Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares102 Views

      in Soccer

      Roy Keane shakes head and gives brutal side-eye at Ian Wright’s antics live on ITV during FA Cup coverage

      by

      ROY KEANE was left unimpressed after his live TV segment was interrupted by Ian Wright.The Manchester United legend was pitchside for the FA Cup showdown between Bournemouth and Man City on Sunday. Roy Keane was on punditry duty for ITV as Man City took on BournemouthCredit: ITVThe United legend gave Ian Wright a death stare after being interrupted mid-flowCredit: ITVKeane was giving his thoughts on the game for ITV during the warm-ups on the South Coast. The 53-year-old was in full flow as colleague Wrighty spotted a ball rolling towards the panel. Wright rushed over to kick it back, only to give Keane a sharp nudge from behind in the process.Keane shot Wright a long stare as the ex-England striker burst into hysterical laughter.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Irishman composed himself and joked: “He’s done my ankle!”A laughing Wrighty hit back: “You didn’t even flinch!”Host Mark Pougatch quipped that the “tackle” reminded him of David Beckham’s infamous red card kick on Diego Simeone in 1998. Keane, known for his hardman persona on the field during his playing days, responded: “I’ve had that before, don’t worry.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe ex-United midfielder recently won Pundit of the Year at the Sports Journalism Awards.And he didn’t miss a beat as he returned to talk about Man City’s chances in the quarterfinal.Pep Guardiola suggests Man City trophy bonuses should be scrapped as stars ‘don’t deserve even a watch’ this seasonPep Guardiola’s men arrived on the South Coast knowing the FA Cup remains their only chance at silverware.Things looked bleak as Erling Haaland missed a first half penalty, with Evanilson giving the hosts a shock lead.But the Norweigan redeemed himself after half time, before Omar Marmoush came off the bench to grab the winner.City now progress to the semi-finals as they look to reach the final for a third-straight season.They will face Nottingham Forest at Wembley after Nuno Santo’s side won a tense penalty shootout with Brighton on Saturday.In the other last-four clash, Crystal Palace face Aston Villa. More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea reignite Jules Kounde transfer interest and could move for Barcelona star or Premier League ace

      by

      CHELSEA have rekindled their transfer interest in Barcelona star Jules Kounde… while they keep eyeing Bournemouth ace Dean Huijsen.The Blues have been looking for a highly-rated centre-back ever since Thiago Silva’s departure from Stamford Bridge last year.Chelsea are planning to rekindle their interest in Barcelona star Jules KoundeCredit: GettyChelsea are also keeping tabs on Bournemouth ace Dean HuijsenCredit: AlamyAccording to Sport, the West Londoners are planning another bid for Kounde, 26, whom they tried to sign from Sevilla in 2022 before Barca hijacked the deal with a £42million swoop.The same source claims Chelsea need a central defender that can also cover at full-back, making the France international the perfect pick for manager Enzo Maresca.Kounde was initially supposed to play at centre-back under previous Barcelona boss Xavi but the Spanish tactician quickly realised how good he is at right-back as well and changed his position.Current Blaugrana manager Hansi Flick has continued to field the Frenchman on the right flank of his defence and the player has proven to be among the best in Europe.Read More on ChelseaKounde is “very happy” in Catalonia and is keen to sign a new contract.His current deal is set to expire in 2026.However, the defender is fully aware he could earn more at Stamford Bridge amid Barcelona’s ongoing financial woes.Plus, Kounde would almost certainly play in his natural position at centre-back with the Premier League giants.Most read in FootballBarcelona are full in that position and are planning a move for Bayer Leverkusen ace Jonathan Tah this summer.Chelsea, though, are prepared for another potential transfer blow involving the ex-Bordeaux star.Former Chelsea star Demba Ba talks about his role as director of football of USL And that is why they are also eyeing Bournemouth’s Huijsen, 19, ahead of the summer transfer window.However, the same source claims Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Spain international. More

