Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 263 Shares106 Views

    in Soccer

    Moment Antony told red card has been OVERTURNED and he can play Real Madrid as Man Utd flop celebrates with team-mates

    ANTONY celebrated with coaches and team-mates when he was told his red card had been overturned and he can play Real Madrid. The Manchester United flop, 25, joined Real Betis on loan in January.Antony was all smiles when he found out his red card was rescindedCredit: Real BetisThe winger received the good news from a first-team coachCredit: Real BetisAntony saw red for this needless sliding tackle in injury timeCredit: LaLigaBut his stunning start – including three goals and two assists in six games – hit a stumbling block when he saw red on Sunday. Antony controversially received his marching orders for a needless and cynical late sliding tackle in injury time during the 2-1 win over Getafe.And that looked set to prompt a suspension – and crucially the Brazilian winger would miss Real Madrid’s visit to the Estadio Benito Villamarin on Saturday. The game will have major implications on both the LaLiga title race and battle for European places.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLos Blancos are second but level on 54 points with leaders Barcelona while Betis sit seventh as one of three teams on 35 points. And Antony’s absence at the weekend could have been hugely significant.However, Betis appealed the red card, arguing the tackle was reckless but not dangerous or displaying serious foul play.And the Spanish FA’s disciplinary committee agreed – and wiped out the sending off, thus making Antony available for Saturday’s crunch clash.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSReal Betis’ social media team captured the moment Antony heard the good news from first-team coach Alexis Trujillo alongside manager Manuel Pellegrini. Antony hugged Trujillo then shook hands with various coaches and fellow players before sharing a joke with Pellegrini on the training pitch. Antony shows his excitement as he joins Real Betis The £85.5million man vowed to make the hassle and stress worthwhile.He said: “I was always hoping. I’m very happy, very happy.”I’m ready for Saturday’s game. I was just leaving training and someone from the staff told me and everyone is very happy now.”I have to be focused. We know what we’re playing for in front of our fans.”Playmaker Isco added: “Have they taken it off? Thank goodness.”And ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian joked: “Don’t throw yourself on the ground like that again or I’ll kill you.”Antony enjoyed a joke with Manuel PellegriniCredit: Real BetisThe Manchester United flop has been in great form during his loan to SpainCredit: Getty More

  • 238 Shares100 Views

    in Soccer

    Referee who asked Lionel Messi for his autograph ‘banned for SIX MONTHS’ and faces indefinite punishment if he reoffends

    A REFEREE who asked Lionel Messi for his signature has reportedly been banned for six months.Mexican official Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava, 36, made the bizarre request during last week’s Champions Cup clash between Inter Miami and Sporting Kansas City.A referee who asked for Lionel Messi’s autograph has been banned for six monthsCredit: XMarco Antonio Ortiz Nava has been warned of an even worse punishment in the futureCredit: XMessi opened the scoring in Miami’s 3-1 win.And at full-time, Nava approached the World Cup winner asking for an autograph.It’s claimed he wanted it as a gift for a family member with special needs.But North America’s football governing body, CONCACAF, opened an investigation after concerns were raised over impartiality.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd ESPN reports Nava has now been banned for six months from CONCACAF competitions.It’s added he will be “punished indefinitely” for any further breaches.And Nava is said to have apologised for his actions.However, it appears he will continue to officiate in his native Mexico.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat’s despite the country being part of CONCACAF.Nava was in action on Friday for the top flight clash between Puebla and Club Tijuana.Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 degrees temperatures Yet it remains to be seen if he will be handed another game in the next round of fixtures.As for Messi, he found himself in hot water at the weekend following a clash in the MLS.Messi was seen putting his hand on the back of the neck of a New York City coach.The incident occurred at the end of Miami’s 2-2 clash on Sunday.And a disciplinary committee fined Messi an undisclosed amount for his actions. More

  • 250 Shares81 Views

    in Soccer

    ‘How can my dad be racist?’ says Chelsea legend Didier Drogba as he defends Jose Mourinho after wild Galatasaray claims

