Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 200 Shares148 Views

    in Soccer

    Jack Grealish passes unwanted Man City record as Pep Guardiola leaps to defence of England star

    JACK GREALISH returns to Villa Park today having gone past a significant anniversary this week.Yet it is not one that anyone at Manchester City would have been celebrating.Jack Grealish has not scored in over one calendar yearCredit: AlamyBut Pep Guardiola insists ‘optimistic’ about Grealish refinding his formCredit: RexDecember 16, 2023. The last time the £100million ace scored a goal in a competitive game for Man City.If he was creating plenty for his team-mates then his own drought could be overlooked.But there has been only one assist in the Premier League this season for the England man.His manager Pep Guardiola and the 29-year-old himself have always been keen to point out his game is about more than numbers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat has been the case throughout his 3½ years at the Etihad.However, this was meant to be the season when he got his career back on track following his Euro 2024 snub.That was what he promised on his club’s pre-season tour of the USA after returning to work early.His aim was to prove former Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate was wrong not to put him on the plane to Germany.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFive months on, we are still waiting.And as he goes back to his old stamping ground for today’s lunchtime kick-off, his career is once again at a crossroads.Four Man City stars including Haaland and Grealish ‘miss penalties against NO KEEPER’ in bizarre training live streamGrealish has struggled with injuries and form again during the current campaign — starting only five league games so far.Yet he has appeared as a sub in seven more — which shows that he has been available for most of them.It is just that Guardiola has generally chosen NOT to start with the former Aston Villa skipper. That is despite the unprecedented injury crisis he has been trying to handle so far this season.Asked how he assesses Grealish’s season so far, Guardiola said: “It started well but he’s had two or three setbacks for the injuries.“He’s a player that needs time and minutes to get his form, his physicality. But he’s strong.”As for the year-long goal drought, he added: “Last season it was not a good season for him, then he’s had these setbacks.“Of course, the people up front have to produce as much as possible. But it’s not just Jack, it’s a few of them. We are struggling to create a little bit up front.“But always I am optimistic about my players that they are going to turn it round and perform well.”A look at the numbers from Grealish’s horror season so farHe has not always stuck up for his record signing though.The City boss was furious when his player was called up by England for the November international break — and his star indicated he wanted to go.He had not played for his club in over 2½ weeks due to injury and his manager clearly felt he should be staying behind to work on his fitness.That is what happened eventually — but not before Grealish had reported to St George’s Park to be assessed by the Three Lions medics. When domestic football returned the following week, Guardiola insisted there was no issue between the pair of them and he was available for selection again.He has started only three games since — although in one of them he played centrally in the 3-0 home win over Nottingham Forest.That was City’s only triumph is their jaw-dropping 11-game slump and Guardiola said afterwards Grealish could be the man in the middle more often.Yet three days later he was back on the bench for the draw at Crystal Palace — which put another dent in their hopes of a fifth straight title.He was there again in Sunday’s Manchester derby — replacing Jeremy Doku 13 minutes from time with his team a goal up.But he was accused by former Premier League superstar Thierry Henry of helping to hand the initiative back to the Red Devils.Speaking after the 2-1 United win, Henry said: “I was at home and I screamed. I did scream because that’s not the Jack Grealish I saw at Villa. That’s not the Jack Grealish I saw arriving at Man City.”Yet if he cannot turn things around quickly, Grealish could leave City at some point next year.The club are planning to hit the January sales to fill the gaps in their midfield and try to turn their season around.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd there will be more new faces in the summer so the clock is ticking for the £100m man.Today would be a perfect time to remind everyone what he can do.Inside Sasha Attwood and Jack Grealish’s relationshipSasha Attwood and Jack Grealish have become parents for the first time, but their relationship started well over a decade ago…The pair met as teens in Solihull, West Midlands at secondary school, with Sasha previously saying they have been together since she was 15. Jack was already on his way to becoming a professional footballer when he met Sasha.Despite the long-term nature of their relationship, she remained on the sidelines when his career took off.However, intense interest in Jack’s private life came to a head in 2021 when England reached the final of Euro 2020, delayed a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of their romance, Sasha was cruelly targeted by trolls on TikTok and Instagram, receiving 200 death threats a day from “young girls”. The pair were spotted on holiday together following the tournament and slowly began showing more of their relationship on social media when the vile trolling died down. In 2022, they celebrated their 10-year anniversary and purchased a seven-bed mansion set in 24 acres worth £5.6 million.They moved in to the home in late 2023, but Sasha and members of Jack’s family were subject to a terrifying robbery while cheering on the Manchester City star during a televised match just after Christmas. Their latest milestone is Sasha’s pregnancy, which they announced on social media on July 7, and the birth of daughter Mila Rose on September 27. More

