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      Tottenham star James Maddison’s mum BANS him from celebration he ‘doesn’t know why he did’

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      JAMES MADDISON has been banned from taking his shirt off when he scores for Tottenham – by his MUM.The Spurs midfielder, 27, was ticked off by his parents for the automatic yellow card he received for whipping off his top during last month’s 3-1 win over Brentford. James Maddison whipped his top off in celebration last month – much to his mum’s annoyanceCredit: RexThe Spurs star revealed he had received a ticking off after the matchCredit: InstagramAfter scoring a superb free-kick on Sunday in the 4-1 victory over Aston Villa, Maddison stopped himself from going topless once again.His mum is an avid fan of Fantasy Football and players in the starting XI lose points if they are cautioned by the referee.Maddison, who celebrates goals with a darts celebration, said: “I don’t know why I took my top off.“My mum text me about this actually.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“She said ‘Keep your top on next time because I’ve got you in my Fantasy team and I got minus one for the yellow card.’He laughed: “Sorry mum!”Dead-ball specialist Maddison has vowed to continue channelling his inner David Beckham and score more free-kicks for Tottenham.The 27-year-old feels he has not properly shown Spurs fans what he is capable of doing from stationary positions since he moved to North London from Leicester in the summer of 2023.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe £40million recruit – who has scored seven Tottenham goals – spent countless hours in his garden as a kid, trying to copy Becks who was a free-kick wizard during his time at Manchester United.The Spurs vice-captain said: “It can be difficult sometimes, the really close ones which are right on the edge.’Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark Halsey”You haven’t got as much time to get it up-and-down, so it’s why I took it a little bit quicker.”Not sure if you noticed but as soon as the whistle went, I was already leaning into it, to try and catch Martinez out a bit, because he’s a good goalkeeper.”I used to watch Becks. I think last season was the first year I ever had in my whole career where I didn’t score a direct free-kick.Tottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine.”I’ve scored quite a few, maybe 15-16 direct free-kicks. So it annoyed me last year that I didn’t get one.”I know I can be dangerous from them. I probably haven’t shown it to Spurs fans yet.” More

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      Inside departing Arsenal sporting director Edu’s family life, from fiery wife to footballer son and those famous BBQ’s