    • 250 Shares140 Views

      in Soccer

      Serie A star forced to clarify he’s not been bitten by a ZOMBIE as pictures of nasty injury go viral

      by

      BOLOGNA striker Jens Odgaard has been forced to rule out being bitten in a ZOMBIE ATTACK – after sporting a bizarre injury.The Serie A star was spotted with a huge red mark on the back of his neck during this weekend’s clash with Venezia.Bologna’s Jens Odgaard has been forced to speak out after fans noticed a strange mark on his neckCredit: GettyFan theories ranged from a shark bite to a zombie attackCredit: XOdgaard, 25, played a starring role as Bologna recorded a priceless 1-0 win on the road. But fans were left distracted by the bright red ring on the Dane’s neck.Social media was ablaze with speculation during the contest at the Stadio Pierluigi Penzo – with many concerned he’d had a run-in with the undead.The painful-looking injury was noticeable throughout DAZN’s broadcast of the match.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne confused fan wrote on X: “What is that thing? A zombie bite?”Another said: “Did he just get his neck scraped?”While a third added: “Is that a tattoo or a shark bite on the back of Jens Odgaard’s neck?”The striker played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 win, with Riccardo Orsolini netting a second-half winner. Most read in FootballAfter the match, Odgaard clarified the mark’s origin on social media.Responding to fan concerns, he wrote on Instagram: “It’s just a medicine I’m using for my neck, nothing serious.”Dusan Vlahovic shows off his skills at Juventus training One relieved fan replied: “Good to know. You had us worried for a while. There were some crazy theories floating around.”Odgaard has enjoyed strong season playing as a central striker for Bologna.He joined the club in the summer of 2023 after a move from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.What is that thing? A zombie bite?Confused fanThe 25-year-old has netted 6 times in 25 Serie A games, including two in his last three matches. Bologna have now won five games on the bounce to put themselves back in the Champions League spots. Saturday’s win over relegation-threatened Venezia sent them above Juventus into 4th place. More

    • 238 Shares102 Views

      in Soccer

      Bournemouth 1 Man City 2: Omar Marmoush keeps Pep Guardiola’s season alive with FIRST TOUCH in FA Cup quarter-final

