Philippa Kaur

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    Moment Premier League club owner dresses as cowboy and parades around in hat in sarcastic jibe at rival

    CRYSTAL PALACE co-owner John Textor was seen wearing a cowboy hat as he hit back at Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi following a bitter row.Leaked footage from a meeting of Ligue 1 owners revealed American Textor, who is the majority owner of Lyon, was called a “cowboy” by the PSG chief.Crystal Palace and Lyon owner John Textor was seen wearing a cowboy hat ahead of Lyon v PSGCredit: X / OLIt comes after PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi called him a cowboy during a TV rights meeting in JulyCredit: APA leaked video prompted Textor to take a sarcastic jibe at his rival presidentCredit: X / OLThe American is the chairman of Eagle Football HoldingsCredit: X / OLThe leaked video, shared by Complément d’enquête and L’Equipe, saw a video call on July 14, 2024 about the French domestic TV deal descend into a war of words between the two club presidents.The aim of the meeting was to resolve the French league’s long-running saga of TV rights for the next four years which had left football in the country in crisis mode.An auction process initially looking to bring in £863million ended up securing a deal worth far less with only two deals being proposed.The first was a £417m deal with DAZN and beIN Sports which would see DAZN show eight of the nine Ligue 1 fixtures each weekend with beIN show the remaining Saturday evening game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe second was a far riskier idea to move the league to its own streaming service – a model Premier League bosses considered before signing a new record £6.7bn domestic television deal running for four years from the 2025/26 season.Emotions boiled over during the tense meeting as the two bosses disagreed over what deal the league should accept, with Textor, 59, being in favour of the streaming model.Textor accused Al-Khelaifi of being a “bully” and “tyrant”, while Lens president Joseph Oughourlian also accused the PSG chief – also the chairman of beIN Sports – of having a conflict of interest.Al-Khelaifi, 51, responded by saying: “John, stop talking, you don’t understand anything, you’re from… I don’t know, cowboy, you’re coming, I don’t know (from) where, and you’re talking to us.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWith the heated argument being publicly revealed this week, Textor chose to walk out at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais stadium ahead of the club’s clash with PSG on Sunday evening.Going into the game PSG were the league leaders with a 10-point gap to second place side Marseille, while Lyon sat in sixth place and five points off a Champions League qualification spot.Premier League stadium looks unrecognisable in incredible new plans to redevelop main stand Following a goalless first half, the deadlock was finally broken by Achraf Hakimi in the 53rd minute.PSG then showed their quality once again as Ousmane Dembele netted a stunning curling shot just before the hour mark.Rayan Cherki pulled one back for the hosts in the 83rd minute before Hakimi restored the two-goal lead two minutes later. Lyon found a second goal in injury time when Corentin Tolisso crashed home a header, but they were unable to find an equaliser, ensuring PSG moved 13 points clear at the top of the table.Textor is the chairman of Eagle Football Holdings, which owns a 45 per cent stake in Crystal Palace.However, Textor’s role at the Selhurst Park outfit is set to change in the coming months.It comes after Sportsbank, a group backed by individuals from Saudi Arabia and the United States, announced it had signed an exclusivity agreement to buy the 45 per cent stake for around £230m.Despite Textor looking to sell his stake in the club, he is reportedly still open to buying the majority of the club if the opportunity arose.READ MORE SUN STORIESTextor’s company also holds controlling shares in Brazilian club Botafogo and RWD Molenbeek in Belgium.The company failed with a bid to buy Everton last year, with The Friedkin Group led by fellow American billionaire Dan Friedkin completing a deal to buy a controlling 94.1 per cent stake in December 2024 worth in excess of £400m. More

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    Brenden Aaronson so at home at Leeds after getting engaged to high-school sweetheart and winning over doubters