  • 238 Shares148 Views

    in Soccer

    Harry Kane responds to deadly Magdeburg Xmas market attack as Bayern Munich star says it ‘puts things in perspective’

    HARRY Kane has responded to the deadly Magdeburg Christmas attack that has so far killed four people.At least 86 people were injured in the attack in Magdeburg, with at least 15 being seriously hurt after the car ploughed into unsuspecting revellers.Harry Kane of FC Bayern München during the Bundesliga matchCredit: GettyThe smashed-up car that drove into a large crowd at a Magdeburg Christmas market in GermanyCredit: ReutersFootage caught the moment the car ploughed into the marketCredit: XStar English footballer Harry Kane, who is playing for Bayern Munich, shared a heartbreaking tribute in a post on X.He said: “Hearing news of the tragedy in Magdeburg puts things in perspective and on nights like this football isn’t what’s most important.”My thoughts and condolences are with all those affected by the horrific tragedy.”Kane, 30, lives with his family above the River Isar near Munich.read more sportThe area is dubbed the “Beverly Hills of Bavaria”.The German footballing giants in Munich decided to cancel a planned Christmas ceremony which was scheduled for after their clash with RB Leipzig yesterday.The crowd came together instead and sang an emotional rendition of Silent Night, Holy Night with a local choir.The suspect of the attack was travelling at up to 40mph when he first smashed into those at the festive celebrations, horrified witnesses said.Most read in FootballHe reportedly raced through the packed market for at least 400m (1,300ft) – leaving trails of devastation in his path.Officials fear the number of deaths could rise in the coming hours due to the severity of many of the victim’s injuries.Footage later captured the driver of a black BMW being arrested at the scene just after 7.04pm local time on Friday.The suspect is a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006, the state’s prime minister Reiner Haseloff said.Saudi suspect arrested after driving through German Xmas marketThe man was not known to German authorities as an Islamic extremist, Germany’s DPA news agency reported.Mr Haseloff told reporters at the scene: “We have arrested the perpetrator.“From what we currently know he was a lone attacker so we don’t think there is any further danger for the city.”The man’s motive remains unclear.German newspaper Bild initially suggested that 11 people had been killed however just two deaths have been confirmed so far.There were also reports claiming there may have been a bomb in the passenger seat of the BMW after a suspicious piece of luggage was found.The city of Halle is now increasing security at its Christmas market as tensions remain high.The car was driven “across the Christmas market”, according to a police spokesman.Witnesses said the ground was covered in blood and tinsel as doctors scrambled to treat the injured.The two initial deaths were later confirmed by Mr Haseloff with city authorities confirming a total of 68 people were hurt.The car went “through people” and sent others “going over it”, a man standing just feet away from the crash added.Some of the injured are said to be in a critical condition with a huge number of emergency workers at the scene.Tents were immediately set up to treat victims while all hospitals in the area said they were preparing for a “mass casualty event”.Neighbouring cities, including Halle, around 50 miles from Magdeburg, also prepared their hospitals to take in victims.A special hotline was set up last night for family and friends fearing for their loved ones.Lars Frohmüller, a reporter for German public broadcaster MDR told the BBC: “It was a real chaotic situation.”We saw blood on the floor, we saw people sitting beside each other and having golden and silver foils around them.”And we saw many doctors trying to keep people warm and help them with their injuries.”Everywhere were ambulances, there were police, there were a lot of firefighters.”Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry has condemned the attack and said it will stand in solidarity with Germany and the victim’s love ones.Dozens of injured revellers were being treated in tents at the sceneCredit: GettyFootage captured the moment the suspect was arrested by copsA black BMW drove through a crowded Christmas Market in MagdeburgCredit: APArmed cops were stationed all around the area – with pictures showing people led away on stretchers.One witness who gave her name as Nadine said her boyfriend Marco was ripped out of her arms when he was hit by the car.She told Bild: “He was hit and pulled away from my side. It was terrible.”Nobody even screamed. You couldn’t hear the car either.Marco had injuries to his leg and head: “We don’t know which hospital he went to. The uncertainty is unbearable.”The Christmas market posted to Instagram to ask people to stay away.German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said “reports from Magdeburg lead us to fear the worst”. He added: “My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.“We stand by their side and by the side of all Magdeburg residents. My thanks to all the emergency services in these difficult hours.”Mr Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will travel to the scene of the incident today.Robert Habeck, Germany’s vice-chancellor, said on X: “What terrible news from Magdeburg, where people wanted to spend the advent season in peace and community.“My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all the emergency services on site who are doing everything they can to help and to clarify the background.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X: “I am horrified by the atrocious attack in Magdeburg tonight.”My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany.”German special police forces attended the crime sceneCredit: APEmergency teams worked tirelessly to get those injured medical supportCredit: gETTY More

