Philippa Kaur

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    in Soccer

    Man Utd set for controversial post-season games despite Tottenham and Newcastle’s similar plans being branded ‘madness’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to play two controversial post-seasons in Asia.The Red Devils will jet off for matches in Malaysia and Hong Kong after the end of the Premier League season in May.Manchester United will play two games in Asia at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyTottenham and Newcastle had a post-season friendly last yearCredit: GettyAlan Shearer has been highly critical of the ideaCredit: GettyTottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United played in an end of season friendly in Australia last year.The match was slammed by Premier League legend Alan Shearer as “madness”.At the time, he said: “Can you imagine if you’re a player who is playing in either the Copa America or Euro 2024 having to do that?”Madness. Crazy.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I wouldn’t be happy at all.”It’s crazy for Newcastle to go and play Spurs there on Wednesday night and then another game.”Ruben Amorim and his players will now have to undertake the journey for the games.Elite players have seen their workloads increase and has been a point of discussion this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThere have been added games with Fifa’s expanded Club World Cup and Uefa’s new format to the Champions League.However, there has been some restbite as FA Cup replays have been scrapped to ease the hectic football calendar.Andy Goldstein insists Sir Jim Ratcliffe has got everything wrong at Man Utd after drastic cuts Meanwhile, Man United have confirmed that there will be a second round of redundancies at the club.It was revealed that up to 200 more staff members could lose their jobs.This follows on from the 250 staff that were let go last year.The club has made huge incoming from commercial, matchday and broadcasting income.However, it has not been enough, with the club losing more than £300million over the last five years.Since 2013, the club has splurged over £1.6BILLION on transfers following the exit of Sir Alex Ferguson.And despite their enormous outlay, they have never felt so far away from competing for the Premier League title.End of season datesHere is a look at the important dates towards the end of the football season…17 May: FA Cup final21 May: Europa League final25 May: Final Premier League games31 May: Champions League final2-10 June: International break15 June – 13 July: Club World CupMid-July: Pre-season matches begin9 August: Community Shield16 August: Start of 2025-26 Premier League season More

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    in Motorsport

    Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing

    LEWIS HAMILTON was keen to make a good impression on his first day in the office.The stylish seven-time world champion is known for strolling into the paddock in a couture outfit that looked fresh off the runway.Lewis Hamilton turned up in full Ferrari gearCredit: AlamyHamilton, 40, drove his new carCredit: EPABut on the first day of official testing in Bahrain, 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.He was reunited with his trusted physiotherapist Angela Cullen who was buzzing around the paddock, having left her role as Hamilton’s performance coach in 2023 after seven years together.The 50-year-old from New Zealand was also on site early and was seen delivering breakfast for Hamilton on a tray, with the Brit still following a strict vegan diet.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 team-mate Charles Leclerc.READ MORE IN SPORTThe 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.In a previous interview, he said: “I always start with the No44 because that’s the number that I had on my go-kart when I was eight years old.”It was my dad’s car registration number, F44, so each year, it’s just a new chance to rise to the challenge.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe seven-time world champion is preparing for his new challengeCredit: RexHamilton ended his full testing debut for Ferrari in fifth and he was one of the first to emerge from the pit-lane with what looked like spiky armour on the outside of his Ferrari.The equipment is called an ‘aero rake’ which is a metal frame fitted with multiple sensors that teams attach to different areas of the car.Lewis Hamilton models new Ferrari gear but fans notice ‘hideous’ issue They are usually behind the front wheels, near the sidepods, or at the rear and they are mounted temporarily during test runs to measure airflow characteristics around the car.Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz said: “I was interested to see that aero rake on Hamilton’s car on his first run, measuring what’s going on with the front wing.”It’s one of the technical talking points of the early part of the year.”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.It 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.Most notably, he will have to get to grips with the Ferrari power unit having made the switch from Mercedes.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has only driven with Mercedes power throughout his career, including during his six years at McLaren.F1 commentator David Croft added: “There will be huge attention on Lewis, as there always is. Particularly as he makes his first few laps on Ferrari power. His entire career so far has been powered by Mercedes engines.” More

