Philippa Kaur

GARY LINEKER left Wayne Rooney in hysterics with a joke at Micah Richards’ expense.The trio of ex-England stars and Glenn Murray were covering the first FA Cup semi-final between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace live on the BBC.Gary Lineker’s shared a brutal gag about Micah RichardsCredit: X / BBCMOTDThe comment left Wayne Rooney and Glenn Murray in stitchesCredit: X / BBCMOTDLineker quipped that Richards was likely often left out of important cup gamesCredit: X / BBCMOTDDuring a segment, they began talking about players being left out of important cup games at Wembley.Naturally, Lineker assumed that Rooney had never been left out of any Wembley days during his illustrious career at Manchester United.Rooney said: “Yeah, I was left out of the starting line up here in the league cup final against Aston Villa in 2010.”Well I was rested for a Champions League game. But I was fuming because it was a final and I wanted to play.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRichards hilariously jumped in to add that being left out and being rested are not the same thing.Before Rooney, 39, added that he was also rested in Man Utd’s FA Cup semi-final against Everton, which United lost on penalties after a goalless draw in 2009.Wazza – who just one FA Cup in 2016 – quickly told Richards: “But I came on against Villa and scored the winner, so it was OK in the end.”But witty Lineker then jumped in and said: “Micah, you would have experienced this quite a bit. Did you ever knock on the manager’s door?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe comment had Richards, Rooney and Murray in stitches.And former Palace striker Murray added: “I was always knocking on the door, Gary”. ‘Better than what we currently have’ – Man Utd fans drooling over Wayne Rooney’s son Kai’s goal for academy teamLike Rooney, Richards and Lineker both won the FA Cup once with Manchester City in 2011 and 1991 respectively.The discussion came after two-time FA Cup winner Marcus Rashford was ruled out through injury against Palace.The forward was not named in Unai Emery’s starting XI, with Villa saying he had picked up “a knock”.Rashford sustained a minor muscle injury during the first half of the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.The 27-year-old, who scored a first-half penalty at the Etihad, was able to continue after the break before being replaced by Ollie Watkins after 76 minutes. More

LEGENDARY Scottish goalkeeper Jim Herriot has tragically died at the age of 85. Touching tributes poured in for Herriot, who gave his name to the character in the books and TV show All Creatures Great and Small.British goalkeeper Jim Herriot during a Birmingham City portrait sessionCredit: GettyHerriot on the ground (left) during an FA Cup third-round match in 1970Credit: GettyFootball club Dunfermline Athletic, where Herriot first started his career, posted a touching tribute on social media saying it is “deeply saddened” to announce the passing of the icon.He played high-profile European ties against Valencia and Athletic Bilbao and also led his team to the 1965 Scottish Cup final.The goalkeeper also played for clubs like Hibernian, St Mirren, Partick Thistle, Greenock Morton, Durban City and Mansfield Town. Hibernian FC said in a statement: “The thoughts of everyone at Hibernian FC are with Jim’s family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.”After observing a requested period of silence from the family, the Club will honour Jim’s memory by wearing black armbands against Aberdeen, and at our home game against Dundee United.”Herriot played alongside the likes of Pat Stanton, Jimmy O’Rourke, and Arthur Duncan, keeping a clean sheet after Hibs famously beat Hearts 7-0 on New Year’s Day at Tynecastle in 1973.Herriot also won the Drybrough Cup on two occasions, both times against Celtic.Hibs is set to honour Herriot’s memory by wearing black armbands against Aberdeen tonight.Most read in FootballHis name was taken as an inspiration for the show All Creatures Great and Small, which follows the adventures of a young vet, James Herriot, who moves to the Yorkshire Dales during the 1930s.The much-loved Channel 5 show is in fact based on a series of novels written by author James Herriot, whose real name was James Alfred Wight.The first book was published in 1969, under the title If Only They Could Talk.This title was later changed by an American publisher to All Creatures Great and Small, and saw sales boosted considerably.All Creatures Great and Small is a heartwarming Channel 5 show More

