More stories

  • in

    Son of Premier League and England star breaks championship record after making his way in completely different sport

    ATHLETE George Mills broke a record to win the men’s 3000m at the British Indoor Athletics Championships.The 25-year-old took a huge nine seconds off the competition’s record to cruise home and win gold in 7:40.16.George Mills won the 3000m at the British Indoor Athletics ChampionshipsCredit: GettyMills also holds the British record over the distanceCredit: RexHis dad Danny Mills played for England 19 timesCredit: GettyMills, who broke the British indoor record by running 7:27.92 earlier this month, has now qualified for the European Indoor Championships.His father and former England star Danny Mills was cheering him on from the stands.On his stunning performance yesterday, George said: “I came here to do a job – that was to first of all qualify and put my name in the hat again for worlds and obviously, to win.”When I go to races now in these championships, I’m going to win medals, so that’s what I’m aiming to do.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I really give everything to this sport and I just want to be the best athlete I can.”George competed at the Olympics Games in Paris last summer – with his race was overshadowed by controversy.In a chaotic 5000m heat, the Team GB ace was one of four runners that fell over on the home straight.It led to a confrontation after the finish line as George pushed France’s Hugo Hay and appeared to tell him to “f*** off.”Most read in AthleticsJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe then gave a fiery post-race interview and claimed he was “taken down”.His dad was a no-nonsense defender who played for the likes of Leeds and Manchester City in the Premier League.Every team GB gold at the Paris OlympicsThe now BBC pundit was capped 19 times by England and he featured in all five Three Lions games at the 2002 World Cup following an injury to Gary Neville.His other son Stanley, 21, came through the ranks at Everton and now plays for Oxford United in the Championship.Mills played all five games at the 2002 World CupCredit: Times Newspapers LtdHe watched his son compete at the British Indoor Athletics ChampionshipsCredit: Instagram @dannymills77 More

  • in

    ‘It’s a fact’ – Jamie Carragher brutally shut down by Daniel Sturridge live on Sky Sports over controversial AFCON take

    JAMIE CARRAGHER was shut down by both Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards after disregarding the Africa Cup of Nations as a major tournament.The trio were covering Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sky Sports when the topic of conversation turned to Mohamed Salah.Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards were forced to step in after Jamie Carragher appeared to suggest that AFCON was not a major tournamentCredit: Sky SportsCarragher claimed that Salah needs to win a major tournament to be considered the best player in the worldCredit: GettyDebating whether or not he could win any individual awards – such as the Ballon d’Or – and become “the best in the world” this season, Carragher suggested there was one obstacle stopping him.The ex-defender claimed that Salah would have to win a major tournament with Egypt in order to be in the running.He said: “I think the problem (is) the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such, or maybe got a great chance of winning, I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament.”Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vini Jr and (Kylian) Mbappe right now, Real Madrid looking really good going for the Champions League. Read More in Football”Liverpool will be in that conversation, but right now (Real Madrid) are certainly the front runner.”Richards quickly chimed in to say: “Just saying, AFCON is a major tournament. Just so you know.”But Carragher responded: “Egypt aren’t going to win the World Cup, are they?”Richards reiterated his point, but the ex-Liverpool man appeared to disregard it before Sturridge joined in the conversation.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It’s a fact. It’s a fact. If you win the Euros or the Copa America it’s deemed to be big so the AFCON is the same level,” the ex-striker said.Carragher also received some backlash on social media, with one person writing: “The disrespect AFCON gets within pundits and even fans is disgusting. Equivalent of Euro/Copa America and these people are treating it like it’s the Carabao Cup. Nasty work from Jamie Carragher!” ‘Oh, God… did he say that?’ – Pep Guardiola left in disbelief at Jamie Carragher’s ‘not nice and not true’ claimAnother commented: “It’s the scoff, for me, when he is corrected. It’s just awful.”A third said: “I like the way both Daniel Sturridge & Micah Richards correct Carragher here. They don’t hesitate to provide him with the correct information.”SunSport has contacted Sky for comment.Salah scored the opening goal as Liverpool beat Man City 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium.Dominik Szoboszlai netted the second to secure the win and boost the club’s title hopes. More

