borussia Dortmund loanee.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSancho has scored two goals and provided two assists in 14 games since returning for a second stint with the German club.And on Tuesday they reached the Champions League semi-finals with a 5-4 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid.Who is Jason Wilcox?Jason Wilcox was born in Bolton and is an English football executive, coach and former professional footballer.
    He played as a left winger during his career at enjoyed a 10-year spell at Blackburn Rovers.
    He was part of the Lancashire side that pipped Manchester United to the Premier League title in 1995, which is the only honour of his career.
    Wilcox made 271 league appearances for the club and scored 31 goals.
    After leaving Rovers in 1999, he went on to have stints at Leeds United, Leicester City and Blackpool before retiring in 2006.
    Before hanging up his boots he also earned three caps for England.
    He made his debut for the Three Lions in the 3-0 win over Hungary in 1996 but did not make the cut for Euro 96.
    In 2012, he joined Manchester City as a coach in the club’s academy and, after a year, was named the U18s head coach.
    He was later made the Ctizens’ academy director.
    In January 2023, Wilcox was appointed by Southampton as the club’s director of football.
    He is now the technical director at Manchester United and has responsibility for football performance, recruitment and operations.

    They will face Paris Saint-Germain for a place in the final at Wembley.There is believed to be no option to buy clause included within his loan move to Dortmund.However, his future remains undecided at Old Trafford after he accused Erik ten Hag of making him a “scapegoat” during their bust-up earlier this season.Wilcox’s arrival comes after Man Utd revealed ex-Man City boss Omar Berrada as their new chief executive.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowMan Utd are LUCKY to be seventh in the table… one particular stat is terrible, say Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd

    THE frightening thing about Manchester United’s season is that they should really be LOWER than seventh in the Premier League.
    Even during their current run of one win in seven league matches, United’s results have been better than their performances.
    Erik ten Hag’s team deserved to lose each of their last three drawn games against Brentford, Liverpool and Bournemouth.
    On goal difference, United are ninth in the league, while only seven teams have scored fewer than their 47 goals.
    And if we give any credence to ‘expected points’, then that stat would have them 15th in the table.
    If Ten Hag’s men lose Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final to Championship side Coventry, it should not come as a major surprise.
    Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
    To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More

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    Mason Mount’s former club relegated after being slapped with 18-POINT deduction and fined for major rule breach

    VITESSE have been relegated from the Eredivisie after being handed an 18-POINT deduction.The club, who have spent the last 35 years in the Dutch top flight, are accused of providing incorrect information required for investigators into potential violations of sanctions.Mason Mount spent one season at Vitesse on loan from Chelsea in the 2017/18 seasonCredit: GettyThey also allegedly withheld information important for the assessment of the club’s continued existence.And they have repeatedly failed to meet the requirements of the licencing regulations.A restructuring plan has been submitted to the Dutch FA but this is yet to be accepted.The 18-point punishment means they are bottom of the Eredivisie on -1 points with just four games remaining.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPrior to the penalty, they already looked set to be relegated as they were seven points adrift of escaping the automatic relegation spots.But their fate has now been sealed, with interim general manager Edwin Reijntjes admitting the punishment was “inevitable”.In a club statement, he said: “Although this is a dark day for everything and everyone who cares about Vitesse, this is the harsh reality. After all, such a punishment was inevitable.”On the other hand – and I really want to make this clear to everyone – we are extremely happy with the opportunity that is being offered to us to retain our licence. This too was hanging by a thread.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWho are these famous footballers?
    “However, it is clear in the response of the Licensing Committee that there is confidence in the club’s new direction.”We cling to that and we will continue with it.”I said it before: Vitesse should not and cannot disappear!”Mason Mount reveals his favourite Man Utd chant and nobody is surprised Vitesse have confirmed they will not appeal against the punishment handed out by the licensing committee.The relegation comes just six years after Chelsea and England star Mason Mount enjoyed a successful loan spell at the club.Mount, 25, scored 14 goals and provided ten assists in 39 games, helping them to sixth in the Eredivise as they earned a spot in the Europa League qualifying rounds.They also reached the last 16 of the Europa Conference League in 2022 before they lost 2-1 on aggregate to eventual winners Roma.Their run to the knockout stages included a 1-0 win over Tottenham in the group stage. More

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    in Motorsport

    F1 fans convinced Taylor Swift took swipe at Fernando Alonso in The Tortured Poets Department after romance rumours