    YORKSHIRE will forever have a special place in Brenden Aaronson’s heart.Not only is he enjoying the best season of his career with Leeds but it is the county where he got engaged to his high-school sweetheart Milana D’Ambra.Brenden Aaronson has enjoyed a redemption season with LeedsCredit: GettyThe American has been an ever-present for Daniel Farke’s Championship leadersCredit: PAAaronson has even found time to get engaged to partner Milana D’AmbraCredit: Instagram @baaronson7The USA international, 24, got down on one knee in the famous Harrogate park, The Stray, and the happy couple are due to “march up the aisle together” next year.He told SunSport: “It was so nerve-racking. It was the whole build-up to asking the question but thankfully she said, ‘Yes.’”Getting ready for the wedding will be more stressful than any game of football. “But Milana has helped me a ton in my life so it’s really great we’re getting married.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt is an exciting time for Aaronson and he hopes to make this season one to remember by helping to shoot Leeds back into the big time.And next year is set to be his greatest yet – playing in the top flight again then almost immediately after the nuptials across the pond he hopes to appear for USA at the World Cup on home soil.Top-of-the-table Leeds travel 36 miles south down the M1 on Monday to take on second-placed Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United.It’s a far cry from the 5,500 miles-plus journey and a six-hour time difference he negotiated when the two sides last met at Elland Road in October.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAaronson had played a full 90 minutes for USA in Mexico, playing at high altitude in Guadalajara, in a game that did not finish until just before 6am UK time on the Wednesday.Yet he remarkably started against the Blades on the Friday night in a 2-0 win.Leeds manager Daniel Farke gives his reaction to draw with Burnley And the midfielder has so far played in all 33 Championship games this season, which is testament to his remarkable stamina.He said: “It’s always tough with the national team, going all the way to the US and back, but I’ve done it for the last four and a half years playing club football in Europe so I’m used to it.”We played that game at high altitude in Mexico and it was so difficult.”Then that night I got on a private jet with a bunch of European-based Americans, flying either to London or Amsterdam.”It’s a good little system where all the clubs from Europe and the US football federation chip in to charter the planes to allow us to get back home a day earlier.”I got back for Thursday and was available to play Friday.”Afterwards I felt dead! But I knew if I could get through the game and play at my level then get through to the next week and have some days to relax and sleep I could do it.”And that’s what I’ve been doing all season. I’ve been able to keep confidence in what I’m doing.”World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, GibraltarAaronson has turned around fan opinion this season. Having played 36 games in the Premier League after joining from Red Bull Salzburg in May 2022 in a £24.7million deal, he activated a relegation-release loan clause to spend last season with Bundesliga club Union Berlin to anger supporters.And there was a hostile response on social media when it was announced Aaronson had decided to come back this season.He said: “It’s tough when you see people are doubting you but I stayed away from the internet and focussed on myself. “I’m a people pleaser and care about other people’s feelings. I like to make people happy and prove to them how good I am.”I learned from the Prem season when I was first here and when I came back I learned a ton on focusing on myself and believing in myself. “I’ve let myself work over the fans and continue being like that.”Aaronson has scored eight times this season for LeedsCredit: GettyAaronson – nicknamed the Metford Messi back home – bucked the trend in the small New Jersey town by taking up “soccer” while most of his friends were into baseball and American Football. While his younger brother Paxten, 21, also has become a professional footballer and got a senior USA cap to his name, currently on loan at Dutch club Utrecht from Eintracht FrankfurtAnd although he is half-decent at basketball, and has played Lacrosse, football has always been his passion.He grew up supporting Liverpool while idolising the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Philippe Coutinho. He also had a soft spot for Tottenham when Luka Modric was strutting his stuff in North London.Aaronson – whose dad Rusty is a football coach – progressed through the ranks of MLS side Philadelphia Union and has gone on to win 47 caps for his country.The 24-year-old has already earned 47 caps for the United StatesCredit: APThe Leeds star is so excited that the World Cup will be co-hosted by his homeland alongside Canada and Mexico – and has enjoyed working under new coach and former Chelsea, Tottenham and Southampton coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took over in September.He said: “I cannot speak highly enough about Poch. I’ve only had him for two camps now and each one I’ve learned new things.”The formation, the way he wants to play, suits me. That’s what I like about it. Learning new things.”Although Aaronson was not even born when the USA staged their last World Cup in 1994, he has read, watched and listened to many stories about that tournament.He said: “It’s crazy England didn’t even qualify for that one. Dad always tells me how amazing the vibe was.”It kickstarted soccer in America. It made everything boom a lot more. This one will make it even bigger. “We’ve got some great stadiums and the whole atmosphere is going to be amazing.”But Aaronson hopes his home nation does not repeat part of the opening ceremony of that tournament .. when Diana Ross famously shot at an open goal and missed!He laughed:”“We should definitely avoid that this time around!READ MORE SUN STORIES”But it’s hopefully going to be a great year for me – playing in the Premier League, getting married and playing at a home World Cup.”It’s going to be awesome.” More