  • in

    LaLiga side set start date for £39million ‘little Bernabeu’ with stadium to be demolished and rebuilt

    REAL MADRID’S city rivals have unveiled plans to build a “little Bernabeu”.LaLiga side Getafe are set to partially demolish and rebuild their Estadio Coliseum home ground.Getafe are planning to build a new Estadio ColiseumCredit: IDOM / GVS / Getafe CFImages released by the club show what the modernisation will look likeCredit: IDOM / GVS / Getafe CFThere is no roof on the current groundCredit: GettyThe current stadium, which is 15 miles away from the iconic Bernabeu, holds 16,500 fans.But Getafe are set to modernise it and increase the capacity by 3,000.They have plans to add a huge screen on the exterior, install a new roof to cover every fan on the terraces and put in 69 new state-of-the-art VIP boxes.The stunning project will take two years to build and cost £39million.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGetafe face having to play away from the Estadio Coliseum while the work is being done.The Madrid-based side have not confirmed their temporary location – but club president Angel Torres has promised big things.He said: “It will be beautiful, modern, a small Bernabeu.”The build is set to begin at the end of the season but could be abandoned if Getafe are relegated from LaLiga.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThey sit seven points above the drop zone and there is confidence they will maintain their top-flight status for an eighth successive year.Getafe’s ground was known as the Coliseum Alfonso Perez from its opening in 1989 until 2023.Inside Chelsea’s new £1.6BILLION stadium plans with Stamford Bridge project set to rival Tottenham’sBut the former Spain striker, who never actually played for Getafe, was stripped of the privilege after comments he made about women’s football.Getafe’s chief has promised it will be like a mini BernabeuCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Moise Kean health update issued by Fiorentina after former Premier League star collapsed on pitch in terrifying scenes

    FIORENTINA have released an update on Moise Kean’s wellbeing after he collapsed on the pitch.The former Everton striker was rushed to hospital after being stretchered off against Hellas Verona.Moise Kean was stretchered off against Hellas VeronaCredit: GettyKean collapsed after a collision with two Hellas Verona playersCredit: X / ocwsportFiorentina has revealed he has been discharged from hospitalCredit: GettyKean, 24, fell to the ground in the second half after he was involved in a three-way collision with Verona duo Pawel Dawidowicz and Diego Coppola.Play was stopped as Kean received treatment as he had been hit in the head by Dawidowicz’s knee.The injury resulted in a big gash above his left eye.Kean tried to play on after being bandaged up but then collapsed moments after returning to the pitch.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThere was plenty of concern for the Italian as he was rushed to hospital.Fiorentina have since released an update on Kean with a statement on social media.It read: “ACF Fiorentina announces that Moise Kean was discharged from the Verona hospital during the night and returned to Florence.”The clinical and diagnostic tests carried out were all negative.”Most read in FootballTeam-mate and former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea reacted to the news with a praying emoji and purple heart.Fans have also reacted to the positive news on social media. Daniel Sturridge makes embarrassing blunder live on Sky Sports during Man City vs Liverpool as presenter corrects himDavid De Gea led well wishes to KeanCredit: AlamyOne posted: “Fantastic news. Get well soon Moise!”A second wrote: “This is good news.”A third commented: “At least one piece of good news.”A fourth said: “Support Moise Kean.”Another added: “That is such a relief to hear.”Reports in Italy said Kean was conscious during his trip to the hospital.He was replaced on the pitch by Nicolo Fagioli in the 67th minute.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe match ended 1-0 to Verona after an injury-time winner from Antoine Bernede.Kean has played for Fiorentina since last summer after completing a transfer from Juventus, scoring 19 goals in 30 games in all competitions. More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘getting weekly transfer updates on Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres’ but face summer dilemma

