Philippa Kaur

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    in Soccer

    Chelsea fans say ‘how is this allowed?’ as referee for huge Tottenham clash is decided

    CHELSEA fans were left furious after finding out Anthony Taylor will referee their derby against Tottenham, just two years after officiating a highly controversial clash.The Blues and Spurs will lock horns in the Premier League on Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Chelsea fans are furious after finding out Anthony Taylor will be the referee against TottenhamCredit: RexTaylor oversaw a controversial 2-2 draw between Chelsea and Tottenham in 2022Credit: GettyChelsea were angry with Taylor’s officiating against Tottenham two years agoCredit: GettyAnd Taylor, 46, will be in charge after overseeing a dramatic 2-2 draw in August 2022 at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea were left incensed at full-time as they claimed both of the North Londoners’ goals should have been disallowed.Tottenham ace Rodrigo Bentancur appeared to have fouled Kai Havertz in the build-up to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s goal.And Cristian Romero then appeared to pull Marc Cucurella by the hair as they contested a corner-kick moments before Harry Kane scored as a result of that set-piece.Read More on ChelseaThe West Londoners’ manager at the time Thomas Tuchel even suggested Taylor should NEVER officiate another Chelsea game.Nevertheless, the Mancunian ref will referee the London clash once more despite a negative reaction from a section of Blues fans.One fan tweeted: “I sound like a broken record but how is he still allowed to referee our games? Especially what happened couple years ago.”Another commented: “Why does he get all of our big games? It’s every season.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “It was fun while it lasted…”This fan gushed: “FFS!”Cole Palmer scowls at reporter’s question as fans hail Chelsea star’s interviews as ‘one of a kind’ And that one said: “Drama loading.”Taylor is among the Premier League’s most experienced and respected refs having been officiating in the Premier League since 2010. More

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    in Motorsport

    Bianca Bustamante is pioneering driver who has been part of McLaren’s meteoric rise alongside Lando Norris

