Philippa Kaur

ACTOR Ryan Reynolds is splashing out £500,000 to send his Wrexham squad on a trip to Las Vegas to celebrate promotion — for the third year in a row.He and fellow owner Rob McElhenney promised to reward the players and staff if they made it to the Championship.Ryan Reynolds is splashing out £500,000 to send his Wrexham squad on a trip to Las VegasCredit: APDefender Max Cleworth is looking forward to the Vegas tripCredit: APDefender Max Cleworth said: “I can’t wait. “That’s the main thing this week. “I don’t think I’ll sleep until we go.”It will be his first trip to Sin City in Nevada but the third for some of the club — with Ryan and Rob picking up the tab.read more on wrexhamWrexham was a non-league club when the two actors bought it in 2020. Next season, the Welsh side will be in the second tier of English football.Manager Phil Parkinson, who is not going, said: “They deserve it.“I’ll be turning my phone off.Most read in Football“I just want a message when they’re all back in the country in one piece.”Celebrity Wrexham owner spotted in retro Celtic strip as he asks ‘are they Catholics or Protestants’Ryan and Rob McElhenney promised to reward the players and staff if they made it to the Championship.Credit: ReutersUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

IVAN TONEY handed Thomas Tuchel a new selection headache by adding ‘Champions League winner’ to his CV.England striker Toney helped Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ahli defeat Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 to lift Asia’s elite club trophy.Ivan Toney poses with his medal after winning the Asian Champions LeagueCredit: AFPToney, 29, left Brentford for Saudi Arabia last summerCredit: GettyToney celebrates with his Al-Ahli team-matesCredit: GettyTuchel picked Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke ahead of Toney for his first Three Lions squad two months ago.This was Toney’s first major trophy win — and was Al-Ahli’s debut Champions League final success after near misses in 1986 and 2012.Toney, 29, left Brentford in a £40million switch last summer having played three games for Gareth Southgate at Euro 2024.And he was not the only ex-Prem star to pick up medals as Al-Ahli triumphed in Jeddah.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez and ex-Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino had both won Uefa’s Champions League with their former clubs.Whil Edouard Mendy helped Chelsea prevail in the competition four years ago.Firmino set up both goals, teeing up fellow Brazilian Galeno for a 35th-minute opener and crossing for Franck Kessie seven minutes later.Toney — who has bagged 26 goals in 39 Al-Ahli appearances —   might have netted early on but  was denied by keeper Louis Yamaguchi.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRoberto Firmino hailed his side as ‘mentality monsters’Credit: GettyEdouard Mendy was in goal for the victorious Saudi sideCredit: GettyRiyad Mahrez poses alongside team-mate Ziyad Al-JohaniCredit: GettyFirmino, who left Anfield in 2023, said: “This title win shows we have a monster mentality.”We believed we could be champions and we’ve done it.”Inside Ivan Toney’s wild £100k birthday party with free booze for women guests More