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly getting “weekly” updates on Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres’ availability.The Red Devils are hoping to bring a new frontman to Old Trafford in the summer, which is expected to bring about the permanent departure of Marcus Rashford.Manchester United are long-term admirers of Fenerbahce Victor OsimhenCredit: REUTERSViktor Gyokores is also on the club’s radarCredit: ALAMYUnited are reportedly receiving weekly updates on the pair’s availabilityCredit: GETTYUnited are long-term admirers of both Osimhen and Gyokeres, who are plying their trades with Galatasaray and Sporting Lisbon respectively.And according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Premier League big boys are receiving regular updates on the duo.He wrote in his Give Me Sport column: “There are a lot of rumours about Manchester United as they’re attentive to several situations including Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres.”But the budget is going to be crucial to understand what they can really do in the summer in terms of spending, investments and limitations for Financial Fair Play.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”So there is nothing concrete or advanced yet, they are just being informed on the situation with weekly updates.”Sources close to the story guarantee that all rumours on Man United scouts travelling to follow Osimhen’s progress at Galatasaray are wide of the mark.”As they don’t even need to ‘check’ on this kind of player.”They like him, but the financial package will make the difference. The same as for Gyokeres.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSNigeria international Osimhen has been in fine form for Galatasaray since joining them from Napoli last summer.The 26-year-old already has 20 goals to his name this season, in which he’s also racked up five assists.Ruben Amorim apologises to Christian Eriksen for ‘misunderstanding’ after comments about Man Utd star’s heart situation Gyokeres, meanwhile, has a stunning 35 goals and eight assists to his name in 37 appearances this campaign.United will be back in action on Wednesday night, welcoming Ipswich Town to Old Trafford. More

  • in

    Man Utd lunches reduced to basics for all-but first team and kids denied Old Trafford game after Sir Jim Ratcliffe cuts

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has introduced another round of cuts to the Manchester United training ground – this time involving the food served in the canteen.The billionaire has made a host of changes behind the scenes at United since taking over last February.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has introduced another round of budget cutsCredit: PALunches at Carrington have been reduced to soup and sandwiches for everyone except the first teamCredit: ReutersOver 250 staff members have been axed, with many more set to follow in the coming weeks and months.Ratcliffe also cancelled the club’s annual Christmas party, raised ticket prices and cut funding for a charity helping former players.And his latest attempt to save money has seen him limit the lunch options in the training ground canteen to just soup and sandwiches for everybody except first-team players.Furthermore, Man Utd U18s were denied the chance to play at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup fifth round.READ MORE ON MAN UTDTraditionally, the match would have been staged at United’s main home, but instead it was played at the 12,000-capacity Leigh Sports Village, saving the club a total of £8,000.Man Utd currently sit 15th in the Premier League table, only above West Ham on goal difference.Ruben Amorim recently admitted that he is managing the “worst Man Utd team” in history.The Red Devils salvaged a point at Goodison Park at the weekend after going 2-0 down against Everton.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte struck in the second half to draw United level.After the match, head coach Amorim admitted he does not know how to fix the club’s current crisis.Man Utd ratings: Casemiro disappearing into irrelevance as Real Madrid legend saved again by Bruno Fernandes He said: “I don’t know what I need to do to bring more consistency. If I knew, I would change it.”We have to continue to think in the next game, everything we do in the week we have to use it in the game.”If we do that, we are near to winning games like we did in the second half. In this moment we need to focus on day by day. We need to survive this season, and then to think ahead. We have so many problems.”Then when we go to the game and let the time pass, it’s really hard. I don’t want to just say the negative part, the second half was so much better in the belief. In the end we were near to winning this game.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

  • in

    ‘Early retirement?’ – Danny Murphy makes cheeky comment to departing Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker

    GARY LINEKER was put into ‘early retirement’ by Danny Murphy on Match of the Day.The ex-Liverpool star was on punditry duty alongside Alan Shearer and the presenter on Saturday evening.Danny Murphy put Gary Lineker into early retirement on Saturday’s Match of the DayLineker is set to leave the show as presenter after 25 seasons at the end of the campaignAs they reacted to Arsenal’s home defeat to West Ham, Shearer and Murphy both agreed that the title race was done and the Premier League title is heading to Anfield.Not putting up a defence for the Gunners’ title hopes, Lineker then quipped about his role as MOTD presenter: “Perhaps not bother for the rest of the season.”However, Murphy got a cackle out of Lineker when he retorted: “Early retirement?”Back in November, it was announced Lineker is stepping down from presenting Match of the Day after 25 seasons.Read more football newsHe will be replaced by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan who will rotate the role.Mikel Arteta’s side faint hopes of winning the Premier League further diminished on Sunday as Liverpool defeated Man City 2-0 at the Etihad.The Reds extended their lead at the top to 11 points thanks to goals from Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, boss Arne Slot is not counting his chickens yet – despite Liverpool fans singing, “We’re going to win the league.”Most read in FootballThe Dutch tactician said: “The fans can sing whatever they want, but we know how hard we have to play for every single win.Mark Chapman opens Match of the Day with cheeky one-liner as he is confirmed as one of Gary Lineker’s three successors “So I don’t believe that [the title is won]. It’s so hard to judge the league table before every game has been played.”If you play against City at the Etihad and win, it is always a big win, but three days ago we had a draw at Aston Villa and people told me we weren’t in a good place. Then three days later we win and it changes again.”We know how hard it was to beat Wolves last week and we have Newcastle next after a 3-3 draw at Newcastle, so every game is difficult.”In any other league, this lead would be comfortable, but not this one. Even the [FA Cup] game at Plymouth showed us that.” More

