Philippa Kaur

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    Baller League is an expensive gamble and might be a football circus act but if it entertains, it is no worse for that

    THE NEWEST of football clones has popped up on our screens — with “baller” introduced to millions of people who, like me, had no idea such a sport had been invented.All of football’s components are there bar the size of the playing pitch and the number of players in a team.Baller League has seen the likes of Maya Jama and Alisha Lehmann getting involvedCredit: GettyKarren Brady claims Baller League might be an expensive gambleCredit: GettyKSI is among the celebrities behind the conceptCredit: AFPLove Island host Maya Jama is a taking charge of a Baller League teamCredit: GettyAs a professional game it certainly has possibilities. One of them is work for part-time footballers who, I believe, are being paid £400 a time for the programme showing weekly on Sky TV.Evidently, the objective is for baller to be shown when there is no professional action: summer, some evenings and afternoons.Every fair-sized city has a potential venue and I guess crowds of a thousand or so would make it viable.The Baller League — headlined by rapper KSI for the UK version — sees former Premier League stars, futsal players and celebrities face one another in 12 teams to win the league.Read More on FootballIt is featured every Monday until June 2 on indoor football pitches at London’s Copper Box Arena.Matches are in 15-minute halves and favour strong tacklers and skilled ball players, while teams are six-a-side with, in all, 12 players available.There are no corners — but it is vital the ball is kept in play or penalties will be awarded.Bafflingly, different rules are added in the last three minutes of each half while at another point it becomes three against three.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs players of indoor or five-a-side football know — let alone of rugby sevens — repeated acceleration quickly becomes exhausting. In baller, emergency dashes are even demanded regularly of goalkeepers.The essence is speed and accuracy with plenty of goals, perhaps too many for the purist. The match I saw ended 7-3 and latterly scoring became too common.Fans joke Baller League is the ‘future’ as madcap footage of debut night emerges Over a long time, ingenious people have been inventing football games, from five-a-side to Subbuteo, street footie by children to underwater football, never mind a distant relation, American football.And then there is futsal, which claims 12 million players worldwide.In 2014, more than 56,000 turned up to watch a match between Brazil and Argentina in Brasilia.A baller bid for such popularity as a spectator sport would entail many millions of pounds of investment and club costs would initially be considerable.Baller League at least provides live rather than deadbeat action The weekly programmes on Mondays are shoot or bust for the future and could fall into the category of “don’t call me!”.But plenty of professional players, along with others who have passed skill tests, will earn those £400-a-time cheques.I don’t know how much John Terry, Ian Wright, Alan Shearer or Gary Lineker receive as managers but their names alone suggest seriousness of purpose.The whole enterprise is an expensive gamble in which generally third-rate or retired players must entertain viewers in a league of no importance.Read More on The SunThe same could be said of most TV competitions and baller at least has the virtue of providing live rather than deadbeat action.It might be a football circus act but if it entertains millions of people, it is no worse for that.Lehmann is helping Baller League attract a large audienceCredit: PAJohn Terry has linked up with the likes of Gary Lineker and Ian WrightCredit: PA More

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    Wife of Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana ‘robbed of £62K handbag and Rolex’ in horror theft as man, 25, charged

    THE wife of Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana was reportedly robbed of her £62,000 Hermes Birkin bag and a Rolex watch.Model Melanie Kamayou had her bling snatched outside an Italian restaurant in Cheshire on March 29.Andre Onana’s wife was reportedly robbed outside an Italian restaurantCredit: INSTAGRAM @melaniekamayouThe alleged thief is said to have taken Melanie Kamayou’s Birkin bag and Rolex watchCredit: Instagram @melaniekamayouThe Hermes Birkin bag (pictured) that was snatched was worth £62,000Credit: Instagram @melaniekamayouLiam Ross, 25, from the Wibsey area of Bradford, has been charged with the high-value robbery, the Daily Mail reports.The alleged thief is claimed to have taken the ultra-luxury designer goods in the heart of the picturesque Cheshire village.Ross appeared before Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, also facing a charge of supplying cannabis. He’s due back in court at Chester Crown Court in May.Melanie, who describes herself online as a pharmacist, businesswoman and philanthropist, often poses up with her luxury possessions online.One of these items in a £62,000 Hermes Birkin bag – a brand widely considered the rarest and most sought-after in the world.Hermes Birkin bags can fetch hundreds of thousands of pounds with the priciest one ever sold going for a jaw-dropping £1.5million.The high-end handbag owner has been married to football star Onana since 2023 and the pair are reported to have a son together.Most read in FootballThey moved to the UK when Onana signed for United from Inter Milan last summer.He’s since made 92 appearances for the Red Devils, including in their 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?The couple now live in Alderley Edge, a magnet for Premier League stars past and present. It’s been nicknamed the ‘Knightsbridge of the North’ and is home to some of football’s biggest names and flashiest cars.The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney have all called the village home.More recently, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson, as well as Man City’s Raheem Sterling and Virgil van Dijk, have been spotted in the area.It’s also a hotspot for supercar enthusiasts, with Porsches, Lamborghinis and Ferraris lining the leafy streets – and drawing photographers from across the country.The Sun has contacted Cheshire Police for more information.Melanie often posts glamorous snaps flaunting her designer bagsCredit: Instagram @melaniekamayouAndre Onana and Melanie tied the knot in 2023Credit: AlamyThe pair moved to the UK last summerCredit: Instagram @melaniekamayou More

