Philippa Kaur

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    World’s biggest stadium that dwarfs Wembley left to rust after hosting huge wrestling show with 350,000 fans

    THE world’s largest stadium has a staggering capacity of 150,000 – but is barely used.Opened in 1989 and situated in Pyongyang, North Korea, the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium was the first of its kind.The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium is the biggest stadium in the worldCredit: RexIt is situated in Pyongyang, North KoreaCredit: AlamyThe stadium is now rarely usedCredit: AlamyIt was built in response to South Korea constructing the Seoul Olympic Stadium in the early 1980s, with the rival nation determined to make a statement by building an incredible venue of their own.The stadium was at one time regularly used for sporting events as well as performances, shows and celebrations.Six years after it was opened, the venue played host to Collision in Korea, the world’s largest professional wrestling pay-per-view event.Around 350,000 took to the stadium across the two-day spectacular.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt also held the world’s biggest gymnastics display with over 100,000 participants.However, despite being open for over 35 years, it is now barely touched.Although the stadium is used for some major showcases to the rest of the world, most of the time it sits in silence.The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium was left to decay for years until Kim Jong-un called for a refurbishment 10 years ago.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt underwent a refurbishment in 2015Credit: AlamyIt was given a fresh lick of paint and all 1,300 of its rooms were renovated.But it has only been used for some select large-scale events since then.World’s biggest stadium twice the size of Wembley with 200k seats left to rust after hosting mega wrestling showThe stadium has 16 arches in its scalloped roof which covers the huge 242,000 sq ft pitch below.Its total floor space is over 2,230,000 sq ft which spans eight stories, as the roof peaks at more than 200ft above the ground.The venue is currently used for small-time football matches, a few athletic events, and most often the games of the Arirang Festival – a large scale gymnastics event.Its estimated seating capacity is around 150,000, making it significantly bigger than Wembley Stadium in London, which can hold 90,000.It is also bigger than Manchester United’s new proposed £2billion stadium which is expected to seat 100,000 fans. More

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    ‘As if I were the one in the dock’ – Dani Alves’ wife breaks silence after ex-Brazil star has rape conviction overturned

