Philippa Kaur

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    Taiwo Awoniyi placed in induced coma following abdominal injury that could have been fatal to Nottingham Forest star

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma after undergoing emergency surgery.The 27-year-old went under the knife after sustaining a serious abdominal injury in Forest’s clash with Leicester last Saturday.Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced comaCredit: GETTYThe Nigeria international suffered a nasty abdominal injury in Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City last weekendCredit: ALAMYHe underwent urgent surgery on the potentially fatal injury on MondayCredit: ALAMYAwoniyi suffered the injury after crashing into the post in the 2-2 draw at the City Ground and received immediate medical treatment before playing on.But he’d eventually be forced to leave the pitch, with further assessment discovering he’d need to have urgent surgery.The Nigeria international was rushed to the hospital it was confirmed on Monday and initial signs indicated the surgery had been a success.He had surgery on Monday night and remains in hospital, with the rest of the procedure set to be completed on Wednesday.READ MORE ON TAIWO AWONIYIDoctors had hoped to complete the complex procedure on Tuesday but were unable to, which meant that Awoniyi had to be placed in an induced coma.Forest issued a statement shortly after Awoniyi went under the knife but have yet to issue one on his current condition, although he’s understood to be “recovering well” from the ordeal. It read: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering well so far following urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City. “The seriousness of his injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game, and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first.”Most read in FootballThe statement also addressed owner Evangelos Marinakis’ angry reaction towards manager Nuno Espirito Santo at the end of the game, which they claim was due to his frustration over the handling of Awoniyi’s injury.It continued: “At Nottingham Forest, this principle is not just policy for us; it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner. “To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn’t just a football club — it’s family – and he instils that message in all of us.Taiwo Awoniyi left with blood pouring from his face after horror clash with Exeter ace in Forest’s FA Cup frustration”That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation that unfolded at the City Ground on Sunday.”His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment in one of our own. “He didn’t just see it as an isolated incident, but as something that reflected the values and unity of the entire team.”In moments like that he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence. “In the final ten minutes of the game, when he saw our player clearly in discomfort, struggling through visible pain, it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines.Read More on The Sun”His deep frustration at seeing our player lying on the ground in severe pain – something no one with genuine care could ignore – triggered him to go onto the pitch.”Awoniyi has made 32 appearances for Forest in all competitions this season, scoring two goals for the East Midlands club. More

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    Sky Sports leave fans ‘thinking they’re hallucinating’ after bizarre gaffe during Sunderland vs Coventry play-off

    FOOTBALL fans were left baffled when a glitch on Sky Sports altered the score of the Championship play-off semi-final between Sunderland and Coventry.With the score 0-0 (2-1 to Sunderland on aggregate) just 18 minutes into the match, the main graphic on the screen briefly changed.Football fans noticed a glitch on the scoreboard during Sky’s coverage of Sunderland vs CoventryCredit: Sky SportsThe score showed 2-1 to Coventry (3-3 on aggregate) when in reality the score was 0-0Credit: Sky SportsInstead, the scoreboard indicated that it was 2-1 to Coventry on the night and 3-3 on aggregate.Some fans were quick to pick up on the glitch and took to social media to comment.One person wrote: “Did anyone elses Sky Sports glitch out there and display the score as 2-1 Cov and 3-3 agg?”Another commented: “Anyone else see that score change in the Sunderland-Coventry game on Sky Sports? I thought I was hallucinating.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third said: “Guys did Sky Sports just have the scoreline as Sun 1-2 Cov (3-3) and then changed it back to the pre-game score??? Am I bugging??”While another joked: “Thought I had gone mad, but apparently Sky Sports have spoilers.”Sunderland had the advantage going into the semi-final second-leg at the Stadium of Light thanks to goals from Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda.Jack Rudoni got on the scoresheet for Coventry to keep the Sky Blues in it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSunderland went to drastic measures to stop Coventry’s secret weapon ahead of the second leg.The Black Cats allegedly moved the advertising boards surrounding the pitch closer to the sidelines to prevent Coventry’s long throw-in tactic.Frank Lampard shows his disappointment after Coventry defeat to Leeds More

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    Man Utd scrap their end of season awards dinner after worst Premier League campaign in club’s history

