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    Inside very awkward F1 end-of-season dinner with Verstappen and Russell ‘sat as far away from each other as possible’

    MAX Verstappen and George Russell were sat as “far away from each other as possible” during the F1 driver’s end-of-season dinner.The Red Bull and Mercedes pair have been locked in a bitter war of words with Russell accusing the four-time champ of being a “bully”.Lando Norris posted a cheeky Instagram post stoking the flames of Max Verstappen and George Russell’s feudVerstappen and Russell were sat on opposite ends of the tableVerstappen accused Russell of being two-facedBut Russell has responded by labelling Verstappen a ‘bully’ and accusing the Red Bull ace of threatening himRussell claimed that Verstappen threatened to purposefully go out of his way to crash into him and “put my f***ing head into the wall”. It reportedly occurred during a heated private exchange following a controversial decision from the stewards last week.World champ Verstappen was furious at being demoted a place from pole position for driving “unnecessarily slowly” as they prepared for their final flying laps in qualifying in Qatar.The Dutchman later accused the Brit of “exaggerating” and being two-faced for the evidence he gave to the stewards.READ MORE ON F1But the two were forced into close proximity in what was sure to be an awkward and tension-filled end-of-season dinner ahead of the final race weekend of the calendar in Abu Dhabi.In a post on Instagram, Norris confirmed the pair were kept away from each other to avoid any face-to-face conflict at the meal.The McLaren ace shared an image of all 20 drivers smiling at the camera alongside the caption: “2024 dinner! And yes, the two you’re thinking about were sat as far away from each other as possible.”In the comments, Verstappen hinted at the “beef” between himself and Russell by posting a steak emoji. Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Mercedes driver shared the picture to his own accounts but made no reference to the elephant in the room, simply captioning it: “Class of 24.”Verstappen and Russell were all smiles in the image and were separated by five of their colleagues at the plush restaurant.Lewis Hamilton in awkward car journey with George Russell and Carlos Sainz after Las Vegas GPLewis Hamilton was tucked away in the corner next to Charles Leclerc, who will be his team-mate at Ferrari next season. And Russell shared an image of the dinner on his Instagram, where he revealed that former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas picked up the tab.Perhaps a loaded revelation, as tradition states that the world champ must foot the bill.Just hours earlier, Russell told reporters: “I find it all quite ironic considering Saturday night he said he’d purposefully go out of his way to crash into me and, quote, ‘Put my f***ing head in the wall.'”So to question somebody’s integrity as a person while saying comments like that the day before, I find very ironic.”I’m not going to sit here and accept it. People have been bullied by Max for years now.”And you can’t question his driving abilities but he cannot deal with adversity. Lewis stood up to him in 2021 and lost that championship unfairly.George Russell”Whenever anything has gone against him, Jeddah ‘21, Brazil ‘21, he lashes out.”For me, those comments on Saturday night and Sunday were totally disrespectful and unnecessary because what happens on track – we fight hard – it’s part of racing. “What happens in the stewards’ room, you fight hard, but it’s never personal.”He’s a four-time champion. Lewis is the champion I aspire to be – hard but fair; never beyond the line. We have a duty as drivers.”The meal, which was the last one to be organised by Hamilton as a Mercedes driver, is held every year to commemorate the end of the campaign ahead of the final race at the Yas Marina Circuit.Russell, 26, added: “The second he does not have the fastest car, he crashes into Lewis, slams his team and loses the plot.”Straight after, 25 per cent of his engineering team were sending CVs because they said they can’t deal with a guy like that.”Lewis stood up to him in 2021 and lost that championship unfairly.”Can you imagine Max losing the way Lewis lost it? [Former race director Michael] Masi would be fearing for his life.”READ MORE SUN STORIESVerstappen was crowned a four-time world champ after clinching the 2024 title with a fifth-placed finish at the Las Vegas GP, before winning in Qatar over the weekend.The 27-year-old has also just announced he is expecting a baby with partner Kelly Piquet.Verstappn and Piquet are expecting a babyCredit: GettyF1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    in Soccer

    I won fair and clean, says Jose Mourinho unprompted as he hits back after Pep Guardiola title dig