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    in Soccer

    Australian radio DJ Marty Sheargold axed after ‘disgusting’ and ‘horrendous’ comments about women’s football

    A RADIO presenter has been axed after he made shocking comments about women’s football.Aussie DJ Marty Sheargold made several “disgusting” remarks aimed at the women’s national team while interjecting a sports bulletin on his show.A DJ has been axed for ‘disgusting’ remarks aimed at the Australia women’s teamCredit: AFPThe 53-year-old claimed he would “rather hammer a nail through the head of his penis” than watch the team in next year’s Asian Cup.He compared the players to “year 10 girls” with “all the infighting and all the friendship issues”.The comments came during an update on the Matildas at the SheBelieves Cup.Sheargold interrupted, saying: “Oh, she believes in what? It better be men.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe stand-up comic added he was “sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that’s what I think of it.”Referring to the 2023 World Cup held Down Under, he continued: “There’s something wrong with the Matildas. They had that wonderful tournament out here where we all fell in love with them, even though they didn’t make the quarters.”Sheargold later “sincerely apologised” and was set to appear on his show today – only to be taken off air by Triple M.The station said: “It takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders, and clients seriously and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience.Most read in Football”Right now, it’s clear this is a moment for reflection and review. Triple M, and the wider SCA network, will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff.”Matildas stars Alex Chidiac and Clare Wheeler slammed Sheargold’s comments as “sick”.Mary Earps wins SPOTY as Lioness makes history after England World Cup final run, Hockey ace Rosie Malone said they were “disgusting” and “horrendous”.The Australian FA wrote: “They not only diminish the extraordinary achievements and contributions of our women’s national football team but also fail to recognise the profound impact they have had on Australian sport and society”. More

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    in Soccer

    Zinedine Zidane makes £4MILLION investment in new sport as Real Madrid legend contemplates next move

    ZINEDINE ZIDANE has made a £4MILLION investment into a new sport project.The Real Madrid legend has been out of work since leaving the club as manager in 2021.Zinedine Zidane has invested in a padel centre in FranceCredit: SplashZidane, 52, has often been tipped with a return to management, with the likes of Manchester United and France suggested as options.But after winning three Champions League and two LaLiga titles he seems no closer to coming back to the dugout.The Frenchman is still busy away from the pitch and, according to Padel Paper, is taking a dive into a new sport.The outlet claims that Zidane has made a huge £4m investment into a new padel centre in France.READ MORE ON SPORTThe centre will feature 13 padel courts as well as two five-a-side football pitches and a beach volleyball court.Construction is expected to get started in early 2026.It will be built in the Aix-en-Provence with a second base also opening 50km west in Istres.Toulouges will be the fourth centre that Zidane has built.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has also got a hosting centre in Turin thanks to his ties to Juventus from his playing days.Racket sport padel originated in Mexico and has become hugely popular in recent years.Arsenal wonderkid Miguel Azeez stars opposite Zidane, Beckham and Pogba in Adidas Predator ad Zidane won three Champions League titlesCredit: GettyCristiano Ronaldo has enjoyed playing padelCredit: Instagram @cristianoCristiano Ronaldo has bought a racket centre in Lisbon after gaining interest.Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has also opened the doors to a centre in his homeland.Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted he is “addicted” to the sport.He told Wilson: “Padel is, besides football, the best game I’ve ever played.”I’ve only known it in the last five years or so, but since then, I’m really addicted to it.”You make big steps in a short period of time. It’s really fun to play.”Jurgen Klopp has called it the ‘best game’Credit: xZinedine Zidane’s managerial careerZinedine Zidane began his career in management in June 2014 when he was appointed coach of Real Madrid’s B team.Zizou spent 18 months in charge of Real Madrid Castilla before being given his shot at the big time following the sacking of Rafael Benitez.Zidane, 51, took charge of the first team in January 2016 and guided them to a second-place finish in his maiden season at the Bernabeu helm.But he went one better in the Champions League, sealing Real’s 11th European Cup triumph with a shootout victory over Atletico Madrid.The former Los Blancos star went one better in the league in the 2016-17 season, in which they also won the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.A second successive Champions League triumph also followed, with Real beating Italian giants Juventus at the Principality Stadium.He would create history the following season by becoming the first manager to win the tournament three times on the bounce.A 3-1 win over Liverpool saw Real become the first team to win Europe’s elite club competition three times in a row.Zidane announced his resignation five days after the final, insisting the club needed a “change” of direction.He would return to the Bernabeu in March 2019 following Santiago Solari and Julen Lopetegui’s short reigns.A return to the summit of Spanish football would follow in the 2019-20 season, in which Real also scooped the Spanish Super Cup.Zidane would leave the Bernabeu again in June 2021 after overseeing Real’s first trophyless season in 11 years.Zinedine Zidane’s Honours:- La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20- Supercopa de España: 2017, 2019–20- UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18- UEFA Super Cup: 2016, 2017- FIFA Club World Cup: 2016, 2017 More

