Philippa Kaur

JAMES MADDISON nearly FELL OFF the Tottenham bus during the club’s wild Europa League parade.North London was taken over by 200,000 jubilant fans on Friday night as Spurs celebrated finally ending their 17-year trophy drought.James Maddison appeared to nearly fall off the Tottenham busHe had to steady himself after the fallCredit: YouTubeHe also made a touching tribute to Son Heung-minCredit: ReutersThousands of Spurs fans turned out to see the paradeCredit: GettyMaddison, 28, was one of the keenest to celebrate despite being ruled out for the final in Bilbao.And he could have suffered an even worse injury, as he almost took a horror fall while being interviewed by club media.He had declared himself the “CEO of the afterparty” while on top of the team bus parading around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.But the midfielder came close to making an early exit as he lost his balance before having to grab onto his interviewer.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFans spotted the moment and reacted on social media.One posted: “James Maddison stumbling on top of and on the edge of a tour bus is ANOTHER type of anxiety.”A second wrote: “That was close to another injury to Maddison.”After composing himself, he made a classy tribute to club captain Son Heung-min.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe England international said: “He’s one of the best humans I’ve met and I’m so happy he had that moment in Bilbao. You will not meet a nicer man.“How he treats everyone, my family, my children. He’s just a magnificent man.Inside Tottenham’s wild Europa League open-top bus parade as 200,000 fans greet heroesSon sounded croaky when he took the microphoneCredit: AlamySupportershailed the players as they went past on the busCredit: AlamyThe parade ended at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: AlamyThe team lifted the trophy on a stage outside the groundCredit: Reuters“We had a moment on the pitch at the end.”We don’t always say exactly how we feel, especially men, but that was my opportunity to tell him I adore him. He’s a top man.”Meanwhile, a croaky-sounding Son, who won his first trophy in his tenth year at club, said: “The last two days have gone so fast.“I felt like I just slept five hours, but it’s already Friday. It was incredible.“I waited, I dreamed of this moment. It finally happened.“I said many times that I wanted to make it here. But today is the day that is special. I’m very lucky, I was captain, it’s even better. I’m all over the moon, so so happy.”This was a party — one described as “insane” by sleep-deprived goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario — that was 34 years in the making.The North Londoners’ previous trophy may have come in 2008 with the League Cup.But their last parade actually took place in 1991 after Gary Lineker, Gary Mabbutt and Gazza clinched the FA Cup.Richarlison leant out to share a moment with a fan who had climbed a traffic lightCredit: GettyBoss Ange Postecoglou just took it all in after a tough seasonCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSpurs were expecting 150,000 supporters to turn up yesterday but in the end it may well have been another 50,000 on top of that.As midfielder and reveller-in-chief Yves Bissouma put it: “Look how north London is fully white.”Streets starting from Edmonton a couple of miles north of the ground down to the stadium itself were packed hours before the open-top bus parade began at 5.30pm.People were climbing up on to roofs — including the one above the Harry Kane mural — and on top of bus shelters to catch a glimpse of their heroes.Two female fans had come all the way over from South Korea to be part of the celebrations, having watched on television back home their icon Son lifting the trophy in Bilbao.One said of skipper Son: “He’s a national hero. He’s the first (South Korean) captain of the Premier League. We’re so proud of him.”The music was pumping, from football classics like Sweet Caroline to the new fans’ favourite ‘We won it in Bilbao’ to the tune of Shakira’s 2010 World Cup song Waka Waka (This time for Africa).The players, clad in shirts with champions and 25 inscribed on the back and sporting, rather bizarrely, ski goggles, then turned up and the bus got going, flanked by a sea of blue-and-white waving flags and flare smoke.Richarlison was bouncing up and down at the front, Bissouma had his shirt off, Cristian Romero, the Europa League player of the season, was on the beer.A croaky-sounding Son, who won his first trophy in his tenth year at the club, said: “The last two days have gone so fast. I felt like I just slept five hours but it’s already Friday. It was incredible.“I waited, I dreamed of this moment. It finally happened.Read More on The Sun“I said many times I wanted to make it here. But today is the day that is special.“I’m very lucky, I was captain, it’s even better. I’m all over the moon, so so happy.”Tottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfield.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players… More

