Philippa Kaur

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    in Motorsport

    Max Verstappen goes full Jose Mourinho in controversial press conference just weeks before start of new F1 season

    MAX VERSTAPPEN channelled his inner Jose Mourinho during his press conference last night.The reigning world champion was appearing at Formula 1’s 2025 season launch event at the 02 Arena.Max Verstappen appeared at a press conference at the 02 ArenaCredit: GettyVerstappen, 27, was at Formula 1’s season launch eventCredit: GettyDuring his presser, Verstappen was quizzed about the FIA’s controversial new swearing rules.As part of its International Sporting Code, motorsport’s governing body has outlawed “any words, deeds, or writing that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members or its executive officers, and more generally interest of motorsport on the values defender by the FIA.”Drivers will be slapped with a €10,000 (£7,900) fine for a first offence.A second penalty will be met with a $20,000 (£15,800) fine and a one-month suspended ban.READ MORE IN SPORTIf they breach rules for a third time, they will receive a one-month suspension, $30,000 (£23,700) fine AND a championship points deduction.Last year, Verstappen was made to complete community service in Rwanda after swearing in his Singapore Grand Prix press conference.Asked about the new rules on swearing last night, he said: “I prefer not to speak about that. Otherwise I’ll get in trouble.”The moment was reminiscent of Mourinho’s famous “if I speak I’m in big trouble” post-match interview.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMourinho delivered his famous line after a defeat to Aston VillaHe said the famous line after a 1-0 Chelsea defeat to Aston Villa in March 2014.Verstappen went on to add: “If you look at everyone’s reaction to it, I think that says enough.Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in style”I think we shouldn’t take it so seriously. I’m also not going to tell you how you should behave in life.”Verstappen’s rival George Russell took a different stance.He said: “As an individual it’s going quite far with everything.”As drivers we do show personality but I do think there is merit and no need to swear in an environment like this [press conference].”The season is set to get underway in Australia on March 16. More

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    in Soccer

    ‘He’s really lost his head’ – Atalanta captain sent off for moment of madness after ’embarrassing’ blunder

    ATALANTA captain Rafael Toloi saw red as the Serie A side crashed out of the Champions League.The Italians went into last night’s second leg trailing Belgians Club Brugge 2-1 from the first match.Rafael Toloi attempted to throw the ball at an opponentCredit: TNT SPORTSHe then bundled over the Club Brugge aceCredit: TNT SPORTSThings swiftly went from bad to worse for Gian Piero Gasperini’s men, as a disastrous first half saw them fall 3-0 down on the night.Ademola Lookman pulled one back for the Serie A side moments into the second half.But after the former Everton and Fulham man missed a penalty on the hour mark, Atalanta’s hope began to ebb away.In the 86th minute, Toloi’s frustration boiled over.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs the 34-year-old went to take a throw in, he was needlessly bumped by Maxim De Cuyper.The red mist then descended upon Toloi, who tried to throw the ball at his opponent.It slipped out of his hand, however, and he fell over.Feeling embarrassed, Toloi got up and begun to charge at De Cuyper, who had turned and was walking away.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe referee attempted to get in the Brazilian’s away but his efforts were futile, Toloi bundling over his opponent.He went on to be sent off for his head loss, while De Cuyper was yellow carded.AC Milan manager walks out of Champions League press conference after just one question After the game, veteran boss Gasperini was disappointed at his skipper.He said: “That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads.”Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona.”On the winger’s botched penalty, the 67-year-old added: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them.”Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”Ademola Lookman botched his second half penaltyCredit: AFP More

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    in Soccer

    Andoni Iraola lined up to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid manager after stunning Bournemouth success