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    Shocking moment Lionel Messi grabs opposition coach by neck and angrily berates referee after Inter Miami’s first game

    LIONEL MESSI saw red but earned yellow after a furious bust-up with a referee, before grabbing an assistant coach by the NECK.The Argentinian World Cup winner was in action for Inter Miami on Saturday night when his temper got the better of him.Lionel Messi grabbed the neck of an assistant coach in rageAssistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy was unimpressed by Messi’s actionsThe game ended 2-2 – with Messi setting up a late equaliser for his side after a trademark slalom run.However, after the final whistle the Barcelona legend appeared unhappy with his team’s result in their MLS opener.First, he angrily berated referee Rosendo Mendoza as Messi’s meltdown began.The ref moved back, gesturing for the playmaker to walk away, but Messi kept coming towards him.Read more football newsAs he continued to talk and point his finger in Mendoza’s direction, the official brandished a yellow card for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.That didn’t deter Messi, who continued his tirade before finally making his way off the pitch.But, the Argie bargy didn’t end there.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAs a disgruntled Messi exited the fray, New York City FC assistant Mehdi Ballouchy appeared to say something to him.Most read in FootballThat further riled the little Argentinian up, who covered his mouth with his hand during their fiery exchange.Watch incredible moment Lionel Messi’s son recreates Barcelona and Argentina icon’s goal against Getafe for inter Miami Two Inter Miami assistants then joined the heated argument with the intent of diffusing the situation.At that moment, Messi looked like he was going to leave the situation – until he returned and put his hand on Ballouchy’s neck.Moroccan Ballouchy appeared unhappy with Messi’s actions and gave him a cursory stare.That prompted Messi, who by now was walking off the field, to gesture towards the coach to come with him.It was a heated match that saw Miami’s Tomas Aviles sent off in the 23rd minute.Inter Miami are next in action in the CONCACAF Champions Cup first round on Tuesday against Sporting KC. More

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    Newcastle fans fume at Nuno Espirito Santo after spotting what Nottingham Forest manager did at end of 4-3 thriller

    NEWCASTLE fans have called out Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Santo for “sour grapes” after a dramatic contest at St James Park.Alexander Isak scored twice for Eddie Howe’s Toon in a rollercoaster 4-3 win on Sunday afternoon.Nuno Santo cut an exasperated figure as Forest went down 4-3 to NewcastleCredit: GettySome fans were convinced Nuno snubbed Eddie Howe’s handshake after the gameCredit: AlamyThe Wolves boss (right) was seen walking straight onto the field as Howe approached the dugoutForest took an early lead through Callum Hudson-Odoi but proceeded to collapse in spectacular fashion.Nuno’s men conceded four goals in just ELEVEN barmy first-half minutes – before almost staging an unlikely fightback after the break. Newcastle fans were adamant the Portuguese boss – recently named the most-loved in the Prem – snubbed his opposite number Howe for a handshake at full-time.TV cameras showed Howe walking towards the Forest dugout at the final whistle, only for Nuno to seemingly walk in the opposite direction and onto the field.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne fan wrote on X: “Sour grapes from Nuno not to shake Eddie’s hand at the end of the match today.”Another said: “He was all smiles before the game. Very unprofessional.”But a third countered: “He’s clearly going off to talk to the ref, please don’t make this out to be something it isn’t.”And a fourth agreed: “Not sure there was anything in this as Nuno and Eddie get on very well.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNuno was furious to see just three minutes added by the officials following his team’s second-half fightback.It was not apparent if he shook Howe’s hand after returning from talking to referee Jarred Gillett. Moment Nottingham Forest fans ‘try to bribe Anthony Taylor’ during VAR check as hilarious footage goes viralRyan Yates netted Forest’s third just before the regular 90 minutes elapsed. And the Forest boss was adamant his team should have been given more time to find a leveller. Nuno told Sky Sports: “First half, clearly Newcastle better. Second half was better but unfortunately not enough. Too bad, too soon.”We made mistakes. Newcastle made mistakes also. But it was two totally different halves. We started well, we scored, and they just rolled over us.”There was nothing else in the first half about us. Every time Newcastle had the ball they scored.”I wish there was 10 minutes added on. We needed that time. “We were on top, Newcastle were on the ropes. With 10 minutes I think we can get something from this game.”A relieved Howe added: “It was great to win. You have to remember that at the end. “Crazy game, but that’s why we love [football] I suppose.”READ MORE SUN STORIESForest remain third after the loss, three points ahead of fourth-placed Manchester City. Newcastle made ground in the race for the European spots, climbing to fifth and level on points with Pep Guardiola’s side. More