EDOARDO BOVE made an emotional return to Roma this evening, six months on from collapsing during a match.While on loan at Fiorentina, the 22-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest during a match against Inter Milan and was rushed to hospital.Edoardo Bove received a warm reception from Roma supportersCredit: GettyBove, 22, was visibly moved by his Stadio Olimpico returnCredit: GettyBove caught up with his Roma team-matesCredit: SplashBove was subsequently discharged 12 days later, having had a defibrillator fitted.The midfielder has since been recovering and has signalled his intention to return to action next season.Born in the Italian capital, Bove came through the ranks at boyhood club Roma.The Italy Under-21 international joined Fiorentina on loan last summer and remains contracted to Roma until 2028.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith Fiorentina travelling to Roma earlier today, Bove made his first return to a packed Stadio Olimpico since his cardiac arrest.While still not back in action, the homecoming hero travelled with his team-mates to the match and was met with a brilliant response.Bove was visibly moved during a rapturous reception from Roma’s Curva Sud.While a banner read: “Edoardo, don’t give up, keep dreaming.”Most read in FootballSpeaking to the Italian edition of Vanity Fair earlier this year, Bove signalled his intention to return to action.The star said: “I know that this is a temporary condition. My goal is to return to playing in June.Christian Eriksen heads to public heart screening and urges fans to get checked after Euro 2020 cardiac arrest “I still have a few (medical) visits to do, the doctors have to cross-reference all of the data.”On how his defibrillator could affect his career, given that they are banned in Serie A, Bove added: “If I decide to keep it, I won’t be able to play in Italy.”Here, health comes before the individual, I’m not saying that the rule is wrong.”Abroad, yes, (it is possible to play) practically everywhere. Football is too important for me, I can’t allow myself to give up like this.”I’ll try again, without a shadow of a doubt. I will also see how I am, If I’m afraid, if I don’t feel calm, then everything will change.”Serie A’s defibrillator rule led to Christian Eriksen leaving Inter Milan, with the Dane initially returning to action with Brentford before signing for Manchester United.Bove collapsed during a match in December and was taken to hospitalCredit: Getty More

AN AMATEUR Italian side has been gifted a lifetime subscription to an escort website after winning promotion to Serie D.Athletic Palermo are based on the island of Sicily and have been playing at amateur level for many years.An escort website has given a lifetime subscription to a team for achieving promotionCredit: RedditAthletic Palermo will be playing in Serie D for the first time next seasonCredit: RedditBut fans are now celebrating after the club achieved promotion to the big leagues for the first time.Athletic Palermo will now be playing in Serie D after securing a spot in Italy’s fourth division for next term.Players have been toasting their success ever since confirming their new status with a win over rivals Partinicaudace.But they have now been given an extremely bizarre gift by their sponsors.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAthletic Palermo are backed by an escort website called Escort Advisor.And the adult platform decided to pay homage to the players by giving them a lifetime subscription.CEO Mike Morra declared the present in a congratulatory message.He said: “We wanted to mark this achievement with a practical gift.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“Now the players and coaches can finally relax… with a little extra bonus.”Palermo’s escort present came as there were wild scenes amid Bradford’s promotion back in England.Bradford clash SUSPENDED with club seconds from promotion as fans storm pitch BEFORE full-timeFans invaded the pitch after a 97th minute sent them to League One.However, the ref’s final whistle had not yet blown, leading to panic among Bradford players as they tried to clear the supporters from the field. More

WILLIAM SALIBA has been in talks with Real Madrid for weeks, claim reports in France.The Arsenal centre-back has two years remaining on his contract at the Emirates.William Saliba has been a regular for Arsenal this seasonCredit: GettyGunners chiefs are said to be keen on renewing the Frenchman’s deal.But according to French paper L’Equipe, Real Madrid are pursuing the 24-year-old.The Spanish giants are desperate to sign a new star centre-back this summer – with Saliba at the top of their list.Real chiefs are said to be willing to assure the Arsenal star that he would become the leader of their defence.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Gunners ace is unlikely to force an immediate move – but could run down his contract.It’s claimed that Real Madrid is the only club that could lure Saliba away from the Emirates.The LaLiga champions have an extensive recent track record of signing players that have run down their deals at previous clubs.Real Madrid snapped up Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba have also arrived as free agents in recent years.Los Blancos are also expected to tie up a deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to be out of contract at Liverpool this summer.Arsenal boss Arteta shuts down reporter after being asked revealing question ahead of crucial PSG Champions League clashThe Gunners bought Saliba from Saint-Etienne in a £27million deal in 2019.Following loan spells at Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille, Saliba was finally given his chance in Arsenal’s first team in 2022.The classy defender has gone on to make 131 appearances for the Gunners.Saliba has also become a regular for his country, earning 26 caps for France. More

