Philippa Kaur

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    Emotional Frank Lampard struggles through Sky Sports interview after Coventry’s gut-wrenching play-off defeat

    EMOTIONAL Frank Lampard struggled through a Sky Sports interview after Coventry’s gut-wrenching playoff defeat to Sunderland.The Sky Blues fought back from a goal down to level things up in the north east last night.Frank Lampard struggled through an interview after Coventry’s playoff defeat to SunderlandThe Chelsea legend saw his side knocked out by a 122nd minute goalCredit: GettyCoventry and Sunderland then looked set for a penalty shootout to settle their thrilling tie.But disaster struck for the visitors as Dan Ballard headed home a winner in the 122nd minute.Sunderland’s 3-2 aggregate win means they will now face Sheffield United at Wembley for a place in the Premier League.However, Coventry have been left to pick up the pieces of their heartbreaking defeat after an epic season under Lampard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Chelsea legend replaced Mark Robins in November and led his side from a relegation battle to a fifth-place finish.But despite the amazing run, Lampard was left stunned after seeing his promotion hopes fade away.In an interview with Sky Sports, the former England midfielder was clearly shell-shocked as he opened up on one of the “cruellest” moments of his career.Yet Super Frank, who was harassed by a shirtless home fan at the final whistle, remained gracious as he congratulated Sunderland on their victory.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe said: “(Cruel way to go?) Yeah, that’s the biggest example I think I’ve probably been involved in.”Firstly, congratulations to Sunderland, they go to the final. But, I’ve got immense pride in my players, over the two games, we dominated at home and dominated huge periods of this game.Frank Lampard fumes after being harassed for selfie by pitch invader after last gasp Coventry loss at Sunderland”We came here with absolute bravery to play the way we play. They had to concede to us because of the way we played, the way the lads controlled the game. “They don’t deserve it, the players. I’m a lot older, I’ve been around a lot, so I’ve taken whacks and I’ve had success.”I suppose I can be maybe a tiny bit more balanced in my job, but for those players, they don’t deserve that. So, congratulations to Sunderland. We’re not bitter, but we were the better team over the two football matches.”I can’t ask for any more. I’m so disappointed for the club, for the fans, the owner and the players. Once the dust settles, I cannot be disappointed with the way they play.”It’s cruel. But I can’t think of anything but pride for the season and for tonight. We wanted to go to Wembley. But sometimes the gods conspire against you in certain ways.” More

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    Which players should Dream Team bosses target in search of Europa League final points?