  • 150 Shares131 Views

    in Soccer

    Man Utd vs Bournemouth prediction: Betting tips, odds and Premier League preview

    AFTER Thursday’s disappointing cup exit, Manchester United continue their league recovery mission with a home game against Bournemouth.SunSport betting experts have previewed the Super Sunday contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesFirst scorer and correct score predictionsAmad Diallo to score first at 13/2 with talkSPORT BET – CLAIM HERECorrect score – 2-2 at 11/1 with Betfred – CLAIM HEREMan Utd vs Bournemouth previewOne step forward and one step backward at Manchester United at the minute.But supporters seem content that things are improving and can see what Ruben Amorim is trying to achieve.Things could’ve been a lot worse in midweek though, when Spurs raced into a 3-0 lead in the 54th minute.But Fraser Forster had other ideas, gifting two goals for United for a grandstand finish. Unfortunately for United, they still had a goalkeeper howler in them and eventually were dumped out 4-3.Eight games in charge now for Amorim and he’s won four of those, losing three and drawing one. They need a win to kick on from their 13th spot heading into the weekend.Bournemouth’s last visit to Old Trafford ended in a 3-0 victory towards the end of last season and they’re in a better place this year too.Three wins and a draw in their last four games, the Cherries are in sixth and three points outside the top four heading into the weekend.Man Utd vs Bournemouth latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Manchester United vs Bournemouth predictionsA Mad decision not toThe star of the moment, Amad Diallo looks to be single handedly dragging United through in recent weeks.Diallo came off the bench and swung the game in United’s favour on Thursday before his keeper’s weakness for Spurs’ fourth killed the game.You’d be (A)mad not to back him to carry on, particularly at the prices on offer!Amad Diallo to score first OR last at 7/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERECan’t split themIt’s been a strong first half of the season for Bournemouth and they’ll be in this game on Sunday, without question.They won strongly in their last visit here, and the time before that was a rollercoaster 2-2 draw earlier last season.That scoreline looks capable of going in again with the sides sharing the spoils.Draw and BTTS at 7/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

  • 200 Shares123 Views

    in Soccer

    Manchester United vs Bournemouth: Get £50 in free bets for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Betfred

