Philippa Kaur

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    Former Premier League striker Demba Ba lined up for shock job at top-flight club

    PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Demba Ba has been lined up for a sporting director’s job at a top-flight club in France.Stade Rennais are considering replacing their current director, Frederic Massara, with ex-Newcastle and Chelsea striker Ba. Demba Ba has been lined up for a sporting director’s job at a top-flight club in FranceCurrent Rennais sporting director Frederic Massara (left) is set to leave the club after one yearBa has kept busy since he hung up his boots in 2021. In 2023, he became a minority owner and director of football at Ligue 2 side USL Dunkerque. The club have been enjoying an impressive season, outperforming their sparse means. The fourth placed side are challenging for promotion to the top flight for the first time in their history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the club have reached the Coupe de France semi-final, where they will face holders Paris Saint-Germain.And now it seems Ba’s work has been noticed by Ligue 1 side Rennais.It has been a disappointing stint in the north of France for former AC Milan director Massara, who only joined the club in early July. Massara has borne the brunt of a failed summer transfer window, which saw the club spend more than £66million on unproven players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe signed a lot of young players, many of whom have since been moved on, such as Jota, Albert Gronbaek, and Glen Kamara. Gronbaek was shipped out to Prem strugglers Southampton in January.Chelsea transfer target gets instantly booked for pointless skill as all out brawl is sparked in derby clash And former Arsenal youth star Kamara was loaned to Saudi side Al Shabab after six months at the club.While Jota is currently starring for Celtic.Rennais sit 12th in Ligue 1, with nine wins from 26 games.Despite interest in Ba, RC Strasbourg Alsace’s Loic Desire remains the firm favourite to take over from Massara, according to L’Equipe. Ba spent one season with Chelsea in 2013-2014 and is remembered for his cool finish after Steven Gerrard’s infamous ‘slip’ at Anfield.The French-Senegalese star capitalised on Gerrard’s mistake to dent Liverpool’s title hopes in dramatic fashion.Ba spent one season with Chelsea in 2013-2014Ba’s first stint in the Prem was with West Ham, joining in January 2011 with the Hammers struggling against relegation.He scored seven goals in 12 league appearances for the club, including braces away at West Brom and Wigan, but he could not prevent them from the drop.READ MORE SUN STORIESDue to a clause in his contract, he was allowed to leave on a free at the end of the season.Newcastle ended up signing him on a free transfer in 2011, and he quickly made a name for himself as a deadly finisher. More

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    Man Utd treble winner, 46, looks unrecognisable with beard and new hair as he enjoys new life as a grandad

    A FORMER Manchester United star looks unrecognisable with a new haircut and grey beard.The ex-player in question, now 46, is currently the manager of National League North side Scarborough Athletic.This former United star is unrecognisable from his playing daysCredit: InstagramHe now sports shorter hair and a grey beardCredit: InstagramThe ex-midfielder also played for Middlesbrough and West BromCredit: InstagramHe took the helm back in 2021, four years after retiring from professional football.As a player, he starred for the likes of Middlesbrough, West Brom, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Man Utd.The midfielder made 252 Premier League appearances in total, with four Champions League outings also under his belt.Having joined United back in 1998, he played alongside the likes of David Beckham, Gary Neville and Roy Keane during his time at Old Trafford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDuring his three-year spell with the Red Devils, he won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Champions League.He was recognisable at the time for his long hair, which he would later hold back with a headband.If you haven’t guessed already, the player in question is… Jonathan Greening.The 46-year-old called time on his playing career in 2017 following a two-year spell with non-league side Tadcaster Albion.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAfter earning all of his coaching credentials, he was appointed the manager of Scarborough Athletic in 2021.During his first season, he led the club to promotion from the Northern Premier League and won the North Riding Senior Cup.Paul Scholes feels like Man Utd are ‘begging’ for money to build new stadium Greening is now contracted to Scarborough until the end of the year.The ex-United star lives with his wife, Anna, and the couple have three children together.He also recently became a grandad and now has plenty of photos and videos with his new grandson on his Instagram.Greening spent three years with Man UtdCredit: Getty More

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    Diego Maradona died in prolonged agony after going hours without being treated, autopsy reveals

