Philippa Kaur

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    Wayne Rooney slams ’embarrassing’ players after ‘complete collapse’ and admits ‘nothing’s getting through to them’

    WAYNE ROONEY ruthlessly ripped into his Plymouth players yet again following their 4-0 defeat to Bristol City on Saturday.Argyle conceded three times in 13 second-half minutes as they continue to leak goals away from home.Wayne Rooney raged at his players following another heavy defeatCredit: RexPlymouth disintegrated in the second half against Bristol City on SaturdayCredit: RexIt came just four days after they were thrashed 6-1 by Norwich at Carrow Road.Plymouth are yet to win away from home this season and have conceded 38 goals in just 18 league games.They now sit just two points above the Championship relegation zone.Following the Norwich loss, Rooney gave a scathing assessment of his side by claiming his academy team could have performed better.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd in the wake of the Bristol City defeat, he criticised them in similarly blunt fashion by insisting they showed a “lack of character and fight”.He said: “From there [in the second half], the players collapsed.”Again, this is not something I haven’t told the players. They completely collapsed. It was the same at Norwich away, it was the same at Leeds away.”When you want to have a career in football you need to dig deep at times, and dig deep within yourself.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It’s something I have done many times as a player, and I feel the players showed a real lack of character and lack of fight after we conceded the first goal, and that is very disappointing.”Of course, we have got injuries – and that’s certainly not me making excuses – but those players who have come in have all had the game time. I have tried different ways, different systems.Wayne Rooney teases shock I’m a Celeb appearance as he praises wife Coleen for jungle stint in TV appearance”I have gone at them, I have tried to encourage them. I have tried to find the right balance between both.”Worryingly, Rooney, who only took over in May, also revealed he has “simplified the game as much as I can” for his players but they continue to not understand his instructions.He added: “Up to now, away from home, nothing is getting through to them.”I think the biggest thing is when we concede a goal it looks like the game is over and you are looking at hopefully keeping it down to one goal, which is not a good place to be.”I’m talking a lot on the players and I never like doing that but I think it is at a point now where the players need to understand that they need to give more and show more character, more fight, more desire.”I have simplified the game as much as I can today for them, to not over complicate things.”Rooney has won five, drawn five and lost 10 of his 20 games in charge.And his next two matches could prove crucial in determining his future.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey face back-to-back home fixtures against 17th place Oxford and 12th place Swansea.Since beating Portsmouth 1-0 on November 5, they have drawn two and lost two, conceding 13 in the process.Rooney is under increasing pressure at the Championship clubCredit: Rex More

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    Man Utd’s Chido Obi-Martin breaks goal record months after joining as fans say ‘we stole Arsenal’s biggest ever talent’

    CHIDO OBI-MARTIN made history as Manchester United Under 18s continued their perfect start to the season.The 17-year-old was signed from Arsenal’s academy to much fanfare given his record-breaking exploits with the Gunners of 32 goals in just 20 appearances in the competition.Chido Obi-Martin became the highest goalscorer in Premier League U18 historyCredit: GettySince officially switching North London for Manchester in September, those record-breaking exploits have continued.The teenage striker’s first professional contract with the club started on Friday.And he celebrated it by becoming the record goalscorer in Premier League Under 18s history.Obi-Martin opened the scoring in the Red Devils 3-0 win over Stoke on Saturday in the 71st minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe latched on to a long ball before being hauled down in the penalty area before going on to score the subsequent penalty.The goal put him on five goals in as many games for United, while it also took his tally in the competition up to 37 overall.That saw the Dane move ahead of Coventry star Ellis Simms’ tally of 36 scored for Everton.Following the game, Obi-Martin shared a post of his trademark celebration with his fingers in his ears.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe captioned his post: “Nice team win, happy to become the record goalscorer in the Premier League U18’s history.”Reacting on social media, one fan said: “We stole Arsenal’s biggest ever talent.”New Man Utd signing arrives at Old Trafford for first time since transfer… only to see horror show against TottenhamA second said: “We really snatched him from that small club.”A third said: “Breaking records already… wow.”He scored just 11 seconds in his Man Utd debut before bagging a 14 minute hat-trick.United went on to win the game 3-0, with James Scanlon and Dante Plunkett netting to seal the tenth win of the season for Mark Lawrence’s team. More

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    Peterborough goalkeeper suffers absolute howler in FA Cup as fans say ‘actually starting to feel sorry for this fella’