    MANCHESTER UNITED go into the weekend in THIRTEENTH and need to build on last week’s Manchester derby win when Bournemouth visit on Sunday.And brand new Betfred customers can claim a smashing £50 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the intriguing Premier League showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereMan Utd vs Bournemouth: Get £50 free bets HERE*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Man Utd vs Bournemouth: Get £50 free bets HERE*New to Betfred? Then you can claim this incredible offer.Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and register a new account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Then you just need to deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater.When that first bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with the following free bets;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)FREE BET SIGN UP DEALS FOR FOOTBALLRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

  • 263 Shares82 Views

    in Soccer

    England World Cup winner George Eastham dies aged 88 as tributes flood in to Stoke City legend who changed game forever

    ENGLAND World Cup winner George Eastham has died at the age of 88, as tributes flood in.His former club Stoke City paid tribute to the footballing legend, who was part of England’s 1966 winning squad.George Eastham has passed away at the age of 88Credit: PAHe was part of England’s 1966 World Cup winning squadCredit: PAGeorge also played for Newcastle UnitedCredit: PAGeorge later went on to manage Stoke CityCredit: PAMidfielder and inside forward George played for Newcastle United, Arsenal and Stoke City in the English top-flight league in a professional career spanning two decades, and earned 19 international caps.He is also remembered for a three-week trial at High Court which changed football’s old “retain and transfer” system forever.The club’s message read: “The Stoke City Football Club family is immensely saddened by the passing of club legend George Eastham OBE at the age of 88.”George was signed by the Potters for a £35,000 fee shortly after being part of England’s 1966 World Cup winning squad.Read more Football News”He went on to represent the club for eight seasons in the top division of the English game and was a two-time FA Cup semi-finalist in red and white.”He is perhaps best remembered as the man whose goal secured the 1972 League Cup in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Wembley.”The Potters will wear black armbands for the fixture against Sheffield Wednesday (on Saturday) as a mark of respect.”Our thoughts are with George’s family and friends at this difficult time.”Most read in FootballGeorge made 194 league appearances for Stoke over eight seasons, and went on to manage the club between 1977-78.After his contract at Newcastle expired in 1959, he went on strike for eight months to force the club to let him join Arsenal – as the system at that time allowed clubs to keep a player’s registration as a means to force them to stay.He later sat in the High Court for a three-week trial against Newcastle and the Football Association.The judge found the old transfer system to be unreasonable, leading to major reforms in the British transfer market and the establishment of a tribunal to deal with disputes.The Blackpool-born legend told the Mail last year: “You were a slave to the club.”Going to court needed to be done. It needed to come out from the shadows. “Players needed to be getting the money they were supposed to get. Everybody’s getting the just rewards now.”George received the award of an “Officer of the Order of the British Empire” (OBE) in 1973 for his services to football.George Eastham has passed away at the age of 88Credit: PAGeorge played alongside Les Cocker and George Cohen for EnglandCredit: PAGeorge next to Everton’s Ray WilsonCredit: PAGeorge before a World Cup qualifying match in 2009Credit: Reuters More

  • 200 Shares82 Views

    in Soccer

    Enzo Maresca braced for wave of unsettled Chelsea stars seeking January transfer escape including ex-England ace