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      ARSENAL fans have been rocked by the news that sporting director Edu is set to leave the club.The good times are back at the Emirates, as the Gunners have built a team capable of challenging Man City at the top.Arsenal’s departing sporting director Edu with his familyEdu has been married to Brazilian Wag Paul for 21 yearsIt has been reported that Edu will link up with Nottingham Forest in a more senior roleCredit: GettyPart of that has been down to the work of Edu, who was famously one of the Invincibles in 2004, who has helped transform the club with a host quality signings.The likes of Martin Odegaard, William Saliba, and Declan Rice have all arrived in North London during the Brazilian’s tenure.It’s reported Edu is looking at a bigger challenge – taking on a senior role at Nottingham Forest to become a chief executive to Evangelos Marinakis’ footballing empire, which includes Olympiacos and Rio Ave.The move could TRIPLE his wages.Read more football newsAway from the game, the ex-Brazil international has developed a cult following.He shares his family life on social media, with wife Paula and their three children taking centre stage on Instagram.While in the summer, those famous memes of him manning a barbecue had Gooners purring over Edu cooking up a huge transfer deal.Family manEdu’s Instagram is almost an ode to his family life.Most read in FootballEdu’s family life is played out on his social media, including wedding dayWhen it comes to party, Edu makes sure he celebrates with his familyAt Christmas time the Gaspar family enjoy a big get-togetherHe shares plenty of personal moments to his 435,000 followers, including his wedding anniversaries over the years.He’s been married to Paula for 21 years, sharing their wedding day to his fans.‘F—ing shut your mouth’ – Ian Wright in X-rated rant at giggling Alan Shearer after Newcastle stun ArsenalAnd the Gaspars love an occasion to celebrate.Back in January, they wore matching white outfits to celebrate the turn of the New Year.Before that, at Christmas, they showed off their family home – posing in front of their tree.Edu and Paula share three children together, that includes their only son Luigi, 20, and daughters Maria, 18, and Isabelli, 11.His wife has always got his back.When the wife got into botherBack in 2021, with the Gunners in a transitional period, things did not start well for Mikel Arteta’s side.The club had to suffer before there were signs of improvement, which meant fans had to be patient.However, tensions spilled over during a home game against Chelsea.With Arsenal trailing 2-0, one angry supporter confronted Edu by getting out of his seat and berating him from the steps.A video was shared on social media showing the tense moment.While Edu managed to remain composed throughout the abuse, Paula could not contain her frustration.After the fan had finished angrily making his point, Paula put her middle finger up at him as frustrations boiled over, demonstrating her willingness to stand up for her husband in the face of criticism.Clearly, Paula isn’t to be messed with.Paula Gaspar is the supportive Wag of EduWhen Edu received abuse from an Arsenal fan in 2021, Paula jumped to his defencePaula told the fan exactly where to go after seeing her husband get stickread more sport featuresFootballer sonFollowing in dad’s footsteps on the pitch is Edu’s son, Luigi.Also a midfielder, he began his career like his father at Brazilian club Corinthians.He joined at U7 level, before representing the club in futsal.When Edu joined Arsenal in 2019, his son linked with up with their academy.But three years later he departed the club by mutual consent.He joined fellow London side Watford in 2022, and has broken into their youth sides.They extended his contract until the end of the season.Luigi Gaspar joined Arsenal in 2019 from CorinthiansA midfielder like dad, Luigi now plays for Watford’s youth sidesEdu’s 35 signings rankedEDU oversaw the arrival of 35 players during his time at the club.Some worked out better than others.Here, SunSport ranks them from worst to best…35. Nicolas Pepe (£72m)34. Willian (Free)33. David Luiz (£8m)32. Runar Alex Runarsson (£2m)31. Mat Ryan (Loan)30. Fabio Vieira (£34m)29. Neto (Loan)28. Marquinhos (£3m)27. Nuno Tavares (£8m)26. Matt Turner (£5m)25. Cedric Soares (Free)24. Albert Sambi Lokonga (£17m)23. Pablo Mari (£5m)22. Dani Ceballos (Loan)21. Raheem Sterling (Loan)20. Jakub Kiwior (£17m)19. Jorginho (£12m)18. Riccardo Calafiori (£42m)17. Kieran Tierney (£25m)16. Takehiro Tomiyasu (£20m)15. Mikel Merino (£28m)14. Aaron Ramsdale (£24m)13. Oleksandr Zinchenko (£30m)12. Gabriel Jesus (£45m)11. Kai Havertz (£65m)10. Jurrien Timber (£38m)9. Gabriel Martinelli (£6m)8. David Raya (£27m)7. Leandro Trossard (£20m)6. Thomas Partey (£45m)5. Ben White (£50m)4. Gabriel Magalhaes (£27m)3. Declan Rice (£105m)2. William Saliba (£27m)1. Martin Odegaard (£30m)Click here to read more Arsenal stories.What’s cooking?When it comes to the summer, Arsenal fans are always hungry for new signings.Bizarrely, some have found a link to their transfer activity when Edu is manning a barbecue.Often, the retired footballer shares clips of him cooking up a treat for his family.Brazilian’s traditionally love grilled meats and fish, and Edu is no different.How Edu made Arsenal great againBy Jack RosserEDU GASPAR has been on a mission to ‘Make Arsenal Great Again’ ever since returning to the club he played for 2019.After a few wobbles early on – signing Nicolas Pepe will never reflect well – the Brazilian has, alongside Mikel Arteta, been crucial in the club’s transformation.Arteta was brought in as the new manager within months of Edu’s return to North London and the former midfielder stuck by the boss when the pressure was on two years into the job.Instead of making the knee-jerk decision to change manager again, the former Brazil international, joined forces with Arteta to institute a huge change of culture at The Emirates.Overpaid toxic influences such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were purged from the dressing room and Arsenal set about adding strong characters.Edu finally got the club competing in the transfer market again, with Martin Odegaard an outstanding capture for the club. In landing Declan Rice ahead of Manchester City last year Arsenal showed they couple compete for and sign some of Europe’s biggest talents once more.Arsenal have become one of the most attractive clubs in the Premier League and one of the most efficient in the market.While there have been big deals for the likes of Rice and Calafiori, there have been smart ones too – picking out value where others have lost hope.Kai Havertz appeared as a surprising signing after a dreadful season at Chelsea. But after Edu gave the German space and support to rebuild his confidence he has developed into a fine asset for Arteta.Edu does not only have a tight relationship with Arteta – who many fans will be glad signed a new deal before the sporting director’s departure – but the players too, always ready and waiting to check in, keep them going.London Colney and The Emirates will feel a very different place for all of them without Edu.He has been seen with a cigar in mouth turning over some steaks and sausages ahead of huge deals that have been completed.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s an impressive barbecue fitted with plenty of upgrades, just like the squad he helped build.One wonders if it will be heading to Nottingham with him.Edu puts his BBQ skills to good use with a cigar in his mouthArsenal fans linked their transfer activity with Edu manning his bbqEdu’s barbecue is certainly well stacked More