AL HILAL want an answer from Bruno Fernandes by next week over whether he fancies a money-spinning move to Saudi Arabia this summer.The Manchester United skipper admitted on Wednesday night he would go without a problem if his club decides to cash in on him.Bruno Fernandes is a target for Al Hilal – but the Saudi club aren’t waiting aroundCredit: RexFernandes claimed he would accept a way out of Old Trafford after Europa League heartbreakCredit: GettyAnd that has put Al Hilal on red alert as they look to bring another marquee signing to the Middle East this summer.They would be willing to offer United a transfer fee of around £100million for their talisman – while the 30-year-old would pocket up to £700,000 per week.But they want to know by the end of the month whether a deal is a possibility – as they would like a big-name player for the Club World Cup.The Red Devils would ideally like to keep Fernandes who has been their best player during the current season by some distance.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever they also know the lack of European football next season will blow a huge hole in their finances – meaning tough decisions have to be made.They are already looking for buyers for Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony who are currently out on loan with other clubs.Meanwhile winger Alejandro Garnacho wants talks with the club over his future at Old Trafford after his angry reaction following the Europa League final defeat.Garnacho started 14 games in a row from early March but all that changed in recent weeks.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe missed a golden chance early in the 4-1 second leg win over Athletic Bilbao – which would have made the night a lot easier – and was benched for the next two games.Then he was also named among the subs for the final against Tottenham before being thrown on with 19 minutes to go.FIRE SALE at Old Trafford! EVERY Man Utd Star Up for Grabs — Even Mainoo & Garnacho!United would listen to offers for the young winger as he is classified as homegrown which would be a big boost to their profit and sustainability figures.Napoli and Chelsea both showed interest in the 20-year-old Argentine in January and could make fresh approaches when the summer transfer window re-opens.A difficult week for the Red Devils continued as members of the football staff had it confirmed they were being made redundant.Alejandro Garnacho is among those looking set to leave the clubCredit: GettyClub sources say they were part of the 150-200 job cuts that were announced earlier this year.Decisions had been left until the end of the season to minimise the disruption to Amorim’s plans.But with the club now knowing they cannot qualify for European football next season, the people affected were told on Friday. More

THE Serie A title could be decided TONIGHT as Napoli and Inter remain locked in the hunt for silverware.Both clubs will play their season finales this evening as Antonio Conte’s side host Cagliari and Simone Inzaghi’s men travel to Como.Napoli are in pole position for the titleCredit: Shutterstock EditorialInter are the underdogs for the Serie A titleCredit: AFPNapoli are in pole position for their second league title in three years as they have 79 points, one more than Inter.Should the Blues claim victory over Cagliari, they will guarantee their status as Serie A champions.A draw would also be enough, but that would require Inter not to win at Como.Inzaghi’s side can only win the league title tonight if they win and Napoli drop points.READ MORE IN SERIE AThere is a scenario that both clubs could finish on the same points after 38 games – but what will happen if that’s the case?What happens if Napoli and Inter finish on the same points in Serie A?If Napoli lose at home to Cagliari and Inter draw at Como, both clubs will finish on 79 points.In the Premier League, the tiebreaker would be goal difference, but the same is not applied in Serie AIn 2022, the league reintroduced a rule which means the teams who are battling for the title or fighting relegation will face each other in a one-off play-off if they have the same points tally, regardless of goal difference or head-to-head record.Most read in FootballThe rest of the league standings is decieded by head-to-head, should multiple teams be on the same amount of points.The winner-takes-all play-off would take place on Monday, May 26, at either the San Siro in Milan or, for safety reasons, Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.The only time the Scudetto play-off has occurred was in 1964 when Bologna and Inter finished level on 54 points. More

GARY NEVILLE has unleashed a scathing attack on Nottingham Forest after being banned from the City Ground for Sunday’s clash with Chelsea.Man Utd legend Neville, 50, has been denied accreditation for Sunday’s Champions League decider as his feud with Forest rages on.Gary Neville has spoken out after Forest banned him from Sunday’s game against ChelseaCredit: GettyNeville had branded Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis (r) as “scandalous” following a recent pitch invasionCredit: PAIt comes two weeks after Neville slammed Evangelos Marinakis’ ‘scandalous’ on-pitch row with manager Nuno Espirito Santo.Taking to Instagram on Friday night, Neville said: “I was contacted by Sky Sports earlier on in the week and told that I would be commentating at the City Ground on Sunday for the Nottingham Forest v Chelsea match.”I was informed yesterday by Sky Sports that Nottingham Forest would not give me an accreditation or access to the stadium as a co-commentator. I’ve had no choice but to withdraw from the coverage.”I’ve dished out my fair share of criticism and praise in the last 14 years of doing this job and have never come close to this unprecedented action.