    DANI ALVES’ wife has revealed she felt that she was the one in the dock following the overturning of the footballer’s rape conviction.The Tenerife-born beauty urged the trolls who targeted her to “quit venting their hate” against people they don’t know in a hard-hitting social media post shortly after learning the former Barcelona star was in the clear.Dani Alves was last year found guilty of raping a woman at a plush Barcelona nightclub in December 2022Credit: AFPThe former Brazil star won his appeal to overturn the conviction last weekCredit: AFPAlves’ wife, Joana Sanz, admits she felt like she was also on trial as she broke her silence after the overturning of the convictionCredit: GETTYFour Catalan High Court judges said in a 101-page written ruling released on Friday cancelling out Alves’ conviction and four-and-a-half-year prison sentence for raping a woman in a VIP toilet at Barcelona’s Sutton nightclub in the early hours of December 31 2022: “It cannot be concluded that the standards required by the presumption of innocence have been met.”They also branded his female accuser an “unreliable complainant” based on video evidence and part of her own testimony.Alves’ accuser plans to launch a last-ditch appeal to Spain’s Supreme Court after her lawyer’s previous attempts to get the former defender jailed for 12 years on conviction.The 41-year-old Brazil international spent 14 months on remand in prison ahead of trial before being released on bail.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSDespite the impending appeal, Joana decided to break her silence as she lashed out at those who questioned her decision to support her husband of nearly eight years.She gave him a second chance despite admitting she was seeking a divorce following his arrest in January 2023 – and two months ago posted a photo taken in their car of them interlocking hands next to a bouquet of flowers.In her Instagram post, published alongside a smiling selfie of her with her eyes closed, Joana said: “I was singled out, insulted, threatened and persecuted for two years. As if I were the one in the dock.“Despite so much media/public damage, I am still standing, not lacking work as so many wanted it to happen, faithful to my beliefs and defending what I think without being intoxicated by others.”Most read in FootballJoana Sanz has told trolls to ‘stop venting your hatred on people you know nothing about’Credit: GETTYSending a direct message to the Internet trolls and other critics who attacked her over her decision to stand by her man, she added: “‘I invite you to stop venting your hatred on people you know nothing about.”To get informed and educated, so you don’t have to bite your tongue, which sometimes poisons.”Shamed rapist Dani Alves spotted trying to go incognito in shades and baseball cap as he signs in at court on £1m bail She finished her message with the sarcastic words, “Feliz vida” – which in English translates to “Happy life”.The couple were pictured hand-in-hand in April last year in the first snap of them together in public after Alves’ trial.They also took advantage of their day out in the sunshine to eat at an exclusive restaurant in Barcelona city centre and go shopping.Sanz revealed shortly after Alves’ arrest she had demanded a divorce after he admitted for the first time to having sex with the woman he was found guilty of raping at Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court.She later said the divorce had been put on hold and she gave evidence on Alves’ behalf at his trial from February 5 to 7 last year.Alves had to pay a £850,000 bail bond to secure his release and hand in his Spanish and Brazilian passports after being allowed to leave a Barcelona prison after he appealed his lower court conviction.It’s unclear if Joana Sanz will reinitiate divorce proceedings against Dani AlvesCredit: INSTAGRAM@JOANASANZHe ordered take-away hamburgers on his first night of freedom.Reacting to the appeal judges’ decision to clear him, fans of Joana and Dani Alves offered the couple their support online.One said: “The truth always wins, we love you Dani.”Another added: “Now who will cancel out all the suffering you experienced. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Make sure you enjoy the rest of your lives.”But Spain’s former Equality Minister Irene Montero, who is now an MEP for hard-left party Podemos, has accused the appeal court judges of dispensing “patriarchal justice.” More

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    Incredible moment referee KOs losing coach with karate kick to the face after he tried to attack him with a bottle

    THIS is the incredible moment a referee KO’s a furious member of a losing team’s coaching staff with a karate kick to the face during a Peruvian league match.Luis Alegre let rip with his right boot as the man invaded the pitch and ran towards him with the apparent intention of assaulting him with a plastic bottle in his hand.A member of the coaching staff ran on the pitch armed with plastic bottleCredit: XHe looked ready to attack the referee with the bottleCredit: XReferee Luis Alegre let out a karate kick to defend himself from the bottleCredit: XThe coach immediately fell to the floorCredit: XHe connected with his rival’s head, putting him on the ground and sparking the intervention of the police.Things then took a turn for the worse as the ref and his linesmen were surrounded by angry players looking for revenge.The drama occurred in the 82nd minute of Sport Huaquilla’s Copa Peru match against Magdalena CEDEC in Ancash north of the of the Peruvian capital Lima.TV footage showed it happened after Mr Alegre brought out a red card after one of his linesman appeared to point towards someone from the Magdalena bench.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe video showed the ballsy ref was no martial arts beginner – with his right boot connecting full-on with the jaw of the unnamed individual who rushed at him and went to hit him with his plastic water bottle.Remarkably Luis managed to keep hold of the red card he was brandishing in his left hand despite his rapid reaction to the assault he was about to become a victim of.The linesman nearest the action ran towards the pair before the karate kick in an apparent attempt to protect his colleague.Although he ended up trying to calm tempers elsewhere on the pitch as the situation threatened to derail.Most read in FootballPlayers tried to pull away the furious coachCredit: XOther players swarmed the officials angry with the referee’s actionsCredit: XThe situation threatened to boil overCredit: XCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe man on the receiving end of the referee’s martial arts technique got up moments after being felled looking dazed.And perhaps thankfully for his own safety was persuaded not to react by one of his own team’s players who put his arms around him and moved him away.Ex-Man Utd star Memphis Depay sparks mass brawl with cheeky trick as four red cards are handed out in derby clash Match commentators responded by saying, when it was already too late: “Calm down lads, calm down” before adding as police intervened: “This sort of thing can’t happen.”The game was suspended after the incident.It was not immediately clear if the man kicked in the face had needed to be taken to hospital or whether he and the ref would face any disciplinary action. More