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      David Beckham’s former team-mate becomes referee and one of first ex-players to make the jump

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      CHRIS BIRCHALL’s football career took him from Port Vale to Los Angeles – and now he’s eyeing up the Premier League. The former LA Galaxy midfielder has retrained as a referee since hanging up his boots in 2016.Chris Birchall (right) could finally be ready to achieve his Premier League dreamCredit: GettyThe former LA Galaxy midfielder has retrained as a refereeCredit: Paul TongeBirchall played alongside David Beckham in LACredit: Paul TongeBirchall started the process of becoming an official earlier this year.The 40-year-old signed up for a special PGMOL initiative aimed at fast-tracking ex-pros into refereeing. Birchall took charge of his first qualification game in April.And he told SunSport just a month later: “I’d love to ref in the EFL. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The hardest things are positioning  yourself and making split-second decisions.”Birchall has now secured a three-year deal with the FA, blazing a trail for ex-players going into the profession.He revealed on Monday: “I am over the moon to accept a 3yr contract offer from the PGMOL to become one of the first ex-players to transition into professional refereeing! “Huge thanks to the PFA and Premier League along with PGMOL for this opportunity.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTagging in Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, a vocal referee critic, he added: “Don’t be sceptical, be very excited!”The new recruitment drive is part of the Elite Referee Development Plan, which is funded and supported by the Premier League. Fans dub David Beckham’s dream 5-a-side team ‘probably the best ever’ as legend picks just one former Man Utd team-mateIt aims to revamp refereeing in English football, giving ex-professionals a fast-track route into the system.Chief refereeing officer Howard Webb explained: “We’ve made no secret that we are looking to broaden our pool of officials and entice people from other areas of the game and society into refereeing who may have historically not been well represented.”It’s been fantastic to collaborate with the PFA on this programme.”The level of interest from their members strongly indicates they feel this is an exciting opportunity to explore an avenue which could potentially lead them to the highest levels of our game – this time as a match official.”VAR: Imagine the future…Martin Lipton’s pro VAR viewFAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you.Birchall spent much of his early career in England’s lower leagues, playing for Vale, Coventry and Brighton.His world was turned upside down in 2009 when he joined the Galaxy, replacing David Beckham on his debut. Speaking to SunSport earlier this year, Birchall said: “David was great with me. “Although I played with him towards the end of his career, wow what a player. He could pick you out with a pass from 40 yards.”There was banter between us as English guys. He’d come into training every morning and say to me, ‘Hi, Mr Perfect’ and I was like, ‘If anyone should be called that it’s you!’What do David Beckham’s tattoos mean?HandsStarting with the hands, and David Beckham has the word “Love” inked across the top of his left hand, with a swallow on either side.This is joined by the numbers 723, a combination of the shirts he famously wore for Manchester United and later Real Madrid.On his little finger, he has the year he was married.Becks also has a small female-stick figure designed by his daughter Harper.The devoted husband has “Posh” tattooed on a finger as a nod to wife Victoria Beckham’s Spice Girls nickname.ArmsBecks has two sleeve tattoos on both his arms with the centrepieces paying tribute to his marriage to Victoria.The most famous of his body art comes in the shape of her name along the inside of his forearm, which is inked in Sanskrit.Both Posh and Becks have Hebrew tattoos, which they got to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary.The matching tatts translate to, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”.Meanwhile, Becks also has a separate rose inking on his left arm to mark the couple’s tenth anniversary.NeckOne of Beckham’s most famous tattoos is on his neck, which is a gothic style cross and wings.It is symbolic of to his religion and acts as a protective guardian of his son Romeo, whose name is tattooed just below the angel wings.Beckham also has the name of his daughter, Harper, on the side of his neck.This was later updated to include the words “Pretty Lady”, to mark her fourth birthday.BackBeckham’s back tattoos serve as tribute to his sons.He has angel wings at the top as a sign of protection for them.Becks has both his eldest on Brooklyn, and his youngest son Cruz’s names inked across his back.BodyBeckham has a large chest tattoo that is an image of himself as Jesus, with three cherubs representing his sons, Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz.The footy ace also has a vertical tattoo down his left side in Chinese symbols – this translates as “Death and life have determined appointments”.Paying homage to his father, he has an inking of a ship at full mast – which is identical to the same one his dad has.”He sends video messages when it’s my lad’s birthday and I’ll text him when any big news happens. He’s humble and the type of person you want to be associated with.”Birchall played international football for Trinidad & Tobago, facing off against Golden Balls in the 2006 World Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe remembers: “My biggest memory was Beckham shaking my hand at the end and telling me, ‘You had one hell of a game’. “He was my hero so that was special.” More