    ANDONI IRAOLA has reportedly been lined up to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid manager.The Bournemouth boss has made waves since moving to the south coast in 2023 from Rayo Vallecano.Real Madrid are lining up Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola as their next managerCredit: GettyReports claim Carlo Ancelotti could leave Real this summerCredit: GettyIraola has won 31 of his 72 games in charge of the Cherries.And this season has seen them reach new heights with 12 wins and just six defeats in 25 outings.As a result, Bournemouth now sit fifth in the table just one point off the top four while boasting a positive goal difference of 15.And according to the Mail, Iraola’s efforts have not gone unnoticed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s reckoned he has now made his way onto a shortlist being drawn up by Real Madrid chiefs of potential replacements for Los Blancos gaffer Ancelotti.The Italian, who won the Champions League during an earlier stint with Real, has led the Spaniards to two more European titles and two league titles since returning in 2021.Ancelotti is hoping for another double this term as Real sit joint-top of LaLiga with Barcelona, while also holding the advantage over Man City in tonight’s Champions League play-off.But reports in Spain suggest Ancelotti may retire this summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd while the Italian has remained coy on the subject, Real are now bracing themselves for the worst by drawing up a list of suitable candidates to potentially take over this summer.Former player and Bayer Leverkusen title winner Xabi Alonso is thought to be favourite, having rejected Liverpool last summer in the reported hope of eventually moving to Real.Ronaldo reveals cult hero Real Madrid team-mate was ‘very bad’ before turning to poker Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso is another option for RealCredit: GettyBut it’s reckoned that Iraola has now worked his way onto Real’s shortlist, having impressed club chiefs with his incredible job at Bournemouth.The gaffer will have just a year left to run on his contract this summer, putting him at risk of an approach from interested clubs.Tottenham are also thought to be keeping a watch on Iraola as they mull Ange Postecoglou’s future.But after turning Bournemouth into European hopefuls, Iraola may instead fancy staying put at the Vitality Stadium to keep his project moving forwards. More

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    in Soccer

    Man Utd ‘AGREE deal with Geovany Quenda, 17, as Sporting demand £50m for wonderkid transfer’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly agreed a deal with Geovany Quenda as Sporting Lisbon demand £50million for the wonderkid.Quenda, 17, is a versatile right sider who was given his big break at Sporting by United boss Ruben Amorim.Man Utd have agreed personal terms with Geovany QuendaCredit: GettyThe wing-back has scored twice in 37 outings this season.Quenda is rated as one of Europe’s top youngsters after joining Sporting’s academy from rivals Benfica in 2019.And United have been linked with making a swoop once he turns 18 in April.Reports in January claimed a deal was “assured” to take place this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmorim is looking to rebuild United’s squad to suit his 3-4-3 system and has already landed left-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.Now, journalist Ben Jacobs claims the Red Devils have upped the ante in their hunt for Quenda.The talkSPORT commentator reckons United have struck personal terms with Quenda on a long-term contract.He told talkSPORT: “The player has agreed verbally personal terms. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“He’s waiting to see if the club’s pre-agree (a fee) or wait until the summer.“And the price United are looking at is 40million euros (£33m).Gary Neville says he’s seen ‘nothing’ from Man Utd under Ruben Amorim “Sporting want a minimum of 60m euros (£50m). There’s a release clause at 100m euros (£83m).“So if United can get this one done south of 60m euros (£50m), it’s not only a good signing for now and the future, and a player Amorim knows really well, it’s also another deal they can potentially get without being forced to, for example Rasmus Hojlund, pay more than they ideally want to.” More

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    in Soccer

    Galway United secure Cian Byrne loan as Ollie Horgan backs squad for competitive season

    GALWAY UNITED have added Bohemians centre half Cian Byrne on loan until July.The 22-year-old was made available by the Gypsies following the return to fitness of Rob Cornwall, with United winning the race for his signature. Cian Byrne has moved from Bohemians to Galway on a season-long loan dealGalway United assistant manager Ollie Horgan is delighted at the signingAssistant manager Ollie Organ said: “He was on our radar, and most club’s radar. He had a very good season last year and he jumped at the chance to take him. “It really only transpired in the last ten days. We’ve a number of injuries in that area of the pitch and we’ve liked him for a long time. “When we were in the First Division, he was with Longford Town and he was outstanding in the games he played against us.”Byrne came through the Bohs academy and spent the first half of the 2023 season on loan at Longford before returning to Bohs, where he played in the FAI Cup final. Last season, he made 26 appearances for the Gypsies though he was not part of the matchday squad for the season opener against Shamrock Rovers. Meanwhile, Horgan believes that Galway United are in a good place this season – but admitted he has no idea where they will finish in what he expects to be a competitive league.He added: “I can’t speak for every club but I’d say the majority of clubs wouldn’t be able to answer you if you asked them where they are going to finish. “Last year, a serious club was going to be relegated and it happened to be Dundalk. You look this year, a big club is going to be relegated.Most read in Football“We’ve brought in players that we think can improve us, to try and improve our finish last year in the top half. “We’re going to have ups and downs with it with the quality that is in this division, the difficult teams are going to be playing away from home.Gigi Buffon’s son Louis scores his first goal in the Primavera 2 championship “But there is certainly a good feel factor, a ‘Let’s go at this’. If it’s good enough, it’s enough. If it’s not, it’s not. “There is no real fear factor, we’ll have a cut off it.” More