    DIEGO MARADONA’S autopsy showed he died in prolonged agony after going hours without treatment. The bombshell details have reportedly come to the fore as seven medical professionals stand trial for culpable homicide over Maradona’s death.An autopsy showed Diego Maradona died in prolonged agonyCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe Argentina legend passed away in 2020 from a heart attackCredit: AFPThe Argentina legend and World Cup winner died aged 60 from a heart attack in 2020.And now, a forensic expert has claimed Maradona suffered in pain for 12 hours with an enlarged heart that weighed more than a football.According to Argentina newspaper Clarin, Carlos Mauricio Casinelli showed the court pictures of blood clots which apparently confirmed the “signs of agony” that Maradona went through.He claimed the football icon’s heart became double its size in the time leading to his death.READ MORE ON DIEGO MARADONAWhile Maradona’s organs are also said to have accumulated four-and-a-half litres of fluid due to his heart failure.And Casinelli argued that any competent medical professional should have been able to see what was happening to Maradona before his passing.Casinelli said: “The heart was completely covered in fat and blood clots, which indicate agony.“This is a patient who had been collecting water over the days; that’s not acute.Most read in Football“This was something that was foreseeable. Any doctor examining a patient would find this.“The water he had in his abdomen, in both pleurae and in his heart isn’t normal; it doesn’t form in a day or an hour.Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death “It’s been forming over several days. There’s no exact time. It could have been from the time he was expelled (from hospital) until he died.“This is likely to take at least 10 days, given the addition of cirrhosis and myocarditis.”Casinelli went on to describe the dark and dank conditions Maradona was left in before he died.He added: “It was a dark, partitioned room with a bed in the middle and a portable toilet.“It didn’t seem like a suitable place for what we later learned was home hospitalisation.”Casinelli’s claims were backed up by forensic doctor Federico Corosaniti.He said: “From my experience with the generalised edema, the difficulty he must have had breathing and exchanging gases, and the sounds in his lungs that are audible just by bringing his face close.“In my opinion as a doctor, it wasn’t a sudden event.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe seven medical professionals on trial for culpable homicide over Maradona’s death deny any wrongdoing.They face up to 25 years in prison if found guilty. More

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    Ed Sheeran reveals he was ten pints down before awkward Sky Sports moment that left Ruben Amorim looking fuming

    ED SHEERAN has revealed he drank ten pints before awkwardly interrupting Ruben Amorim in his first post-match interview as Manchester United boss.The pop star suffered an embarrassing moment after greeting Jamie Redknapp pitchside at the end of Ipswich’s draw with the Red Devils at Portman Road.Ed Sheeran drank ten pints before he gatecrashed Ruben Amorim’s interview at IpswichCredit: X @MenInBlazersSheeran interrupted Sky Sports during a live broadcast to say hello to Jamie RedknappAmorim joked about the incident after Sheeran apologisedCredit: Sky SportsSheeran, a minority stakeholder in Ipswich, had enjoyed the comforts of his custom made directors box, which he revealed he gutted and turned into a pub, pre-match.He revealed he had ten pints before and during the game, resulting in the awkward situation where he interrupted Amorim’s post-match interview with Sky Sports.Reflecting on the incident, Sheeran told the Men in Blazers: “Like that United game where I didn’t realise [Ruben] Amorim was getting interviewed. I honestly didn’t.”Jamie [Redknapp] said come and see me afterwards and I was wandering out afterwards. I’d had about 10 pints, saw Jamie, so I was like ‘Oh, I’ll go up and say hi to Jamie’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It was the wrong time – very clearly the wrong time – but I have learned my lesson and it won’t happen again.”Sheeran, 34, later apologised for his interruption and claimed he did not realise Amorim was being interviewed.He said: “Apologies if I offended Amorim yesterday. I didn’t actually realise he was being interviewed at the time.”I was popping on to say hi and bye to Jamie [Redknapp]. Obviously feel a bit of a b******, but life goes on.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”Great game though. congrats to all involved.”Amorim later joked about the incident and poked fun at Sheeran by suggesting he was stood next to the bigger star in Roy Keane.Man Utd legend Roy Keane is named Pundit of the Year at SJA Awards He said: “Here you are used to that, in Portugal it’s different.“For me, it was nothing. I was with Roy Keane, he’s a real star, it was really, really okay.” More

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    Ex-Man Utd star Memphis Depay sparks mass brawl with cheeky trick as FOUR red cards are handed out in derby clash