    BIANCA BUSTAMANTE has been at the beating heart of McLaren’s meteoric rise.  A picture of Lando Norris and Bustamante grinning ear to ear at the Miami Grand Prix in May summarises the family feel at McLaren. The 19-year-old Filipino driver’s P2 finish in Miami this year coincided with Lando Norris’ debut winCredit: GettyMcLaren development driver Bianca Bustamante has three-million social media followers combinedCredit: GettyBusatamante competes in F1’s Academy – the only all-female championshipCredit: GettyBustamante sealed her first-ever F1 Academy podium, coinciding with Norris securing a maiden race win that weekend.It was also when the season flipped on its head in round six in Miami where McLaren introduced their first major upgrades and brought the fight to Red Bull. McLaren are now in the driving seat in the constructors’ championship and can win their first title since 1998 in the season finale in Abu Dhabi this weekend. 19-year-old Busatamante, a McLaren Development Driver who competes in the only all-female championship – F1 Academy, said: “That weekend was a long time coming. IN F1 NEWS“McLaren was not a dominant team at all, we could barely score points, now fighting for the constructors’ is massive. “I got my P2 in Miami so it was a really great time for us and I will cherish it for the rest of my career. “McLaren is such a family oriented team. We all look out for each other, Lando, Oscar Piastri. They are the best teammates to each other.”Bustamante was born and raised in the Philippines, a country with no recognisable history or heritage of motorsport. Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Filipino driver lifts heavy weights as part of a gruelling training regimeCredit: Instagram / @racerbiaShe has starred in Vogue PhilippinesCredit: Instagram / @racerbiaBustamante was introduced to her first go kart at age three and raced against boys when she was growing upCredit: Getty Images – GettyBustamante is inspiring the next generation of driversCredit: GettyShe was introduced to her first go-kart at age three by her racing-mad dad Raymund and it was love at first sight. It was also gaming that helped propel Bustamante’s career and is the reason she recently signed as one of the founding talents for EA’s GEN / EA SPORTS program.Lando Norris left with head in his hands as F1 rival tells him he’s getting instant fine for press conference blunderThe McLaren driver, who has been working alongside the likes of Real Madrid 18-year-old Endrick at EA, said: “I was introduced to sports through gaming and F1 was my very first game.“GEN / EA allows me to use my platform to get kids closer to their passion. “The F1 game was so important to me growing up and a main pillar of my childhood. I got to know all the F1 tracks and drivers.”During her childhood Bustamante says she was a snap-back hat wearing tom-boy who raced against only boys.She was told countless times not bother with racing and become a nurse or doctor instead. Now she is the third most influential female driver in the world, with a combined following on Instagram and TikTok of three million.Bustamante added: “It’s about breaking the norm. Coming from Asia and the Philippines there is a lot of stigma. “The culture difference is massive. Growing up because you’re a woman you’re only allowed to pursue certain paths. “In the Philippines they tell you to be a nurse, engineer or a doctor, a career that earns you a lot of money and that’s safe.”While F1 Academy has been a step in the right direction, opportunities in F1 for female drivers have still been limitedJess Hawkins did test an Aston Martin at the Hungaroring in 2023, but other than that there has been little progress.Bustamante believes she is in the right place at McLaren to reach the heady heights of an F1 debut, just like Norris and Oscar Piastri. She said: “These are drivers that I look up to pretty much my whole life. I mean ive followed Lando’s career ever since I was a young girl. “I idolise them, I remember Lando winning his F3 Championship. “He has been with McLaren since day one and they took care of him as part of the development programme and now he’s fought for a driver’s championship. It will come eventually for him.”Bustamante’s social media content ranges from gruelling workout videos to racing clips but also footage of her putting on her makeup. The makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury became an official sponsor of F1 academy this season and Bustamante loves that the sport has been sprinkled with a feminine touch. Bustamante added: “Sha’Carri Richardson has shown in track and field that you can have long hair, nails, lashes and it’s so refreshing to see.“To be an athlete doesn’t mean you can’t be feminine and do makeup. “I’ve always raced against the boys, I would always wear a snap back, baggy clothes because I thought I had to do that to fit in with the mold. “My mum thought I would always be a tom boy but then I realised it had zero effect on your performance. “The car doesn’t know if you’re a girl or a boy, if you’re wearing makeup or lipstick and I think that’s the beauty of sport. “I love that Charlotte Tilbury has come and sprinkled a bit of femininity into the sport.”Bustamante’s favourite driver is seven-time world champion Lewis HamiltonCredit: APBustamante’s idol is Lewis Hamilton, with both of them treading a similar path to becoming stars in the sport. Seven-time world champ Hamilton’s dad Anthony once held down three jobs to fund his son’s karting exploits. Meanwhile Bustamante’s father, Raymund, also did similar and once bought a race suit for his daughter when she was just a year old.She said: “Hamilton is just different. He doesn’t just drive for himself he drives for everyone, he drives for people that are underrepresented, aren’t fortunate, he drives for people – to me he is special. “I’ve met him a couple times, he’s such a cool guy, so composed, and so emotionally intelligent.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He has achieved so much but he is still so humble and so hard working still. Every attribute of that is everything I’d aspire to be.”To learn more about Bianca Bustamante and GEN / EA SPORTS Athlete Engagement Programme, please visit here. More

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    in Soccer

    Ipswich vs Crystal Palace LIVE SCORE: Premier League latest as McKenna’s side face Eagles at Portman Road – updates

    PREMIER LEAGUE football is back tonight as Ipswich face Crystal Palace in a must-win clash for both sides at Portman Road.The Tractor Boys will be determined to bounce back from their tight 1-0 loss at the hands of Nottingham Forest.While Palace are hoping to end a four-game winless run with their last victory coming against Tottenham at the tail end of October.Kick-off time: 7:30pm GMTLive stream/TV: Amazon Prime VideoFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from Portman Road with our live blog below… More

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    in Soccer

    Graham Potter lands new job in TV after Sky Sports role as former Chelsea manager awaits next club