    DIDIER DROGBA has passionately defended his former boss Jose Mourinho over accusations of racism. Fenerbahce boss Mourinho is the target of legal action from rivals Galatasaray following a bad-tempered Istanbul derby on Monday.Jose Mourinho has been the subject of racism claims from GalatasarayCredit: RexThe claims were made following a fractious Istanbul derby on MondayCredit: GettyDidier Drogba, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea, has come to his former boss’s defenceCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe Special One guided his team to a 0-0 draw in a hostile atmosphere at RAMS Park.Fenerbahce are six points behind Galatasaray in the Super Lig title race.But a comment made by Mourinho following the game has prompted fury from the club. Mourinho accused Galatasaray’s bench of “jumping around like monkeys” while trying to get a rival player booked during his post-match press conference.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe ex-Chelsea boss has been a vocal critic of officiating in Turkey throughout the season.Slovenian ref Slavko Vincic was drafted in by the Turkish FA specially for the grudge match. After the stalemate, Mourinho said: “We thank the referee because after the big dive in the first minute and their bench jumping like monkeys on the top of the kid, with a Turkish referee, the kid would have a yellow card after one minute and after five minutes I would have to change. “Thankfully it was a perfect experience for him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGalatasaray reacted furiously to the comments, with the club releasing a statement on Tuesday.It included their “intention to initiate criminal proceedings concerning the racist statements made by Jose Mourinho”.Jose Mourinho launches new side hustle alongside Fenerbahce job as John Terry vows to be first customer Drogba, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea and won three Premier League titles, took to social media to defend his ex-boss.The Ivorian, who also played two seasons for Galatasaray, wrote a plea to his former employers. He said: “Dear@GalatasaraySK. You know how proud I was to wear the yellow and red jersey and my love for the most decorated club in Turkey!! “We all know how passionate and heated rivalries can be, and I’ve been lucky enough to experience it. “I’ve seen the recent comments about Jose Mourinho. Trust me when I tell you I have known Jose for xx years and he is not a racist and history (past and recent ) is there to prove it. “Let’s focus on our games, support our brilliant lions and let’s win the league to get close to our 5.”Drogba added: “How can my “Dad” be a racist? Come on guys.”Fenerbahce released their own counter-statement on Tuesday, defending Mourinho.It read: “A statement made by our technical director Jose Mourinho after the match was completely taken out of context and an attempt was made to deliberately distort it.”As every sensible person can see and understand; these statements used by Jose Mourinho to describe the excessive reaction of the opposing team’s technical staff to the referee decisions during the match can in no way be associated with racism.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Trying to portray this statement as racist is a completely malicious approach.”We would like to inform the public that we will use our legal rights regarding this pathetic slander that was made in order to take the competition off the field, change the agenda and manipulate it.” More

  • 225 Shares62 Views

    in Soccer

    Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner spotted without wedding ring at Sainsbury’s as Lauryn Goodman’s move to Italy stalls

    ANNIE KILNER has been spotted popping to the shops without her wedding ring on.Kyle Walker’s wife, 31, headed to her local Sainsbury’s to pick up some shopping.Annie Kilner headed out to do some shoppingCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeKyle Walker’s wife was spotted without her wedding ringCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAnnie wore a red jacket and black leggings… but not her wedding band.This is not the first time that she’s been spotted without it, having been pictured not wearing her ring last month.Kyle and Annie wed in 2021 and have four children together; Roman, Riaan, Reign and Rezon – born last April.The pair’s relationship has been made complicated by Lauryn Goodman.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERWalker, 34, has fathered two children with his ex-mistress Lauryn.Annie filed for divorce from the England defender last August.Last month, he quit English football to join AC Milan on loan from Manchester City.Despite the strains placed on her relationship with Kyle, Annie brought the kids over to Italy to watch their dad in action on his Milan debut.Most read in FootballKyle Walker has been in action for AC MilanCredit: RexSince moving to Italy, Walker has been staying at the plush five-star Melia Milano hotel.Located 40 minutes from Milan’s training ground and barely 10 from the San Siro, Walker’s temporary home has so far proved to be ideal.Annie Kilner seen for 1st time since REFUSING to watch Kyle Walker’s AC Milan debut as she steps out without ringHe is only likely to go house-hunting in the Italian city should he make his loan permanent in the summer.Lauryn, meanwhile, posed for pictures by a removals van earlier this month claiming that she’s moving to Italy to be closer to Kyle.But sources say that she remains in the UK, with her plans having stalled.Lauryn Goodman previously claimed to be heading to ItalyCredit: AlamyWalker wed long-term girlfriend Annie in 2021Credit: Instagram More