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe continued: “Personally, I think it’s disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decision.”Whilst they have every right to choose who they let into their own stadium, it’s symptomatic of things that have happened over the last 12 months with the club.”I wish the coaching staff, players and fans of the club all the best in their quest to achieve Champions League football.”Sky chiefs are furious and are standing with Neville following Forest’s decision, and have totally revised their coverage plans for the final game of the season.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA spokesperson told SunSport: “Sky Sports was subsequently informed by Nottingham Forest that Gary Neville would be denied accreditation to the match.“This was an unprecedented and unwelcome step.Taiwo Awoniyi health update with Nottingham Forest star recovering in hospital after emergency abdominal surgery”As a result, Sky Sports has decided to revise its production plans and has taken the decision to present the game from Sky Studios in west London.”The ban comes two weeks after Neville labelled Marinakis’ heated discussion with Nuno “absolutely scandalous”.While co-commentating on the game, Neville fumed: “What the Forest owner has just done on the pitch over at the City Ground is absolutely scandalous.”If I was Nuno, I’d be going and having a very strong word with him, because that is an absolute scandal.”Marinakis claims he lost his temper over striker Taiwo Awoniyi being forced to play on while injured.I think it’s disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decision.Gary NevilleAwoniyi collided with a post late in the draw with Leicester and was later placed in an induced coma.Forest later addressed the incident in a statement, writing on X: “Today is a day for celebration, because after 30 years Nottingham Forest is now guaranteed to be competing on the European stage once again – a promise I made to our supporters when we achieved promotion.”With two more games to go in the Premier League, we must keep believing and keep dreaming, right to the final kick in the final game.”We are extremely proud and close to Nuno and the team, and we must all celebrate the historic achievements of this season.Read More on The Sun”Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgement on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game.”This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club. Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming.” More

LIVERPOOL fans are sharing a bizarre Donald Trump meme – as Florian Wirtz closes in on a record-breaking move to Anfield.The Reds are now “confident” of sealing a deal for the exciting German playmaker.Florian Wirtz is reportedly close to a blockbuster move to LiverpoolCredit: GettyA deal for the German would likely smash the current British transfer recordCredit: GettyLiverpool fans have taken to sharing a bizarre clip of Donald Trump praising their co-owner John HenryCredit: WH GovernmentWirtz is one of Europe’s most in-demand players after two stunning seasons for Bayer Leverkusen.Manchester City and Bayern Munich were also desperate for his signature.And the German giants has seemed certain to get their man.But Liverpool have shot to the front the queue after impressive Wirtz, 22, and his family in talks on Merseyside.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd transfer guru David Ornstein suggests Liverpool are set to win the race with Wirtz said to have told Bayern chiefs he is joining the Reds.Reports now suggest Liverpool’s owners the Fenway Sports Group have signed off a British-record £126million fee.That’s after already having sealed a £35m move for Wirtz’s Leverkusen team-mate Jeremie Frimpong – and lining up a deal for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.And Liverpool fans were full of praise for American FSG chief John Henry – many with a bizarre clip feature controversial US President Donald Trump.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFans shared a video of Trump declaring Henry was a “great businessman” during a 2018 visit to Washington.Henry was at the White House to celebrate his MLB team Boston Red Sox winning the World Series. Liverpool boss Arne Slot parties with Wayne Lineker in Ibiza just hours after Premier League clash with Arsenal_2Trump is seen addressing the team and singles out the Liverpool owner for praise. Turning to Henry behind him, Trump declared: “John Henry, [is] a great, great businessman. “John, thank you very much. Great businessman.”One fan responded in response to the Wirtz claim: “Please wake me up! Gotta be a dream… we getting a top diamond of the world?”Another joked: “John W Henry statue? Who says no.”While a third added: “I’m levitating mate what a month of football.”John Henry, [is] a great, great businessman. John, thank you very much. Great businessman.Donald TrumpBut a fourth countered: “Why do people go mad? NOTHING is signed or done.”Wirtz has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest young stars after flourishing under Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso.The German scored 16 goals and added 15 assists in 45 games this season as Leverkusen finished second in the Bundesliga.Wirtz has already been looking at property on Merseyside ahead of the move.Read More on The SunShould Liverpool get the deal over the line, it would smash the current British transfer record. The record is currently held by Chelsea, who shelled out £115m for Moises Caicedo in 2023. More