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    Philippe Clement SACKED by Rangers as Ibrox chiefs finally end boss’ turbulent reign after only 16 months

    PHILIPPE CLEMENT has been SACKED as manager of Rangers.Ibrox chiefs have finally decided enough is enough with Clement dismissed just 16 months after taking charge.Clement has been dismissed by RangersCredit: PARangers CEO Patrick Stewart (left) and chairman Fraser Thornton (right) watching on in MotherwellCredit: Willie VassAlex Rae was Clement’s first-team coach with previous No2 Andries Ulderink (centre) drafted in as assistant manager in the summerCredit: Willie VassSunSport exclusively revealed late on Sunday afternoon that Clement was set for the Ibrox sack.Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to St Mirren proved the final straw and the club have now confirmed the manager’s exit.Clement replaced Michael Beale as Rangers manager in October 2023 and won the League Cup less than two months into his tenure.The former Monaco boss also led Rangers into an unexpected title challenge, but it was a challenge that ultimately fell apart towards the end of the season.The Gers would eventually finish eight points behind champions Celtic.There has barely been a hint of a title challenge this season, with Rangers’ campaign all but over by February.The Light Blues trail rivals Celtic by THIRTEEN points and also lost the League Cup Final to the Hoops back in December.Dire form either side of a 3-0 league win over Celtic in early January led to major fan protests, with supporters WALKING OUT during the match with St Johnstone.Most read in FootballDespite fans demanding change, new Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart publicly BLACKED Clement last month.An upturn in form bought Clement some much-needed credit.The FIVE big questions around Rangers’ stunning takeover talks answered by SunSportRangers were on a run of five domestic games unbeaten when Queen’s Park visited Ibrox on February 9.However, Clement’s side would lose 1-0 to their Championship opponents in a result viewed as one of the worst in the club’s history.A video surfaced online showing Clement walking a gauntlet of some furious abuse as he left Ibrox following the humiliating loss.He would, however, keep his job.Speaking last week, Gers CEO Stewart branded that result ‘a source of shame’ but still insisted it was still wasn’t the right decision NOT so sack Clement.Those comments came before the dramatic developments regarding the financial muscle of NFL giants San Francisco 49ers closing in on a stunning takeover of Rangers came to light.The weekend would prove another horror show with Rangers, one that Clement branded the WORST performance since he took charge.The Gers fell to a 2-0 home defeat against St Mirren, the first time the Buddies had won at Ibrox since 1991.It was also the Saints’ first time recording back-to-back wins over the Light Blues for more than FORTY years.And despite the words of the chief executive last week, Gers chiefs have decided they can no longer back Clement as boss.The 50-year old has been axed just six months after signing a contract extension until 2028.Rangers’ form in Europe has been good, with a last 16 Europa League tie with Fenerbahce on the horizon.CEO Stewart had claimed the Light Blues’ excellent showing on the continent meant it was too much of a RISK to dismiss Clement.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut even that European performance hasn’t ultimately been enough to save him.PHILIPPE CLEMENT: THE NUMBERSGAMES: 86WINS: 55DRAWS: 16LOSSES: 15WIN PERCENTAGE: 65%TROPHIES: 1 (2023 League Cup)Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Sir Dave Brailsford questioning what he’s got himself into as he realises true extent of Man Utd disaster