    GRAHAM POTTER has landed a new TV job as he prepares for a return to management.The former Chelsea boss hasn’t been in the dugout since April 2023 after an ill-fated stint at Stamford Bridge.Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter has landed a new gig on TVCredit: AlamyPotter won just 12 of his 31 matches after replacing fan favourite Thomas Tuchel.And he is now hoping for a return to management after being linked with several jobs including Manchester United and England.Potter has since been on TV screens working as a guest pundit for Sky Sports.But he has now landed a new job on the box.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd clubs considering a change are sure to be keeping a close eye on him.Potter will appear on Amazon Prime Video this week as the streaming service prepares to host 10 Premier League clashes.He isn’t the only superstar name appearing on the show though.Former top-flight players including Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink, Theo Walcott and Dimitar Berbatov will all feature throughout the week.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRoberto Martinez, Gary Cahill and Emile Heskey are among the other star names set to take to the screen.While former Sky Sports hero Jeff Stelling will be a presenter along with aces like Gabby Logan and Kelly Somers. ‘It doesn’t come for free’ – Graham Potter reveals shock reason for 18 months of unemployment since Chelsea axeBut Potter could be the pundit to watch as he lines up a return to management.Speaking in September, he revealed several interesting ways he had passed the time following his Chelsea exit over 20 months ago.Potter said: “The most important thing was to be with my family and friends, just connect with them. “I spent some time with Steve Borthwick at England rugby. I went to the US and saw some sports over there, some organisations. “I went to the Falklands and did a leadership talk, and, much to the horror of my 14-year-old boy, I went to see Taylor Swift in concert. He’s not as much of a fan as me.” More

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    in Soccer

    World Cup final stadium set to be abandoned by footy giants with plans to build 78,000-seater ‘Marvellous City’ arena

    FLAMENGO are to leave the legendary Maracana Stadium for a new state-of-the-art stadium in Rio de Janeiro.According to Coliseum, the new ground’s designers Arena Events+Venues have presented their plans to the club’s board of directors and members.Flamengo are leaving the legendary Maracana Stadium to build their new home – imagined in this artist’s impressionCredit: https://www.coliseum-online.com/The new stadium is expected to have a capacity of 78,000Credit: www.coliseum-online.comThe ground will combine innovative design, state-of-the-art technology and a multifunctional visionCredit: https://www.coliseum-online.com/Flamengo’s new home in Rio will host football matches as well as a variety of eventsCredit: www.coliseum-online.comThis comes after the Brazilian giants submitted a winning bid to secure land at the Gasometro site in Rio for their new stadium, which is expected to have a capacity of 78,000.The ground will combine innovative design, state-of-the-art technology and a multifunctional vision.Flamengo’s new home in Rio will host football matches as well as a variety of events.It will offer unique experiences for fans and tourists, including the Flamengo Museum, a Megastore and a unique rooftop walkway with breathtaking views of the “Marvellous City”.Read More on FootballThe stadium is expected to be completed by November 15, 2029, coinciding with the club’s anniversary. Flamengo, though, are not ruling out the possibility of opening the stadium earlier. Arena Events+Venues CEO Carlos de la Corte said: “This project represents the fusion of tradition and innovation, uniting the passion for sports with a design that reflects the greatness of Flamengo and its fans, as well as the culture of Rio de Janeiro.“Our goal is to create a space that transcends sports, offering a lasting legacy for the country.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Maracana, though, will not be abandoned after Flamengo’s exit.The ground is still being used by Fluminense and Brazil’s national team.Bolivia move to stadium 2,000 FEET higher in bizarre bid to qualify for World Cup 2026 The esteemed Maracana has hosted two World Cup finals in 1950 and 2014.The stadium is expected to be completed by November 15, 2029Credit: https://www.coliseum-online.com/The decision means abandoning the Maracana, which has hosted two World Cup finalsCredit: ReutersGermany lifted the World Cup at the stadium in 2014Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    in Soccer

    EFL could have managers’ ‘challenge’ system introduced in low-cost alternative to VAR