WILL MANNION has been training to become an aeroplane pilot.And the keeper hopes his Charlton team will be flying in tomorrow’s play-off final against Leyton Orient – before landing a place in the Championship.Will Mannion is targeting promotion to the Championship with CharltonCredit: GettyThe keeper is a pilot in his spare time away from the pitchCredit: AlamyThe 27-year-old has already done 15 hours of flying lessons and is a third of the way through being able to fly solo.Mannion told SunSport: “I was 14 when I took my first lesson. It was something I was going to do properly if football didn’t work but thankfully it did.”Now it’s something I want to do after football. I’m going to do more lessons so I can get my Private Pilot Licence in the next couple of years.”I’ve been flying Cessna 172 planes, which are like a four-seater washing machine with wings! I’ve got a fair way to go yet.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”When I was at my last club Cambridge, I flew out of RAF Duxford, which was awesome because you would have Spitfires taking off in front of you!”It’s hard to describe the feeling of flying a plane. I would liken it to riding a bike in the sky!”It’s intuitive when you’re up there with the controls.”It’s not as scary as people think. It’s fun, especially when ­taking off and landing.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Although taking off and landing are the two hardest things because that is where things can most likely go wrong.”But I’m never frightened, you just have to know what you’re doing.Ex-Rangers star Greg Docherty sends message to his dad following Charlton Play-Off semi-final victory”The plan is to get more lessons locally. Biggin Hill isn’t too far away so will probably fly out of there.”Mannion cannot pinpoint why he fell in love with aviation but he then took it up in case a football career did not pan out.And now he is contemplating a career in the sky when his days in football are over.He added: “The next stage for me is to go out solo. I’ve got to do around 45 hours to get my licence.”The great thing is it’s not something you need to do by a certain deadline, you can just chip away at it in your own time.It was something I was going to do properly if football didn’t work but thankfully it did.Will Mannion”There are various exams — theory and practical — you must do. Then I can be in a position to just take a plane out for leisure at the weekend or on my days off.”But that is only the first stage.”There are quite a few more exams before you can fly a plane for easyJet.”At this stage I don’t know how far I’d go with it but might consider working in the commercial airline industry one day!”Back on the ground, Charlton have the chance to return to the Championship after five years stuck in League One.Mannion has played a crucial role in helping the Addicks reach this Wembley final – having kept a club-record TWENTY-FIVE clean sheets this season.Not bad for a keeper who only joined last summer from Cambridge.He said: “To have played in as many games, finish fourth, play like we have as a team and keep as many clean sheets has been massive.”It’s not something I predicted when I came but as the season progressed you could see we were a solid defensive unit and it paid off in terms of our league position and reaching a Wembley play-off final.It will be surreal but it’s just another game. We cannot afford to get carried away by the occasion and romance of it.Mannion on Wembley”The clean sheets aren’t just down to me. It starts from the front in terms of how we play, we’re a high-pressing team.”That transcends throughout the team.”The lads in front of me have been outstanding all season. They’ve limited what I’ve had to do to a minimum.”Mannion is establishing himself as a No 1 after a lot of years doing the hard yards.He was a young pro at Hull – rubbing shoulders with the likes of Harry Maguire, Jarrod Bowen and Andy Robertson – after being signed by Steve Bruce.He had loan spells in non-league with Aldershot and Kidderminster before a season with Cypriot team Pathos having struggled to find a club at home.Charlton’s boss Nathan Jones is aiming for promotion on SundayCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHe said: “It was during the Covid spell. I couldn’t even find a club to look at me, never mind sign me. So I had this opportunity to go abroad and I gave it go.”As a life experience it was good to see a different culture – although on the football side I didn’t get a lot of opportunities.”A move to Cambridge brought 29 League One appearances over three years before what has turned out to be his best season yet at the Addicks.Mannion has only previously been to Wembley as a spectator — watching Crystal Palace beat Watford in the 2013 Championship play-off final and the 2009 FA Cup final when Chelsea saw off Everton 2-1.He said: “It’s one thing imagining yourself playing there and quite another actually thinking you will play there.Read More on The Sun”It will be surreal but it’s just another game. We cannot afford to get carried away by the occasion and romance of it.”We’ve one more game to achieve what we set out to do – win promotion.” More