    ENZO MARESCA is braced for a wave of unsettled Chelsea stars knocking on his door next month.Finishing top of the Conference League table means European football can be parked until March.Enzo Maresca knows some Chelsea players may ask for a January transferCredit: GettyBen Chilwell could be on the move after being frozen out by the new bossCredit: PABut it brings with it a dilemma over what to do with his second-string squad struggling for game time.There are also deep-frozen players like Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka for whom the January transfer window offers a chance of escape.Boss Maresca said: “There are players that unfortunately they didn’t play a lot with us in all the competitions, like Chilwell, like Carney.“Probably they are the first that want to leave, because they work every day, they train every day, they want to play games and if they don’t play games they are thinking of leaving.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“For each player it’s a different situation.“So we’re going to see if some of them are coming to knock on the door and say I want to leave.“I’m not worried about the next three months. The only thing I can say is that we have many games.“If they do the right things, if they work properly, for sure they’re all going to have a chance to play games. We will try to find a solution.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Next week we have three games. Then in January the FA Cup will start.“Game by game we’re going to try to pick the best 11. The ones that we think are the right ones for that game. And then we’ll see.”Enzo Maresca breaks silence on Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drugs test and gives update on his Chelsea futureMaresca has trimmed a squad which totalled 43 at one stage. But while the numbers are down he still has players like £56million Christopher Nkunku — who was pelted with toilet roll by Shamrock fans in Thursday’s European clash — confined to Conference League starts with Premier League appearances limited.To a lesser extent, it is the same with £38.4m forward Joao Felix.They are expensive and ambitious players to have kicking their heels for three months.Chelsea have won eight games in a row — their best run for eight years.They can go top if they win at Everton tomorrow, even if it is just for a few hours until leaders Liverpool face Tottenham.Whatever happens, they are guaranteed to be in the top two at Christmas for the first time since 2016 — when they went on to become champions.They have won the title on all five occasions they have been No 1 at Christmas — and never done it the four times they were second on December 25.Maresca has Felix fit again but is still without midfielder Romeo Lavia and defender Wesley Fofana with injuries.Crocked skipper Reece James was due to join training for the first time since his latest hamstring setback.Maresca added: “We try to focus on the game, not on the consequence that we can be leaders for a few hours.“The target is always the same; prepare the game to win the game. And then we’ll see.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But I think Everton’s stadium is not only tough for Chelsea. I’ve been there many times, it’s tough for any club. But we’re going to see.“If we win, Liverpool have that pressure. It’s more a question for them.”Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix have largely been limited to starts in the cupsCredit: GettyChelsea will not play in the Conference League again until MarchCredit: Getty More

  • 313 Shares84 Views

    in Soccer

    Gary Lineker is being replaced by two women and a man on Match of the Day – BBC should be proud to lead the charge

    THE BBC inclination to employ ever more women in jobs that were once male  territory has evoked not even a hum of male irritation.Gary Lineker is to be replaced by two women and a man on Match of the Day . . .Gary Lineker will step down as Match of the Day host at the end of this seasonCredit: PAGabby Logan will form one third of a new presenting trio replacing the former England strikerCredit: RexReaction: So what!Whether or not three-for-one presenter ratio will work is to become clear after the trio start next season, even if the company’s accountants approve the division of Lineker’s £1.3million salary.Money well earnt and deserved in my opinion.The fact I like this increasing number of women commentators should be no surprise, for when I moved into football 32 years ago women were rarer than a hen’s dentist.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSuch a short time later women are acknowledged as players both on the pitch and in the offices. Only with the whistle or in men’s football management are they rare. But in press boxes, behind microphones and contributing knowledgeably on television, they are as commonplace as they are in boardrooms, politics and executive positions.In several aspects BBC can be very proud to have led the charge away from attitudes that once were summed up in the insult “monstrous regiment of women”. Most read in FootballKelly Cates and Gabby Logan are both outstanding broadcasters.They will work on the show in rotation with Mark Chapman, already a BBC stalwart.Gary Lineker reveals he turned DOWN huge ITV show as he reveals salary demand for reality showsThey are a capable front line to follow the former England striker who will have fronted the show for 25 years. He has been witty and fearless. Criticisms only began seriously after he was revealed to be the corporation’s highest earner.Both Cates and Logan are daughters of league and international footballers, Kenny Dalglish, one of Scotland’s greatest, and Terry Yorath of Wales.Critics will approve their background and wait upon their merits.Kelly Cates has established a formidable reputation as one of Sky’s finest presentersCredit: GettyLogan is probably best known. She ousted male presenters at several Olympic Games and remains a brisk and skilled regular at big events, and deservedly so.Cates has worked on BBC radio and TV, mainly on Sky, for many years and is as slick and personable as you would expect in a skilled presenter.If theirs is a semi-takeover then even more striking was the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year, which on Tuesday featured three women, Clare Balding, Alex Scott and (of course) Gabby Logan.Can you name the famous fathers?As Olympic 800 metres gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson became the fourth consecutive female winner of the top prize and, on the night, beat any competition for the most daring dress.Men could only hope their duties did not include the washing up afterwards.The battle for equality is not won yet but the tide is sweeping us forward.It won’t be too long, I suspect, before the US has a female president.After all, even the Garrick Club which defined itself as a club for “men of refinement” has just opened the door to women. It may take some while for one of us to become Pope, Russia’s leader, or to chuck away forced hijabs in Iran but most of the West is now wide open to the new order.And what a shocking waste of human resources the past has been.As long ago as the Second World War, women showed they could shoulder martial discipline as well as intellectual pursuits.The days when us women were nurses but not doctors, are over.READ MORE SUN STORIESWe might not have as much muscle but we have proved that we carry so much else . . . the ability to organise, to lead, to plan and to have children and give birth to every tax payer on the planet.Quite some contribution. More