    LOWER division clubs could see a “challenge” system in operation to overturn refereeing bloopers.Lawmakers on the International FA Board have agreed to extend the trials of their new “Football Video Support” system on a global basis.Lower league matches could get an alternative to VAR with a new ‘challenge’ systemCredit: PAIn a variation of VAR, the VS system is designed for competitions with only a handful of cameras.Coaches are allowed to call a challenge, with the referee then reviewing the incident on a pitch-side monitor, with the footage supplied by a video technician.As in cricket and tennis, successful challenges are retained with each team allowed two unsuccessful challenges per match.The system was trialled at the recent under-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, where England finished fourth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEngland coach Natalie Henderson successfully challenged a goal awarded to Mexico in their second group match, with the referee agreeing the ball had not crossed the line after a video review.And now Ifab bosses want to roll out what they view as a “low cost alternative to VAR” to both smaller countries and lower tier competitions in wealthier nations.Ifab technical director and former Premier League ref David Elleray said: “It is mainly designed for competitions where you’ve only got one, two, three or maximum four cameras.“So Leagues One and Two could be in that, or the National League, or whatever.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“And what it does emphasise – and away from VAR – is the clear and obvious concept.“Because when you’ve only got one camera it’s got to be pretty clear and obvious for the decision to be changed.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seems“So it’ll either be at the top end of smaller countries or lower down in bigger countries.“FIFA have tested it, it’s working very well and therefore we will now explore where else it could be trialled, probably for next season.”EFL clubs have so far been resistant to bringing in VAR, with cost one issue.Many fans, though, have compared the EFL match-day experience favourably to the situation in the Prem when supporters frequently complained of feeling “in the dark” over VAR reviews.But Patrick Nelson, chief executive of the Irish FA who will host Ifab’s formal AGM in March that will confirm the policy, said: “We need to emphasise that it’s not VAR.“It’s different from VAR but it’s an alternative to it. And it relies upon the challenge system being promoted by the coaches.“In countries who have got VAR, three or four levels down the pyramid you might again have leagues with only one or two cameras.“We’re talking about two challenges per coach per game and it’s up to the coaches to determine when they want the referee to come over to the side and to take a look at something.“So we’re extending the trials on it and we’re trying to learn more about it. And as the price will come down, it will get democratised and hopefully it will get rolled out further.”But Ifab pushed back at the idea that the introduction of the system could eventually see a “hybrid” version of VAR, with video refs determining offside and line calls and subjective decisions open to challengeElleray added: “There’s no reason to have challenges with VAR because the video match officials check every single incident.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So there’s no need for the coach to say ‘please will you check if that was a penalty?’ because that happens automatically.“But with Video Support, because there’s no VAR checking, then  nothing is looked at until somebody asks you to look at it – so it’s completely different.” More

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    in Soccer

    Fans convinced romantic Enzo Fernandez dedicated Chelsea goal to ‘new rapper girlfriend’ by referencing her song