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    in Golf

    PGA Tour and LIV Golf Look for Merger Deal Under Trump

    A tie-up involving the tour and LIV Golf was stalled under President Biden. They’re aiming to forge a new agreement under President Trump.The PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund are racing to reshape their plans to combine their rival golf circuits, emboldened by President Donald J. Trump’s eagerness to play peacemaker for a fractured sport, according to four people familiar with the matter.Since the start of secret talks in April 2023, PGA Tour executives and their Saudi counterparts have been weighing how they could somehow blend the premier American golf circuit with the Saudis’ LIV Golf operation. But negotiators have struggled to design a deal that would satisfy regulators along with players, investors and executives.Mr. Trump’s return to Washington has offered a new opening: After an Oval Office meeting this month that ethics experts have said tested the bounds of propriety, the two sides are considering options that might have stalled during Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s presidency but that the Trump administration’s antitrust enforcers could offer a friendlier glance.The details of any prospective agreement, including LIV’s fate, remain in flux. In general, regulators would see any transaction that led to the dissolution of one of the leagues as anticompetitive; under Mr. Trump, though, antitrust regulators could take a more relaxed view.The two sides are looking beyond a simple cash transaction, though it is unclear how exactly the deal would be structured. The PGA Tour commissioner, Jay Monahan, has said they are looking at a “reunification,” but there are many complicating factors, including how to value both ventures.There is also the matter of how to handle any deal alongside a separate $1.5 billion investment in the PGA Tour by a band of American sports magnates.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

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    in Soccer

    Arsenal in Alexander Isak blow as Newcastle demand second highest transfer fee in HISTORY to sell star striker

    ARSENAL have been dealt a blow in their hopes of making Alexander Isak their new No9.Newcastle have no desire to sell the star and instead want to build a team around him.Alexander Isak could shatter the record for a move between two Prem clubs, set when Chelsea paid Brighton £115m for Moises Caicedo in 2023Credit: RexNeymar, now back with Santos, is the costliest player ever at £198mCredit: EPAReal Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe cost old club PSG £163m in 2018Credit: GettyAnd it would take nearly DOUBLE the reported £82.9million fee for them to even respond to any potential bids.That means the Swede would be the second costliest player ever – below Paris Saint-Germain’s £198m capture of Neymar from Barcelona in 2017 and above the £163m PSG paid Monaco for Kylian Mbappe in 2018.Isak, 25, has emerged as one of the most-coveted players on the planet since his club-record £63m arrival from Real Sociedad in 2022.He became the first Toon player since legend Alan Shearer two decades ago to hit 20 Premier League goals last term.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is already on 17 in the top-flight this season and is also looking to achieve icon status by ending Newcastle’s 70-year major trophy drought in the Carabao Cup Final next month.However, his red-hot form on Tyneside has caught the eye of a host of clubs across the continent but it is Toon’s Prem rivals that continue to be linked the most.Arsenal are desperate for a striker with their lack of one looking set to cost them in the title race again.They have held a long-term interest and are believed to be readying a swoop for later this year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMeanwhile, Wembley opponents Liverpool and Chelsea would also both love to sign him.Newcastle, though, are under no pressure to sell and have the hotshot tied down to a contract believed to be worth £130,000-a-week until 2028.Arsenal post new footage of Mikel Merino goal… but supporters are more interested in what Leicester fans are doingTOP 10 COSTLIEST PLAYERS EVERPREM clubs have been involved in four of the 10 most expensive transfers of all time.1 Neymar (Barcelona to PSG, £198m, 2017)2 Kylian Mbappe (Monaco to PSG, £163m, 2018)3 Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool to Barcelona, £142m, 2018)4 Ousmane Dembele (Dortmund to Barcelona, £135.5m, 2017)5 Moises Caicedo (Brighton to Chelsea, £115m, 20236 Jude Bellingham (Dortmund to Real Madrid, £114m, 2023)7 Joao Felix (Benfica to Atletico Madrid, £112.9m, 2019)8 Enzo Fernandez (Benfica to Chelsea, £107m, 2023)9 Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid to Barcelona, £107m, 2019)10 Declan Rice (West Ham to Arsenal, £105m, 2023)Despite reports claiming that Isak wants to “make a leap forward” and that he would be allowed to leave if a “fair proposal” was received should they fail to qualify for the Champions League, their stance is quite the opposite.A figure of £82.9m was touted – but Newcastle have zero interest in making just a £20m profit on Isak.Even if they do not finish in the top five, the club have come through three tough transfer windows without any major additions in order to bolster their PSR position.And Eddie Howe is not only determined to hang on to Isak, he hopes to finally be able to bring in several new additions in order to compliment the likes of the forward, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon.Newcastle have always been relaxed over Isak’s contract situation even when preliminary talks over a new package ceased last year due to the length of his current one.Although further discussions are pencilled in once this season finishes.Speaking on the situation earlier in the campaign, Newcastle boss Howe said: “I think with Alex he’s got a long contract anyway and we have to be really careful regarding our spending due to PSR. It’s not a clear-cut situation.Toon chief Eddie Howe would love to keep IsakCredit: RexArsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to capture a world-class frontmanCredit: Getty“We of course love him and are desperate for him to stay at Newcastle for many years and score loads and loads of goals for us, but I don’t see a short-term issue with his contract.”Isak himself has also stated that he is not thinking about his future, saying in December: “Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season.“There have been many such years where it has been talked about. “It doesn’t affect me. I am commenting on my situation in Newcastle, and I have never had any problem there.“I am fully focused on my task there and that we will have a fantastic season. “There are still great opportunities for that. I have no thoughts about anything else.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The only thing I can say is that a lot of information and rumours often come out. “Much of what I read is not true. So that’s about all I can say about the whole thing.” More