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    Dean Huijsen warned dream Real Madrid transfer could turn into his worst nightmare with ‘pretty face’ not enough to play

    DEAN HUIJSEN has been warned a dream move to Real Madrid could turn into his worst nightmare.The Bournemouth centre-back is high on the Santiago Bernabeu hitlist after an amazing debut season in England.Dean Huijsen was warned by former coach Juanito that a move to Real Madrid may turn into a nightmareCredit: RexHuijsen has taken the Premier League by storm with BournemouthCredit: RexThe Spanish giants are preparing to trigger the £50million release clause on a contract that runs to 2030.Yet the man who gave the Netherlands-born Spain defender his break believes joining Real would be a step backwards — because he would struggle to get a game.And the best big-picture decision would be for the 19-year-old to stick with the Cherries for now, as the queue of would-be suitors will only get bigger.Juan Gutierrez, 45, was on the coaching staff at Malaga when Huijsen arrived as a ten-year-old and was snapped up by Juventus — ironically ahead of Real — six years later in 2021.Read More on FootballGutierrez — known as Juanito — was blown away by the youngster’s leadership qualities then and has watched them grow every year since, even though he is still so young.But he thinks that would come to a grinding halt at the Bernabeu, as the European champions have always preferred tried-and-tested to potential.Juanito insisted: “Dean is going to be a leader no matter where he goes, so I hope whoever signs him they play him as a starter, and he’s not a project for the future. He is a player for now.”There are very few like that at his age, which is why I don’t know to what extent it would be a good option to sign for Real.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“No one can guarantee you’ll play because of your pretty face but if he leaves Bournemouth, it shouldn’t be to sit on the bench.“At Madrid, Eder Militao is 27 and Antonio Rudiger is in his second youth.Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen forced to deny being stoned after ‘weird’ question“Those two are untouchable and a recovered David Alaba would also be ahead of him.“Carlo Ancelotti is an incredible manager but not a coach for young players — so Dean would be fourth-choice centre-back. That’s the reality.“Barcelona is the opposite. They’re not afraid to use players from the academy but at Real the problem is the mentality of the club. Dean has to go to a place with a vision for the future, with guarantees he’ll play.“But maybe staying at Bournemouth with Andoni Iraola for another year is the best option.”It has been so far for Huijsen, who was capped by Spain in the recent Nations League break and is due to be in the Bournemouth side heading to West Ham on Saturday.Ramos and Van Dijk comparisonsJuanito is convinced those caps are the first of many for a player some liken to Sergio Ramos — but who he reckons could be as influential as Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool.He added: “Maybe mentally, I can see little things similar to Ramos but on the pitch there is no comparison. Dean is more disciplined and, certainly at this age, more confident.“From the start he was a marvel. He’d listen to what you told him and absorb it incredibly well. He would recognise a mistake and the next day would improve.“Dean just doesn’t feel any pressure and has unlimited self-confidence.Read More on The Sun“If injuries are not a problem then, whoever signs him, he’ll be a cheap buy because he will be a dominant defender in world soccer for many years to come.“Wherever he goes, I could see him having the same impact Van Dijk has had on Liverpool’s history in recent seasons. The only team he’s not going to change is Real Madrid.” More

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    Two Manchester United stars share secret love of fishing after being spotted in angling shop dressed in training gear