    PETERBOROUGH’S goalkeeper had a moment to forget in their FA Cup tie with Notts County.Nicholas Bilokapic suffered a huge howler and then embarrassed himself moments later.Keeper Nicholas Bilokapic slipped as he took a free-kickCredit: X @BBCMOTDNotts County’s George Abbott unleashed an ambitious shotThe ball found the back of the net as Bilokapic ran into the postCredit: X @BBCMOTDThe goalie was left red face as fans mocked himCredit: X @BBCMOTDFirst the keeper slipped as he took a free-kick deep inside his own half, with the ball going straight to County player George Abbott.The midfielder took a touch before unleashing a looping shot that brilliantly ended up in the back of the net.Bilokapic did his best to prevent the goal but in keeping his eyes on the ball he ended up running into his own post.The only silver lining for the goalie was that the goal proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Peterborough closed out a 4-3 win to reach the third round of the FA Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans found the incident hilarious with many mocking Bilokapic after his misfortune.One fan reacted saying: “You should get 2 goals for embarrassing a goalkeeper like that!”Another added: “Keeper’s had an absolute ‘mare there.”A third wrote: “I’m actually starting to feel sorry for this fella 🥺”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd another commented: “What is that goalkeeping?”Another fan commented: “That is actually one of the worst 15 seconds of football I have seen from a single player.”FA Cup clash DELAYED as referee is substituted after injury… with PA appealing for new official over tannoy More

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    Wanda Nara calls police to evict her husband Mauro Icardi from her home as glamorous couple’s split turns ugly

    WANDA Nara got police to evict her estranged footballer husband Mauro Icardi from her home near Buenos Aires three days before his knee op in the latest twist to their ugly split.Officers woke the Galatasaray striker up in the early hours of yesterday morning after the model and influencer reported him for threatening her during an argument over his alleged refusal to move out of the property.Wanda Nara got police to evict her estranged footballer husband Mauro Icardi from her homeCredit: instagram @wanda_naraNara reported him for threatening her during an argument over his alleged refusal to move out of the property.Credit: InstagramIcardi’s had been accused of having weapons inside the houseCredit: RexLocal reports said Wanda, now dating Argentinian singer L-Gante, alleged Icardi could have weapons inside the house on a gated residential estate in Nordelta and prompted a police search of the house which turned up nothing.The 31-year-old former PSG star has now been served with a restraining order stating he has to stay away from his ex and her home.Wanda is said to have gone to police after Icardi failed to move out of the house on an affluent estate called Santa Barbara by November 25.The former Argentine international had left Turkey to have an op in his homeland after suffering a serious knee injury during a November 7 Europa League match against Tottenham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe ended up transferring to the property he was evicted from yesterday, after initially moving into a luxury apartment Wanda normally stays at in Buenos Aires, while she was on holiday with her new partner in Brazil.Argentine media reported police arrived to ask Icardi to leave the property and search it for weapons during a three-hour operation which began at 3.30am local time yesterday an hour after he had gone to bed.The striker ended up having to go a friend’s house to catch up on lost sleep.Hours before the eviction, and after the argument said to have sparked Wanda’s decision to force him out of her property with police assistance, Icardi had appeared to taunt his ex by posting a photo of her infinity pool on his Instagram.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWanda had told Argentinian media before the eviction, referencing another footballer ex Maxi Lopez who is father to three of her five children: “I lent him my house from the heart.”As I would do with anyone, as I do with my ex Maxi Lopez every time he comes to Argentina.Wanda Nara risks Instagram ban as Mauro Icardi’s ex-wife poses naked to promote new single“I offered him my house and lent it to him. The loan was until November 25, after that I needed it for personal reasons.”Lara Piro, a lawyer representing the footballer, called the eviction “shameful and immoral”.Speaking to an Argentinian showbiz website she said: “This is all part of a false accusation of non-existent threats, for which Wanda Nara will have to answer before the courts.”It is shameful, immoral and unfair to harass a father of a family over a property issue on the eve of surgery.”She added: “To do this to the father of her daughters, to the man who raised and supported her other three children, speaks volumes about the person that Mrs Nara is.”Icardi’s life off the pitch has been in the spotlight since his soap-opera style fallout over Wanda with former friend and Sampdoria teammate Maxi Lopez.She divorced her first husband after accusing him of cheating on her.Nara and Icardi have a complicated historyCredit: Instagram @wanda_naraShe married Icardi in May 2014 shortly after the divorce from Lopez was finalised.The love triangle between the two players and pretty WAG Nara was exposed in November 2013 when it was revealed Icardi had made moves on his former friend’s wife as their marriage fell apart.Lopez refused to shake his ex-pal’s hand when they met on the field in an April 2014 Serie A match between Sampdoria and Inter, leading the press to dub the game the ‘Wanda derby.’Things between them soured even more in June 2015 when Icardi tweeted a new arm tattoo of the three children Wanda had with Maxi Lopez with the message: “I love these three little angels.”Icardi and Wanda Nara underwent multiple separations and emotional reunions before she revealed in July they had split for good.Angela Burgos, the lawyer he hired to oversee his divorce from Wanda, laughed off claims last month they were dating and insisted she remained “single.”L-Gante, Wanda’s new partner, was handed a three-year suspended prison sentence in October after being convicted of threatening behaviour against three separate victims following a high-profile trial.READ MORE SUN STORIESMauro Icardi will be out of action for the rest of the season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament injury in Galatasaray’s match against Spurs last month.He has spent three weeks in Argentina undergoing preparatory treatment ahead of his surgery which has been scheduled for Tuesday. More