    THE 2025 Europa League final is laced with compelling narratives.Tottenham and Manchester United will compete for the continent’s second-most prestigious trophy in Bilbao next Wednesday and the stakes are sky high.A mouthwatering showdownBoth teams have endured miserable domestic campaigns with Spurs currently 17th in the Premier League table and the Red Devils just one point better off in 16th.The winners of the Europa League will salvage their season while the losers will be forced to reflect upon a disastrous year that may have significant consequences.Then there’s the Dream Team angle.Despite their persistent league woes, both Spurs and Man United have provided plenty of points throughout the season with their European adventures being a major contributing factor.Just two Gameweeks remain before the fat lady sings and with fixtures at a premium, most engaged managers will be looking to target the Europa League final as a source of precious points.The Europa League final is make-or-break for PostecoglouCredit: ReutersAnge Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim’s sides are two of just four teams set to pull double duty in Gameweek 36 and so there’s every chance the events in Bilbao will shape Mini League standings worldwide.GAMEWEEK 36 DOUBLE HEADERSTOTTENHAM vs Aston Villa (a) & Man United (n)MANCHESTER UNITED vs Chelsea (a) & Spurs (n)CRYSTAL PALACE vs Man City (n) & Wolves (h)MANCHESTER CITY vs Crystal Palace (n) & Bournemouth (h)First and foremost, Bruno Fernandes (£7m) has to be considered a must-have asset at this moment in time.Most read in FootballThe Portuguese playmaker has racked up 425 points this season via 19 goals and 19 assists.Only Mohamed Salah (£6.8m) sits above Fernandes in the overall rankings but United’s captain is in a league of his own among midfielders, a 106 points ahead of his nearest rival, Bryan Mbeumo (£4.6m).There’s a chance the 30-year-old will be rested at Stamford Bridge on Friday night but he should still be considered a top target for Gameweek 36 given he averages eight points-per-game in 2024/25.Fernandes has been immense this seasonCredit: Shutterstock EditorialDeciding upon another viable Man United asset is far from straightforward.Alejandro Garnacho (£3.5m) ranks 11th among Dream Team midfielders with 269 points to his name but the young Argentine winger is unpredictable.It may be that Noussair Mazraoui (£3m) is the man to accompany Fernandes for gaffers who think the Europa League final will go the way of the Northerners.Betting on a clean sheet for either side is fraught with danger but the Moroccan defender has an ace up his sleeve in his immense tackling ability.Mazraoui gets stuck inCredit: REXMazraoui has made 166 tackles in all competitions this season, comfortable the highest tally among all players – only two other players have registered more than 120.This defensive effort has allowed him to collect 226 points despite United’s defensive frailties, enough to place him eighth in the rankings among players in his position. In terms of Spurs options, Pedro Porro (£5.4m) deserves credit for his mammoth tally of 287 points as Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.4m) is the only defender who boasts a superior total after 35 Gameweeks.The Spaniard has contributed four goals and TEN assists from right-back this term.Furthermore, he has earned 51 bonus points, which makes him joint-leader in the metric alongside Youri Tielemans (£4.5m).Porro could finish the season as Dream Team’s top defenderCredit: GettyJames Maddison (£4.4m) leads the way among his attack-minded team-mates with 272 points but the ex-Leicester midfielder has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.Frustratingly, Dejan Kulusevski (£3.9m) is flagged as a doubt for Gameweek 36 having hobbled off after just 18 minutes against Crystal Palace last time out.The Sweden international provided plenty of points earlier in the campaign but injuries have tanked his viability in the last two months.And so it appears Dominic Solanke (£4m) is the best attacking threat for gaffers keen on Spurs.The 27 year-old target man scored important goals against Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt to help his side reach the final of the Europa League.Solanke averages a goal involvement every 128.8 minutes this season.Read More on The SunSolanke has banked substantial points in the Europa League knockouts stagesCredit: APAlternatively, Son Heung-min (£4.3m) is available again having returned against the Eagles last weekend but his minutes are not guaranteed by any means.One way or the other, the Europa League final will have a bearing on the business end of the Dream Team season.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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    Man City vs Crystal Palace: Get 40/1 for either side to win FA Cup final in 90 mins with Parimatch

    MANCHESTER CITY and Crystal Palace meet in the FA Cup final on Saturday.And bookmakers Parimatch are celebrating the monster Wembley showpiece with a fantastic welcome deal for brand new customers by offering either side at 40/1 to win the contest!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereMan City vs Crystal Palace: Get either side to win at 40/1 HERE*How to claim..Parimatch welcome offerVisit the Parimatch website HERE*Create your accountOpt in to this promotion using the “Opt in” button before placing your qualifying betMake your first deposit of minimum £5Place a bet at the normal price on either Manchester City or Crystal Palace to win – match betting – 90 min.  If your bet wins, you will be paid at the normal priceYou will then have the extra amount credited in Free Bets, shortly after settlement, bringing your total returns up to the enhanced price of 40/1!Remember, this offer is a maximum £1 stakeMan City vs Crystal Palace: Get either side to win at 40/1 HERE*No Parimatch account? No problem! We’ve got you covered.To register, simply visit the Parimatch website HERE* and create an account.From there, opt in to this promotion using the “Opt in” button before placing your qualifying bet.After that, make your first deposit of minimum £5 and then place a maximum £1 bet at the normal price on either Manchester City or Crystal Palace to win the FA Cup final in 90 minutes.If your bet wins, you will be paid at the normal price. You will then have the extra amount credited in Free Bets, shortly after settlement, bringing your total returns up to the enhanced price of 40/1!Example: £1 bet at 1/1 gives £2 real cash and £39 in Free Bets.Man City vs Crystal Palace: Get either side to win at 40/1 HERE**18+ New customers only. Opt in and bet max £1 on either Manchester City or Crystal Palace to win – match betting – 90 min. No cash out. Enhanced odds paid in Free Bets; to be used on any Sports market. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Offer valid until 16:30 UK time on 17.05.25.  Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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    Liverpool star Darwin Nunez forced to serve five-match ban after losing appeal over clash with fans