    CHELSEA star Enzo Fernandez extended his impressive goalscoring form against Aston Villa.Fernandez, 23, helped the Blues beat Villa 3-0 on Sunday at Stamford Bridge as he netted the second goal.Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez has created a new celebrationCredit: GettyFans claim Chelsea star Fernandez is dedicating his goals to new love interest Nicki NicoleCredit: GettyThe midfielder has now scored or assisted in four consecutive matches for the West Londoners across all competitions.The Argentina international also appears to have adopted a new signature celebration he debuted during the 2-1 win at Leicester two weeks ago.Fernandez has been striking a phonecall pose, which some fans believe has a special meaning.According to The Mail, supporters claim the ex-Benfica star is dedicating his goals to a new love interest.Read More on ChelseaAnd that is Argentinean rapper Nicki Nicole, who released a popular song last year called Llamame (Call Me).Neither Nicole nor Fernandez have commented or confirmed the reports linking them together.According to La Nacion, however, the pair are believed to have met at the end of October at Buenos Aires nightclub Moby Dick.They were filmed talking in the nightclub on TikTok, but after the video went viral the singer shared a comment stating she had attended the party with “the person [she is] currently dating”.Most read in FootballFernandez separated from childhood sweetheart Valentina Cervantes, with whom he shares two children, Olivia and Benjamin, at the end of October.Reports suggest the Chelsea star and Nicole linked up after he broke up with Cervantes.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsThe 24-year-old artist has a staggering 22.6million followers on Instagram and is thought to have previously dated Formula One prospect Franco Colapinto.Fernandez will have to put his phone away and concentrate on football this week, with the thrid-placed Blues facing away trips to Southampton and Spurs.Nicole released a popular song last year called Llamame (Call Me)Credit: INSTAGRAMRising Williams star Franco Colapinto is said to have dated NicoleCredit: RexNeither Nicole nor Fernandez have commented or confirmed the reports linking them togetherCredit: INSTAGRAMNicole has a staggering 22.6million followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAMNicole is thought to have previously dated Formula One prospect Franco ColapintoCredit: INSTAGRAMNicole and Fernandez are thought to have met in a Buenos Aires clubCredit: INSTAGRAM More

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    in Soccer

    Abandoned 35,016-seater Premier League stadium demolished for block of flats with only a statue left to remember it by

    ALL that remains of Upton Park are a block of flats, an iconic statue and over a century of memories.West Ham proudly played their home games at the Boleyn Ground for 102 years before moving out in 2016.Upton Park has been replaced by a block flatsCredit: AlamyThere are 842 flats where the stadium used to beCredit: AlamyThe stadium was demolished after West Ham’s 2016 exitCredit: AlamyThe Hammers bid goodbye to Upton Park after a 2016 winCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe Hammers bid an emotional farewell to their historic home after a 3-2 victory over Manchester United in May 2016.They have since played their football a few miles away in Stratford, with its previous community largely left behind.Part of Upton Park was blown up for the 2018 film Final Score, starring Pierce Brosnan and Dave Bautista.It was then fully demolished, with 842 flats built in its place.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSunSport was last year told that the legacy of the site and its local significance has been reflected, with the block of flats featuring a “bubbles” theme – after the club’s trademark “Forever Blowing Bubbles” song.The complex – named Upton Gardens – features a variety of different properties, with a one bedroom flat starting at £350,000, and a two-bedroom maisonette valued at around £500k.West Ham’s departure has had a profound effect on the community.Nathan’s Pie and Eels, formerly an iconic local matchday eatery, permanently closed its doors in 2018, just two years after West Ham’s departure.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Hammers paid their former home an emotional farewellCredit: Getty Images – GettySeveral other businesses have either packed up and left, or faced a battle to survive.Remaining at the junction of Green Street and Barking Road is an iconic statue of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters and Ray Wilson clutching the World Cup trophy.Moment huge brawl breaks out in West Ham end with punches thrown and fan knocked to ground in London derby vs ArsenalFollowing their move to Stratford, West Ham wanted to take the statue with them.But Newham Council sided with fans who were determined for the statue to stay put.As reported by The Athletic, some devoted West Ham fans still frequent The Boleyn Tavern on matchdays – a 40 minute trip on public transport from London Stadium.Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal, one fan explained to them: “I’d rather spend my money here to help the pub.This iconic statue remains in E13Credit: Rex”Think about all the customers they’ve lost over the years. West Ham moving has impacted the area hugely.”When people ask me, ‘Are West Ham at home this week?’ I say, ‘No, they’re away at Stratford’. We don’t have a home ground anymore.”The atmosphere at the London Stadium is terrible. The away fans drown us out every week.”West Ham have enjoyed success since leaving Upton Park, most notably winning the Europa Conference League in 2023.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut many fans have always appeared to have an uneasy marriage with their modern home.After all, a huge chunk of the club’s soul will always remain in E13, where 842 flats now loom over the echoes of more than a century of history.Some fans still like to visit The Boleyn Tavern on matchdaysCredit: Getty More