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA might be having a bit of a nightmare – but he was still able to wreck the nation’s hopes of a dream FA Cup semi-final line-up.Pretty much everyone, apart from fans of Manchester City, wanted Bournemouth to join Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in the last four of the tournament.City came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 in the FA Cup to set up a semi-final clash against Nottingham ForestCredit: RexErling Haaland had his penalty saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga in the first halfCredit: RexEvanilson put Bournemouth ahead inside 21 minutes at the Vitality StadiumCredit: RexBut Haaland was set up by super sub Nico O’Reilly in the 49th minuteCredit: GettyCity have O’Reilly to thank for his two second-half assistsCredit: RexHaaland was subsequently subbed with an ankle injury on the hour markCredit: PABefore Haaland’s replacement Omar Marmoush put Pep Guardiola’s side 2-1 upCredit: RexBut while Brazilian striker Evanilson put Bournemouth ahead Erling Haaland – having wasted three first half chances, including a penalty- scored the equaliser just after half-time.And within a couple of minutes of replacing Haaland, Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush scored only his third goal since joining from Frankfurt for £59million in January.So, while this is proving to be a lousy season by City’s ridiculously high standards, a seventh successive appearance in the FA Cup semi-finals is in the bag.Let’s not forget that City’s semi-final opponents Forest are six points clear of them in the Premier League so they have every right to fancy their chances.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut as we saw here, Guardiola has the expertise – and a pretty decent subs bench – to change the game.On a glorious day on the south coast, Guardiola saw that his team were struggling and brought on 20-year-old Nico O’Reilly at the break for centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.Although he was playing as a left-back, and has played there in the previous two FA Cup ties, O’Reilly is not really a left-back. His favourite position is as an attacking midfielder and while he can play as a No 10, he has also filled in as a defensive midfielder.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSYet here, O’Reilly helped change the game by assisting both goals and although he has only played a handful of first-team games, you would not have guessed it.So, City scraped through but this is still proving to be a terrific year for the cups. Man City launched probe into Erling Haaland after he ‘left club’s mascot with whiplash’ after hit to back of headWhile Liverpool have all but won the Prem, the three promoted teams are going down and it looks as though two of the relegated club will be coming back up automatically, this term will be celebrated as a triumph over the so-called elite of English football if either Forest, Villa or Palace can follow Newcastle’s success in the Carabao Cup.Bournemouth will be annoyed with themselves after putting themselves in such a good position but they were unable to match their highly-charged first half performance after the break.They were missing suspended defenders Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen with left-back Julio Solar making only his second appearance in English football.And they were creaking at the back early on as Haaland could have scored a hat-trick within the space of six minutes.Although he steered Mattheus Nunes’ cross wide, you would have bet your life on him to stick away a penalty three minutes later after Tyler Adams handled.It was not the greatest of penalties but Kepa still had to guess the right way and he flung himself to the left.For Haaland, it was his third miss from the penalty spot in six which followed a run of 11 successive spot-kicks.Incredibly the match was only 16 minutes old when Haaland had another clear but after galloping clear, he lifted his shot over the bar.So it was inevitable that Bournemouth would tear up the other end and score.Nunes was to blame by giving possession away to Lewis Cook and then the City defender was caught out at the far post with Justin Kluivert beating him to David Brooks’ cross. While Kluivert thought he had scored, Evanilson made sure on the line under pressure from KhusanovMarcos Senesi would have made it 2-0 had his leg been an inch longer but he was unable to prod Brooks’ free-kick over the line.Super sub O’Reilly turned the tie around for CityCredit: GettyAt half-time, Guardiola unleashed O’Reilly and the England under-20 international clearly carried out his manager’s orders to perfection.Within four minutes, O’Reilly made his mark as he punished Bournemouth for pushing up too far. His cross was outstanding and while Haaland was not having a good day, he was never going to miss this one.Guardiola celebrated widely but was then booked by sarcastically clapping Stuart Attwell who, quite rightly, did not stop play because Haaland had fallen awkwardly.Yet Haaland was immediately replaced by Marmoush and within a couple of minutes, he scored the second.READ MORE SUN STORIESAgain it was O’Reilly who delivered the assist, capitalising on a slip by Antoine Semenyo although Marmoush’s shot went through Kepa.So, although the FA Cup is going to have one of the so-called big boys in the semi-finals, three out of four unfancied teams is not bad.City’s timely subs proved the differenceCredit: AFP More

    • 225 Shares187 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I can’t carry on’ – Former England wonderkid and Derby star, 21, forced to retire with heart problem

      by

      DERBY starlet Morten Lunde Spencer has been forced into an early retirement after being diagnosed with a heart condition at just 21 years old.He announced the decision this week in an emotional Instagram post accompanied by a slideshow of black-and-white photos from his career, in which he said he was ‘heartbroken’ to be sharing the news.Morten Lunde Spencer was a promising young talentCredit: Rex FeaturesA central midfielder, Spencer was known for his passing abilityCredit: Rex FeaturesThere has been a huge outpouring of support for SpencerCredit: Rex FeaturesSpencer wrote: “I will be retiring from professional football due to a cardiac problem I can’t carry on with.”All I’ve ever known is to kick a ball and I have learnt everything from the game. I am thankful and proud of what I have achieved.”I will never forget the memories I have created along an amazing journey. Football is in my DNA and I will continue to support everyine who helped me along the way.”Spencer, a central midfielder, played his first academy matches for Sunderland before moving to Leeds United in 2019 and later to Derby County in 2024, where he featured regularly for the u21s.Read more footballThe Darlington native joined his first team, Marton FC, at just 4 years old.He has also been a regular in England youth setups, receiving his first call up at U15 level before switching allegiance to Norway.Tending to sit deep in midfield, fans regarded him as a ‘maestro’, with strong positional awareness and ability to use both feet. He had been tipped to break through into the Leeds first team, an opportunity which would not materialise.Most read in FootballVarious teammates of Spencer’s have sent messages of support following the news including Tottenham midfielder Archie Gray.The pair played together at Leeds’ academy, with the Spurs midfielder writing: “All the best mate.”Bizarre moment SEAGULL helps EFL club with ‘great flick on’ after being hit by ball in League Two clashSpencer was a standout talent in his academy days.Credit: Facebook – Morten SpencerIan Harte, who made over 200 league appearances for Leeds between 1996 and 2004, added: “Gutted for you Morten! Stay strong.”West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville, who moved to East London from Leeds last year, added a heart emoji and a pair of praying hands, while countless other players and fans added their support to the chorus.Among them was his mother, Heidi, who wrote: “Couldn’t be more proud of you, now and forever.”Speaking to Teesside Live when he earned his first England callup, Heidi gushed about her son’s accomplishments.She said: “We’re all so proud and excited that he’s been called up. He started kicking a ball when he was about two years old.” More