    BRAZILIAN football lived up to its typically feisty and manic reputation as Corinthians won their first title in SIX YEARS.Former Manchester United star Memphis Depay was involved in sparking a mass brawl during his side’s 1-0 aggregate win over rivals Palmeiras. A mass brawl unfolded during Corinthians’ clash with Palmeiras on Thursday nightCredit: XAnother incident saw Corinthians defender Felix Torres avoid a card for a foul on Vitor RoqueCredit: xPalmeiras manager Abel Ferreira was left fuming at the decisionCredit: xHe was sent off for his protestsCredit: xTorres was sent off just five minutes later for a second yellow card after another horror challengeCredit: xA hectic second leg saw FOUR red cards and 13 yellows dished out to players and coaching staff over the course of the match.Corinthians had taken a 1-0 lead into the second leg, defending a goal advantage at home to win the title and putting up a fight to do so.That lead was almost thrown away when Palmerias were awarded a penalty in the 68th minute following a rash tackle by Felix Torres.The 28-year-old went straight through the back of Vitor Roque and the referee had no choice but to point to the spot.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnbelievably, Torres got away without being booked, having already seen yellow in the first half – sending Palmerias manager Abel Ferreira into a meltdown on the touchdown over no red card being shown.Ironically, Ferreira’s fuming outburst saw him shown red by the referee instead.To make matters worse, Palmeiras captain Raphael Veiga missed the spot kick and Corinthians stayed in front.Boss Ferreira was soon vindicated though, as Torres was shown a second yellow card just five minutes later for another shocking tackle on Roque.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFrom there, Corinthians were doing everything they could to hold on to their lead and run down the clock – including time-wasting tactics.That saw Depay try and pull off a little bit of showboating by the corner flag to tick things along, but instead his showy trick caused a mass brawl as tempers boiled over.Memphis Depay balanced on top of the ball to waste timeCredit: xThe showboating saw him shoved off the ballCredit: xPlayers from both sides immediately clashedCredit: xMore players swarmed in and got involvedCredit: xThe insane brawl resulted in another two red cardsCredit: xMillwall fan is beaten up by gang of Crystal Palace supporters after confronting rivals in Selhurt Park standsDepay, who joined the Brazilian league in September, balanced on the ball to prevent the opposition defender from nicking it off him.The former Barcelona star was shoved off the ball as a result and a mass brawl between both sets of players ensued.Players from both sides and the substitutes warming up on the sidelines came together in a moment of madness.While the crowd inside the Corinthians Arena sparked into life at the sight of the fracas.The quarrel was subsequently reviewed by VAR, resulting in Palmeiras substitute goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba and Corinthians midfielder Jose Martinez, who had already been substituted, being shown red cards.Over 18 minutes of additional time were added by the officials at the end of the game, but Corinthians ultimately got over the line to keep the score to 0-0 on the night to win their first title in six years.Depay got the last laugh after helping his side win the titleCredit: EPA More

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    ‘We know Max is not happy’ – Red Bull F1 chief breaks silence after Verstappen likes post slamming Liam Lawson axe

    RED BULL chief Helmut Marko admits that Max Verstappen is “not happy” with Red Bull’s brutal axing of his team-mate Liam Lawson.The ruthless move to drop Lawson to sister team Racing Bulls and promote Yuki Tsunoda after two races was announced on Thursday.Liam Lawson has been brutally ditched by Red Bull after two races this seasonLawson has been replaced by Japan’s Yuki TsunodaMax Verstappen is frustrated with the decision to sack team-mate LawsonThe writing was on the wall after Lawson finished P15 at the Chinese Grand Prix and qualified last in both the sprint and the race in Shanghai.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was immediately asked, and gave no assurances, about Lawson’s future after the race – won by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.Lawson’s nightmare season began with him dropping out in Q1 at the Aussie GP, before crashing out of the opening race in Melbourne.Reports immediately suggested that Red Bull superstar Verstappen didn’t want Lawson so harshly replaced after two poor weekends in the RB21.READ MORE F1 NEWSThe Dutchman, 27, has been left disappointed and disagreed with the decision before it was made.He subsequently liked an Instagram post accusing Red Bull of “bullying” Lawson after the news was confirmed. And now Marko has broken his silence and accepted that the four-time world champion disapproves of the move.Horner’s advisor told De Telegraaf: “We know Max is not happy. But we need two cars at the front. Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Not only for the constructors’ championship, but also to help Max to his fifth world title. Then you can achieve more strategically in races.”We can use Yuki’s experience and form now. That counts. At the end of the day, that is to the advantage of the team. “And that also means to the advantage of Max.”Red Bull chief Helmut Marko admits that Max Verstappen is ‘not happy’ with their decisionMax Verstappen takes to the stage at F1 launch event at the O2 Tsunoda – who has far greater F1 experience than Lawson – will suit up for Red Bull for the first time at his home Grand Prix in Japan next weekend.Meanwhile, Lawson will return to second team Racing Bulls as team-mate to French rookie Isack Hadjar.The New Zealander, 23, broke his silence in a moving social media post hours after the decision was announced.He wrote: “Being a Red Bull Racing driver has been my dream since I was a kid, it’s what I’ve worked towards my whole life.”It’s tough, but I’m grateful for everything that’s brought me to this point. “To every one of you who’s stood by me, thank you for all the support it means the world.”Thank you to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls for the warm welcome, I’m excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places.”Lawson was the latest in a line of drivers dating back to Pierre Gasly in 2019 – followed by Alex Albon and Sergio Perez – who have struggled to emulate Verstappen in taming the mechanical beast created by the Red Bull engineers.Horner said: “It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We came into the 2025 season with two ambitions: to retain the World Drivers’ Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors’ title, and this is a purely sporting decision.”We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well.” More