GARY NEVILLE was BANNED from commentating on Nottingham Forest’s Champions League qualification decider with Chelsea as his feud with the City Ground club plunged to new depths.In a shock decision, Forest told Sky that former England defender Neville would be “denied” accreditation for Sunday’s crunch clash.Gary Neville has been banned from Nottingham Forest’s showdown with ChelseaCredit: PAThe Sky pundit called out Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis (right) for invading the pitch after a game against LeicesterCredit: PAForest are preparing for their biggest game in decadesCredit: GettyIt came just two weeks after Neville slammed Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ “absolutely scandalous” on-pitch row with boss Nuno Espirito Santo in the final minutes of the 2-2 draw with Leicester on May 11.Marinakis was furious that Forest’s medical staff did not recognise the extent of striker Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury when the Nigerian collided with a post.Awoniyi was subsequently placed in an induced coma after undergoing surgery for a ruptured intestine.When he saw the confrontation, Sky co-commentator Neville said: “What the Forest owner has just done on the pitch over at the City Ground is absolutely scandalous.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”If I was Nuno, I’d be going and having a very strong word with him, because that is an absolute scandal.”He’s just qualified them for a European competition, and from where that club’s been, and to be remonstrated with on that pitch in front of the club’s fans is an absolute joke.”Neville then added on X: “Scandalous from that Forest owner. Nuno should go and negotiate his exit tonight with him! The Forest fans, players and manager do not deserve that.”Forest hit back, using the club’s social media accounts to implicitly accuse Neville of having pushed “fake news online”, adding: “Baseless and ill-informed outrage for the purposes of personal social media traction serves no one – least of all the injured player.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”We call on these influential voices to show the same respect for player welfare that they often demand from others. Let concern come before commentary. “At Nottingham Forest, we believe the mental and physical well-being of our players and coaching staff must always take precedence — over media narratives, inflammatory judgements, and certainly over self-promotion.”Jamie Carragher in huge row with Gary Neville over Arsenal title prediction and striker claimForest also insisted there had been no confrontation between Marinakis and the manager.But now the club have taken the row one stage further by banning Neville from the City Ground where he was due to be working on Sunday.Sky said that Neville had been “confirmed to co-commentate live from the City Ground” when the game was chosen as the channel’s first selection for this weekend’s final weekend games.A spokesman for the channel said: “Sky Sports was subsequently informed by Nottingham Forest that Gary Neville would be denied accreditation to the match.”This was an unprecedented and unwelcome step.“As a result, Sky Sports has decided to revise its production plans and has taken the decision to present the game from Sky Studios in west London.”Personally, I think it’s disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decisionGary NevilleInstagramSky chiefs are clearly furious with Forest and backing Neville, who has chosen not to be part of the broadcast at all after being prevented from fulfilling his duties at the City Ground.It is expected he will be replaced as co-commentator with Sky choosing to still work the match coverage from the ground even though their show will now be presented from Osterley rather than Nottingham.SunSport have contracted Forest for comment.Neville has since responded with a statement on his Instagram page.He wrote: “I was contacted by Sky Sports earlier on in the week and told that I would be commentating at the City Ground on Sunday for the Nottingham Forest v Chelsea match.”I was informed yesterday by Sky Sports that Nottingham Forest would not give me an accreditation or access to the stadium as a co-commentator.”I’ve had no choice but to withdraw from the coverage.”I’ve dished out my fair share of criticism and praise in the last 14 years of doing this job and have never come close to this unprecedented action.”Personally, I think it’s disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decision.Read More on The Sun”Whilst they have every right to choose who they let into their own stadium, it’s symptomatic of things that have happened over the last 12 months with the club.”I wish the coaching staff, players and fans of the club all the best in their quest to achieve Champions League football.” More