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    in Soccer

    ‘I just want them to remember’ – Mo Salah gives biggest hint yet he will LEAVE Liverpool with contract running down

    MOHAMED SALAH has dropped his biggest hint yet that his Liverpool reign will end this season.As things currently stand, the Egyptian phenomenon is set to depart the Reds on a free when his contract expires this summer.Mohamed Salah had dropped a massive hint that his time at Liverpool could be overCredit: TNT SportsSalah is enjoying a record breaking seasonCredit: PASalah wants to add a second Premier League title to his trophy collectionCredit: Getty Images – GettySalah admitted that he has produced the best individual season of his career as Liverpool sit 11 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Prem.His astonishing 41 goal contributions in the league, via 25 goals and 16 assists, has left manager Arne Slot with one hand on the title.Remarkably, it seems that won’t be enough to keep him at Anfield beyond the summer.Salah spoke with club legend Steve McManaman about his time at Liverpool ahead of Newcastle’s Merseyside trip on Wednesday.READ MORE LIVERPOOL NEWSThe 32-year-old – who is currently Liverpool’s third highest-ever goal scorer – shared his adoration for the historic club.But Salah was speaking in past tense and all but told fans that his days in Red are numbered as things stand.On his legacy, the winger told TNT Sports: “I just want fans to remember that I gave it all to the fans, I gave it all to the city. “I was here, I wasn’t lazy, I just enjoyed my football and gave it my all.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I think that’s what the city is about, they give you love, you have a connection with them.”I just want them to remember that I was here for eight years…or whatever.”Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai react to a BIG win for Liverpool at Manchester CitySalah broke SIX records when Liverpool dismantled Manchester City with ease on Sunday.McManaman then stressed the obvious fact that Liverpool fans want Salah to stay beyond eight years.The legendary Real Madrid midfielder – who works as a TNT commentator now – asked Salah if there’s been any developments with his contract.Salah smiled as he shook his head and added: “No, in a very polite way.”It’s not exactly a comforting update from the main man but of course Anfield chiefs Fenway Sports Group could offer him a new deal.Salah has been free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs since January and Saudi Arabia remain in the hunt.This is the fifth time Salah has dropped a subtle hint about leaving Liverpool this season.After beating Man City in December, he admitted: “Honestly that’s what’s in my head — this is in all probability the last City game I will play for Liverpool so I am just going to enjoy it.”Salah’s potential contract headache first made headlines after Liverpool smashed Manchester United 3-0 in September.He continued: “Nobody has talked to me yet about a contract so I am just like ‘I will play my last season and we will see in the summer.”The Egyptian scored his 241st goal on Sunday, which moved him joint-third on Liverpool’s all-time goalscoring list Gordon Hodgson.Ian Rush leads the way with 346 goals, Roger Hunt has 285.Asked if he’s planning to chase the goal-scoring records of Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane or Alan Shearer, Salah said: “Yeah if I stay in this country, I will think about it.”But so far I’m just thinking about winning the Premier League and we will see at the end of the season.”Mo Salah broke another six remarkable records on Sunday afternoonArsene Wenger advised Salah that great players can always be called upon to produce a match-winning moment, even if they’ve had underwhelming game.He said: “I try to be stable and understand that you won’t be at your best every single game. “But if you stay focused, maybe you’ll have one chance. I don’t engage in trash talking. I just need one chance and you will play for it.”If Salah does leave this summer, no other player would have left a Prem club on a bigger high.Salah added: “I think this season is my best season because I make the other players around me better as well.”If you look at all the numbers for my team-mates, they’re going to be higher than my previous seasons. My assists are higher.”If you look at that direction, I think that Cody Gakpo and others players are enjoying a good season.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOn the Ballon d’Or talk, Salah said: “Lets win the league and Champions League first.”Because with the Ballon d’Or, there’s sometimes other stuff involved there. I just want to win the Premier League.” More