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    Barcelona victory ‘could be overturned with LaLiga leaders suspected of fielding an ineligible player’

    BARCELONA are set to be investigated for fielding an ineligible player during their 3-0 win over Osasuna on Thursday.Osasuna have filed an appeal to the Spanish FA on the grounds of ‘improper fielding” of centre-back Inigo Martinez.Barcelona are reportedly being investigated for their win over OsasunaCredit: RexIt’s claimed that defender Inigo Martinez could have been ineligible to play in the fixtureCredit: RexMartinez, 33, played the full 90 minutes in the LaLiga clash despite withdrawing from international duty with Spain the week prior.The former Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad defender withdrew from Luis de la Fuente’s squad after a medical report from Barcelona detailed that he was suffering from a knee injury, as per a statement from the Spanish national team.Martinez was then replaced in the Spain squad by Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen.And Osasuna claim that Martinez’s inclusion in the LaLiga tie breaches Article 5 of Fifa’s rulebook.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA rule within that article effectively stipulates that any player who withdraws from international break with injury cannot play for their club within the five days following their nation’s last international match – unless explicitly agreed by the national federation.That could spell trouble for Martinez, who featured against Osasuna just four days after Spain’s Nations League second leg against Netherlands on Sunday.Now Barcelona could face punishment if found to have breached the regulations.A points deduction or a reversal of the result have both been touted as potential punishments.Most read in FootballBournemouth’s Dean Huijsen replaced Martinez in the Spain squadCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat could have a detrimental impact on Barca’s season after the win over Osasuna sent them three points clear of rivals Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.Osasuna, meanwhile, are desperate for points as they sit just one point above the relegation zone.Horror moment Barcelona star finds his tooth on the pitch after losing it in battle with Real Betis defender For now, it is unclear if the Spanish FA granted permission for Martinez to withdraw from the camp or not.While the last-minute nature of the match could also be a mitigating factor for the 27-time La Liga champions.Both Barcelona and Osasuna were given less than a week to prepare for the match after the fixture was rescheduled to Thursday night from it’s original date of March 8 last Friday, following the sudden death of Barcelona club doctor Carles Minarro Garcia.What does Article 5 say?Here’s a look at the working of Annex 1 of the regulations on the status and transfer of players…”A player who, due to injury or illness, is unable to attend a call-up of the association of the country of his or her nationality, must, if requested by that association, undergo a medical examination by a doctor designated by the association. “If the player so wishes, such medical examination will be carried out in the territory of the association where he or she is registered.”A player called up by his association for one of its representative teams is not entitled, unless otherwise agreed by the association concerned, to play for the club to which he belongs during the period that his release lasts or should last, in accordance with the provisions of this Annex, plus an additional period of five days.” More

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    Controversial goalkeeping tactic made famous by Jordan Pickford set to become thing of the past as new rule is clarified

    GOALKEEPERS will be allowed eight seconds from catching the ball to releasing it, in the latest attempt to cut down on time-wasting.The rule change – which comes into effect this summer – will prevent keepers from using a clever tactic often associated with Jordan Pickford.A controversial goalkeeping tactic is set to become thing of the pastReferees will have to count up with their fingers from three seconds to eightFans joked that Liverpool No 1 Alisson mimicked Pickford in a Merseyside derbyUnder the new rules, goalkeepers will concede a corner if they hold onto the ball for more than eight seconds.The change will stamp out keepers lying on the ball after routine collections in the penalty box.But while Everton star Pickford gets stick for this dark-art metric, virtually every other Prem stopper does it too.And fans laughed their heads off when they accused Liverpool No 1 Alisson of mimicking Pickford in the Merseyside derby in 2022.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe law currently states that teams will concede an indirect free-kick after six seconds, but it is rarely applied.Although, referees have dished out more yellow cards for different time-wasting tactics this season, including delaying the goal kick.But keepers will surely now move quicker, now that the rule change will see them concede a corner for violating the eight-second law.The count is intended to begin when the keeper has the ball in his hands or is bouncing it on the pitch – so no more flopping to the ground for ten seconds.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAfter just three seconds, referees will raise their hands and fingers to count down to zero, with a corner being awarded if the keeper has not played the ball.Positive results in trials across England, Italy and Malta have prompted the games rule-makers, the International Football Association Board (Ifab), to change the law for the start of the 2025-26 season.What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer windowThis rule will be implemented worldwide by 1 July, at all levels of the game from elite to amateur.It will also be in place for the Club World Cup, which runs from 15 June to 13 July.The new tournament features Manchester City and Chelsea, so Premier League fans will be able to see how Ederson, Stefan Ortega, Robert Sanchez or Filip Jorgensen cope with that countdown for the first time.Teams can also expect early casualties too.We already know how strictly rules are enforced when they are first brought in.Just ask Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard, who both got handed second yellow cards early this season for delaying the restart. More