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      Dominic Solanke repays his backers’ loyalty with 21-point splurge – time for doubters to backtrack?

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      DOMINIC SOLANKE (£4m) was the weekend’s biggest winner from a Dream Team perspective.The Tottenham striker scored two goals in the space of four minutes on his way to a massive 21-point haul against Aston Villa on Sunday.On targetCredit: Dream TeamSolanke was also credited with a ‘fantasy assist’ by stats providers Opta as he won the free-kick that was expertly converted by James Maddison (£4.6m) in stoppage time.Gameweek 10 is not done yet but at this stage the 27-year-old is the top performer.This points splurge couldn’t have come at a better time for Solanke’s backers as their patience has been tested in recent weeks.He mustered just 16 points from six outings prior to his brace against the Villains and, for all his neat link-up play and tireless running, his lack of threat in the penalty area was a notable issue.In fact, Solanke didn’t register a single shot on target in the six games leading into Sunday’s performance.Solanke produced a composed finish to end his goal droughtCredit: RexAlmost 10% of Dream Team managers will be hoping his latest showing will kickstart a fruitful spell in front of goal – he bagged 21 in all competitions for Bournemouth last season.Gaffers who replaced Solanke prior to Gameweek 10 will obviously be kicking themselves but it was a perfectly logical decision to move away from a striker without a single shot on target in his last six games.The Dream Team gods can be kind but they can also be cruel.Most read in FootballThe question now is worthy it’s a sensible move to bring the England striker back into the fold?Spurs are due to host 18th-placed Ipswich in Gameweek 11, one of just two top flight sides without a league win in 2024/25.Only Wolves have conceded more goals than the Tractor Boys at the time of writing and so it has to be considered an immensely favourable fixture for Solanke and company next weekend.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWGameweek 12 brings a tougher test in the form of Manchester City and Roma but there’s an international break to endure before then.It’s amazing how quickly things can change in Dream Team; Spurs’ No19 looked to be a sensible sell just a few days ago but now has to be considered a strong option for the upcoming Gameweek.It’s early days but Solanke is currently the most transferred-in player for Gameweek 11.Spurs have won nine of their last 11 gamesCredit: PAMore broadly, Spurs are now top scorers in the Premier League this season.This combined with a perfect start of three wins in three Europa League games indicates there’s certainly value to be had among Ange Postecoglou’s squad.READ MORE SUN STORIESBrennan Johnson (£3.8m), James Maddison (£4.6m) and Dejan Kulusevski (£3.1m) are all among the top 13 Dream Team midfielders while Solanke is up to fourth among strikers.Plus, Son Heung-min (£5.3m) averages eight points-per-game so far this campaign.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      European giants selling off part of iconic stadium after incredible £1billion renovation

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      REAL MADRID’S first-team locker room from the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium will be auctioned off.Real’s historic dressing room will be sold by Sotheby’s, who will open the bidding online from 12 November for two weeks.Real Madrid’s first-team locker room from Santiago Bernabeu will be auctioned.This comes after the most extensive renovation of the Bernabeu, which cost £1billionCredit: GettyBidders will be offered 24 individual lockers used by legends of the gameCredit: GettyThe auction is being held in partnership with Pursuit 3 Marketing Group S.L., which is the club’s official memorabilia partner.It comes after the massive renovation of the Bernabeu, which cost a staggering £1billion.Bidders will be offered 24 individual lockers used by legends, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham. Zinedine Zidane, Sergio Ramos and Luis Figo.Bidding starts at £10,000 and each locker will be presented as it appeared during the 2022 season.Read More on FootballThat means that the lockers could be sold for at least £250,000.And each will be accompanied by a letter certifying its authenticity, listing each of the players who once called the locker their own.The sale will also include the Real Madrid Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Mosaic measuring approximately three metres wide with bids starting at £12,000.Also up for grabs are the stadium’s metal doors, which will go for at least £8,000.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA portion of the proceeds will go to the Real Madrid Foundation, which is committed to encouraging the education of children.The foundation also promotes social inclusion of the most vulnerable members of society and builds a world-class memorabilia programme for the club as well as its fans.Headline Legendary stadium looks unrecognisable with football pitch in underground greenhouse and amazing 360-degree big screenReal are currently second in LaLiga with nine points separating them from leaders Barcelona.Bidding will be taking place at sothebys.com. More

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      There’s something wrong with refereeing after Martinez dodged red for career-threatening Palmer foul, says ex-Prem ref

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      LISANDRO MARTINEZ avoiding a red card for his shocking challenge on Cole Palmer signals something could be wrong with refereeing, according to Mark Halsey.The former Premier League referee believes the Manchester United defender was “very lucky” to escape a red card.Lisandro Martinez escaped a red card for his high tackle on Cole PalmerCredit: PAThe challenge could gave caused a serious injuryCredit: PAMark Halsey questioned why VAR did not intervene to send off MartinezCredit: AFPMartinez caught Palmer high on his knee with a reckless lunge that could have led to a serious injury.Ref Rob Jones booked Martinez for the tackle but VAR did not recommend a review, so there was no opportunity to increase the Argentine’s punishment.Halsey cannot understand why VAR did not intervene and he believes Martinez would have walked if the ref took a second look at the incident.Halsey told SunSport’s Whistleblower: “I was surprised that VAR didn’t recommend a review because I don’t think Martinez could have any complaints had he seen red card for that offence. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Because it was for me, it was serious foul play. It was a challenge that endangered the player’s safety because he was so high. Okay, the force wasn’t there.”But it’s a career threatening challenge when you’re going that high on someone’s knee.”If officials do not think that’s a red card. Then there’s something seriously wrong. It’s not about knowing the laws of the game.”I think Martinez was very, very lucky that he didn’t see red.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans were also shocked Martinez did not walk, as was Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.He said after the match: “I think there is not intention to take the ball and the foul is quite dangerous.”Manchester United vs Chelsea: Player Ratings Breakdown (2)”It is quite clear it is a red.”While Gary Neville said in commentary: “When you go that high I think you’re asking for a red card. I think he’s lucky.”When you go knee-high and the ball’s gone, I think it’s a red.” More