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE can make all the cuts he wants — and the latest involves Manchester United’s training-ground canteen.It is understood that lunch for all but first-team players has been reduced to soup and sandwiches — and that includes coaches and analysts.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s right hand man Sir Dave Brailsford is wondering what he has got himself intoCredit: PAThe Ineos chiefs want to bin off many of Man Utd’s flops, but no one will take themCredit: ReutersThings have gone from bad to worse since Ratcliffe took charge just over a year agoCredit: GettyMeanwhile, this month’s FA Youth Cup 5–1 quarter-final win over Chelsea, which traditionally would have been staged at Old Trafford, was played at Leigh Sports Village for a saving of £8,000.But the cuts he cannot make concern the majority of the rabble that saved a point at Everton but almost no pride despite coming back from a two-goal deficit created by Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.Manager Ruben Amorim has already declared he is in charge of “the worst” team in United’s history.But against a resurgent Toffees outfit inspired by former Red Devils boss David Moyes and almost certainly denied a 93rd-minute penalty victory by a VAR call that Ratcliffe’s No 2 Sir Dave Brailsford might describe as a ‘marginal gain’, this was the worst of the worst.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte produced stunners to earn a point but United, before Moyes was sacked 11 years ago, were never this bad.Plan A for Ratcliffe would be to dump most of them, if nothing else to save salary costs.Because you would not get back even half of the staggering near-£500million transfer outlay on Saturday’s awful starting side.But why would Casemiro, aged 33 and playing like a midfield OAP, go?Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe is on £350,000 a week and has just declared that he wants to stay until his contract runs out at the end of next season.Of course he would say that. No sane club is going to touch this burnt-out wreck of a midfielder who once gloried in five Champions Leagues triumphs with Real Madrid.Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey gives verdict on Everton’s overturned penalty against Man UtdNot even the moneymen of the Saudi Pro League would go anywhere near paying him that kind of cash — and he surely knows it.Striker Rasmus Hojlund cost an initial £64m and he can trouser £85,000 a week until 2028.He has not hit the net in 16 straight appearances, is completely out of his depth, and even a League One team might doubt paying him even £5,000 a week.The list of so–called stars earning money as ridiculous as that spot-kick intervention by VAR Matt Donohue and referee Andy Madley’s TV-replay-change-of-mind goes on and on.If any player illustrates the financial hold that Amorim’s crop of pretenders have over the club, then that is surely centre-back Harry Maguire.He, along with Matthijs de Ligt, was guilty of pulling down Ashley Young for what should have been a stitched-on penalty.Man Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure.But in 2023, he refused to reduce his weekly wage after West Ham bid £20m for him.The former captain is on a one–year extension handed to him last month and is paid £195,000 a week.But Maguire, 31, would have been gone 18 months ago — except United refused to stump up the £15m he is understood to have wanted for leaving.Ratcliffe, who invested £1.03billion to take over the running of the football side of the club a year ago, must be wondering what he got himself into.SunSport understands Brailsford is now asking that very question.For there is no Plan B and Amorim is seemingly hell-bent on destroying his reputation for the sake of a 3–4–3 point of principle.United are not in a relegation crisis now but, with this lot, they will be next season.They owe £1bn, Amorim knows that if he wants to buy he must sell first — good luck with that — and, worst of all, under Ratcliffe’s leadership the club is facing an identity crisis.Moyes, sacked as United boss in 2014, will soon be able to indulge himself at a far different club to the semi-skint one he first left for Old Trafford.The new 52,888-seater Bramley-Moore Dock stadium will bring in an extra £80m a year, while new owners The Friedkin Group are worth £10bn and Everton are debt-free.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis summer, Moyes will be buying big while his former club are stuck with a collection of expensive fakes they cannot sell.The irony of all that will surely amuse him, even if he was spitting feathers following the penalty debacle that probably cost him a fifth Prem win in six games. More

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    Adorable moment Lisandro Martinez’s mum helps Man Utd star with rehab after devastating injury KO’d season