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    in Motorsport

    We won’t go back to being best mates’ – George Russell no longer speaking to Max Verstappen after F1 feud

    GEORGE RUSSELL has “no intention” of burying the hatchet with Max Verstappen following their explosive row last season.The pair went to war in last year’s finale in Abu Dhabi, with the British 27-year-old claiming Verstappen threatened to put his “f***ing head in the wall” by deliberately crashing into him at the Qatar Grand Prix.George Russell says he didn’t speak to Max Verstappen over the winterCredit: AlamyRussell and Verstappen fell out after clashing at the Qatar GPCredit: GettyFour-time world champ Verstappen was branded a “bully” by Russell — with the Dutchman hitting back by labelling the Brit a “backstabber” and “loser” after he won the race, with his Mercedes rival trailing in fourth.Russell — speaking at Tuesday night’s  F1 75 event to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary at London’s O2 Arena — said he and the Red Bull driver “hadn’t spoken” over the winter.He added: “I’ve got no intentions to, to be honest.“That happened last year. I want to focus on myself.READ MORE IN F1“Things got out of line last year. We are not going to go back to being best mates, that’s for sure. I have no concerns about him or his driving. “I made it pretty clear I’m not going to take it.“But now it’s 2025 and I’m focused on the job and the job is to win.“So I’m not going to change my approach, fighting him or fighting any other drivers. The goal is the same.”Most read in MotorsportThe situation between the pair is set to remain frostyCredit: GettyBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd Verstappen admitted he will put the issue to one side. He said: “I have no intention to continue any beef in February.”Meanwhile, the Dutchman laid into the FIA for their new extreme swearing rules for the upcoming campaign, urging them to focus on more important issues.F1 star Ollie Bearman gets suited up ready for the 2025 season driving for Haas F1 Team Fines will range from  £34,000 to £152k, while Championship points can be docked and race bans  handed out for repeat offenders.In Singapore last year,  Verstappen was ordered by FIA stewards to complete community work after dropping the F-bomb to describe his car.The 27-year-old said: “If you look at everyone’s reaction to it, that says enough.“In the heat of the moment when you get interviewed in your car, sometimes things slip out.“We grew up playing sports, it happens, you use a swear word.“We shouldn’t take it so seriously. I’m also not going to tell them how to behave in life.“You need to use a bit of common sense and, besides that, I prefer we actually focus on other topics — to try to improve safety, try to improve the overall performance of Formula One cars — instead of actually having to focus on all these kind of things.”Lando Norris revealed he expects McLaren to bounce backCredit: AlamyMeanwhile, British McLaren driver Lando Norris says his team have “no excuses” if they are not  competing at the front of the grid right from the off this season.McLaren won their first constructors’ championship since 1998 last year but Norris was runner-up to  Verstappen, 63 points adrift in the drivers’ standings.Red Bull had dominated the first five races which ultimately  left Norris with a mountain to climb.With the countdown to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 16 underway, he said: “After last year  we have no excuses, I guess.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the past we’ve had our fair share but honest and true excuses.“This year we  don’t  have any, we have nothing to hide behind.“We proved last year we have everything we need and everything  it takes to fight at the top and be  the best.” More