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    Chelsea set to learn Club World Cup opponents with emergency playoff after Fifa break their own rule

    CHELSEA’S opening Club World Cup replacement opponents are set to be decided by an emergency playoff – as Fifa break their own rules.And they could be handed a reunion with former Blues striker Olivier Giroud – and ex-Spurs skipper Hugo Lloris.Chelsea will discover who they will face at the Club World Cup through an emergency playoffCredit: GettyFifa are breaking their own rules to for the clashCredit: EPAFifa have confirmed it is now “considering” a one-off tie involving Mexico’s Club America and Los Angeles FC of the USA to fill the void after Leon were booted out of the tournament.Chelsea were due to play the Mexican side in their opening game in Atlanta on June 16.But Leon fell foul of Fifa’s multi-club ownership regulations as they are part of the group that also owns fellow Mexicans Pachuca, who also qualified as Concacaf Champions Cup winners.In a statement, a Zurich spokesperson said: “Fifa can confirm that it is considering a playoff match between LAFC and Club América for the right to participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, replacing Club León. “LAFC would participate in the match because they were the runners-up in the 2023 Concacaf Champions’ Cup, which León won.“America would participate because they are the highest-ranked team in Concacaf in the Fifa Club World Cup rankings. Further details will be provided in due course.”Suggestions that Fifa would open the door for Club America, the most widely supported club in Mexico, have grown in recent weeks.Mexican fans ensured sell-outs for the Concacaf Nations Cup finals in Los Angeles last week, even though Mauricio Pochettino’s USA side played the afternoon games in half-empty stadiums before the supporters arrived en masse.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeBut under the regulations Fifa announced when they confirmed the tournament, NEITHER side should be considered.Fifa rules state that no country is allowed more than two representatives UNLESS those clubs were all winners of their confederation’s major club prize in the four-year qualification period.Todd Boehly gives major Chelsea stadium update and vows to leave Stamford BridgeThose regulations meant Liverpool, who would have qualified through Uefa’s coefficient system, were among the major European sides to miss out at the expense of Austrians Salzburg.But Fifa then designated Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami as a “host” team representing Concacaf rather than the USA, whose only official club involved is Seattle Sounders.Mexico already have Monterrey as well as Pachuca, filling their quota, with the measures against Leon instigated by a complaint from Costa Rica’s Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, who argued they should be handed their place as the next eligible side in the coefficient standings.Lloris joined LAFC, part-owned by US actor and comedian Will Ferrell, in December 2023 after more than 11 seasons at Spurs while Giroud, also 38, went to the MLS when he left AC Milan last summer.Leon have already appealed Fifa’s ban decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and any playoff cannot be scheduled until after the result of the legal proceedings are known.Chelsea’s other two opponents in Group D are Brazilians Flamengo, who they meet in Philadelphia on June 20 and Tunisian outfit Esperance, with the final group game in the same venue four days later.The Blues have already been assured of around £30m in appearance money for the inaugural version of the expanded 32-team competition, with a further £67m up for grabs in potential prize money.England’s other representatives, Manchester City, start against Morocco’s Wydad in Philadelphia on June 18.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey then meet Abu Dhabi outfit Al Ain in Atlanta before finishing against Juventus in Orlando on June 26.If they win their respective groups, the two Prem sides cannot meet until the final in New York on July 13. More

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    Arsenal and Tottenham announce historic extra North London derby at brand new stadium as fans left divided