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    Non-league clash ABANDONED after emergency at ground as freak fire sees game called off at last minute

    A NON-LEAGUE match was postponed barely 40 minutes before kick-off last night due to a freak fire.Berkshire club Thatcham Town had been due to host Bideford AFC in the Southern League Division One South.The match had been scheduled to take place at Thatcham’s Waterside ParkCredit: Thatcham Town Football ClubWith the Devon part-timers having already made the three-hour trip east, the game was called off due to a floodlight catching fire.Providing a further update to supporters just 10 minutes before the game had been due to kick off, Bideford wrote on social media: “A floodlight caught fire and the fire brigade had to be called.”Therefore the game unfortunately had to be postponed just as we had arrived at the ground.”In footage subsequently circulating on social media, a fire engine could be seen arriving at Thatcham’s Waterside Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA further clip featured firemen inspecting the floodlight, which had smoke billowing from it.This morning, Thatcham posted a statement from chairman Paul Ayres offering a further statement.It read: “We regret to inform everyone that last night’s match had to be postponed due to an unexpected floodlight failure.”The floodlights had been on for approximately 30 minutes when, at around 18:50, one of the eight pylons faulted and blew, causing a small fire at the base of the pylon.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”The fire brigade responded swiftly and were on the scene quickly to extinguish the fire, ensuring everyone’s safety. However, due to the incident, it was not possible to continue with the match.”Our next steps involve arranging for a floodlight electrician to assess the damage and determine the necessary repairs to restore full functionality.”Police evict tennis fans and match suspended as ‘national emergency’ declared and stadium plunged into darkness No update has yet been given on when the rearranged fixture between Thatcham and Bideford will take place.Thatcham’s statement went on to acknowledge the inconvenience to their opponents.It added: “We sincerely apologise to Bideford AFC’s players, management, and supporters who made the long journey to us on a Tuesday night. We appreciate your understanding and will provide updates as soon as possible regarding the rescheduling of the fixture.”Thank you for your patience and support.”Ninth-tier Thatcham are scheduled to host Melksham Town on Saturday, although it is so far unclear whether floodlight issues could put the match in jeopardy.The Berkshire side are 21st in the 22-team table, having won just six of their 30 matches this season.Bideford, meanwhile, are safely mid-table in 14th. More

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    in Soccer

    Premier League club boss admits arranging ‘cash for sex deal’ with teen girl he ‘raped at his home’