    LIVERPOOL star Darwin Nunez will serve his five-match ban for clashing with fans after losing his appeal.The striker jumped into the crowd following a brawl between Uruguay and Colombia in the Copa America semi-final last summer.Darwin Nunez has lost an appeal against an international suspensionCredit: AlamyThe striker jumped into the crowd at the end of a Copa America match last yearCredit: EPAIt was claimed Nunez was defending his family after a brawl broke outCredit: GettyUruguay and Colombia fans clashed after the semi-finalCredit: GettyNunez will serve a five-match international banCredit: AFPNunez, 25, served two matches of his international suspension, against Paraguay and Venezuela, before the Uruguayan FA appealed the ban through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).However Cas has rejected the appeal following a review of the incident, finding Nunez’s case of self-defence does not stand up to scrutiny.A court statement read: “The panel found that in this case the principle of self-defence does not apply.”The conduct of the players constituted a voluntary, violent and unjustified action which was in violation of the Conmebol disciplinary code.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNunez’s guilty verdict also means he will have to pay a £15,145 ($20,000) fine.It was claimed Nunez climbed into the crowd in an attempt to protect his loved ones.But he also tried to throw a foldable chair before a security guard intervened to ensure he did not hit anybody.The ugly scenes took place after Nunez’s Uruguay lost 1-0 in semi-final clash.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFour other Uruguay players received three-match suspensions – Mathias Olivera, Ronald Araujo, Jose Gimenez and Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur.They have all served their bans but Nunez is set to miss Uruguay’s next three World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay, Venezuela and Peru.Liverpool boss Arne Slot parties with Wayne Lineker in Ibiza just hours after Premier League clash with Arsenal_2 More

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    West Ham star left CRYING after beating Man Utd as he releases emotional statement

    GUIDO RODRIGUEZ has revealed that he was left CRYING after West Ham beat Manchester United.The Hammers midfielder posted an emotional statement after the victory at Old Trafford.Guido Rodriguez was left crying after helping West Ham beat Manchester UnitedCredit: instagram @guiido_rodriguezHe was an important part of the Hammers’ midfield in the matchCredit: Shutterstock EditorialRodriguez, 31, joined the East London club on a free transfer last summer after leaving Real Betis.The Argentine has struggled for regular game time in England despite being a World Cup winner in 2022. Since the arrival of manager Graham Potter, Rodriguez had only seen two minutes of action before the trip to Manchester.His inclusion in the starting XI came as a surprise to fans but he justified his selection.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe midfielder helped West Ham end an eight-game winless run and leapfrog the Red Devils and Tottenham in the Premier League table.After the match, he took to social media to celebrate the win and admitted that he was left crying at the achievement of a boyhood dream.He included a number of pictures from his performance as well as a selfie of him teary-eyed.He wrote: “It was about three months without playing… and after so much endurance and effort, today was a reward.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Better days, worse days, and today I was able to let out what was inside me.”Little Guido, who watched the Premier League and Old Trafford games at home on Sunday mornings, dreaming of being a soccer player one day, would be very proud of what he became, of what he achieved with his drive and dedication.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel Messi”Of how he enjoyed and continues to enjoy the process.”Of how he cried after the game. And of how he continues to pursue and work for his dreams.”Rodriguez received plenty of support from his West Ham team-mates as they flooded the comment section.Club captain Jarrod Bowen wrote: “You deserve brother.”Loan star Carlos Soler posted: “A great player, an impeccable professional, a tireless fighter, and, most importantly, a 10/10 person.”Vladimir Coufal commented: “You were amazing today.”Edson Alvarez said: “You are immense, brother.”Luis Guilherme added: “You deserve it bro.”West Ham ran out 2-0 winners over Ruben Amorim’s side with Tomas Soucek and Bowen netting the goals.Read More on The SunMeanwhile, Rodriguez has been tipped to leave the Hammers this summer.Reports have claimed he has had offers from former clubs River Plate, CF America and Betis. More