  • 238 Shares119 Views

    in Soccer

    Mykhailo Mudryk ‘pictured in Saudi Arabia for Usyk v Fury’ days after Chelsea star suspended for positive drugs test

    CHELSEA star Mykhailo Mudryk has reportedly been photographed in Saudi Arabia, days after he was suspended for failing a drugs test.Mudryk, 23, was snapped with a Chelsea fan YouTuber, who shared the image on social media.Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk has failed a drugs test and faces a four-year banCredit: GettyThe Chelsea ace is thought to have flown to Riyadh to support fellow Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk in his blockbuster rematch with Tyson Fury.The YouTuber – known only as Shargi – also reported a brief chat with the £88million winger.He claimed he told Mudryk: “Chelsea fans from all over the world trust you that you did not take a performance-enhancing substance. We love you very much and we trust in your returnAnd the fan reports that the Chelsea star replied: “Thank you very much, I hope everything is gonna be fine.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Ukrainian winger tested positive for a banned substance in October and is set for a lengthy ban of up to four years.Mudryk denied knowingly taking meldonium, which was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list in 2016. It can apparently allow the body to “use oxygen sparingly and quickly restoreenergyto prepare for new loads of physical stress.”Meldonium is widely used in Eastern Europe and has been on the banned list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since 2016.Most read in FootballMudryk has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for meldoniumCredit: Getty Mudryk released a statement on Tuesday morning insisting he has never “knowingly used any banned substance.”He said: “I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance”.“This has come as a complete shock as I have NEVER knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened”.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has come out in support of the £88million signing and believes he will return to the team.He said: “We all believe Mudryk is innocent.“I don’t think Misha’s Chelsea career is over. I think he will come back. “We don’t know when, that is the only doubt we have in this moment.“But for sure, he will be back.”What drug did Mudryk take?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK returned a positive sample for a drugs test in October.The Chelsea winger could face a ban for up to four years – because the drug was a performance-enhancing substance.It is alleged Mudryk had the drug meldonium in his system.Meldonium – aka mildronate – is a metabolic modulator similar to insulin and is widely used in Eastern Europe.It is used in heart disease therapy but is also claimed to enable athletes to withstand greater stress, use oxygen more sparingly and restore energy levels quickly.Meldonium was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list in January 2016 following its high prevalence at the 2015 European Games in Baku.Just months later, former tennis world No1 and Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova was banned for two years by the International Tennis Federation – although this was later cut to 15 months on appeal.Sharapova had been taking the drug for ten years for various health issues and claimed she was unaware it had been added to the banned list.Also in 2016, Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin was found to have traces of meldonium in his system before he was due to fight fellow heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder. More