HARRY KANE is set to miss what is likely to be Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga title clinching game – and he reckons it’s just his luck.A “crazy, crazy” booking in today’s game vs Mainz means Kane is suspended for next weekend’s clash with RB Leipzig, where victory will see the England captain claim his first major trophy.Harry Kane could miss the moment Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga titleCredit: APIt comes after Kane was booked for holding onto the ball to prevent Mainz taking a quick free-kickCredit: APKane was shown his fifth yellow card of the season during Bayern’s 3-0 win at home.The 31-year-old fouled Jonathan Burkardt, but held onto the ball to prevent Mainz taking a quick free-kick.And referee Bastian Dankert wasted no time in whipping out his book to caution Kane for delaying the restart.The moment of madness means the 31-year-old has been suspended for next Saturday’s trip to Leipzig, where Bayern could win their 34th title.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSKane said: “Crazy, crazy decision! It’s kind of my story that I’ll miss the Leipzig game. But no worries, I’ll celebrate more than anyone else.”A victory against Leipzig will secure the title from Bayer Leverkusen, with two games to spare.So Kane may have to watch his side be crowned champions from the sidelines.The former Tottenham talisman has famously NEVER won a trophy in his 16-year career.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut he looks set to break that curse with the Bavarian club this season. Many expected Kane to win his first trophy in his debut campaign, as Bayern had won 10 league titles in a row.But an invincible campaign by Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen ensured his wait for a trophy dragged on yet further.Kane has scored 60 goals in his 61 Bundesliga matches for Bayern so far. He is also on track to become the first player to win the top scorer title in both of his first two Bundesliga seasons.Bayern needed a win over Mainz and a favour from Augsburg against Leverkusen to be crowned champion on Saturday.But goals from Patrik Schick and Emiliano Buendia gave Leverkusen a 2-0 win and kept the defending champions eight points behind Bayern with three games left.Leverkusen can still theoretically defend its first ever Bundesliga title by winning its last three games if Bayern loses its final three.But even a draw against Leipzig next weekend should be enough for Bayern, which has a far superior goal difference. More

CHELSEA fans were left baffled after they spotted Cole Palmer running away from Stamford Bridge.A video shared on social media showed the Blues star wearing a hoodie and shorts running through a crowd of fans while holding a phone to his ear and another in his hand.Cole Palmer was seen running away from Stamford Bridge in a social media video released todayCredit: XPalmer was seen wearing a black hoodie while holding a phone in each handCredit: XFans chased after the Chelsea star outside of the BridgeCredit: XIt is not clear when the video was takenCredit: XFans were seen running after Palmer in the bizarre clip.The 22-year-old starred during today’s 1-0 win over Everton at Stamford Bridge.However, it is unclear when the video was taken.Regardless, fans were left baffled by his appearance in the video by the club stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReacting on social media, one fan said: “What’s going on?”A second said: “New meme template dropped.”A third added: “Lmao! The team bus left him behind.”Another said: “What’s he doing?”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgePalmer continued his rotten run of form on the pitch against the Toffees, earning the WORST Chelsea rating in SunSport’s player ratings for the game.Nicolas Jackson’s strike was enough to earn Chelsea the three points, but Palmer put in a particularly poor display by his usually lofty standards.’Reminded me of Gerrard at Liverpool’ – Cole Palmer told he needs to LEAVE Chelsea and has outgrown the club alreadyAnother blank today means Palmer has now failed to score in his last 17 games, while Jackson’s goal ended his 13-game streak.Manager Enzo Maresca had said before the match that the England international’s problem was “mental” and not tactical.He said: “For sure it’s a mental thing, it’s not tactical or technical.”Cole is still the player who scored 14 goals in 20 games. The style is the same, the manager is the same, the club is the same. Nothing has changed around Cole. It’s just mentally in this moment.“You can see he’s a little bit worried because he wants to help the team. You can see he’s struggling a bit on that. “But he showed how happy he was after Fulham. It’s just a matter [of whether] we can win games. For sure he’s going to score goals.Read More on The Sun“If you go back game by game, he had at least every game one or two chances, so it’s not about how the team is playing.”The early kick-off win had moved the club up to fourth in the Premier League, although a 3-0 win for Newcastle over Ipswich later on saw them dropped back down to fifth.Cole Palmer’s goalless run is now up to 17 gamesCredit: Rex More

