More stories

  • in

    ‘Could this be any more random?’ – Humble Newcastle star spotted working at BUTCHERS leaving fans in shock

    FANS have been left in hysterics after Newcastle star Dan Burn was spotted behind the counter of a butchers.The defender, who earns a reported £55,000-a-week, shocked shoppers at Grainger Market in the city centre earlier today.Dan Burn shocked shoppers from behind the counter of a butchersCredit: GettyIncredible images of Burn holding meat while wearing an apron over his Newcastle tracksuit went viral on social media.The humble star, who was born in Northumberland and is a boyhood Toon supporter, posed for photos with surprised shoppers.A fan shared the snaps on X, writing: “That was amazing to bump into Dan Burn, as he serves meat in the local butchers in Granger Market in Toon.”Others were left stunned, with one saying: “Could this be any more random.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Dan Burn what a bloke.”A third commented: “Just a normal Wednesday in town.”Burn was believed to be behind the counter of the butchers for a club initiative that sees players mix with the local community.Last year, Sandro Tonali was seen wearing a hi-vis jacket and a helmet while grafting with offshore engineers.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Italian midfielder, who was serving a ten-month betting ban at the time, also visited students at a facility built by the Newcastle Foundation.Burn has played 31 games for Newcastle this term, missing just two matches all season.Eddie Howe determined to end Newcastle’s trophy drought in Carabao Cup final More

  • in

    ‘Gvardiol might need ticket to get back in stadium’ – Man City star red-faced after he is ‘sent for hot dog’ by Mbappe

    KYLIAN MBAPPE humiliated Josko Gvadiol as the hat-trick hero embarrassed Manchester City.The Premier League champions went to the Spanish capital trailing 3-2 from the first leg of the Champions League play-off round clash.Josko Gvardiol was humiliated by Kylian Mbappe’s brillianceCredit: @footballontntMbappe sent Gvardiol flying with his ‘devastating’ touch insideCredit: ReutersMbappe’s finish saw Real Madrid go 5-2 up on aggregateCredit: AFPThe Frenchman gave the defender a look as he ran off to celebrateCredit: ReutersBut City gave themselves a mountain to climb soon after kick-off when Mbappe scored a clever chipped opener just four minutes into the game.He then grabbed his second in stunning fashion, embarrassing Josko Gvardiol in the process.Mbappe twisted and turned his way passed the City defence with magical quick feet before finishing clinically beyond Ederson.Real Madrid’s main man knocked the ball beyond Gvardiol and sent him flying, twisting his ankle in the process.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTo rub salt into City wounds, Mbappe pointed at him as the City star lay on the turf, laughed at his rival’s discomfort and gestured a slip with his hands as he ran off celebrating.It left TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher in awe, who said: “That’s brilliant. Gvardiol might need a ticket to get back in the stadium.”Kylian Mbappe just planted him on the turf and then planted the ball pass Ederson.”Real Madrid lead 2-0 on the night, 5-2 on aggregate, and Mbappe looks like he might run riot.”Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRio Ferdinand added: “He has absolutely laid the defender down on the floor and said ‘sit down there, watch me slot this home’.”Wonderful from Mbappe. Devastating. Lay down.”Inside Jude Bellingham’s new romance with stunning Instagram modelAt half-time, Ferdinand joked that Mbappe should have got Gvardiol a pillow.Ex-City star Joleon Lescott compared the ex-PSG superstar to the legendary Thierry Henry. Meanwhile, fans joked Gvardiol was sent for a “hot dog” and “back to Croatia”.Mbappe was not done there though, completing his hat-trick in the second-half with another stunning finish. More