    MANCHESTER UNITED have decided against holding a post-season awards ceremony.Ordinarily, the Red Devils hold a gala dinner at Old Trafford every May to celebrate each team.Man Utd will not have an end of season awards dinner this yearCredit: GettyIt is understood that the decision was made due to the men’s first team’s poor campaignCredit: GettyClub officials also believe it would be inappropriate amid hundreds of ongoing redundancies authorised by Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PAGuests pay to watch members of the men’s, women’s and youth teams accept awards for their efforts over the campaign – including the coveted Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award which is voted for by the fans.The Times report that each accolade will now likely be handed out prior to United’s final match of the Premier League season against Aston Villa on May 25.Man Utd officials had not announced a date for the annual gala.SunSport understands they feel there is little to celebrate from the 2024-25 campaign.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThey also believe it would be inappropriate amid hundreds of ongoing redundancies.United have endured their worst Premier League campaign in history this term.On Sunday, they matched their all-time worst-ever tally for home league defeats in a single season.Ruben Amorim and Co now sit 16th in the Premier League table with just two games left to play.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordHowever, they still have a shot at silverware.United will face Tottenham in the Europa League final in Bilbao next week.’I lived at the training ground’ – Former Man Utd transfer chief lifts lid on most expensive window in club historyThe winner is set to secure Champions League qualificiation.Man Utd endured another difficult campaign last term.Having finished eighth in the Prem table, club officials cancelled the end-of-season awards dinner then also. More

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    Man City close in on Premier League’s most expensive EVER transfer as Florian Wirtz jets in for talks

    PEP GUARDIOLA has held talks with Florian Wirtz as Manchester City stepped up their bid to land the German star in a record £126million deal.The Bayer Leverkusen forward, 22, jetted in to Blackpool from Maastricht in Holland as City look to beat Bayern Munich to his signature.Florian Wirtz’s dad was met by a reporter after the meeting in ManchesterCredit: BildFlorian Wirtz’s mother spotted at a Dutch airportCredit: BildManchester City are hot on the heels of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian WirtzCredit: GETTYCity have held talks with the 22-year-old over a summer move to the EtihadCredit: GETTYWirtz, one of the hottest properties in Europe, travelled with his agent father to discuss a potential move to the Etihad before returning home last night.Boss Guardiola has identified Wirtz as his No 1 target as he looks to rebuild his City squad and replace club legend Kevin De Bruyne, 33. who will leave at the end of his contract in June.City’s offer would smash the British transfer record, which currently stands at £115m which Chelsea paid Brighton to sign midfielder Moises Caicedo in 2023.Wirtz, his father Hans and mother Karin took a private jet at 10am on Tuesday from Maastricht-Aachen Airport in the Netherlands to Blackpool, according to German newspaper Bild.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey were then driven to Manchester to meet with Guardiola, before flying back at 4:40pm.Apparently, the small airport behind the German-Dutch border had been chosen to avoid attracting attention.However Bild were able to get photos of Wirtz’s mum and dad at the Dutch airport as they returned to their car.A reporter approached Wirtz’s father Hans who shook his hand but chose to remain silent.Most read in FootballWirtz has spoken to Guardiola previously but the attacker is yet to make a final decision on his future with two years still left on his current Leverkusen deal.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut his club would rather sell to City than their Bundesliga rivals.He only last month returned from a knee injury, which saw him miss the Champions League last-16 tie with Bayern, but has still scored 16 goals and added 15 assists in 44 games this season.Bayern, who won the Bundesliga this term after losing out to Leverkusen last season, are offering £84m for Wirtz.The German was vital to Leverkusen’s unbeaten title triumph under Xabi Alonso in 2023-24.City have also approached AC Milan to sign Tijjani Reijnders, 26, although they are yet to submit a bid.Milan want around £60m for the Dutch midfielder, which would make him their biggest sale in their history.The two clubs still have a negotiation to complete over right-back Kyle Walker, 34, who is on loan at the Serie A outfit from City for the rest of the season.Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong reveals why he snubbed Liverpool and chose Man City last time Reds tried to sign himCity are also interested in Nottingham Forest star Morgan-Gibbs White, 25.However, Newcastle will fight off any City attempt to sign England star Tino Livramento.The 22-year-old has shone since stepping up to become Toon’s first-choice right-back ahead of Kieran Trippier.Read More on The SunChampions League chasing Newcastle do not need to sell any big names.Boss Eddie Howe  said: “The summer window will be a big one for us.”Florian Wirtz was one of Bayer Leverkusen’s star performers last seasonCredit: AFP More