CRYSTAL PALACE fans broke strict Wembley rules just 30 seconds into their FA Cup semi-final clash with Aston Villa by letting off flares.The Wembley pitch was covered in smoke as flares were sparked by supporters.Crystal Palace fans let off flares during their FA Cup clashCredit: RexThe Wembley pitch was covered in smokeCredit: GettyIt took several minutes for the smoke to clear but play was able to get underway.Bringing flares and pyrotechnics into football stadiums in the UK is prohibited.It is illegal to possess pyrotechnics, and their use can lead to prosecution.The rules state: “It is illegal to bring them into stadiums and there are consequences for anybody who breaks the law and ground regulations. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Anyone caught possessing or using pyrotechnics will be reported to the police and prosecution could result in a permanent criminal record. “The pitch must remain safe for players, managers and match officials, just as the stands should be for supporters.”Strict checks were in place at Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final but a small number of Palace fans managed to evade them.A Wembley Stadium spokesperson said: “The use of pyrotechnics, flares and smoke devices inside or outside Wembley Stadium is prohibited and illegal.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“We will work with the police to identify those individuals who brought pyrotechnical devices inside the stadium for today’s semi-final fixture and ensure further enforcement action is taken.”Palace fans similarly set off smoke flares ahead of their last FA Cup semi-final clash – against Chelsea in 2022.Awkward moment Aston Villa keeper refuses to move out of net and let kids take penalties at half-time of Crystal Palace clash Oliver Glasner’s side reached the FA Cup final for the first time since 2016, when they were beaten by Manchester United at Wembley.The Eagles dominated the game, winning 3-0 under the famous arch.Palace reached the semi by winning 3-0 at Fulham in the quarter-final, having also overcome Millwall, Doncaster and Stockport. More

WREXHAM have won promotion to the Championship after beating Charlton 3-0.The Red Dragons created history by winning three consecutive promotions after beating rivals Charlton to secure second place.Wrexham have won promotion to the ChampionshipThere was a pitch invasion at full-time as fans held aloft their heroesRyan Reynolds was in attendance to celebrate the occasionCredit: ReutersWrexham have achieved three consecutive promotionsCredit: PAThe actor got into the party spirit ahead of kick-offCredit: APHe mingled with fans and posed for photosCredit: APThe Hollywood actor served drinks to supporters ahead of kick-offCredit: ReutersSam Smith scored twice to seal the three pointsCredit: PASam Smith netted twice after Ollie Rathbone opened the scoring on a momentous day at the Racecourse.Fans celebrated promotion by running onto the pitch before holding up their heroes on their shoulders.Reynolds beamed alongside co-owner Rob McElhenney, with the acting pair both flying into North Wales to celebrate the achievement.Reynolds joined the fervent fanzone pre-match and enjoyed a beverage from behind the bar.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe also served drinks to supporters and took selfies with adoring fans.The Hollywood actor was joined in North Wales by his wife Blake Lively.The actress shared a photo of herself with Reynolds, which she captioned: “Let’s go boys @wrexham_afc.”Reynolds re-shared the post, saying: “Let’s go jet lag. (Never going to sleep).”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSReynolds, 48, is a popular figure at Wrexham and often buys drinks for fans when he attends matches.In December Reynolds bought a round for an entire pub alongside Channing Tatum.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LAReynolds has previously watched Wrexham alongside David Beckham and Will Ferrell.He admits the promotion run-in has wreaked havoc on his nerves, claiming he has developed “an eight-inch ulcer in my stomach”.He said: “I have, literally, like an eight-inch ulcer in my stomach right now because it’s the end of the season. “They just can’t do it easy, like just one year let’s do it without having receding hairlines all around. We’re all losing it. Stress [is] killing us.”There was a fervent atmosphere at the RacecourseCredit: ReutersReynolds revealed the promotion run-in has made him a bag of nervesCredit: APReynolds’ wife Blake Lively has also headed to Wales for the game against CharltonReynolds took to the pitch pre-matchCredit: PA More

MATHEUS CUNHA netted his 15th Prem goal of the season as Wolves brushed aside Leicester to leapfrog Manchester United. The Brazilian playmaker is a summer target for the Red Devils and lashed home a first-half opener at Molineux. Matheus Cunha (right) netted the opener as Wolves cruised to victory over LeicesterCredit: PAThe Brazilian fired home during a one-sided first half at MolineuxCredit: PAJorgen Strand Larsen doubled the hosts’ lead just after the breakCredit: GettyJamie Vardy won a second-half spot-kick after being felled by Jose SaCredit: AlamyLeicester, already relegated following a dismal season, struggled to cope with the hosts for much of the afternoon.And Jorgen Strand Larsen smashed in a deserved second shortly after the break.Jamie Vardy announced earlier this week he will leave the King Power at the end of the season.The former England forward hasn’t netted for over three months – but was given the perfect opportunity after being felled in the box by Jose Sa.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLVardy took the spot-kick but was foiled by the Portuguese stopper.To compound the Foxes’ misery, Rodrigo Gomes netted a late third, leaving Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men with just one away win in their last 15 attempts. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKVardy missed from the spot as the misery continued for LeicesterCredit: PACunha is a summer target for a host of Prem clubs and now has 15 goals this seasonCredit: GettyRodrigo Gomes wrapped up the points late on in the West MidlandsCredit: PA Jamie Vardy reveals best XI he’s played with at Leicester with huge snub to England stars and entire current squadFULL REPORT TO FOLLOW.Most read in Football More

