Philippa Kaur

VAR was temporarily axed during Tottenham’s clash with Nottingham Forest after a fire alarm at Stockley Park.Referee John Brooks and assistant Dan Robathan were forced to flee the west London officials hub at half-time.VAR was axed mid-game due to a fire alarm at Stockley ParkCredit: ReutersForest were leading Spurs 2-0 when VAR went downCredit: GettyNuno Espirito Santo’s side went in at the break 2-0 up after goals by Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood.And by the time the second 45 minutes begun, the refs were still unable to return to the building in West London.A brief Premier League statement confirmed the news, which read: “The match will be operating without VAR until further notice due to a fire alarm at the VAR Hub at Stockley Park.”Technology was out of use for around eight minutes in second-half before things returned to normal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA second Prem tweet said: “VAR is now back up and running”.The system was fortunately not called upon while it was out of action.But fans found the situation hilarious, with one saying: “We had freedom for about one minute.”Another added: “Whoever set the fire alarm off deserves a raise.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA third laughed: “Quick, someone go break the emergency glass again.”By the time of the fire alarm, VAR’s new semi-automated offside technology had already been used at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt Wood had headed the ball into the back of the net but the goal was chalked off as the Forest striker went too early.Yet it took him just seven minutes to score a goal that did stand after heading home an Anthony Elanga cross.Tottenham improved after the break, and Richarlison netted a late goal. But Spurs couldn’t find another and Forest won 2-1 to boost their Champions League qualification hopes. More

FOOTBALL legend David Beckham has his sights set on becoming the next Gary Lineker after landing his first TV chat show.The ex-England captain will host Beckham & Friends Live on Paramount+ and guests may include his pals Gordon Ramsay, Tom Cruise and Ryan Reynolds.David Beckham will host Beckham & Friends Live on Paramount+Beckham and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry enjoying a conversation on setBecks has his sights set on becoming the next Gary LinekerCredit: BBCViewers in the UK and US can watch as Golden Balls sips wine with the A-list stars and chats about the action during Champions League matches.The first two episodes will be live from London ­covering the semi-final second legs between Inter Milan and Barcelona, and PSG and Arsenal on May 6 and 7.Becks, 49, will then fly out to Germany, for the final at Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31, but he is tight-lipped about who might join him.Speaking from his Miami home in Florida, he told America’s CBS Golazo sports network: “I’m really looking forward to turning up with a few mates, a few glasses of wine, watching the game and great conversation.”READ MORE ON DAVID BECKHAMHe previewed rehearsals for the show, anchored by UCL Today’s Kate Scott, in a cosy studio featuring house plants, armchairs, books on coffee tables and a homely rug.Another Instagram clip had him being embraced by Arsenal and Barcelona legend Thierry Henry, who teased him about his old club Real Madrid losing to Arsenal.A lucrative move into punditry could see Golden Balls replace Lineker, who is stepping down from Match of the Day, as Britain’s favourite football broadcaster.It comes off the back of his hugely successful Netflix documentary series Beckham, which offered a never-before-seen insight into his life and playing career.Most read in FootballAn insider said: “It is a huge deal for the channel and shows just how big David is in America. I apologised to Olympic boxing hero’s mum after David Beckham mistakenly said she’d died live on TV, reveals Gabby Logan “He has become a global icon.“Both sides are winners. “It is a big money deal but will raise his profile even higher in America.“It will also bring a lot of viewers in.“David has shown with his Netflix docs that he is comfortable in front of the camera but this will see him live and unedited. “It will make for great television.”Behind the scenes of David’s new showThe former England captain arriving for rehearsalsAn advert for David’s new show Beckham & Friends More

TROY DEENEY was sent off on his return to football following a cynical challenge.Deeney, 36, laced up a pair of boots for the first time after his retirement with Forest Green Rovers in 2024 when he rolled credits on a 20-year career.Troy Deeney was sent off just minutes into his Baller League debutDeeney was shown a red card after pushing opponent Tareiq Holmes-Dennis off the ballChaos quickly ensued with Holmes-Dennis looking to return the favour to DeeneyThe former striker rolled back the years on Baller League as he was called up to compete for Wembley Rangers, who are managed by Arsenal legends Ian Wright and Chloe Kelly.Wright and Kelly decided to utilise their “wildcard rule”, which allows teams to bring in a player for one match. And their pick was EFL cult hero Deeney, who stepped up for the Baller League match against FC RTW at the Copper Box Arena in Stratford.But just minutes into his debut, the Watford legend lost the plot and lunged onto opponent Tareiq Holmes-Dennis with a reckless push off the ball.Read More on FootballThat led to an intense melee with both teams clashing on the pitch in front of the live crowd.Holmes-Dennis was furious as he ran back towards Deeney and returned the favour.The FC RTW ace was so incensed that even referee Mark Clattenburg couldn’t calm him down.In fact, Holmes-Dennis also shoved Clattenburg – albeit in a much lighter way.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat incident gave the legendary Premier League ref no other option but to send Deeney off.Wembley Rangers went on to lose the match 4-3, which left them 10th in the 12-team table.I grabbed director of football by the throat and picked him off the floor in front of my team-mates, reveals Troy Deeney This marked Deeney’s return to a football pitch for the first time since January 2024 when he was let go as player-coach at Forest Green Rovers. More