    F1 FANS are convinced Taylor Swift has taken a swipe at Fernando Alonso in her new album.The Aston Martin driver was rumoured to be dating the popstar last year.Fans are convinced Taylor Swift has sung about Fernando Alonso in a new songCredit: PAShe references Aston Martin which is Alonso’s F1 teamCredit: EPAThe Spaniard, 42, fuelled rumours about their relationship with posts on social media.One of these included him winking at the camera while Taylor’s song, Karma, played in the background.Fans are now sure that she has taken a swipe at the F1 star in one of her songs from The Tortured Poets Department album.On track 18, titled ‘imgonnagetyouback’, she references an Aston Martin being driving into a ditch.READ MORE ON F1Fans have reacted to the suggestion on social media.One posted: “Alonso what did you do?!”A second commented: “Wait….. did they actually date then?”A third wrote: “Taylonso will never die.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA fourth said: “We’re reviving Taylonso rumours for funsies.”Another added: “An f1 and Taylor Swift crossover is not what I was expecting to wake up to.”Fernando Alonso fuels Taylor Swift dating rumours as F1 legend posts hilarious TikTok videoSwift has been dating NFL star Travis Kelce since September 2023.They met at one of Taylor’s historic Eras Tour concerts at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium, he planned and failed to give her a friendship bracelet containing his number.Swift’s swip at AlonsoHere are the lyrics thought to be referencing Fernando Alonso in full:
    Small talk, big walk, act like I don’t care what you didI’m an Aston Martin that you steered straight into the ditch.
    Then ran and hid.
    And I’ll tell you one thing, honey.
    I can take the upper hand and touch your body.
    Flip the script and leave you like a dumb house partyOr I might just love you ’til the end (Ah-ah-ah)

    Taylor is currently on her Eras tourCredit: GettyShe is dating Travis KelceCredit: GettySwift’s savage swipes at Matt Healy
    1. Guilty as Sin?
    In Guilty as Sin? Taylor – who previously dated actor Joe Alwyn for six years until their split in April 2023 – sings about intense romantic feelings and “fatal fantasies” for someone from her past while still in another relationship.
    2. The Black Dog
    Another song, The Black Dog, mentions The Starting Line, a pop-punk band ex Matt Healy admires.
    3. The Tortured Poets Department
    In the album’s title track, The Tortured Poets Department, the Grammy winner jokes about Matty’s habit of bringing a typewriter to her apartment, likening him to poets like Dylan Thomas.
    4. loml
    loml discusses rekindling a past relationship that falls apart just as quickly as it resumed, with Taylor telling the tale of how someone “waltzed back” into her life after they initially met as “kids,” assuring her that she “reformed” him and was the love of his life.
    She refers to him as a “con man” who offered “a fool a get-love-quick scheme” with a “counterfeit” love, but the promises were hollow.
    5. Down Bad and I Can Do It with a Broken Heart
    Other tracks like Down Bad and I Can Do It with a Broken Heart express the pain of maintaining a public facade of happiness each night of her Eras Tour amid heartbreak.
    6. The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
    The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived is particularly cutting, with Taylor lamenting over a fleeting summer love who led her on before leaving unexpectedly.
    7. The Alchemy
    Taylor, who is now dating NFL star Travis Kelce, seems to allude to these struggles in The Alchemy, with the line, “He jokes that it’s heroin / But this time with a ‘e’.” More

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    Football star dies after taking a shot aged 26 as Roma ace leads tributes to striker

    PROSECUTORS have launched a manslaughter investigation after a footballer aged 26 died after taking a shot during a match.Roma defender Gianluca Mancini led tributes to Castelfiorentino striker Mattia Giani, who collapsed clutching his chest in the fifth-tier game.Mattia Giani’s death has stunned footballCredit: Instagram @castelfiorentino_unitedGianluca Mancini dedicated a goal to Giani and wore a T-shirt with a message translating as, ‘Farewell Mattia, forever with us’Credit: AlamyGiani was taken to hospital in Florence following the 15th-minute incident but was pronounced dead the following day.Reports in Italy say investigators want to clarify issues such as the timing of the emergency treatment he received.Dad Sandro has also filed a complaint to “understand how our son died”.He has questioned what medical services were on hand at the Lanciotto Campi in Tuscany for Sunday’s match.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe tragedy happened after Giani took a shot at goal, then fell, holding his chest.It’s understood his heart stopped beating for several minutes and a club masseur reportedly tried to resuscitate him on the pitch.Giani was then taken to Florence’s Careggi Hospital but died there on Monday.Italy star Mancini, whose sister is dating Giani’s brother Elia, joined the outpouring of shock over his death.Most read in FootballMancini says his’ sister and Mattia’s family are suffering’Credit: RexAnd the centre-back, 28, dedicated his goal in Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League victory over AC Milan to him.Mancini told Sky Sports Italia: “My sister and Mattia’s family are suffering.”The world around them has collapsed, but they will rise again. I wanted to dedicate this goal to him.”Mancini also wore a T-shirt with a message in Italian translating as: “Farewell Mattia, forever with us.”Giani’s girlfriend Sofia Caruso has told of the couple’s “beautiful” last morning together and of his tender last message by phone.They had been living together for just two days.She said: “We woke up on Sunday. We talked and laughed – it was beautiful.”Then Matti took the bag. I stayed at home. Then his cell phone rang. It was a message from him, the last one. “He wrote to me, ‘Love, I left you the accreditation for the match in the name of Giani. I love you madly’.”He always told me that he loved me like crazy and I loved him like crazy too.”We were thinking about getting married, we said we wanted children. “Mattia made me understand what love was and he took care of me. Matti was a pure and good person.”Castelfiorentino coach Nico Scaridigli said: “Mattia was a wonderful guy. “He had a wonderful girlfriend who loved him more than anything. READ MORE SUN STORIES”From a sporting perspective, he was a good footballer who was fun. He always had a knockout shot. “His career didn’t go as well as he deserved just because of muscle problems.” More