    JOSE MOURINHO brutally hit back at Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City boss reminded fans he has won more titles than him.During the champions’ 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, Guardiola lifted six fingers as the Anfield crowd chanted “you’re getting sacked in the morning” amid their seven-match winless run.Pep Guardiola reminded fans of the six Premier Leagues he has wonCredit: GettyFans dubbed it a Jose Mourinho-esque moveCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThe City boss made the gesture to represent the six Premier League crowns he has won.Fans dubbed it a Mourinho-esque move after he often lifted three fingers while at Manchester United in reference to the three titles he previously lifted with Chelsea. On being compared to the Special One, Guardiola said: “But he won three and I won six.”But we are together, it is the same in that situation.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn typical Mourinho fashion, the Fenerbahce boss incredibly found a way to fire back at Guardiola unprompted.When talking about getting used to the football culture in Turkey, he said: “When others provoke the fans against the referee, nothing happens, you know that. “I don’t want to lose my nature. I live in your country, I have to respect, learn and adapt. I just want to adapt to the things I participate in. “I want to win, but I want to win cleanly, fairly. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”If I can’t win cleanly, I prefer to lose. “Guardiola said something to me yesterday. He won six trophies, I won three.Pep Guardiola does a Jose Mourinho with gesture to Liverpool crowd as fans convinced Man City boss has ‘lost his mind'”But I won fair and clean. “If I lost, I want to congratulate my opponent for being better than me. “I don’t want to win by dealing with 150 cases.”Mourinho was referencing City’s alleged 115 breaches of the Prem’s financial rules.They have been accused of breaking the rules dating nine years from 2009.Guardiola joined City in 2016 and they won two titles under the Spaniard during that period.It is not the first time Mourinho has mentioned City’s possible breaches, saying: “As you know, we [Man Utd] won the Europa League and finished second in the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think we still have a chance to win that league, because maybe they punish Man City with points and maybe we win that league.”Then they have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal.”What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY began the season as favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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    Fans fume as ‘disgraceful’ TV fixtures for FA Cup 3rd round revealed with controversial match that ‘should never be on’

    FOOTBALL fans are outraged following the announcement of the televised FA Cup third-round fixtures.All-Premier League ties Arsenal vs Manchester United and Aston Villa vs West Ham will be broadcast.Aston Villa’s third-round clash with West Ham will be broadcast on ITVCredit: AFPBromley’s trip to St James’ Park to face Newcastle will not be shown on TVCredit: GettyThe other ties being shown are Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley, Manchester City vs Salford, Tamworth vs Tottenham and Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge.League Two Bromley’s trip to Newcastle will NOT be shown, while Harrogate’s clash with Leeds at Elland Road has also missed out on selection.And fans on social media have vented their anger at the picks.One said: “Villa vs West Ham should never be on there ever!!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile another added: “Villa-West Ham being on TV but not Newcastle against Bromley is a disgrace.”A third replied: “Aston Villa v West Ham instead of Newcastle v Bromley, Leeds v Harrogate or Chelsea v Morecambe.”Just can’t f***ing help themselves can they.”A fourth responded: “Aston Villa v West Ham and, as we all knew before the draw even happened, Man Utd are of course picked!Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe selected FA Cup third-round ties to be televised”Meanwhile, Bromley draw Newcastle and get nothing!!”And a fifth said: “Newcastle vs Bromley, Chelsea vs Morecambe, Palace vs Stockport or Ipswich vs Bristol Rovers were all there for a Friday night fixture and you decide to go with the boring Premier League option…”FA Cup clash DELAYED as referee is substituted after injury… with PA appealing for new official over tannoyVilla vs West Ham will kick-off the FA Cup third-round weekend on ITV on Friday, January 10.Liverpool vs Accrington is the Saturday lunchtime clash on ITV, before BBC shows Man City take on Salford in the evening.Sunday sees ITV host Spurs’ trip to non-league Tamworth, with the BBC taking Arsenal vs Man Utd.And the round draws to a close on Monday night when ITV4 screens Championship Millwall against fifth-tier Dagenham & Redbridge. More

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    Son fumes at Tottenham flops and tells them to applaud fans after Bournemouth defeat as fans brand them ’embarrassing’

    SON HEUNG-MIN furiously urged his Tottenham team-mates to applaud the travelling fans following their 1-0 loss to Bournemouth.Ange Postecoglou’s men went down to a Dean Huijsen header on Thursday night as they slipped to 10th in the Premier League table.Son Heung-min furiously urged his team-mates to go over to the Tottenham fansCredit: XHe was seen aggravated by their refusal to address the supportersCredit: XSon eventually got the players to go over to the away supportCredit: XThe Spurs captain applauded the fans following the Bournemouth lossCredit: XSince their resounding 4-0 win away at champions Manchester City, they have failed to win any of their next three matches against Roma, Fulham and Bournemouth.The Spurs supporters reacted furiously to manager Postecoglou when he went over to the visiting contingent at the end of the game.He later admitted “I didn’t like what was being said,” and that “They gave me some direct feedback”.But Spurs skipper Son, 32, still felt it important for the players to do the same as Postecoglou and acknowledge the fans by going over to them.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd when some of his team-mates did not seem to be doing the same, he aggressively urged them to go over.Son could be seen gesturing to head towards the fans despite the volatile reaction they were receiving.In response to the video on social media, one fan labelled the Spurs players’ reluctance to address the fans “embarrassing”.While another added: “Wouldn’t blame him [Son] for leaving, this is not the club he loved it’s a different pile of c*** now.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd a third said: “A real captain.”Son, who has been at Spurs since 2015, has scored 166 goals in 422 games for the club.Shock moment Ange Postecoglou confronts Tottenham fans as livid supporters vent X-rated fury at bossHe has four goals and four assists in 15 appearances so far this season, but the team’s inconsistency is frustrating supporters.And it means Postecoglou is under pressure heading into a London derby with Chelsea on Sunday. More

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    in Soccer

    Bournemouth star copies viral meme as celebration explained after breaking club record to pile pressure on Postecoglou

    BOURNEMOUTH star Dean Huijsen recreated a viral meme as he celebrated his goal against Tottenham last night.The Cherries defeated Spurs 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium courtesy of Huijsen’s first-half header.Dean Huijsen celebrates his goal against TottenhamCredit: ReutersHuijsen mimicked the chill guy meme that has swept social mediaCredit: Instagram @PhillipBanksAfter nodding home Marcus Tavernier’s corner, Huijsen mimicked the “chill guy” meme that has swept social media in recent days.Wearing a calm smile, the defender tucked his hands into his shorts as if they had pockets as he faced delirious supporters.Huijsen’s goal made him Bournemouth’s youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer at 19 years and 235 days old.The summer signing from Juventus was starting in place of injured Marco Senesi and could keep his spot for Sunday’s trip to Ipswich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Cherries boss Andoni Iraola was overjoyed at his side’s display, Ange Postecoglou felt heat from the travelling Tottenham supporters.After the game the Aussie appeared to speak to a fan during a tense exchange, as supporters booed him.Lifting the lid on the incident, Postecoglou, 59, said: “They’re disappointed and rightly so and they gave me some direct feedback, which is taken on board.“I didn’t like what was being said because I’m a human being but you’ve got to cop it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I’ve been around long enough to know when things don’t go well you’ve got to understand the frustration and disappointment.“And they’re rightly disappointed because we let a game of football get away from us. But that’s OK. I’m OK with all that.Ange Postecoglou ‘determined to get it right’ after Tottenham lose at Bournemouth “All I can say is I’m really disappointed (with the performance) and I’m determined to get it right and will keep fighting until we do.”Spurs will return to action on Sunday with a tricky London derby against Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Ange Postecoglou was involved in a tense exchange with a fanCredit: Getty More

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    in Soccer

    Carsley prepares ‘top secret’ dossier for Tuchel and reveals the two stars he wishes he could have called up for England

    LEE CARSLEY revealed he has been compiling a “top secret” dossier for Thomas Tuchel.The England interim coach is set to return to the Under-21s, but not before he completes his final task.Lee Carsley revealed the two players he wish he called upCredit: GettyCarsley is preparing a dossier for Thomas TuchelCarsley is preparing a report for Tuchel with the German set to begin in his role as England manager next month.The dossier is “top secret” but is understood to contain a detailed profile of every England player.Tuchel, if he chooses to read it, will be informed of each player’s strengths and weakness and what role suits them best.It is hoped the document will help to prevent any problems, as playing players in their best positions was key for Carsley during his reign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told The Times: “I thought it was important that we always try to play to the players’ strengths.“You’ve seen us do that in the past, trying not to ever ask players to do something they’re not capable of. We’re trying to get the best out of them. “Anything that we did in terms of adjusting tactically was based around what the players could do and their capabilities. I thought they all did really well.”Carsley called up several players for the first time who previously featured for him with the U21s, and against Ireland four scored on debut.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSForgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.But he wished he could have given debuts to two more stars who missed out due to injury – Liverpool’s Harvey Elliot and Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey.Carsley feels they would have adjusted well to the jump up to senior level, while he plans to involve a few new faces in the U21s including Jobe Bellingham, Jude’s younger brother.Lee Carsley hailed for ‘best football England have ever played’ as fans say ‘can we rip up Tuchel’s contract-‘ More

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    Van Nistelrooy set to raid Man Utd for wonderkid with ‘freakish’ training stats as he targets Leicester loan transfer

    RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is set to raid his former club Manchester United to improve his Leicester City squad.The Dutchman made a dream start to life at the King Power by leading the Foxes to a 3-1 win over West Ham on Tuesday night.Toby Collyer is on Leicester’s radarCredit: AlamyRuud van Nistelrooy is a huge fan of the youngsterCredit: GettyAfter a whirlwind first few days at the relegation-threatened club, Van Nistelrooy is identifying areas of the team he wants to improve in the January transfer window.SunSport has learned the ex-Man Utd interim is planning to use his contacts at Old Trafford to sign starlet Toby Collyer.Van Nistelrooy is set to make a loan bid for the 20-year-old midfielder.The new Leicester boss believes he could be a key asset in their battle to avoid the drop.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe worked closely with Collyer during his time as assistant to Erik ten Hag.The highly-rated youngster has produced “freakish” running stats in training that can only be bettered by Bruno Fernandes. United have no interest in selling Collyer, who joined the club’s academy two years ago from Brighton.But they could be open-minded to a loan move, especially to a manager who they know will give him opportunities in the first-team.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCollyer made his senior debut in the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City in August.He has since featured twice, including as half-time sub for Casemiro as United were beaten 3-0 by Liverpool in the Premier League.Pundit Steve Sidwell has tipped Collyer to be a “shining star just like Kobbie Mainoo”.Gary Neville throws DRINK over Carragher after Liverpool blow Newcastle lead as fans say ‘he was gonna go for him there’ More

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    ‘Congratulations on renewing your contract’ – Liverpool star Mo Salah has signed new deal, claims ex-Egypt international

    MOHAMED SALAH has penned a new deal with Liverpool, it’s sensationally been claimed.The Egypt international’s current contract with the Merseysiders expires at the end of the season.Mohamed Salah’s contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the seasonCredit: REXThe Egypt international has hinted that he could leave Anfield this summerCredit: REXBut former Egypt star Haytham Farouk has claimed Salah has inked a new dealCredit: X@HAYTHAMFAROUKThe 32-year-old revealed late last month that the club hadn’t approached him about penning a new deal.But it’s now been claimed that the winger – who was the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia last summer – has extended his stay at Anfield.Former Egypt international Haytham Farouk made the stunning claim on X along with a snap of himself smiling with Salah.He wrote: “Congratulations on renewing your contract with the number you like and the period you want. READ MORE ON SALAH”The Egyptian king rules with his own judgments.”Farouk’s post spread like wildfire and received a slew of comments from Liverpool fans.One wrote: “Oh rahh!”Another said: “I want this to be true.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFive Mo Salah strops at LiverpoolFive times things have got heated during Mo Salah’s Liverpool career.West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024Salah gets into a heated argument with Klopp as he refuses to shake the manager’s hand before coming on at the London Stadium.Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024Salah shakes his head as he is subbed off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the basement club.Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023Salah storms off the pitch after being replaced on 77 minutes on the first day of the season.Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020Salah throws his arms up in the air and barely looks at Klopp after being subbed off. Brighton go on to equalise with a last minute penalty.Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019Salah gets in a public spat with Sadio Mane after failing to pass to the winger. Team-mate Roberto Firmino says the row had been brewing for some time.Read the full article from Jack RosserAnd another said with a praying emoji: “Please be real, please be real.”One remarked: “Lad, you better not be having me on.”Mo Salah admits he’s ‘more OUT than in’ as he piles pressure on Liverpool to offer him a new contractAnother chimed in: “If you’re lying I’ll punch your head off you idiot.”Salah has been Liverpool’s star performer this season and played a major role in the Reds establishing a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.The former Chelsea and Roma man has scored a whopping 15 goals and racked up 12 assists in 21 appearances in all competitions.Reds supporters are eager for Salah to extend his stay on Merseyside, although the fan favourite hinted that he could soon be moving on after their 2-0 win over Manchester City last Sunday.“Honestly that’s what’s in my head,” he told Sky Sports when asked if it will be the last time he faces Pep Guardiola’s men at Anfield.“This is in all probability the last City game I will play for Liverpool so I am just going to enjoy it.“The atmosphere was incredible so I will enjoy every second here.“Hopefully we just win the league and will see what will happen.”Kop icon Jamie Carragher demanded Salah be given a new deal after his exploits in Wednesday’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle.Days after claiming Salah was “selfish”, Carragher roared: “”Give him what he wants.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Manchester United defender Gary Neville responded: “F*** off honestly. “Sat there asking for a draw, honestly.” More