  • in

    Russell Martin in frame for Rangers job with ex-Ibrox star viewed as serious contender by influential boardroom figures

    RANGERS have confirmed Philippe Clement has been sacked after 16 months in the job.Now we can reveal a former Gers defender is one of the names in the frame to take over.Russell Martin is in the frame for the Rangers jobCredit: ReutersHe had a spell at Rangers as a playerCredit: PA:Press AssociationPhilippe Clement has been sackedCredit: GettySunSport were first to break the news on Sunday afternoon that the Belgian was on his way out of Ibrox.Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to St Mirren was the final straw for directors with Clement finally told his time was up by chief executive Patrick Stewart.We can now reveal former defender Russell Martin is one of the names in the frame to take over.The ex-Southampton boss is currently out of work and it’s understood he’s regarded as a serious contender by influential boardroom figures who are involved in the ongoing takeover talks with US investors.READ MORE RANGERS STORIESThe bookies have installed Steven Gerrard as the favourite to make a sensational return.But it’s believed the Liverpool legend – who guided Gers to the Premiership title in 2021 – may not believe the time is right.The likelihood is that Ibrox chiefs will name a caretaker boss for Wednesday’s league clash with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.Under-18s coach Kevin Thomson and Clement’s No2 Issame Charai are distinct possibilities. The Daily Record have also named former Ger Barry Ferguson as another potential short-term candidate.Most read in FootballClement was informed of the club’s decision following behind-the-scenes talks throughout Saturday night and yesterday.A statement released by the club last night confirmed: “Rangers Football club can confirm it has tonight parted company with men’s first-team manager, Philippe Clement. The FIVE big questions around Rangers’ stunning takeover talks answered by SunSport“The club would like to put on record their sincere thanks to Philippe for his hard work and dedication during his spell in charge. “A further update from the club will follow in due course.”Gers will now be obliged to pay out a hefty severance deal to the 50 year-old Belgian and his backroom staff.The club handed Clement a bumper new deal last August which meant he was due a big money pay-off if he was sacked.The current board were hoping to avoid wielding the axe. But a decision was made yesterday to part ways with Clement with fans demanding he was shown the door.He survived after Gers crashed out of the Scottish Cup to Queen’s Park.But Clement himself admitted the performance in the weekend defeat to St Mirren was an even worse display.Asked about his future following that latest defeat – which has Gers 13 points behind rivals Celtic – he said: “Those are things the board needs to decide. “In the end, I believe these players want to do the right things.“I believe I can get results with these players. “But I am also very disappointed with what we showed today – and I am responsible for that.“Today was by far not the performance that we have seen in the past. “It was by far the worst performance from my time here.“It’s terribly disappointing, because we were so nervous on the ball and in the duels, in everything.“I don’t know where it’s coming from. “That’s my frustration and it’s also my responsibility to put a team on the pitch with the right mindset.“I didn’t see this one coming, this nervousness, everyone below par, almost all game.“There were a few better spells, but by far we were not what Rangers should be.“I saw the team drifting apart in islands. “That’s not been the case in the past, when we’ve had difficult moments and gone behind we have reacted as a team.“Today, it was reacting one on one and not as a team. “Then we don’t play the football we need to play and it’s a bad performance “Leadership is an important one, but leadership is also a collective one.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the first place it’s my responsibility.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More