  • in

    Rangers at centre of advanced talks over stunning San Francisco 49ers takeover

    SAN FRANCISCO 49ers chief Paraag Marathe is part of a US-led Rangers takeover bid.The NFL supremo is involved in a consortium hoping to take control of the Ibrox club.Paraag Marathe, President of 49ers EnterprisesCredit: GettyMarathe speaks out at Levis StadiumCredit: GettyLeeds United chairman Marathe and fellow US business figures have held detailed talks with the Gers hierarchy in recent months.SunSport understands current board member, the American John Halsted, has been a prominent figure in bringing potential investors to the table.And this could lead to the 49ers being part of a major multi-million pound investment – should a deal be struck.Ibrox sources insist there are still plenty of hurdles to overcome as high-level discussions continue.But there is hope that an agreement can be reached with the US investors to kick off a new era at Gers.The consortium see huge potential in the Ibrox club, with possible access to the Champions League a reward for domestic success.They also view Scottish football as a prime environment to bring in young talent and adopt a successful player-trading model.Marathe heads up the 49ers Enterprises arm – which seeks to ‘oversee outside business ventures, advisory efforts, and major investment opportunities for the club’.Most read in FootballHe is also Executive VP of Football Operations for the NFL giants.Marathe orchestrated the 49ers’ takeover of Leeds in 2023 after years of investment and is driving their bid for Premier League promotion.Under the SFA’s dual ownership stance, this could limit the 49ers’ ability to snap up a Gers shareholding of over 29.9 per cent – the amount Bournemouth supremo Bill Foley was allowed to control in Hibs.Deebo Samuel facing major San Francisco 49ers punishment after taking a swing at his own teammates in shocking scenes However, there are other US investors keen to plunge money into Gers as part of a wider consortium.These figures believe Marathe’s experience of British football can be of huge significance as part of a potential deal to revive Rangers.And the 49ers – bankrolled by the York family – could extend their portfolio by investing in the Ibrox giants.Speaking at the club’s AGM last year, interim chairman John Gilligan made it clear that Rangers were open to a cash injection.The Ibrox club are currently strapped for cash after posting a £17.2million loss last year.Boss Philippe Clement was limited to just one loan signing in January, with runaway league leaders Celtic favourites to complete another Treble.The Lowdown: The San Francisco 49ersEverything you need to know about the San Francisco 49ersFounded: Established in 1946 as part of the AAFC; joined the NFL in 1949.Team Name Origin: Named after the prospectors of the 1849 California Gold Rush.Location: Based in the San Francisco Bay Area; home games played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.Team Colours: Red, gold, and white, representing the Gold Rush heritage.Super Bowl Success: Five-time Super Bowl champions (1981, 1984, 1988, 1989, 1994 seasons).Key Players in History: Legends include Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, and Ronnie Lott.Hall of Fame: Many inductees, including Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Steve Young.The West Coast Offence: Known for popularising Bill Walsh’s innovative passing strategy in the 1980s.Rivalries: Major rivalries with the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Rams.Community Impact: Active in charity and youth programmes through the 49ers Foundation.But back in December, Gilligan promised fans that change was coming.He told shareholders: “There is fresh investment coming into the club.“The current investors have invested considerably over the years and are willing to do so again.“We are open to anyone who approaches us on investment.“We get approaches from all over the world from various sources.“But it has to be the right people and the right conditions and for the right amount of shares.San Francisco quarter back Brock Purdy“We don’t want one person owning the club.”Rangers’ current shareholding group is varied – with former chairman Dave King still owning around 13 per cent.Douglas Park, George Taylor, Stuart Gibson and John Bennett also have a significant amount of shares.It’s believed several of them would be willing to cut a deal for the right price, if they felt it was in the best interests of the club. The Rangers board already has strong American ties, with non-executive director Alastair Johnston vice chairman of US-based IMG – a leading sports and entertainment group.Wyoming-based Halsted became a Gers investor in 2021 through Perron Investments, LLC.There’s been a spate of tie-ins between the US sport and British football with Tom Brady is the co-owner of a Birmingham City side which has many ex-Gers stars on the payroll in the form of Scott Wright, Ben Davies and Kieran Dowell.READ MORE SUN STORIESJJ Watt is a minority investor in a Burnley side which currently sits third in the EFL Championship table. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

  • in

    Chelsea expect to complete England star Marc Guehi transfer with in-form striker also targeted in double deal