  • 225 Shares93 Views

    in Soccer

    Cole Palmer has gone off the boil but appealing fixtures encourage Dream Team bosses to hold their nerve

    FOR the first time in his career, Cole Palmer (£5.8m) has gone off the boil.After an uncharacteristically wasteful performance against Southampton on Tuesday night, Chelsea’s talisman took to Instagram to tell fans: “Don’t worry I will be back.”Palmer wasn’t his usual self against SouthamptonCredit: Dream TeamPalmer has now gone seven games without a goal, which isn’t a catastrophe for a midfielder by any means but it represents a significant downturn from the immensely high standards he has set for himself since his move to Stamford Bridge.A home game against bottom-of-the-league Saints seemed like the perfect opportunity for the 22-year-old to end his drought but he squandered several chances, failing to exhibit the composure he has become known for in the last year.Christopher Nkunku (£3.2m), Pedro Neto (£2.8m), Levi Colwill (£2.7m) and Marc Cucurella (£3.6m) all got on the scoresheet in what was a much-needed win for the Blues but Palmer’s dipping form remains a concern for Enzo Maresca.And it’s giving plenty of Dream Team managers headaches too.Stick or twist?Credit: GettyWith 260 points to his name, Palmer’s overall record remains hugely impressive.Even now, only runaway leader Mohamed Salah (£8.3m) boasts a superior points-per-game average.Alongside his 14 goals and nine assists, Palmer ranks third among all assets for shots on target, joint-fourth for big chances created, and joint-ninth for bonus points.The fact the 56.8%-owned midfielder has so many avenues to points has proved useful in recent weeks when goals have deserted him.Most read in FootballSince his last goal, Palmer has ticked over with 39 points at an average of 5.6 points-per-game, which is not to be sniffed at in the slightest.Such is the England star’s level that his returns have remained healthy enough during his ‘bad spell’.Maresca has added Palmer to his Conference League squadCredit: ReutersBut his owners have every right to feel frustrated as more than a few points have gone begging in the last month or so.What’s telling is that, at this moment in time, Palmer is among the most transferred-out players ahead of Gameweek 26.Having been eliminated from the FA Cup by Brighton, Chelsea’s only fixture this coming Gameweek is against Copenhagen in the Conference League round of 16.Dream Team managers should be aware that Palmer has been added to the club’s European squad and is therefore eligible to play in Denmark next Thursday.He wasn’t included in the squad for the league phase in an effort to manage his workload but with the West Londoners heavy favourites to lift the trophy come May, Maresca has called up his star player.Palmer might feature against CopenhagenCredit: PAIt’s still difficult to predict Palmer’s minutes against Copenhagen but the prospect of him playing in Europe’s tertiary competition is an appealing one.Looking slightly further ahead, Gameweek 27 appears mightily favourable for Chelsea on paper.READ MORE SUN STORIES19th-placed Leicester are due in the capital four days before Copenhagen fly over for the second leg.Palmer may not be at his best but gaffers prepared to go without him for that double header will surely be worried about extensive damage. More

  • 250 Shares119 Views

    in Soccer

    Harry Kane moves into new sport as England captain makes investment to be part of ‘exciting journey’ with Tiger Woods