    MANCHESTER United stars Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui have struck up a reel friendship — by going fishing together.The pair unexpectedly popped into an angling shop last week while still dressed in their training gear.How Man Utd aces Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui might look on a fishing tripDutch striker Zirkzee, 23, spent around an hour inside the angling shopCredit: AlamyZirkzee was spotted alongside Moroccan defender Mazraoui, 27Credit: AlamyDutch striker Zirkzee, 23, and Moroccan defender Mazraoui, 27, spent around an hour inside Trafford Tackle & Bait in Stretford, a couple of miles from Old Trafford.Owner Jeff Smith said he initially did not know who they were, but they were spotted by kids buying sweets next door.Jeff, 48, told The Sun: “They were great. They had tracksuits on but I don’t know United players so I thought they were from the academy.“They asked me lots of questions about fishing around the area and what kind of tackle they should use.Read more on Man Utd”They were interested in buying rods and reels and got some live maggots as bait.”The two Red Devils also happily posed for pictures to the delight of the schoolkids.A mum said: “They were both lovely. Some of the children asked for pictures and they were really happy and friendly towards them.”Mazraoui previously told how he fished to help him relax while at Bayern Munich.Most read in FootballOther rod-loving footballers include Manchester City ace Phil Foden, who bought a home with its own lake so he could teach his son Ronnie.Former England goalkeeper David Seaman was told to “calm down” Paul Gascoigne by taking him fishing at Euro 96. Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham have also had a dangle.Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’ More

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    Gary Lineker explains why BBC need THREE presenters to replace him on MOTD and gives verdict on trio

    GARY LINEKER suggested he is being replaced by THREE presenters on Match of the Day because it is such a “massive commitment”.Lineker, 64, will step down as host of MOTD after 26 years in May and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.Lineker will be replaced by three presenters on Match of the DayCredit: BBCMOTD2 host Mark Chapman is among the replacementsCredit: PALogan will be a regular on Saturday nights from now onCredit: PASky favourite Cates is making the switchCredit: PAThe legendary presenter will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, who will rotate from next term.The England great joked that he thinks it’s a compliment that so many people are needed to succeed him, but he admits this decision has nothing to do with his legacy.Instead, the Leicester icon believes this comes down to family reasons as the job would demand they all sacrifice a number of weekends that they could spend with their loved ones over the next few years.The former Everton, Tottenham and Barcelona hitman himself recently stated that he never really had Saturdays and Sundays off throughout his adult life.Read More on FootballSo the TV star claims that having all three available on a rotation basis would allow them to continue enjoying quality time with their families.And he is very much looking forward to watching the new team of “top presenters” doing a “great job”.Lineker told FourFourTwo: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next 10 or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do – they’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.’This is why I don’t talk to old people’ – Maya Jama bites back at Gary Lineker after he revealed relationship status“I’ll be watching, but probably on iPlayer… I don’t think I’ll be watching on Saturday. Maybe the odd time, if I’m in.”Lineker confirmed recently that he will no longer do TV after leaving the BBC and will instead focus on his podcasts. More

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    Moment Szoboszlai watches on in horror as statue of himself that ‘looks like my a** turned inside out’ is unveiled

    LIVERPOOL star Dominik Szoboszlai was left horrified after watching a gruesome statue made in his honour be unveiled.But the Hungarian midfielder took it on the chin when it was revealed as a prank.Dominik Szoboszlai was left horrified after meeting his distorted statueCredit: Youtube @telekomThe Liverpool star was pranked by Hungary’s leading telecommunications companyCredit: Youtube @telekomThe sculpture made Szoboszlai look rather scaryCredit: Youtube @telekomThe Hungary captain took it in his stride and stood next to the tin-pot figure to take a pictureCredit: Youtube @telekomSzoboszlai became the unwitting star of an elaborate April Fool’s Day prank set up by Hungary’s leading telecommunications company.The 24-year-old attended what he believed to be a low-key event to celebrate the one-year anniversary of his partnership with Telekom.But he was greeted with a scary life-sized statue that didn’t resemble him at all.Gazing upon a huge, glistening chin, deformed cheeks and a monstrous quiff, the Hungary captain had every right to be shocked.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTo rub salt into his wounds, the sculpture was made up of junk – mainly 1,200 smashed up mobile phones, which was meant to promote the company’s electronic waste recycling initiative.Footage from Telekom’s YouTube channel captured Szoboszlai’s candid reaction – which went from glee to misery in seconds.But despite his obvious fury, the Hungary captain took it in his stride and stood next to the tin-pot figure to take pictures.The Prem star was then summoned into a separate room, where he gave a more honest reaction to his two pals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAfter being asked if he liked it, Szoboszlai said: “No. I was this close to walking out. I only stayed because I respect you. “I don’t think this has ever happened before, to do something without asking.”Steven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq The trio then turned and spotted a variety of merchandise, including the statue’s distorted face on mugs and T-shirts.Szoboszlai then hilariously quipped: “This looks nothing like me. It looks like my a** turned inside out.”The presenters behind the prank were in hysterics while watching his reaction on cameras back stage.The former RB Leipzig star then returned to the main room to find out that a giant version of the statue would be placed at a busy intersection in the city.He was also made to believe that it would be floated down the River Danube on a barge on Hungary’s national holiday on August 20.His face was a picture throughout before Telekom unveiled the major prank. Read More on The SunMeanwhile, Szoboszlai has been a key figure for Liverpool this season.He has started 23 of his 28 games available this term, scoring five goals and providing four assists, as the Reds close in on the title in Arne Slot’s first season at the helm. More