    NORTH LONDON rivals Arsenal and Tottenham are set to clash in a pre-season friendly overseas.The two clubs will meet at the newly-opened Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on July 31.Arsenal will face Tottenham at the the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong KongCredit: AFPIt will be the first North London Derby played outside the UKCredit: EPAIt will be the first North London Derby played outside of the United Kingdom.The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 7:30pm local time, meaning fans watching from the UK will be tuning in at lunchtime for a 12:30pm start.While fans of both teams generally look forward to the North London Derby each season, many have been left disappointed by the move.One person said: “This is a disgrace and you know it. Pathetic.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother commented: “Travelling all that way to play our neighbours. You’ll be tweeting about zero emissions again next week.”A third wrote: “Game has officially gone.”While a Spurs fan was quick to point out: “A friendly with that lot… make it make sense.”However, some supporters were happy with the announcement.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne said: “MY TEAM IS FINALLY BACK TO HK!”While another wrote: “I WILL BE THERE.”‘Captain on and off the pitch’ – Fans love Arsenal star Martin Odegaard’s classy gesture on international dutyArsenal beat Tottenham on both occasions this season.The Gunners managed a 1-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September before clinching a 2-1 victory at the Emirates in January. More

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    ‘Really getting on my nerves’ – Roy Keane blasts Erling Haaland for ‘smiling’ during Man City’s win over Bournemouth

    ROY KEANE was unimpressed by Erling Haaland smiling during Manchester City’s FA Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth.The Norwegian missed a penalty in the first half of the Vitality Stadium clash before squandering another good chance a few moments later.Erling Haaland missed a penalty in the first half of Manchester City’s FA Cup quarter-final clash with BournemouthCredit: REUTERSHe missed another golden chance a few moments laterCredit: GETTYITV pundit Roy Keane was far from impressed by the smile the Norwegian cracked after his second missCredit: ITVA frustrated Haaland cracked a wry smile after his second straight miss, which well and truly irked Keane.The ITV pundit said: “Haaland missing a penalty, very lackadaisical.”Then, he missed another chance and he’s smiling.”Man City strolling around the pitch are really getting on my nerves, not a good sign.”READ MORE ON KEANEKeane’s sentiment on City was echoed by fellow pundit Ian Wright, who said: “We know Bournemouth are going to force them wide and make them make mistakes.”That’s exactly what Nunes did. This could have been very comfortable.”They don’t seem in the vibe. They don’t seem up for it.”Haaland would eventually get his name on the scoresheet in the 49th minute to level the tie.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKErling Haaland would leave the Vitality Stadium on crutches after suffering an injury in the second halfCredit: TIKTO@CELEBSTARCLIPSHe was subbed in the 61st minute after sustaining an injury, with City new boy Omar Marmoush replacing him.And the Egypt international struck in the 63rd minute to seal a 2-1 win for City and send them to the semi-finals.Man City launched probe into Erling Haaland after he ‘left club’s mascot with whiplash’ after hit to back of headIt’s currently unclear what injury Norway international Haaland is suffering from.But he sparked serious cause for concern from the Etihad faithful by leaving the Vitality on crutches and in a protective boot.City’s reward for beating Bournemouth is a semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest on April 26. More

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    Pep Guardiola hit with touchline ban after Man City boss is booked during FA Cup win over Bournemouth