    HARRY KANE has teamed up with Tiger Woods by investing in a new golf team.The England captain has been officially announced as a limited partner of TGL side Jupiter Links.Harry Kane has become a limited partner of a TGL sideCredit: GettyTiger Woods is co-owner and player of the Jupiter LinksCredit: GettyThe Florida-based outfit feature in the new TGL (Tomorrow’s Golf League) event.TGL is an indoor technology-infused competition that is said to be the “brainchild” of Woods and Rory McIlroy.It launched in January and it aims to combine “traditional play with elements of simulated indoor golf”.PGA Tour stars make up the players – with Woods, Max Homa, Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner forming the Jupiter Links line-up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 15-time major winner co-owns the team alongside billionaire David Blitzer.Blitzer is on the board of Premier League club Crystal Palace, he is managing partner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NHL side the New Jersey Devils.Several celebs and sporting greats have also invested in TGL – with pop star Justin Timberlake a limited partner of the Jupiter Links alongside Kane.Meanwhile, tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams, F1 icon Lewis Hamilton and basketball heroes Steph Curry and Shaquille O’Neal are all involved.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOn joining the Jupiter Links, Kane said: “I’ve always loved golf and TGL’s new format is something special. “I can’t wait to be part of this exciting journey.”‘It felt like the beginning of the end for Harry Kane’ says Man Utd legend as he admits fears for England captain The Bayern Munich striker is a talented golfer himself, reportedly playing off a handicap of 3.7.He has played in pro-am tournament in the past and had a round of golf with Woods while holidaying in the Bahamas. Kane is a passionate golfer in his spare timeCredit: Getty More

  • 200 Shares66 Views

    in Motorsport

    F1 Testing abruptly halted as garages plunged into darkness during Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari

    LEWIS HAMILTON’S first day at Ferrari went up in smoke after a power cut hit the Bahrain International Circuit.The electrical connection failed in the teams’ garages and elsewhere in the paddock. F1 Testing abruptly halted as garages plunged into darknessCredit: GettyThe Aston Martin area plunged into darknessCredit: AFPThe torches were out in the Ferrari campCredit: ReutersThe Bahrain circuit’s lighting system was also extinguishedCredit: ReutersLewis Hamilton was keen on making a good impression for his first day at the officeCredit: RexThe cause of the fault is unknown as the circuit’s lighting system was also extinguished.The race director red-flagged the session immediately afterwards and the FIA confirmed the action was taken in response to the blackout.The failure struck shortly after 5pm local time and has continued for more than an hour.The session was scheduled to end at 7pm, with sunset due to fall at 5:40pm.READ MORE F1 NEWSWith the teams’ facilities plunged into darkness, mechanics began working by torchlight.The torches were out in the Ferrari camp, with the Aston Martin area cast into the void.Every minute that passed was bad news for the teams because they want to do as many laps as possible.Hamilton was keen to make a good impression on his first day in the office.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut his debut Ferrari testing has been hit with a bizarre roadblock.The seven-time world champ was fifth quickest in this morning’s session – with a time of 1:31.834 in 70 laps – as he made his full Ferrari test debut at an F1 event. Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing Meanwhile, Hamilton’s team-mate Charles Leclerc set the fastest time of the day in his Ferrari, with 1.30.878 in 32 laps.George Russell was leaving the pits in his Mercedes when the track was suddenly went dark.Russell told Sky: “I came out of the pits and thought it was suddenly quite dark out here.”I came on the radio and said I needed to change my visor and I realised there was no floodlights around.”It would have been a bit hectic if this was an hour later when the sun has already set.”Earlier this morning, Hamilton was in bright and early as the second driver to arrive in the paddock, and to many’s surprise he was suited and booted in full Ferrari kit.Hamilton meant business and was so eager to get in the car that he nearly fell off the back of a golf buggy as he was dropped off at the Ferrari garage with Leclerc.The Brit’s iconic No44 has also made the switch and was seen on the side of the red Ferrari car instead of Mercedes’ black and green, where Hamilton spent the last 12 years.The number, which pays tribute to Hamilton’s karting days and his dad, has featured since he was eight as it was his dad’s car registration number.Day one of testing in Bahrain was Hamilton’s first chance to get a true feel of the SF-25 car, after the Brit and Leclerc took part in a shakedown last week at Ferrari’s home track at Fiorano.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt would have been tough for him to get up to speed given the short and tight nature of the Italian circuit.Hamilton will just have 12 hours of running available to him ahead of the first race in Melbourne on March 16. More