    INJURED Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez warmed hearts after sharing snaps from his mum’s visit.Martinez is in post-surgery rehab after tearing his ACL in the closing stages of Man Utd’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on February 2.Lisandro Martinez posted adorable snaps showing him hugging his mumMartinez is out for the season after tearing his ACL last monthSilvina helped her son with his rehab exercisesThe pair laughed as she urged Martinez to lift his leg higherThe Argentine is out for the rest of the season and is being supported by mum Silvina and his pregnant girlfriend.In his latest update after surgery, Martinez shared pictures from his mum’s visit to his Manchester home.The defender shared snaps of the pair hugging on his doorstep and a hilarious video of her helping him with exercises.His heartwarming Instagram post was captioned: “Thank you for hugging my heart and making me smile. 😁💖 I love you Ma!”READ MORE ON MAN UTDHis mum appeared to keeping his spirits up as she urged him to lift his injured right leg higher in the air.Martinez was wearing his Man Utd training kit and the clip showed him watching his team-mates lose 1-0 to Spurs last Sunday.The centre-back was laying on a rehab bed in his living room and his knee was covered in supportive tape.And fans praised the adorable moment, with one writing: “There’s nothing like a mother’s love and motivation.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another said: “This is so adorable.”A third added: “You’ve got this warrior.”Man Utd ratings: Casemiro disappearing into irrelevance as Real Madrid legend saved again by Bruno Fernandes One more wrote: “Even football players need their mothers.”The 27-year-old was stretchered off at Old Trafford against Palace after injuring his knee.The World Cup winner tussled for the ball with Eagles star Ismaila Sarr late on.But he appeared to get his leg stuck in the turf and was in serious pain.United have not won in the Premier League since his injury, losing to Spurs and drawing 2-2 with Everton this weekend.Martinez underwent surgery this month and gave up an emotional update on social media.He wrote on Instagram last week: “Today, after going through several stormy days where I allowed myself to feel and accept my sadness, helplessness, insecurities, fears, and a deep emotional imbalance, I am reconnecting with my essence and my values, which help me see things from a kinder and more positive perspective.”Thanking his club and the Argentine national team, he added: “I feel immense gratitude for the incredible work and support of @manchesterunited , @afaseleccion , my family, friends, team-mates, and everyone who took the time to send me a message of encouragement.Martinez showed he had the support of long-term partner MuriMartinez showed he had the support of childhood sweetheart Muri Lopez Benitez and their much-anticipated first child.The couple went public with 26-year-old Muri’s pregnancy last October.Martinez and Muri posted a photo of them holding their baby scan, with the defender writing in a message alongside their snap: “We are so happy that you came into our lives. Thank you for choosing us.”They later revealed they were expecting a daughter and have decided to name her Aurora.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince his £56.7million move from Ajax, the defender has had two operations on his foot and damaged the medical ligament in his right knee, although that injury didn’t require surgery.The Red Devils are hoping Martinez will be back to fitness for the start of next season.Martinez has been ruled out for the rest of the seasonThe defender left the field in tears on a stretcher at the start of the month More

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    Shocking moment footballer KOs opponent and leaves him sprawled on floor with sick punch as cup final turns ugly

    THIS is the mad moment a match in Uruguay got out-of-hand over the weekend.Paysandú Interior faced off against rivals Mercedes in the OFI National Selection Cup.A Uruguayan match between Paysandú Interior and Mercedes got out of hand at the deathThe home team prevailed in the first leg – beating the current champions 1-0.But, the game won’t be remembered for Kevin Guinco’s goal halfway through the second half.With two minutes remaining, tempers flared in the tight contest.A foul by the visitors’ player Mario Gonzalez led to a melee involving Enzo Echeveste, who charged towards his opponent.Read more football newsEcheveste grabbed Gonzalez from behind by his neck as Paysandú Interior players surrounded him.Unperturbed, Gonzalez swung a right hook towards Echeveste – connecting with his chin.The punch knocked the player out – leaving him motionless on the pitch as the perpetrator walked off.Unsurprisingly, Gonzalez was shown a red card for the act of violent conduct.Most read in FootballLast month, a similar incident happened on our shores when a frustrated coach hit out at a linesman.Football match descends into chaos with huge brawl and players punching each other Robert Williams-Jones was managing Amlwch Town FC when he grew frustrated at his team’s 8-0 scoreline.Just 15 minutes into the match, the 43-year-old was filmed landing a blow on the linesman – leaving him sprawled on the ground.Footage then showed spectators and staff rushing over to the dugout to help the official, whose age hasn’t been released.Williams-Jones pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm but avoided a prison term.The thug was instead handed a 24 week sentence suspended for 12 months at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court. More