SCOTT PARKER broke down in tears within seconds of Burnley winning promotion back to the Premier League. Parker’s side beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Turf Moor on Easter Monday as the Clarets and Leeds booked their spot in the automatic places.Clarets manager Scott Parker became visibly emotional after Burnley were promotedParker’s side beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Turf MoorCredit: PAParker was hugged by club captain and double goalscorer Josh Brownhill after becoming emotional at full-timeCredit: PABut later on, Parker’s players threw him into the air in celebrationCredit: GettyIn going up, Parker also maintained his 100 percent record in winning promotion to the English top-flight.The English manager lead Fulham to the glittering heights in 2000 and Bournemouth two years later.Parker only took over at Turf Moor in July from Vincent Kompany and yet has masterminded an incredible season for the Clarets.But all the hard work finally paid off after Josh Brownhill’s double — a clinical 28th-minute strike and a penalty a minute before half-time — took Burnley back up at the first time of asking.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSParker was visibly emotional in the moments after his third Premier League promotion was confirmed, with two games left remaining.He came onto the pitch to celebrate with his side as soon as referee David Webb blew the full time whistle after six long added minutes.And the 44-year-old, understandably, shed tears of joy and relief before hugging club captain Brownhill.The Sky cameras then picked the gaffer up sobbing happy tears with his family up in the stands.Most read in FootballParker went into the stands to share the moment with his familyThe ex-Fulham gaffer was clearly emotionalParker is now aiming to guide Burnley to the titleBurnley beat Sheffield United 2-1 to book their spot in the Premier LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSParker said: “It means everything. We set on a mission to get promoted and there were a lot of ups and down. “It has been nothing short of incredible. So proud of the young group, who have committed and given everything.Burnley pitch invasion marred by unsavoury scenes as Sheffield United star Hamza Choudhury is held back by security”This one feels more special. I’ve had some bumps in the road as a manager. “I decided to take a year out and come in to this knowing there was a big challenge ahead. I’m relieved and happy.”Indeed, he hasn’t had it all easy, after being sacked by both Fulham and Bournemouth in the last few years.The Cottagers sacked the Englishman after they were relegated upon their return, but later sealed an immediate promotion under Marco Silva in 2022/23.Meanwhile, the Cherries stayed in the Prem but axed Parker within a month of him guiding the club there.Asked if the Championship title remains an important motivation this season, he added: “We’re going to go for it. “We’ll enjoy today, but we want to go for the title. That’s exactly our aim.”Meanwhile, Burnley’s promotion celebrations were marred by shocking scenes involving Sheffield United ace Hamza Choudhury.There were huge celebrations at full-time as Burnley fans stormed the pitch to party alongside their players.A Burnley supporter then appeared to goad Choudhury. by celebrating directly in front of him.Elsewhere, Owner Alan Pace paid tribute to the man he appointed in the summer to replace Kompany, who left for Bayern Munich.”I can’t say enough about the job he has done. He has outperformed anything he could have said (when they met),” he said.Read More on The Sun”He is a living legend and he has shown multiple times how to handle this league.”We saw an individual who knew how to not only live the best version of himself, but how to bring that out in others.”Parker spoke to Sky about how proud he wasBurnley fans were treated to immediate promotion after being relegated from the top-flight last seasonBurnley owner Alan Pace paid tribute to ParkerCredit: Rex More

BURNLEY’S promotion celebrations were marred by shocking scenes involving Sheffield United ace Hamza Choudhury.Scott Parker’s side beat the Blades 2-1 at Turf Moor tonight as the Clarets and Leeds booked their spot in next season’s Premier League.Hamza Choudhury had to be held back by securityCredit: @SkyFootballThe Sheffield United ace was initially involved in a coming together with a police officerCredit: @SkyFootballFans also appeared to taunt the playerCredit: @SkyFootballBurnley fans charged onto the pitch after promotion was securedCredit: PAThey beat Sheffield United 2-1 to book their spot in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyThere were huge celebrations at full-time as Burnley fans stormed the pitch to party alongside their players.But things have been overshadowed by unsavoury scenes involving Choudhury.The man on loan from Leicester was fuming and was seen initially being pushed away by a police officer as he trudged off the pitch. A Burnley supporter then appeared to goad the midfielder by celebrating directly in front of him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBy the time Sky Sports cameras returned to the field from cutting to Parker in the stands, Choudhury had become more incensed.He then had to be held back by security as a scuffle begun.The Bangladesh international was pushed down the tunnel by a member of staff as he desperately tried to break free. It is currently unclear what provoked the incident. Most read in ChampionshipThis is not the first time an altercation has took place at the end of a Sheffield United game in recent weeks.Manager Chris Wilder was at the centre of a brawl as tempers flared after a defeat to Plymouth Argyle.The boss seemingly took issue with the way Argyle star Mustapha Bundu was celebrating in front of the Sheffield United supporters.Words were exchanged before pushing and shoving started in the tunnel involving several players and Wilder.Burnley have sealed an immediate return to the top-flightCredit: GettyThey are set to battle Leeds for the titleCredit: PA More