  • 225 Shares66 Views

    in Soccer

    Rio Ferdinand continues row with Jamie Carragher as he joins Boris Becker in sticking boot into Liverpool legend

    RIO FERDINAND fired more shots at Jamie Carragher after tennis icon Boris Becker blasted the Liverpool legend.Carragher has faced the heat after giving his reasons for why he thinks the Africa Cup of Nations is not a “major tournament”.Rio Ferdinand has somewhat reignited his row with Jamie CarragherCredit: GettyFerdinand chimed in and backed Boris Becker’s criticism of CarragherCredit: GettyThe Liverpool legend has been in the eye of a storm this weekCredit: GettyCarragher, 47, spoke on Sky Sports after Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Manchester City and appeared to suggest that playing at Afcon worked against Mo Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.The former centre-back hinted that Salah can’t win a major tournament – in his eyes, the Euros, Copa America, or the World Cup – for which Egypt are not heavily fancied.But that opinion brought him criticism from the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Micah Richards, and Ferdinand – the latter of which Carragher called a “clown” this week.And now three-time Wimbledon champion Becker has joined the pile-on regarding a separate issue. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCarragher had weighed in on Vincent Kompany’s tenure at Bayern Munich after the German side squeezed past Celtic in the Champions League play-offs last week, after beating the Scottish champs 3-2 on aggregate.The pundit said: “Bayern have not convinced me at all yet. “Now they are playing against Leverkusen, who dominated Bayern in the Bundesliga recently. It’s a 50-50 tie.”In the end, I’m predicting Leverkusen to advance. If Kompany does not win, there will be many question marks about his appointment.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Because the league is expected and the Champions League is the icing on the cake of a season. They have to reach at least the semi-finals.”But Becker, a Bayern fan who has been a board member, hit back: “There haven’t been any questions regarding the appointment of Kompany! ‘Oh, God… did he say that?’ – Pep Guardiola left in disbelief at Jamie Carragher’s ‘not nice and not true’ claim”In fact, Bayern just said domestic title is the most important trophy this year and are happy with the work of Kompany! Jamie is NOT well informed at all.”And Ferdinand couldn’t resist capitalising on his former rival’s woes.The Manchester United legend simply replied to the tweet and said: “Boris… he’s having a bad couple weeks. Let him off”.Ferdinand and Carragher’s clash has centred around the latter’s take on the Afcon, which has made huge headlines.Carragher was pulled up live on air by Sturridge and Richards for saying: “I think the problem is the fact Salah is with Egypt.”And he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such, or maybe got a great chance of winning, I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament.”Richards hit back: “Just to say, Afcon is a major tournament because a lot of people are at home saying ‘they aren’t taking it serious’. Afcon is a big tournament, just so you know.”Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher landed in hot water over comments regarding the Africa Cup of NationsFerdinand, 46, caught wind of Carragher’s statement and argued that this sort of thought process is “ignorant”.Carragher heard what Ferdinand had to say on Instagram and hit back with a fiery response in the comments’ section.The Liverpool great branded his fellow Premier League hero a “clown” as he insisted his words were taken out of context.Carragher responded: “I didn’t say that, you clown. Stop playing to the gallery like you always do.”Plenty of people have agreed with Carragher – including Joey Barton, who issued an impassioned video defence of his take.Ballon d’Or winners have often tasted glory in either the Champions League or an international tournament – typically the Euros or Copa America. No African star has won the gong since George Weah in 1995, while Sadio Mane finished second in the 2022 edition.Meanwhile, Carragher also got on the bad side of Pep Guardiola last week.The Manchester City boss fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked the club’s blockbuster Champions League second-leg because he was scared of Antonio Rudiger.Carragher implied the Norway ace wanted to avoid Real’s fit-again centre-back Rudiger, 31.Speaking as the pundit on CBS, he said: “It’s Rudiger-itis is it? Is that what we’re saying here?”READ MORE SUN STORIESAhead of City’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, Guardiola shook his head in disbelief when told of Carra’s stunning comments.He said: “Oh, God. Did he say that? Jamie Carragher said that? Oh God. Don’t laugh. I don’t know why he makes that suspicious, you know that? More