IPSWICH’S relegation to the Championship was confirmed as Newcastle ensured a perfect return for Eddie Howe after his health scare.Goals from Alexander Isak, his 26th of the season, Dan Burn and Will Osula secured a 3-0 victory on their manager’s comeback after his pneumonia battle.Ipswich confirmed Premier League history with their relegationCredit: ReutersAlexander Isak saw Newcastle strengthen their Champions League hopes as he kickstarted a 3-0 drubbingCredit: PADan Burn rose highest to nod home Toon’s secondCredit: AlamyWilliam Osula added his first Premier League goal for the MagpiesCredit: AFPWith Ipswich’s relegation, it is the earliest ever that all three relegated teams have been confirmedCredit: ReutersWhile that moved them third and bolstered their Champions League hopes, Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys were condemned to the second tier after ill-discipline caused their implosion.Despite all the odds being stacked against them, Ipswich looked anything but overawed and took the game straight to Newcastle.Dan Burn escaped lightly after his loose pass was pounced on by Jack Clarke, whose resulting shot just took a nick of Fabian Schar to divert it an inch the wrong side of the far post.Liam Delap, perhaps auditioning for a potential summer switch to the North East, had a strike blocked before he latched onto a Schar error only for the Swiss star’s recovery block. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle were flat and just could not get going, but a harshly disallowed goal on 22 minutes finally got a bee in their bonnet.Harvey Barnes knocked a cross towards the back post where the Brazilian stood his ground and turned his back as Alex Palmer darted out, only for the keeper to bounce off the Toon captain and fall to the ground after the slightest nudge.Frustration was growing around St James’ both in the stands and on the pitch as another VAR check was needed to clear both Town skipper Sam Morsy and Joe Willock after a coming together. The visitors were sitting deep, not allowing Isak to get behind.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIn fact, the hotshot Swede had to wait until after half hour for a sniff, firstly heading over Harvey Barnes’ cross and within a minute there were more groans as he volleyed high off target from Jacob Murphy’s knock in.Up the other end, Johnson had just gone into the book for simulation after diving over the legs of Dan Burn 20 yards out and seven minutes later he was off after tugging at Isak.Gary Neville tells Eddie Howe clear reason why he should QUIT Newcastle for ‘next step up’ in his careerKieran McKenna was furious as he was forced to sacrifice ex-Sunderland winger Clarke to bring on defender Ben Godfrey.The atmosphere was white hot now but his brave Tractor Boys refused to buckle as Luke Woolfenden denied Guimaraes the opener on the line and Sandro Tonali crashed an effort off the crossbar.Ipswich were on the ropes and desperate for the break but their hard work was further undone by another lack of discipline.Murphy got the wrong side of Julio Enciso and was sent flying after a pull, allowing Isak to send the resulting penalty kick past Palmer.Chants of “Premier League, corrupt as f***” rang out from the away end and at least their second half collapse ensured they won’t have to endure any more apparent injustice next term.Already facing a mountain to climb, things got even worse for Ipswich as their top-flight status was swept away in a Toon tidal wave.A short corner routine resulted in Kieran Trippier floating a cross towards the back post for giant Burn to nod in and double the advantage.Murphy’s long-ranger curled just wide as it turned into one-way traffic and the third eventually arrived.Osula, only on the bench for a matter of minutes, rose highest to head home Trippier’s corner for his first top-flight goal for the club.It should have been four, but Bruno Guimaraes hooked the ball high over the crossbar with the goal-gaping.Anthony Gordon also forced Palmer into a diving stop in the dying seconds but they were forced to settle for three as their focus switches to next week’s trip to Brighton.Read More on The SunAlthough the one downside for Newcastle and Howe was a booking for his assistant Jason Tindall during the second half.The man dubbed ‘Mad Dog’ had been on best behaviour while covering for Howe during his sickness, but this third caution of the campaign means he will be banned from the touchline against the Seagulls. More