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    Sky Sports hit by technical fault during Chelsea vs Aston Villa as pundits are forced to commentate from Liverpool

    SKY SPORTS were hit with a major technical error during their coverage of Chelsea v Aston Villa as they were forced to commentate from their pre-game studio in Liverpool.The broadcaster experienced technical difficulties which meant their commentary team at Stamford Bridge of lead commentator Bill Leslie and pundit Alan Smith were not being heard.Sky Sports were forced to commentate on the Chelsea game from their studio after a technical faultCredit: AFPConsequently those in the studio before the game were forced to provide impromptu commentary in the opening minutes.This included presenter David Jones and pundits including Roy Keane, Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge.Jones apologised for the issues shortly after kick-off.He said: “Well unfortunately we have a few technical and audio issues which you can hear at Stamford Bridge or not hear more to the point. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So you are left with us, this could be interesting, commentary from Anfield on Chelsea against Aston Villa.”You always ask for more time to talk about football so this is our time, Micah.”Audio at Stamford Bridge was restored just before the third minute of play.Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Would quite like the option to carry on listening to @MicahRichards doing the commentary over this game please Sky Sports.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA second said: “Nah this commentary is elite on Sky Sports.”Another said: “Sky Sports having a shocker right now.”Man Utd hardman Roy Keane and Sky Sports presenter blind rank BISCUITS before Ruben Amorim’s first match_1A fourth added: “Paying all this money for Sky Sports just for their commentary to cut out smh.”Chelsea then took the lead after seven minutes through Nicolas Jackson. More

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    Club mascot provokes opposition players, starts a fight, gets sent off and then does Ronaldo’s siu celebration

    A MASCOT managed to provoke fans, players and staff in a Brazilian top flight game yesterday.The Tiger mascot of Criciuma had a huge part to play in the clash between Criciuma and Corinthians.A club mascot caused chaos in a top flight Brazilian game yesterdayCredit: X @gegloboCriciuma’s tiger mascot wound up Corinthians players as they tried to calm down fan trouble at half-timeCredit: X @gegloboThe mascot was pushed by Corinthians playersCredit: X @gegloboA member of staff kicked out at the mascotCredit: X @gegloboThe costumed tiger ran away after causing the problemsCredit: X @gegloboThe mascot replicated Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘siu’ celebration as he made his way off the pitchCredit: XThe match, which ended in a 4-2 win for Corinthians, descended into chaos when the mascot for the home team began winding up the opposition players.The mascot was carried over to the Corinthians players on a stretcher while they were in the midst of a tense discussion with fans and stewards at half-time.The talks with fans had reportedly come as a result of fighting in the stands between Corinthians fans, with their team trailing 2-0 at the break.Video then showed the tiger popping up from the stretcher and walking away, seemingly antagonising the Corinthians players who began to chase after the mascot.READ MORE IN SPORTPlayers were even videoed pushing the mascot while another member of staff kicked out at the costumed tiger.The mascot seemed unfazed by the angered reaction they had sparked, running towards the tunnel and replicating Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous “siuu” celebration before leaving the pitch.It’s claimed that the mascot was sent off for their behaviour, while Brazilian outlets are also reporting that a ball boy was shown a red card for his involvement in the confrontations.After the situation was calmed down Corinthians put together a superb comeback in the second spell.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe two goals scored by former Crystal Palace and Plymouth Argyle star Yannick Bolasie in the first half were cancelled out by a flood of four by Corinthians.Rodrigo Garro, Matheus Bidu and Yuri Alberto came up with the goods for Corinthians as they won their seventh league clash on the bounce.Cagliari’s mascot ‘Pully’Corinthians, who have been a hotbed for Brazilian talent over the years, are now the home of former Man Utd man Memphis Depay.Notable Corinthians of the past include Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo Nazario and Alexandre Pato. More