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    Man Utd linked with fairytale transfer as they scout Cristiano Ronaldo Jr’s Portugal debut amid shock Tottenham interest

    A MANCHESTER UNITED scout saw Cristiano Ronaldo Jr make his Portugal Under-15 debut as a raft of top clubs sent representatives to the match.The 14-year-old son of the legendary former Red Devils No7 was cheered onto the pitch when he came off the bench in a 4-1 win over Japan’s Under-15s on Tuesday.A Manchester United scout saw Cristiano Ronaldo Jr make his Portugal Under-15 debutRonaldo Jr was also eyed by scouts from Tottenham and Bundesliga clubsWearing the same number his father wore with distinction during two spells at Old Trafford, Ronaldo Jr gave a few brief glimpses of his talent during a second-half run-out at the Vlatko Markovic tournament in Croatia.Ruben Amorim’s staff will add the scout’s report to their file on the youngster, who could earn a start in one of Portugal’s remaining matches against Greece or England.United will already know plenty from the 14 months Ronaldo Jr spent at their academy.He played alongside Wayne Rooney’s son, Kai, in the youth set-up when his father returned for an ill-fated second stint under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag.Read More on Man UtdThe Europa League finalists were among several high-profile clubs to send scouts to the match.United’s Bilbao opponents Tottenham were in attendance with up to 10 Bundesliga clubs also rumoured to be represented in the crowd.Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti report that Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Hoffenheim, Red Bull Salzburg, Inter Milan, Juventus and Atalanta sent spies to cover the game.The Portuguese players caught the eye with their superior technique and tactical appreciation, running out easy winners over the Japanese kids.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBraga forward Rafael Cabral was the star of the match and stole Cristiano Jr’s thunder by bagging a hat-trick before he stepped out onto the pitch.The 14-year-old honed his ball skills by playing futsal from an early age while his mobility allows him to operate just as effectively from the wings as he does from the middle.He is Braga’s top scorer in the youth league with 13 goals this season and leads a seven-strong contingent from the club in Portugal’s squad, which contains no players from the traditional powers of Benfica and Sporting Lisbon.Ronaldo Jr is following in his father Cristiano Ronaldo’s massive footstepsRonaldo had two stints at Man Utd before moving to Saudi Arabia and Al-Nassr More

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    Watford appoint little-known Uruguayan, 42, as new manager after controversial Tom Cleverley axe

    WATFORD have named a little-known Uruguayan as their new manager.Former Real Valladolid boss Paulo Pezzolano, 42 comes in just a week after the mid-table Championship side sacked Tom Cleverley.Paulo Pezzolano arrives having been axed by Real Valladolid in NovemberCredit: GettyWatford sacked Tom Cleverley last week after 19 months in chargeCredit: PAIncredibly, Pezzolano is the Hornets’ 22nd manager since Gino Pozzo became club owner in 2012.Cleverley’s axing angered many fans after he arrived as interim chief in March 2024 and landed the permanent job a month later.But the ex-Manchester United midfielder paid the price for Watford slipping out of play-off contention in the second half of this season.The Hornets picked up just five wins in 2025.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCleverley departed after Watford finished the campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Sheffield Wednesday on May 3.However, appointing Pezzolano appears something of a gamble.The ex-midfielder’s only previous managerial role in Europe was his last job.He was in charge of LaLiga team Valladolid from April 2023 until his sacking in November last year.Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKValladolid went on to finish bottom this term, with just 17 points – meaning relegation.Before that spell, Pezzolano bossed home-country clubs Liverpool Montevideo and Montevideo City, then Mexicans Pachuca and Brazilian team Cruzeiro.Pezzolano has landed his second managerial post in EuropeCredit: GettyWatford’s sporting director Gian Luca Nani said in a statement: “Paulo has a hugely impressive track record working with young players, which is essential when you look at the age profile of our squad.“He has had success at virtually every club, including league titles and promotions, but it is his work on the training ground that impressed the most when we undertook our research.“He has innovative ideas and processes which he transmits passionately to the players. “We believe Paulo is the leader we need as we refocus ahead of the new season. He is fully aware of our ambitions and determination to push for promotion and embraces that challenge.”Nani added: “The club achieved great success when making similar appointments in Slavisa Jokanovic, Javi Gracia and Xisco Munoz.”And we hope our fans welcome Paulo and wish him every success as we try to achieve the owner’s clear aim of challenging for a return to the Premier League.” More