    PEP GUARDIOLA has been hit with a touchline ban after being booked against Bournemouth.The Manchester City boss masterminded a comeback against the Cherries after going 1-0 down before half-time, with Erling Haaland and super sub Omar Marmoush scoring to turn the tie around.Pep Guardiola will miss Man City’s next game after picking up a yellow card against BournemouthCredit: GettyThe win booked City a spot in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley with the Cityzens to face Nottingham Forest for a chance to appear in their third final in a row in the competition.Indeed, this season marks a record seventh semi-final in a row for Guardiola’s side.But during the second half of the clash, referee Stuart Atwell booked the Spanish manager for dissent.It came when Guardiola complained after talisman Haaland had gone down with injury in the second half following a challenge from Lewis Cook.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite Haaland signalling for a change, Bournemouth carried on playing which sparked an angry reaction from City, with Kevin De Bruyne seen confronting Cook as Guardiola made his thoughts clear.Guardiola, 54, had previously been booked against Arsenal and Fulham.And his third booking of the campaign now means Guardiola won’t be on the touchline for City’s next game, a Premier League tie against Leicester City on Wednesday.City look set to also be without Haaland after he was forced off when he appeared to stutter his knee.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Norwegian ace, who has now scored 30 goals in all competitions this season, was later pictured leaving the Vitality Stadium in a protective boot and crutches.When asked about the seriousness of the injury, Guardiola said: “I don’t know yet.Man City launched probe into Erling Haaland after he ‘left club’s mascot with whiplash’ after hit to back of head”I saw him on the massage table but I didn’t speak with him or the doctors. We will have to see.”Haaland missed two games with a knee injury earlier this campaign but has otherwise been in lethal goal-scoring form.City are heading to the revamped Club World Cup this summer, with Guardiola hoping to put a dismal 2024/25 firmly behind him.But he claims his squad wouldn’t deserve the £100million prize money on offer – after their poor Premier League title defence.Guardiola said: “We don’t deserve it this season. We don’t deserve a bonus this season. The bonus, if you win, I don’t know how much.”You go there, (winning) it’s for the club. The managers, the backroom staff, the players we don’t deserve, not even a watch.” More

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    ‘Leaving Man Utd works wonders’ – Fans love Antony’s wild Real Betis celebrations as he goes topless and waves huge flag

    MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony celebrated wildly as he helped Real Betis make it six league wins in a row.The Brazilian joined the Spanish side on loan during the winter transfer window.Antony celebrated Real Betis winning the Seville derby by waving the club’s flag aroundCredit: GettyThe win also marked six league wins in a rowCredit: GettyOne of Antony’s team-mates said the club need to ‘crowdfund’ to sign him permanentlyCredit: EPAAfter failing to impress across two-and-a-half years at Man Utd following an £86million move from Ajax, Antony has found a new lease of life with Real.The 25-year-old has scored four goals and assisted four in 12 games. His performances have earned him widespread praise.But after playing the full match in a 2-1 win over Sevilla to ensure his side won the Seville derby, it was what he did after the game which really caught the eye.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs fans celebrated a sixth La Liga win on the bounce by staying behind at the Villamarin Stadium, Antony was seen waving the club’s flag around.The winger had taken his top off while doing so.Later on he was lifted up by goalkeeper Adrian, who joined the club for free last summer after leaving Liverpool.Speaking after the game, Antony’s team-mate Isco urged the club to do all they could to land him and even joked they should do some “crowdfunding”.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe former Real Madrid star said: “We need to do crowdfunding or something so that Antony can stay at least one more year. “He has surprised us with the humility he’s brought.”Ex-Man Utd star Memphis Depay sparks mass brawl with cheeky trick as four red cards are handed out in derby clash Fans reacting to Antony’s topless flag waving on social media said: “I’m crying with Antony, this guy… I hope he stays at Betis.” A second said: “Just look at how happy Antony is. Leaving United really works wonders for players.”A third added: “AURA.”Another said: “Passion like that could power the whole stadium!”Real Betis chiefs hinted in February that Antony’s deal could be extended beyond this summer.There is no transfer clause in the deal which took Antony to Spain from Manchester, but the club are covering a portion of his £105,000 a week wages.However, sporting director Manu Fajardo has now outlined the club will likely need to qualify for the Champions League to be able to afford Antony.He said: “In Betis’ sporting department, we work on ‘devalued’ players, analysing data from players who have reached very high moments and peaks, but who for various reasons have significantly decreased their performance.”We are concerned about their situation and speak with major clubs. In his case, we were able to anticipate and convince the player, and his entourage. “Today, Antony is performing immediately from minute one in the squad.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We haven’t lost our enthusiasm, we can’t rule out anything in football and hopefully Real Betis will remain in the top European positions to benefit his continuity and the arrival of other great players.”The club currently sit sixth in La Liga, six points off of the top four.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More