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    ‘Ronaldo go home’ – Furious Real Valladolid fans hold protest against Real Madrid legend’s ownership of LaLiga side

    REAL VALLADOLID fans protested against Ronaldo’s ownership before and during last night’s clash with Atletico Madrid.The Brazilian football icon, 48, bought a controlling stake in the Spanish club six years ago.Real Valladolid fans displayed a banner reading ‘Ronaldo Go Home’Credit: XThe Brazilian, 48, owns a controlling stake in the Spanish clubCredit: GettyDuring his stint as owner, Valladolid have become something of a yo-yo club.In every season since the 2020-21 campaign, the Spanish side have either been relegated from LaLiga or promoted from the second tier.Having finished as runners-up in LaLiga 2 last term, Valladolid look set for another long, difficult campaign in the top flight.They are bottom of the table, having collected just nine points from 15 games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of yesterday’s match against Atletico, several Valladolid supporters marched to the stadium, with some clutching a banner reading “Ronaldo Go Home”.The disgruntled supporters also chanted while making their feelings perfectly clear.Things did not get much better as the game kicked off, with Valladolid being drubbed 5-0 by Diego Simeone’s men.Goals by Clement Lenglet, Julian Alvarez, Rodrigo De Paul, Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sorloth sunk Ronaldo’s men.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSValladolid chiefs swiftly responded by sacking manager Paulo Pezzolano.The Uruguayan had been at the helm since April 2023, guiding Valladolid to promotion last season.Club mascot provokes opposition players, starts a fight, gets sent off and then does Ronaldo’s siu celebration_1In April, ESPN reported that Ronaldo planned to flog his controlling stake in Valladolid, having agreed to sell his shares in Brazilian side Cruzeiro.But the former Real Madrid striker went on perform a U-turn, however, with it being announced in August that he would be continuing as club president.Ronaldo has owned a controlling stake in ValladolidCredit: EPA More

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    Juventus eyeing transfer swoop for Ipswich’s Liam Delap but face fight for English striker from Chelsea and Man Utd

    JUVENTUS are eyeing Ipswich striker Liam Delap – but first face a fight with Manchester United and Chelsea.The ex-Manchester City youth striker has hit the Prem alight – scoring six of the Tractor Boys’ 13 goals this season.Juventus, Man Utd and Chelsea are eyeing a transfer swoop for Ipswich’s Liam DelapAnd now Juventus, who are drawing up contingency plans in case Dusan Vlahovic doesn’t agree a new deal, are monitoring Delap.So much so, the Serie A side sent scouts to Portman Road last weekend to watch the 21-year-old in the flesh against Man Utd.And Delap’s fine footwork and natural strength saw him bully Ruben Amorim’s back-line in Kieran McKenna’s 1-1 draw with the Red Devils.He could have won relegation-strugglers Ipswich the game if it weren’t for two incredible saves from Andre Onana.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJuventus remain determined to tie frontman Vlahovic down to a new, improved contract.His current deal expires in the summer of 2026 but so far, talks over an extension have failed to bear fruit.Prem giants Man Utd and Chelsea are also monitoring Delap’s progress. And City have a buy-back clause and negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on when they sold the attacker to Ipswich for £20million in July.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBlues boss Enzo Maresca and co-director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields both know Delap from their time working together at City.Speaking earlier this week, Ipswich boss McKenna poured cold water on discussion surrounding the forward’s future, specifically talk of City’s buy-back clause.Meet non-league star with longest throw in football who plans to put it to good use in FA Cup giant killingHe said: “It’s not anything I’m aware of or interested in to be honest. I think that’s a question for other people and for the chairman.”My full focus is on this season and, with regards to Liam, trying to help him to continue to improve. I know Liam’s full focus is here and trying to help the team.”This is Delap’s first full season starting regularly as a No 9, after playing off the wing at times for Hull last year, and as a wide striker in some earlier Championship loan moves. BBC pundit Danny Murphy believes England already have the next Harry Kane waiting in the wings in Delap.Murphy star of Delap on Match of the Day 2: “I think he’s got a lot of qualities.”I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”Danny Murphy is a big fan of Liam Delap More