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    Portsmouth release FIVE players including former Arsenal star after securing Championship survival

    PORTSMOUTH have announced the departures of five players after securing Championship survival.Cohen Bramall, Tom Lowery, Alexander Milošević, Anthony Scully and Kusini Yengi are all set to leave Fratton Park.Five players are set to depart Portsmouth – including former Arsenal star Cohen BramallCredit: RexBramall previously spent two years at Arsenal before leaving in 2019Credit: Getty – ContributorMeanwhile, loan stars Adil Aouchiche, Rob Atkinson, Kaide Gordon, Isaac Hayden, Freddie Potts and Mark O’Mahony will return to their parent clubs.On the exits, Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho said: “We would like to thank all those players leaving the club for their service and wish them nothing but the best for the next stage of their careers.”Kusini played a massive part in our memorable League One title success just over a year ago, while Anthony and Tom are both model professionals who I enjoyed working with greatly.”Cohen provided genuine competition at left-back after arriving in January, while Alexander offered vital defensive cover at a time we really needed it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I would also like to thank Sunderland, Bristol City, Liverpool, Newcastle, West Ham and Brighton for loaning us their players, all of whom had a role to play in securing our Championship status.”Bramall joined Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee in January and signed a six-month deal.But the 29-year-old’s contract has not been extended beyond this summer.Following spells with several non-league clubs, Bramall was signed by Arsenal in 2017 and went on to make 21 appearances for the club’s Under-23s.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe did not earn a senior appearance for the Gunners.The defender spent a season on loan at Birmingham before joining Colchester United in a permanent transfer in 2019.Portsmouth vs Millwall delayed after power cut as entire 21,000-capacity stadium is plunged into darknessBramall has since played for Lincoln, Rotherham and Pompey.Meanwhile, Lowery joined Portsmouth from Crewe Alexandra in 2022 but spent the last five months on loan at his former club.Milošević completed a short-term move to Fratton Park in March and now already finds himself without a club again.Scully, who spent the 2024-25 season at Colchester, is also among the players set to be released at the end of their contracts.And Yengi will also depart after two years at Portsmouth.John Mousinho has thanked the players for their contributionsCredit: Alamy More

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    Championship club announce decision to change badge after overwhelming fan support for new design

    MIDDLESBROUGH have announced plans to change their badge ahead of the club’s 150th anniversary next year.Boro initially proposed a badge change last March and subsequently held a consultation period with a group of supporters.Middlesbrough have announced plans for a badge changeCredit: PAClub officials conducted a survey with fans, held face-to-face conversations along with workshops both at the Riverside Stadium and online and even discussed the matter casually with individuals on match days.And now they have officially notified the FA of their intention to alter the badge.The survey from the club found that 57 per cent of supporters are in favour of the change, with 19 per cent against the idea.Middlesbrough have revealed that the change will take place from the start of the 2026-27 season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe new badge will then remain permanent.An update from the club read: “As well as providing extensive feedback across a cross-section of our fans; Season Ticket holders, match-going fans and long-distance supporters, based locally and further afield, young and old, there is a clear and consistent consensus among that feedback which can now be used to drive the design process.”The club would like to take this opportunity to thank all supporters who have engaged with the club on this project so far, and we look forward to sharing further developments in due course.”Middlesbrough ended the 2024-25 season 10th in the Championship table with 64 points from 46 games.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFollowing the final match of the campaign, head coach Michael Carrick revealed he expects to stay on despite failing to reach the play-offs.He told the BBC: “I’m carrying on. We’ve got a good squad.”My focus is carrying on to what I can say to the boys today, tomorrow, moving forward to get ready for another good season.”Ben Doak gives hilarious answers at Middlesbrough Q&A More