    CHELSEA are convinced they can land England centre-half Marc Guehi in the summer despite their failed January approach.Crystal Palace’s Guehi is top of the Blues’ wishlist but they also need a winger and a striker.Chelsea are confident they will bring Marc Guehi back to the club this summerCredit: GettyLiam Delap is also on Chelsea’s radarCredit: PAChelsea’s winter bid for the 24-year-old was understood to be “ridiculously low”.Palace value Guehi at £70million but, with just one full year left on his contract, they are unlikely to get that amount.Tottenham also showed an interest in January after Newcastle had four bids rejected before the start of the season – with the Toon’s biggest worth £65m.If Guehi was to sign for Chelsea in the summer, it would see him return to the club four years after he left.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe came through the ranks at Stamford Bridge after joining them at the age of seven.Guehi made just two senior appearances for Chelsea despite being part of a star-studded Under-18s side with Reece James, Conor Gallagher and Callum Hudson-Odoi that won the quadruple in 2018.The 22-time capped England international was sold to Palace for £18m in 2021 after two seasons out on loan at Swansea.Meanwhile, striker Liam Delap is on Chelsea’s radar.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIpswich paid Manchester City an initial £15m for Delap in the summer.But his ten Premier League goals this season has raised his valuation to around £50m.’Pressure shouldn’t be on the coach’ – Gary Neville slams Chelsea board for ‘unforgivable’ mistakeChelsea are on the lookout for a new striker with options through the middle currently limited for boss Enzo Maresca.Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu are both out injured and Christopher Nkunku struggled as the No9 in their recent 3-0 loss to Brighton. More

  • in

    Champions League prize money 2025: How much can each team earn by playing in Europe’s top competition?

    THE revamp of Europe’s elite club competition comes with an added boost to the coffers of contenders.The total prize pot for the Champions League is expected to be around £2.07BILLION this season – a huge increase on last year’s £1.68bn.There’s been an increase in prize money for the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersHow much can each team earn by playing in Europe’s top competition?Each of the 36 League Phase clubs earned £15.6million for their participation, with £1.7m for each victory and £587k for each draw.The value of each spot in the table was £230k, therefore the club that comes second last in 35th place got double that amount, £461k, while the table-toppers got £8.3m.Clubs that placed 9th through 16th got £830k, while the top eight additionally received a £1.6m bonus.Reaching each knockout stage only results in more money being awarded – the Allianz Arena’s overall champions took home £21.1m.READ MORE IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUEPerformance-related prize money makes up 37.5 per cent (£766m) of the total pot. Of that amount, 35 per cent goes to Uefa’s recently established value pillar, which divides broadcast income based on coefficient points, while the remaining 27.5 per cent is divided equally among the 36 teams.That meant top-eight finishers Aston Villa earned LESS than play-off placed Manchester City, despite finishing above them, due to their poor coefficient.Here’s what each team have earned at the time of writing:Most read in Champions League1.Liverpool£82.9million2.Inter Milan£75.8m3.Arsenal£74.8m4.Barcelona£74.7m5.Bayer Leverkusen£72.9m6.Atletico Madrid£71.1m7.Bayern Munich£68.1m8.Paris Saint-Germain£67.7m9.LOSC Lille£65.8m10.Borussia Dortmund£65.8m11.Real Madrid£65.5m12.Manchester City£63.5m13.Aston Villa£59.5m14.Atalanta£56.1m15.Juventus£55.5m16.AC Milan£51.3m17.SL Benfica£50.5m18.AS Monaco£50m19.RB Leipzig£49.2m20.PSV Eindhoven£45.4m21.Feyenoord£45m22.Stade Brestois 29£43.4m23.Club Brugge£41.7m24.Sporting Lisbon£41m25.Celtic£38.7m26.Stuttgart£36.2m27.RB Salzburg£35.6m28.Shakhtar Donetsk£34.5m29.Dinamo Zagreb£33.2m30.Bologna£29.2m31.Red Star Belgrade£26.8m32.BSC Young Boys£25.3m33.Girona£25m34.Sparta Prague£23.9m35.Sturm Graz£23.4m36.Slovan Bratislava£18.3m More

  • in

    Aston Villa vs Liverpool LIVE SCORE: Alexander-Arnold seals vital draw but league leaders drop points

    LIVERPOOL have drawn 2-2 with Aston Villa in a thrilling Premier League clash.The Reds blew the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to 10 points after Ollie Watkins and Youri Tielemans struck to complete a remarkable turnaround in the first-half.Trent Alexander-Arnold levelled it for the Reds to put Arne Slot’s side eight points clear, though they have played a game more than Arsenal in second place.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL of the action below… More

  • in

    Why is Jude Bellingham not suspended for Real Madrid’s Champions League clash against Man City?