    • 225 Shares93 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid ‘plot shock £90MILLION Bruno Fernandes transfer’ with scouts at every single Man Utd game watching him

      by

      REAL MADRID are reportedly readying a record swoop for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes this summer.Fernandes has been scouted by Carlo Ancelotti’s representatives at every “virtually every single Man Utd home and away game” this season.Bruno Fernandes is on Real Madrid’s wanted list this summerCredit: GettyFernandes is United’s top goalscorer this termCredit: ReutersFernandes is being eyed as a top signing who could also be a potential successor to Luka ModricCredit: GettyMadrid are expecting Fernandes to cost in the region of £90million, according to The Star.That would be United’s record sale, eclipsing the £80million that Real paid for Cristiano Ronaldo in June 2009.Real are planning a squad overhaul at the end of the season, which includes the signing of Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free.And Fernandes is being eyed as a top signing who could also be a potential successor to Luka Modric, 39, whose contract expires this summer.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFernandes’ form has been one of the few shining lights in another poor season for the Red Devils, who sit 13th in the Prem and are on course for a record low finish.He was linked with a move away last summer after he admitted that it was “possible”.But the 30-year-old midfielder ended up signing a new bumper £3250,000-per-year contract until 2027 in August.However, his desire to win trophies could make a move to the Bernaebu irresistible.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordFernandes is United’s top producer with 16 goals and assists this term, including eight goals in the Prem and four in the Europa League.The club regularly turn to him to produce a moment of magic in games and he is almost always available for selection. Roy Keane slams Man Utd in angriest ever rant and has bust-up with Wright over BrunoFernandes’ form in the Prem this seasonHe recently revealed he had an offer on the table to leave last year , but he wanted to stay because he believes the club can be successful.Ruben Amorim will be desperate to keep him, but any approach from Madrid could create a dilemma for the cash-strapped club hierarchy.Minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not been shy in revealing United’s financial problems.Ratcliffe sensationally claimed that United were on track to run out of money this year while defending his controversial cost-cutting.And the club are allegedly open to listening to serious offers for every single player in the squad. But Fernandes – who is arguably United’s only successful signing since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 – is different.The Portugal international has scored 95 goals and provided 82 assists for the Red Devils in 227 games in all competitions since joining from Sporting Lisbon for £47million in January 2020.How Madrid could line up with FernandesHe does, however, divide opinion with some pointing to his poor body language and petulant moaning. Former United captain Roy Keane is among those who feel Fernandes should not wear the armband.When talking about Fernandes often being United’s saviour, Keane exploded: “Save us? They’re 15th in the league and he’s saving them?”Praise the lord. You have to have a starting point. I go back to it all – talent is not enough. Bruno’s a talented player, but talent’s not enough.”But the passionate Irishman’s co-host on Stick to Football Ian Wright disagreed and said: “No, no, not Bruno. United would be relegated without him.”Keane flopped back in his chair and snarled: “You know what Wrighty? I’ve had enough of that rubbish man.”Roy Keane unleashed a furious tirade in the direction of Man Utd players, including FernandesBut since Keane’s scathing attack, Fernandes has successfully silenced his critics, while admitting it “wasn’t nice too hear”.He bagged a hat-trick in the 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in the Europa League at the start of this month.And followed it up with a great – but controversial- free-kick against Arsenal in the Prem a few days later.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe recently spoke of his desire to overtake Andy Cole and Ole Gunnar Solskajer in the United goalscoring charts and to reach 300 appearances for the club.But many United fans believe he deserves more, including fighting for major trophies – to add to his one FA Cup and Carabao Cup won at Old Trafford. More