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    Man Utd ‘consider shock transfer move for Callum Hudson-Odoi amid doubts over Nottingham Forest future’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly tracking Callum Hudson-Odoi – with the winger yet to sign a new deal with Nottingham Forest. The former Chelsea star has enjoyed two impressive seasons at the City Ground since arriving in the summer of 2023.Callum Hudson-Odoi is reportedly been eyed by Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyHudson-Odoi helped Forest clinch European football for the first time in three decades.The 24-year-old has bagged five goals in 29 Prem games, with Forest still in with a chance of reaching the Champions League.And his performances have not gone unnoticed by Old Trafford scouts.According to Sky Sports, United are monitoring Hudson-Odoi’s contract status in the East Midlands.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe forward is currently in talks to extend his deal, which runs out next summer.Roma, Napoli and two other Premier League clubs are reportedly interested if those discussions break down. Hudson-Odoi rose through the ranks at Stamford Bridge before breaking into the first team in 2019.But he struggled for game time at Chelsea, heading out on loan to Bayer Leverkusen in 2022. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSince returning to the Premier League, the England under-21 star has refound his form. Forest slapped a £40million asking price on Hudson-Odoi last year.Nuno Espirito Santo argues with Nottingham Forest owner on City Ground pitch moments after disastrous drawAny fee this summer is likely to be lower if he remains out of contract in 2026. Hudson-Odoi is a fan favourite at the City Ground and the club will be keen to tie him down to a fresh deal. Speaking to Premier League Productions, his teammate Murillo said: “I think [Hudson-Odoi] is a complete player, both defensively and especially going forward. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”Having come through at Chelsea, he knows what it means to play for a big club and to win titles. “He’s a great player, and I’ve always thought that. “He keeps coming up with important goals for us.” More

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    ‘Absolutely disgraceful’ – Todd Boehly’s company selling Europa League final tickets for £23,000 EACH sparking fury