FOOTBALL fans should be allowed to enjoy a pint in the stands while cheering on their team, an MP says.Labour’s Luke Charters wants designated drinking zones set aside in stadiums to allow supporters to have alcoholic drinks.Labour’s Luke Charters wants designated drinking zones set aside in stadiumsCredit: SuppliedAnd the Football Supporters’ Association has given its backing to the call by the MP for York Outer.Booze is currently prohibited from being consumed in sight of the pitch in the Premier League, English Football League and National League.But it is permitted further down the football league pyramid — and in other countries, such as Germany.Mr Charters said: “I think it’s time to reconsider the alcohol ban in view of the pitch, and at least try to run some trials of designated drinking zones.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL FANS“You can sit with a beer and watch the Bundesliga — so why can’t you have a pint while watching the Prem?“As a dad, I think it’s right that some parts of the ground should probably stay booze-free.“But let’s have a common-sense conversation about what we can do to make the matchday experience better — and back our great local breweries in the process.”The FSA backed Mr Charters’ call for drinking zone trials and said: “In the past, this is actually something many clubs have called for too.”Most read in FootballAlcohol can be sold on the concourse at games before and during matches but cannot be taken in to the stands.The ban has been in place in the men’s game since 1985.Shock moment ‘drunk’ football fans bellow crass chants at Ryanair hostess mid-flight and tell her to ‘get her t**s out’But trials allowing the consumption of alcohol in view of the pitch have taken place in the women’s game, which is not covered by the ban.Southampton, Birmingham City, Bristol City and Newcastle United took part this season.Mr Charters also tore into ticket prices and wants the £30 cap for away fans in the Premier League extended to the EFL and National League.He said: “Whether it’s clubs canning concessions or FA Cup Final ticket prices flying up, this fleecing of fans is blighting our beautiful game.”Football fans enjoy terrace drinking in 1984, one year before the banCredit: Getty More

AN ASTON Villa legend has died – as tributes pour in for the last surviving member of club’s 1957 FA Cup-winning team. Peter McParland, who also won 34 caps for his country, had recently celebrated his 91st birthday before his death, according to the club.Peter McParland was the last surviving member of 1957 FA Cup-winning teamHe passed away shortly after his 91st birthday, the club has confirmedCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe Northern Irishman scored both goals in the historic 2-1 win against Manchester United at Wembley – the last time the club lifted the trophy.He is also remembered for a dramatic extra-time winner against Rotherham United in 1961 – securing his team the League Cup title. This made him the first footballer to score in both major domestic knockout cup finals.Over a ten-year stint for Aston Villa, McParland scored 121 goals in 341 appearances.read more football newsHe was equally instrumental to his national side, scoring five goals for Northern Ireland at the 1958 World Cup – in which they reached the quarter finals.He remains the record-holder for the highest scoring Northern Irishman in World Cup history.In a statement, the club said it was “profoundly saddened” by the news of his death.It added: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Peter’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”Most read in FootballMcParland was born in Newry, Northern Ireland, in April 1934 – and began his career with Dundalk FC.He was later signed by Villa manager George Martin – making his debut at home to Wolves in September 1952.The plucky young player was still a teenager when he won the first of his 34 international caps – scoring twice against Wales in 1954.As well as the League Cup and FA Cup titles, McParland also helped Villa to the Second Division title in 1959-60.Praising his breadth of talent, the club wrote: “Equally at home at centre-forward as on the left wing, McParland boasted a powerful header of the ball as well as possessing a talented left foot.”In January 1962, after his career at Villa, McParland joined Wolves for £35,000.And in the latter years of his career, he also had spells with Plymouth Argyle and Worcester City – as well as Toronto Inter-Roma in Canada and Atalanta Chiefs in the US.In 2015, Aston Villa hosted McParland as a guest at the 2015 cup final against Arsenal.And in January this year, he attended a special exhibition at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to mark the club’s 150th anniversary.The Aston Villa team following the win against Manchester UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association More