    • 238 Shares102 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘What is up with you?’ – Robbie Savage’s harsh half-time dressing room team-talk that inspired Macclesfield to title win

      by

      MACCLESFIELD manager Robbie Savage inspired his non-league side to a massive title win thanks to an inspiration half-time team talk.Savage, 50, took over the Silkmen last year after his close friend Rob Smethurst bought the club.Robbe Savage led Macclesfield to the Northern Premier League titleCredit: RexHe let rip in the changing room at half-time before they went on to win the titleMacclesfield boss Savage inspired his players to win 2-1 despite trailing at the breakCredit: X @thesilkmenAnd the pundit won the Northern Premier League last week in what is his debut season as a manager.A BBC documentary about the Welsh tactician’s first ever crack at management with Macclesfield is set to be released and will tell the story of a truly remarkable campaign.The doc will take viewers backstage during the crucial match against Bamber Bridge at Moss Rose.After a disappointing first half that saw Bamber Bridge leading 1-0, the former Manchester United academy prospect let it all out to his players in the dressing room.Read More on FootballSavage said: “Not good enough. Listen, I’m not gonna shout, but what is up with you?!”Are you fighting? Can you play in front of a big crowd? Because you are better than this.”Let’s go win the league. Come on!”And that team talk had the desired effect as Macclesfield fought back and won 2-1.Most read in EFLThat in turn led to a triumphant promotion to the National League North for next season.Savage and co are now just two divisions away from the English Football League.’I wish my father was here’ – Emotional moment Robbie Savage chokes up after winning promotion with MacclesfieldThe ex-Wales international was initially involved with the club as part owner before taking over the reins in the dugout. More

    • 225 Shares93 Views

      in Soccer

      Footie legend Rooney caught short as he’s spotted weeing against wall on night out after British Boxing Awards

      by

      FOOTIE icon Wayne Rooney was caught short as he was snapped relieving himself against a wall on a night out.The former Manchester United and England talisman was spotted in the compromised position after making an appearance at the British Boxing Awards 2025 at The Langham Hotel on Friday night.Wayne Rooney was caught short as he took a wee up against a wall during a night outCredit: GoffThe footballing legend was in London to attend the British Boxing AwardsCredit: GoffWayne spent a few hours with pals at The Nest Rooftop bar in MaryleboneCredit: GoffWayne was all smiles as he rejoined the boysCredit: GoffWazza then headed to The Nest Rooftop bar in Marylebone with pals followed by a dinner and more drinks at Novikov in Mayfair leaving around 2am.After a couple of bar stops, the legend was seen peeing against a wall on the side of the road.He was then seen rejoining pals as they continued partying into the night.It is unknown whether or not wife Coleen spent the night in the capital too.read more in sportICONIC CAREERWayne Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.Most read in FootballAs well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.Wayne Rooney furious at what Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo did before FA Cup tie However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.The former striker enjoyed his night with a group of ladsCredit: GoffRooney was in view of a cyclist during his pit stopCredit: GoffRooney is celebrated as one of the best players to lace up his bootsCredit: GoffWazza enjoyed a dazzling career for country and clubCredit: GettyHe spent most of his accomplished career at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty More