Philippa Kaur

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    Football fans admit soaking themselves in beer and smashing phones… take the test to find out if you’re a diehard

    FOOTIE fans have admitted to soaking themselves in alcohol and smashing up their devices during games – but what type of supporter are you?From how many matches you watch – live or on the TV – to how often you take part in fantasy football leagues, discover which category you fall into in this quiz.Take the test to see what type of footie fan you areReal Madrid fans create a wall of white shirts and flagsAnswer these questions and discover if you really are a diehard fan, or merely a spectator.It comes as research found a third of football fans are so passionate about the sport they have soaked themselves in beer, ripped clothing – and even smashed their phones.Some 36 per cent admit they have encountered a football fail when celebrating a goal being scored.The study was commissioned by tech brand, HONOR, which wrapped an entire bar in the centre of Barcelona in bubble wrap for fans watching Barca take on Bayern Munich – to ensure no mishaps happen.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA spokesperson for the brand said: “Football fans are arguably the heart and soul of the game.”Their passion, dedication and unwavering support can create an atmosphere unlike any other, both in the stadium and beyond.“Whether cheering from the stands or watching from home, fans fuel the excitement, making every match a spectacle of unity, pride and love for the sport.“However, our research shows that this passion can sometimes lead to all sorts of funny mishaps – often involving personal belongings.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe poll of more than 1,000 supporters of the beautiful game also found pouring an entire drink over themselves (12 per cent), ripping a favourite item of clothing (eight per cent), and smashing their phone screen (seven per cent) were among the top mishaps.More than four in 10 (41 per cent) admit to often getting carried away with the excitement during a football match.Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’But 64 per cent say these fails were totally worth it, just to see a goal being scored.The study also found 14 per cent of fans are less concerned about their belongings when celebrating during a match.Although 12 per cent say they are more susceptible to damaging their personal things when watching their football team.Items which have been victims of these celebrations include drinks (19 per cent), food (13 per cent), and keys (10 per cent).Flares are often lit at Borussia Dortmund and St. Pauli matches in the BundesligaAnd one in ten have thrown their phone in the air, according to the OnePoll.com data.The spokesperson for Honor added: “Despite these football fails, it seems fans think it’s all worth it in the end to see their favourite team score a goal.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Nothing can beat the roar of the crowd and the thrill of seeing the ball hit the back of the net.“It’s a surge of adrenaline and pride that stays with you long after the match ends and is what makes football the beautiful game that it is.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’

    AN incredible video has shown how the prestigious Ballon d’Or trophy is beautifully handcrafted.The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on Monday at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. Fans were in awe after spotting how the Ballon d’Or trophy is madeTwo brass plates are soldered together by a distinguished French jewellerThe ball is then immersed in gold and engravedThe Ballon d’Or trophy – which, as its French name suggests, takes the form of a golden ball – is worth somewhere in the region of £2,400.It is made with two brass plates which are soldered together to create the shape of a football, before lined markings are drawn on the outside.Afterwards it’s dipped in gold and engraved with the “Ballon d’Or” logo.The final touch is a layer of pyrite crystals – which gives the trophy a stunning rock like appearance.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIncluding its pyrite base, the award measures 31 cm in height and 23 cm in diameter and weighs just over 7 kg. The coveted prize, awarded to the world’s best footballer, is handmade by a team at French Jewellery House Mellerio dits Meller.It is a meticulous process that takes more than 100 hours to complete – which amounts to about four days.And fans were blown away by it’s simple, yet careful, design.Most read in FootballIt takes more than 100 hours to finishThe final touch is a layer of crystals on a pyrite baseFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne social media user wrote: “Why does it feel so weird? It’s something so prestigious, and it’s made just like that.”While another said: “Wow amazing!”Karim Benzema shows off incredible Ballon d’Or watch after responding to Ronaldo snub as he’s tipped for career changeA third added: “This is crazy seeing how it’s actually made.”One more replied: “I never realised it’s hollow inside, but it makes perfect sense.”What is the Ballon d’Or?The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by French magazine France Football since 1956.This prestigious trophy is awarded to the world’s best footballer of the year and is a true work of art – just like the players who earn it.This year, Uefa — European football’s governing body — will help organise the award for the first time.Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or trophies won – eightWho are the favourites?Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Manchester City’s Rodri are favourites to lift this year’s prize on Monday. Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal have also been nominated.Lionel Messi leads the way with eight Ballon d’Or wins between 2009 and 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo has five. The pair have dominated the men’s award in recent history but, for the first time in 21 years, neither has been nominated.Who decides the Ballon d’Or winners?The Ballon d’Or is decided by 100 journalists, one from each of FIFA’s 100 top-ranked member nations (top 50 for the women’s award). Each journalist makes their top 10 pick from the 30-player shortlist and there are different point values for each.READ MORE SUN STORIESFirst: 15 pointsSecond: 12 pointsThird: 10 pointsFourth: Eight pointsFifth: Seven pointsSixth: Five pointsSeventh: Four pointsEighth: Three pointsNinth: Two pointsTenth: One pointEarning the most points wins you the Ballon d’Or. In the unlikely event of a tie, the winner would be decided by first-place votes. More

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    Man City ‘identify Erling Haaland replacement that would be a bitter blow to Arsenal transfer plans’

    MANCHESTER CITY have lined up a potential replacement for Erling Haaland, according to reports.Haaland, 24, has once again shown his lethal edge this season with 13 goals in 12 games in all competitions.Man City transfer chiefs have lined up their Erling Haaland replacementCredit: GettyHe netted an acrobatic stunner against Sparta PragueCredit: RexViktor Gyokeres is one of Europe’s most lethal strikers of the past two seasonsCredit: ReutersHe added two more goals to his collection – the first being an acrobatic stunner – on Wednesday night as City won 5-0 against Sparta Prague.However, Haaland is rumoured to be mulling over his future for 2026, with a possible move to Spain on the cards thanks to a £125million release clause in his contract.With that in mind, City transfer chiefs have wasted no time in drawing up plans to replace the clinical Norwegian.And they have landed on one of Europe’s most prolific attackers of the past two seasons, Viktor Gyokeres.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 26-year-old who has previously linked to Arsenal, is remarkably keeping pace with Haaland this season with 13 goals and four assists in 13 games for Sporting Lisbon.He joined the Portuguese outfit in the summer of 2023 after a stellar campaign with Coventry that saw him score 22 goals and add 12 assists in 50 games.The Swede’s debut season in Portugal marked his card as a top forward, scoring 43 goals and adding 15 assists in 50 games – more than Haaland’s 38 goals and five assists in 45 games.According to Sky Sports, the reigning Premier League champions have already contacted the representatives of Gyokeres about coming to the Etihad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA significant boost to a possible deal is incoming director of football Hugo Viana, who will arrive from Sporting at the end of the season to replace Txiki Begiristain after 12 years in the job.This has led to speculation about Sporting manager Ruben Amorim also swapping Lisbon for Manchester, with Pep Guardiola openly saying he is unsure whether he will quit City when his contract expires.Man City player ratings: Even Pep Guardiola can’t believe how good Erling Haaland is as new Samba man fails to shine (1)City host Southampton in the league on Saturday before a trip to Tottenham in the League Cup. More

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    Man Utd owners the Glazers and Chelsea director in race to buy another team in £650million league

    MANCHESTER UNITED owners the Glazer family and Chelsea chief Jonathan Goldstein are in the race to buy one of The Hundred cricket teams.The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are looking for investors in the league.Bids of over £100m have gone in for London SpiritCredit: GettyThe Glazers are thought to be keen on one of the clubsCredit: GettyJonathan Goldstein, left, appears keen ahead of the second round of biddingCredit: GettyThe Hundred, which is a short-form 100-ball event that started in 2021, has eight clubs that are valued at a combined £650million.With the opening round of bidding slamming shut this week, The Telegraph claim the ECB are “delighted” with the amount of interest.Over 100 offers have supposedly been placed for the eight teams.Capital-based sides London Spirit and Oval Invincibles have attracted proposals worth between £120m and £140m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDeloitte and The Raine Group are in charge of the bidding war.The latter played a key role in the sale of Chelsea to Todd Boehly in 2022 and in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Man Utd this year.And with the investment bank involved, chiefs from both clubs have come forward for cricket.Goldstein, who is Boehly’s business partner, has reportedly asked for further information on the second round of bidding. Most read in CricketFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd the Glazers, excluding Joel, have also come to the crease in recent weeks.It is not clear which one of the eight teams the family, who are still hated among Man Utd fans for using massive loans to purchase the club for £790m in 2005, want to buy.Awkward moment BBC legend leaves co-star ‘blushing’ after cheeky ill-timed comment live on air in England cricket clash But they could be competing against India’s richest family, the Ambanis, who have an eye on London Spirit.The valuations from the first round of bidding are for 100 per cent of the teams.ECB chiefs will sell their 49 per cent stake in each, with the cash raised set to be pumped back into the cricket.The other 51 per cent will be given to the host counties.They will then have the choice of what to do with their share.Surrey reportedly wantto keep their 51 per cent stake of the Oval Invincibles.But other counties could be open to selling their entire share.The Hundred teamsBirmingham PheonixLondon SpiritManchester Originals Northern Superchargers Oval InvinciblesSouthern BraveTrent RocketsWelsh Fire More

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    Steven Gerrard admits scheduling Al-Ettifaq training around watching Liverpool – even if it means late night sessions

    STEVEN GERRARD has revealed he schedules Al-Ettifaq training around watching Liverpool games.The Reds legend, 44, has been in charge of the Saudi Arabian club since July 2023.Steven Gerrard has been scheduling Al-Ettifaq training around Liverpool gamesCredit: GettyThe Reds icon still has a keen interest in his boyhood clubCredit: PA:Press AssociationThey sit ninth in the league with three wins from their opening seven matches.And Gerrard has admitted he has aggravated his own players by pushing training back until late in the evening so he can watch Liverpool.Speaking to The Redmen TV, he said: “John [Achterberg, goalkeeping coach] and I have got more than one eye on it. We put all our schedule around the Liverpool games.”The players are onto me now; we’ve been training at 9 or 10 at night.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLocal Saudi time is two hours ahead of Britain’s GMT time zone.For example, this means 3pm kick-offs in the Premier League finish around 7pm in Saudi.Arne Slot’s Liverpool have made a sensational start to life after Jurgen Klopp.They have won 11 of their 12 games in all competitions and sit top of the Premier League table.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey also sit second in the Champions League league phase having won all three matches against AC Milan, Bologna and RB Leipzig.But their biggest test of the season so far comes on Sunday when they travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal.Roy Keane fumes Man Utd ‘wouldn’t have tolerated’ Xabi Alonso’s behaviourThree points would see Slot’s men open up a seven-point lead over the Gunners after just nine matches.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    ‘Why should a player have to be from a country and not the manager’ says Wenger as he questions Tuchel as England boss

    ARSENE WENGER is the latest person to wade in on the England manager debate following the appointment of Thomas Tuchel.Despite his stellar CV as a coach at club level – including a Champions League win with Chelsea – some have questioned whether the manager of a country should be someone who is not from there. Arsene Wenger is the latest to wade into the England manager debateCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel was appointed earlier this month, though some have questioned the appointment due not being home the nationCredit: PALegendary Arsenal boss Wenger, now FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, gave his verdict while appearing on beIN Sports.The 75-year-old said: “I always thought the national team is a part-time job with 10 games per year, and I prefer to play 60.”Wenger revealed he had received offers to be the national team manager of both France and Germany, before adding: “To me on that front, I prefer that the manager is from the country.”Why should the player have to be from a country and not the manager? There is a big inference.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTo that end, Wenger said he would have felt “uncomfortable” managing Germany.He then doubled down on previous statements where he had said England should take an English manager.He continued: “I haven’t changed my mind. Now they appoint Tuchel. I think Tuchel is a perfect coach and a perfect candidate, but he’s not English.”But it’s allowed so there is nothing wrong with that. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I just feel – to make it as simple as possible – If I’m the manager of England and I play against France I cannot sing the national anthem of France.”Tuchel, 51, was appointed to the Three Lions role as the permanent successor to Gareth Southgate after he stepped down following Euro 2024, but will not take charge of his first games until next year.Thomas Tuchel’s first England XI predicted by Jamie Carragher with ultra-attacking team and one-cap international The former Blues, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund boss signed an 18-month contract worth £5million-a-year to see him lead England into the World Cup in 2026. At his first press conference, Tuchel sarcastically apologised for his German passport and received an apology from a reporter over a “flippant” comment about the chances of winning a trophy.Tuchel then gave his opinion on singing the national anthem.ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England jobHe said: “I understood from Mark [Bullingham] it is a personal decision if you sing it. Some managers did it and others did not.”I have not made my decision. Your anthem is very moving, I experienced it several times at Wembley and in cup finals.”Whatever decision I make, I will always show my respect to my new role, the country and a moving anthem. READ MORE SUN STORIES”As it is a new subject, I will take a little bit of time.”Interim boss Lee Carsley – who is a former Ireland international – has opted against singing it during his time in charge, with his final two games coming next month.Forgotten 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. 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    Premier League chiefs fear ‘unprecedented and untested powers’ for regulator risks wrecking English football

    PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs fear “unprecedented and untested powers” given to the new independent regulator could wreck English football.The government’s Football Governance Bill will be introduced in the House of Lords today.Premier League chiefs have concerns about the new regulatorCredit: GettyA clause requiring the regulator to consider government “foreign and trade policy” when approving club takeovers — which threatened to see Uefa boot England out of the Euros over political interference — has been withdrawn.Prem bigwigs still fear “rigid, banking-style regulation could have a negative impact on the league’s competitiveness and the aspiration that drives our global appeal and growth.”But the regulator has been backed by EFL chief Rick Parry.He said: “The bill has been framed in a way that will enable the new regulator to protect and achieve the sustainability of clubs across the entire football pyramid.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNew regulator powers in the bill include parachute payments for relegated clubs, consulting fans on ticket pricing and home stadium relocations, plus ­supporter representation at clubs.Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy declared: “English football is one of our greatest exports and a source of ­national pride.“But for too long financial instability meant loyal fans risked losing their cherished clubs as a result of mismanagement and reckless spending.“This bill seeks to redress the balance, putting fans back at the heart of the game, taking on rogue owners and crucially helping put clubs up and down the country on a sound financial footing.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSports Minister Stephanie Peacock added: “This strengthened bill puts fans firmly back at the centre of the game.”More than 200 fan groups signed an open letter from the Football Supporters’ Association earlier this year, calling on all parties to back  the new bill.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanUefa general secretary Theodore Theodoridis had said the “foreign policy” clause would amount to government interference — risking the “ultimate sanction” of excluding teams from their competitions.England are due to co-host the Euro 2028 with the other home nations and Ireland. More

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    Delia Smith steps down as Norwich City director after 28 YEARS and legendary cook given new role within club

    DELIA SMITH has stepped down as Norwich City director and will take up a new role at the club.The TV chef agreed to hand over her majority stake to American consortium Norfolk Holdings in the summer.Delia Smith has stepped down from her role as Norwich chiefCredit: GettyThe TV chef and husband Michael Wynn-Jones are now honorary life presidentsCredit: GettySmith has not received a penny for passing on the reigns and gives up control to secure the “long-term financial security of the club”.The 85-year-old and her husband Michael Wynn Jones will reportedly still own ten per cent of the Canaries.And the duo will still attend games in their new role as “honorary life presidents”.Smith has been on Norwich’s board for 28 years after buying the team she supports in November 1996.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe was invited to invest in the club amid their financial struggles following relegation from the Premier League.The cook pumped in £2million before becoming the majority shareholder a couple of years later.Smith also revamped the catering at Carrow Road and famously tried to rally supporters in 2005 with a passionate half-time speech, saying: “Where are you? Where are you? Let’s be ‘avin’ you Come on.”With her at the helm, the Norfolk-based side have been promoted to the Prem six times and relegated six times.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut with Norwich’s debt thought to be around £59million, she has decided to step down from her role on the board.The club released a statement that confirmed the news and said: “It’s not goodbye, it’s just thank you.”Inside Grant Holt’s life after footballFans added: “They saved the club and were a couple of goldfish who were swimming with sharks in the Prem when, with the limited resources behind them, they had no right to be. Forever grateful.”Another commented: “Thank you Delia and Michael for everything you have done for this great football club and this fine city. We have been extremely lucky to have such passionate, lovely and down to earth owners.”Norfolk Holdings are led by businessman Mark Attanasio and they joined the board two years ago.He is the owner of baseball team the Milwaukee Brewers and he co-founded the Californian investment firm Crescent Capital Group.A general meeting was held at Carrow Road this week for shareholders to vote on Norfolk Holdings, with them expected to get the green light.Norwich currently sit seventh in the Championship. More