    EUROPA LEAGUE final tickets are being flogged for £23,000 on Vivid Seats – a company part-owned by Chelsea’s Todd Boehly.Manchester United and Tottenham are preparing to do battle in the Bilbao showpiece on May 21. Todd Boehly is a director for Vivid Seats, a ticket resale websiteCredit: AlamySingle tickets available on the site are going for £23,000 ahead of the match in BilbaoCredit: AlamyManchester United are preparing to take on Spurs, with 15,000 tickets given to each clubCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe San Mames Stadium has a capacity of just over 53,000. Both United and Spurs have been allocated 15,000 seats each, with the most affordable tickets starting at £34 thanks to Uefa’s ‘Fans First’ scheme. Tickets for the general public are split into three categories, with the face value prices between £55 and £204. But tickets currently on sale on Vivid Seats – part-owned by Boehly – are available for eye-watering sums a week before kickoff. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL’Prime seats’ situated along the halfway line are listed on the site for £22,738 each, per The Price of Football. Other options are available, with some tickets on sale in Category 1 for up to £17,054.Furious fans were quick to slam the prices, with one writing on X: “Everything wrong with top level football right there.”Another said: “Unfortunately this is where the tourist league is going. Franchise soccer UK next.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile a third fumed: “Why is this allowed. Absolute disgrace.”And a fourth commented: “Shocked but not surprised.”Todd Boehly gives major Chelsea stadium update and vows to leave Stamford BridgeChelsea declined to comment.American businessman Boehly became a minority owner at Chelsea in May 2022. The 51-year-old is a director and investor in Vivid Seats, a role recently described as a “conflict of interest” by the Chelsea Supporters Trust.Vivid Seats, which has its base in Chicago, is legally allowed to operate overseas but is prohibited for use by UK users.Boehly’s Eldridge Industries owns 41 percent of the ticket resale site, according to IQ.In an open letter penned in March, the CST wrote to the Premier League and asked them to “act and investigate” in an effort to clamp down on ticket touting at Chelsea games.The letter read: “Many CST members are clearly infuriated by this connection and have written to us.”As a director of Chelsea FC and part-owner, Mr Boehly’s connection with Vivid Seats is totally inappropriate and significantly undermines the efforts of Chelsea FC, the Premier League, and the Metropolitan Police to combat ticket touting.”Mr Boehly has been contacted directly by the CST and has been offered multiple opportunities to both publicly and privately address supporters’ concerns.”Neither Mr Boehly nor his representatives have, however, acted on these requests, and thousands of tickets remain for sale on the Vivid Seats website.”Read More on The SunA Uefa spokesperson told SunSport: “Uefa strongly urges fans not to purchase tickets on the secondary market.”Ticket sales to the general public and fans of the teams who have reached the finals are carried out exclusively by Uefa.” More

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    Six reasons for Man Utd fans to be cheerful as incredible stats show they’re completely different team in Europa League

    MANCHESTER UNITED are proving a different beast in this season’s Europa League – and we have the stats to prove it. The Red Devils are unbeaten in European competition despite a dismal Premier League campaign.Manchester United have put up impressive numbers in this year’s Europa LeagueCredit: AlamyRuben Amorim’s side have been a different beast away from the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyUnited go into their clash with Spurs as the highest scorers in the competitionCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s side have endured a season to forget domestically, sitting 16th in the table after losing 17 out of 36 games. But their European form has seen them set up a surprise Europa League final showdown with Tottenham in Bilbao.And there are plenty of reasons for United fans to be cheerful when diving down into the numbers. Amorim is just the second United manager to reach a European final in his first season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe follows his fellow countryman Jose Mourinho, who achieved the feat in 2017.The Special One guided United to Europa League glory thanks to a 2-0 win over Ajax.United go into next week’s showdown with Spurs as the only remaining unbeaten side in European competition. Out of their 14 matches this season, they have won nine and drawn five. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThey are also the possession kings of the Europa League – and have even hit the most goals.Amorim’s men may have been goal-shy in the Prem, mustering just 53 in 36 games.’He was evil’ – Sir Alex Ferguson would be in JAIL if he managed today, claims Man Utd legend Patrice Evra Should take around 15 seconds if we want to include it-But they have smashed in 35 goals so far in Europe and have the highest passing accuracy of any team (86.1 per cent).History is also on United’s side as they prepare for a ninth major European showpiece.The Red Devils have contested eight finals across the years, winning five and losing three. They will hope captain and talisman Bruno Fernandes can continue to shine on the big stage.Fernandes claimed last month United’s season wouldn’t “be saved” even if they won the trophy.But if they are to triumph in Bilbao, it will largely be in part to his tireless efforts in the competition. Fernandes is just one of three players to have scored seven goals or more in this year’s tournament. He is tied for the Golden Boot race alongside Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Høgh and Olympiacos forward Ayoub El Kaabi.Despite both having below-par seasons, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund are the only United players to feature in all 14 EL games.The Dane has struggled in front of goal all year but has netted six goals in Europe – a huge improvement on his four in 30 in the Prem.Read More on The SunGarnacho has just one goal to his name in this year’s competition. But he has five goal involvements in 14 as opposed to eight in 35 domestically. More