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    Tai Woffinden health update as wife Faye reveals stricken Speedway star is ‘fighting’ in medically induced coma

    TAI WOFFINDEN’S wife Faye says he is “fighting” as he remains in a medically induced coma following a high-speed crash in Poland. Woffy, 34, was airlifted to hospital in Krosno on Sunday and underwent emergency surgery after suffering numerous fractures and a chest injury.Tai Woffinden’s wife Faye has thanked fans for their supportFaye says her husband’s spirit remains strong ‘and so does our hope’The speedway ace was airlifted to hospital following the crashCredit: XBritain’s most successful speedway star of all time got caught in a three-rider and bike pile-up and smashed into a protective airfence at high speed while racing for Rzeszow.Faye has flown in from Australia to Poland to be by her husband’s side alongside his mum Sue.She said: “Our brave boy is here with us! fighting, healing, and resting.“Tai has been through more than we can even begin to imagine. READ MORE ON TAI WOFFINDEN”Multiple broken bones, major surgeries, blood transfusions – his body has endured so much. “And yet, his spirit stays strong. So does our hope. We’re holding on tightly, believing that each day will bring more healing, more strength, and more of him back to us.“Anyone who knows Tai knows how open, honest, and full of life he is.”When he’s ready, he’ll share his story in his own way. But right now, his only job is to rest, to heal, and to find the strength to get through this.Most read in Motorsport“The love, kindness, and support we’ve received from all of you has been overwhelming in the most beautiful way. There truly aren’t words to express how deeply grateful we are.“While we hesitate to name individuals for fear of missing anyone, we want to extend our deepest thanks to those who played a part in saving Tai.Faye has praised all the help Tai is receivingHe is seen here celebrating his first title in 2013 with mum Sue, left, and Faye“To the special person we cannot name, whose quick actions arranged the helicopter to the track so promptly, and to the medical team inside who cared for Tai before he even reached the hospital—you gave him a fighting chance, and we will never forget that.“To Dr. Paweł Jasiński, for organizing every surgery and ensuring Tai has the best possible team. To Rafał Roger Piątek, who has not only been by Tai’s side but also ours through it all. To Basia Karczewska, for her constant support and kindness.“To the incredible doctors and medical team in Rzeszów. To the Stal Rzeszów team, especially Paweł Piskorz and Michał Drymajło your unwavering support means everything.“To our family, our friends, and every single person who has reached out, offered help, or simply held us in their thoughts – thank you. From the bottom of our hearts. “Your love has carried us through the darkest moments. We will never forget it. “Lots of love Faye & Sue.” Woffinden is a three-time world champion More

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    Mats Hummels chokes back tears as he retires aged 36 after World Cup winner and Dortmund legend’s incredible career

    GERMANY legend Mats Hummels has announced his retirement from football.Hummels, 36, rolled credits on his glittering 18-year career with an emotional announcement on social media.Mats Hummels has announced his retirement from footballCredit: GettyHummels could barely hold back his tears as he announced his retirementThe centre-back, who currently plays for Roma, sat in front of a camera and watched the greatest highlights of his career with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Germany.The defender then confirmed that he will be hanging up his boots at the end of the season.Hummels said: “I’m struggling with myh emotions right now. Now comes the moment that no footballer can avoid.”After more than 18 years and so many things that football has given me, I’m ending my career this summer.Read More on Football”When I see all this [the highlights], I know how much this whole journey, this whole path has meant to me. How extraordinary it was to be able to experience that.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More