    JUDE Bellingham WILL be available for Real Madrid tonight against Man City in the Champions League – and here is why.Bellingham was sent off during Madrid’s 1-1 draw at Osasuna in La Liga over the weekend, but will not miss Real Madrid’s clash against City.Jude Bellingham was sent off for telling referee Jose Munuera to “f*** off”Credit: GettyThe incident between Jose Munuera and Bellingham was described as a “miscommunication.”Credit: Vincent West TPX IMAGES OF THE DAYLos Blancos have experienced a turbulent season with referees in the Spanish League, with the 21-year-old’s dismissal only adding fuel to the fire.REAL VS MAN CITY LIVE – LATEST UPDATESWhy is Bellingham not suspended for the Champions League?Jude Bellingham will not be suspended from the Champions League as suspensions from La Liga do not carry over into UEFA competitions. Bellingham, however, is likely to get a lengthy ban from La Liga, after being sent off during Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna.Read more FootballThe Three Lions midfielder has avoided a lengthy ban, and will be suspended for matches against Girona at home and Real Betis away.Reports in Spain suggest Real will appeal.Why is Jude Bellingham suspended?The 21-year-old Bellingham was sent off for dissent during Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna. In an incident which has been described as a “miscommunication” by Bellingham, he told referee Jose Munuera to “f*** off”, but Munuera thought he said “f*** you.” Most read in Champions LeagueBellingham will be banned for two matches for the incident.Who is playing in the Champions League knockout stage tonight?There are eight games of action over two nights, with half of the pack being eliminated from the Champions League, as part of their new format.Tuesday, February 17:Milan 1-1 Feyenoord (Feyenoord win 2-1 on agg)Atalanta 1-3 Club Brugge (Brugge win 5-3 on agg)Bayern Munich 1-1 Celtic (Bayern win 3-2 on agg)Benfica 3-3 Monaco (Benfica win 4-3 on agg)Wednesday, February 18:Dortmund (3) vs Sporting (0) – 5.45pm GMTParis (3) vs Brest (0) – 8pm GMTReal Madrid (3) vs Manchester City (2) – 8pm GMTPSV (1) vs Juventus (2) – 8pm GMT More

  • in

    Aston Villa vs Liverpool live stream: How to watch huge Premier League clash TONIGHT

    LIVERPOOL continue the pursuit of the Premier League title as they travel to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa in HUGE clash.Arne Slot’s Reds are currently first in the league, having opened up a seven-point gap on Arsenal in second place.Liverpool are top of the Premier League but face a tough test at Aston VillaCredit: Paul ELLIS / AFPAston Villa are looking to qualify for the Champions League for the second year in a rowCredit: Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty ImagesThe Villans are currently in9th, having already booked a place in the last 16 of the Champions League this season.Unai Emery’s side have slipped down the table having one just one of their last SIX Premier League games as they continue to fight on three fronts.How to watch Aston Villa vs LiverpoolThe game is available for fans in the UK live on TNT Sports.The game will also be available to stream on discovery+.Alternatively, stay up to date with SunSport’s coverage of the game.This midweek clash is the only game on Wednesday night, and kicks-off at 7.30pm GMT from Villa Park.Premier League games coming up this weekendThis is the only midweek game this week, but there are ten fixtures to get excited for this weekend:Read more FootballFriday, February 21Leicester vs Brentford – 8pm GMT – Sky SportsSaturday, February 22Everton vs Manchester United – 12.30pm GMT – TNT SportsArsenal vs West Ham – 3pm GMTBournemouth vs Wolves – 3pm GMTFulham vs Crystal Palace – 3pm GMTIpswich vs Tottenham – 3pm GMTSouthampton vs Brighton – 3pm GMTAston Villa vs Chelsea – 5.30pm GMT- Sky SportsMost read in FootballSunday, February 22Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest – 2pm GMT – Sky SportsManchester City vs Liverpool – 4.30pm GMT – Sky Sports More