TYSON FURY’S beloved Morecambe have officially been relegated from League Two.The Shrimps lost 3-1 to Salford City at the Globe Arena to confirm their drop to non-league football after 18 years.Morecambe have officially been relegated from League TwoTyson Fury used to be a sponsor for his beloved MorecambeThat result basically brings an end to a sorry season for Derek Adams’ side, who struggled both on and off the pitch.Earlier in the campaign, the cash-strapped team’s board collided with the ownership group.This term was blighted by financial problems as Morecambe were placed under a transfer embargo due to the non-payment of a VAT bill – the matter was ultimately settled with HMRC.The cub has been up for sale since September 2022 and it was around that time when Fury, 36, got involved.Read More on FootballThe Gypsy King partnered up with the club after they struck a sponsorship deal three years ago.The heavyweight’s ‘Gypsy King’ brand was embroidered on Morecambe’s home and away shorts for the 2022-23 season.The former world champion even claimed that same year that he was considering buying the club.Fury told talkSPORT at the time: “I’m thinking about buying Morecambe Football Club, they’re in League One at the moment.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So I was thinking I invest X amount of millions in them. Basically throw it at them and keep them going up.”I’ve been offered to buy Morecambe Football Club. I own all the training facilities anyway and the training gym. ‘Definitely making a comeback’ – Tyson Fury, 36, sends fans into frenzy with latest retirement U-turn hint”So who knows? You might be looking at a football club owner.”But it wasn’t meant to be as Morecambe – currently bottom of table in the fourth division – couldn’t avoid relegation.And it was Salford – co-owned by Fury’s fellow celebrities in Manchester United legends Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville and Nick Butt – who landed the killer blow.The Ammies are currently ninth in League Two with only two points separating them from the play-off spots. More

WEST BROM have sacked Tony Mowbray just two games from the end of the season after a disastrous run of results.The 61-year-old’s second spell in charge at the Hawthorns lasted just three months.Tony Mowbray has been axed by West BromCredit: RexJames Morrison will take charge of the final two matches of the seasonCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMowbray re-joined West Brom in January, 16 years after first leaving the club as boss Carlos Coberan quit for Valencia.But the veteran manager, who battled bowel cancer last year, has had a nightmare time back at the Baggies, overseeing just five wins in 17 matches.A shambolic end-of-season collapse with just one victory from their last eight games has seen West Brom fall out of the play-off positions to tenth.And a 3-1 home defeat to relegation-threatened Derby proved to be the final straw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA club statement read: “West Bromwich Albion have today parted company with head coach Tony Mowbray.”Assistant head coach Mark Venus has also departed the club.”The club would like to place on record its thanks to Tony and Mark for their efforts – but has made the decision to part company following a series of poor results.”Tony and Mark will forever be welcome at The Hawthorns and their contributions to the club winning the 2007/08 Championship title will never be forgotten.Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Everyone at Albion wishes Tony and Mark all the very best in the future.”Former West Brom star James Morrison will take over until the end of the season.West Brom’s Kyle Bartley sparks mass brawl at final whistle v Sheff Weds for shoving his arm into rival’s faceHe will be assisted by Damia Abella and ex-Baggies keeper Boaz Myhill. Morrison, 38, played 341 times for the club as a player and has been coaching at the club since retiring. More

GILLINGHAM were forced into an unusual kit change after being banned from wearing their home shirt versus AFC Wimbledon.The League Two clubs met today and the Kent-based side ran out 1-0 winners.Gillingham’s home kit is this blue jersey with white sleevesCredit: GettyAFC Wimbledon’s three strips were deemed too close in likeness to the Gills’ home shirtBut despite the match being played at Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium, they were not allowed to wear their home shirt.That was because of an “EFL recommendation” over a kit clash that saw all three of Wimbledon’s strips deemed too similar to the Gills’ home look.The club usually wear a blue shirt with white sleeves when playing in front of their own supporters.But they were made to pull on their green third strip today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEFL chiefs said Wimbledon’s kits were not distinguishable enough as their home kit is blue and their away has black and lighter blue stripes.The Dons’ third strip is white and therefore also clashed with Gillingham’s as their home shirt has white sleeves.It forced the hosts into an unusual change and enraged fans, with one saying: “We have no backbone, we are at home, it’s the other teams fault. We are being a soft touch.”Another added: “The fault is with AFC Wimbledon for not having an away kit which doesn’t clash with any team that wears blue.”Most read in EFLGillingham were forced into wearing their away green kit for their home clash against AFC WimbledonCredit: RexBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA third wrote: “That’s absolutely pathetic to choose to play in green because of their kit issues, make them wear bibs.”More commented: “The fact we’re having to wear green is nonsense.”Football icons’ strange hobbiesGillingham’s official X account tweeted “up the greens” before the game and after the win wrote “doesn’t matter what colour shirt we’re in.”The victory sees new boss Gareth Ainsworth continue his unbeaten run to seven matches since taking charge in March. More