    A PREMIER League club boss has admitted arranging a “cash for sex” deal with a teen girl he is accused of raping.The leading football figure, who cannot be named, is being sued by the alleged victim for aggravated damages.She claims she was raped by the man at his home when she was aged 15 after he invited her over to discuss a potential career opportunity.In High Court papers, the man admitted he had initiated a “cash for sex” arrangement while she was 16 or 17, The Athletic reports.He also claimed she had contacted him multiple times over the following years to offer sexual favours in return for money.His signed statement continued: “On the vast majority of occasions (he) has declined offers of sex, although he has engaged in sexual activity with the claimant on up to about 15 occasions in total over the years, for which he rewarded her with cash payments in line with her expectations.Read more news”On one occasion, the defendant engaged in sexual activity with both the claimant and her sister, both of whom were looking to earn some cash.”The football boss – anonymised in court as JZX – also branded her allegations as “dishonest and malicious”.The alleged victim came forward in 2021 claiming she was raped at his home when she was 15.But the man was not arrested and the case was left on file by the Crown Prosecution Service.Most read in FootballThis was due to a legal irregularity that meant the woman had waited too long to report the claims.Legislation at the time stated if the alleged offence took place between 1956 and 2004, and the complainant was a girl aged between 13 and 15, she had to make a report within a year.Although this was scrapped when the 2003 Sexual Offences Act came into place, it still applied if the alleged incident took place in the previous 48 years.She is suing the Premier League figure for aggravated damages for sexual assault and intentional infliction of injury.The woman claims that while he was showing her around the house, JZX subjected her to a “disgusting and traumatising” ordeal.She said in her own papers that he made her sit on his knee, told her she was a “good girl” and asked if she was a virgin.JZX then allegedly handed her £150 in three £50 notes after raping her.She says the alleged attack left her with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.The woman admits having sex on a number of occasions over the years but said she believed he would provide her with career opportunities “if she complied with his sexual demands”.READ MORE SUN STORIESJZX strongly denies the allegations and has stated the “implied contention that (he) might harm her or her family is wholly unfounded”.The BBC previously revealed how the boss was still in his post while awaiting the High Court trial.The leading figure in the Premier League has been accused of rape More

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    in Soccer

    Man City set sights on Newcastle star Tino Livramento to replace Kyle Walker as summer transfer plans revealed

    MANCHESTER CITY have set their sights on Newcastle star Tino Livramento, according to reports.The defender is viewed as a potential replacement for veteran Kyle Walker.Tino Livramento is reportedly wanted by Manchester CityCredit: RexHe could be the replacement for Kyle WalkerCredit: GettyWalker’s future at the Etihad appears to be over following his loan exit in January.The 34-year-old left Manchester City for AC Milan on a deal until the end of the season.The Telegraph has claimed that Livramento is being monitored by Pep Guardiola’s side.The former Southampton ace has excelled since his arrival at St James’ Park in 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe joined Newcastle on a five-year contract in a transfer worth £32million.Livramento, 22, has since made 50 appearances for the Magpies in the Premier League.He even earned his first international cap for England in the 5-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in November.Livramento overcame a horror ACL injury that he suffered against Brighton in 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe report has also suggested that Livramento is not the only full-back target.It is claimed that Man City are also considering a move for Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso.Micah Richards reveals he supports two Premier League teams but it ‘depends if I’m off air or on air’ Andrea Cambiaso is also under consideration by Man CityCredit: GettyCambiaso, 25, joined the Old Lady in 2022 but spent his first season out on loan at Bologna.He has since established himself in Turin and has earned 13 caps for Italy since March 2024.Man City are also said to be interested in adding a new No8 to the squad.The incoming star would be a replacement for veteran llkay Gundogan.The German, 34, is on course to trigger a one-year extension to his contract.He has struggled to show his previous form since he returned to the club from Barcelona.The midfielder has recently received interest from Galatasaray with the Turkish club willing to offer him a two-year deal.Manchester City squad agesHere is a look at the ages in Manchester City’s squad…Goalkeepers: Ederson, 31Stefan Ortega, 32Scott Carson, 39Defenders: Ruben Dias, 27Manuel Akanji, 29Nathan Ake, 30John Stones, 30Vitor Ries, 19Abdukodri Khsanov, 20Jahmai Simpson-Pursey, 19Josko Gvardiol, 23Rico Lewis, 20Kyle Walker, 34 – On loan at AC MilanMidfielders: Rodri, 28Matheus Nunes, 26Mateo Kovacic, 30Nico Gonzalez, 23Ilkay Gundogan, 34Bernardo Silva, 30Kevin de Bruyne, 33Claudio Echeverri, 19James McAtee, 22Attackers:Jeremy Doku, 22Jack Grealish, 29Phil Foden, 24Savinho, 20Oscar Bobb, 21Erling Haaland, 24Omar Marmoush, 26Average age: 26.6 More