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      Tottenham star Pedro Porro will donate part of wages to help clean up flood-hit Valencia

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      TOTTENHAM star Pedro Porro will donate part of his salary to help with the clean-up of flood-hit Valencia.Spain is in mourning after more than 200 people were killed in the catastrophe, which began on Tuesday following a period of intense rainfall.Pedro Porro will donate part of his salary to the Valencia relief fundCredit: AlamyFloods have devastated ValenciaCredit: AFPThe horrific weather conditions have caused a huge amount of damage to the areaCredit: EPAIt was the worst flood to hit the country for decades which saw bridges collapse and nearby towns covered in thick mud.Spanish international Porro, who comes from humble beginnings himself, said he would be back in his homeland now helping with the tidy-up if his football schedule allowed.Instead the 25-year-old is offering up some of his wages to go towards any resources needed to restore the area.Porro, speaking after playing in Spurs’ 4-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, said: “First of all, I just want to say that, well, for a Spaniard, today, for all Spaniards, it’s a sad day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I think we’ve had three, four, five days of terrible suffering. I can’t even imagine what it’s like for everyone involved in Valencia.“And, as I posted on social media, I want to dedicate this victory to them.”Porro wrote a message on Instagram after the thumping win over top-four rivals Aston Villa that read: “Big result. I want to dedicate today’s win to all those who are currently suffering in Valencia at this extremely difficult time. You are in all of our prayers”, together with a black-coloured heart emoji.Spurs and Villa’s players all wore black armbands during the game in tribute to the victims of the flood, which totalled a tragic 217.Most read in FootballAsked what it has been like for him watching on from England: “There’s a sense of helplessness.“Helplessness about not being there, because I know what it’s like to be ‘in the mud’.Mum sobs as she begs for help to find daughter missing for 4 days in Valencia floods as 10k troops deployed & 213 dead“I’d be the first one there to help, to show up, but I’m in London, I have competitions, I can’t.“I’d say it’s helplessness because I’d like to help.“But I’ve already spoken to my agents, and I’m going to donate part of my salary to cover whatever they need, to buy shovels, food, especially anything they need.”Porro joined Spurs from Sporting Lisbon for £40million, after an initial loan spell, in 2023.He arrived from Sporting Lisbon, where he worked under incoming Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim.Porro praised Amorim for how he boosted his confidence after he joined the Portuguese side from Manchester City – and for how the 39-year-old’s 3-4-3 system suited his skillset.The five-cap La Roja full-back said: “He’s a great coach. I worked with him for three years.“He’s coming to one of the best stages in the world, which is the Premier League. I wish him the best and hope things go as well as possible for him.“He helped me a lot with confidence. I think the confidence he gave me was fundamental for me, and that’s why, when I arrived at Sporting, things went well for me.“The style of play also suited me well.”Several players shared their condolences and sent well-wishes to those affected by the floods in Spain over the weekend.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti claimed on Monday that fixtures around the country should not have taken place.He explained: “I think the whole football world has been quite clear on this.”Nobody wanted to play and that seemed to me to be the right decision. We are not the ones in charge and we have to respect the decision of those in charge.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s very difficult to prepare for a match like this because you have it in your head all the time. What happened was unbelievable and terrible.”It’s been a difficult week — it’s a difficult week because the atmosphere is not normal, but nothing to do with the Ballon d’Or, which has already happened and we congratulate the winners… The sadness is not there, but in what is happening here in Spain.”A red warning is in place for Valencia with orange and yellow warnings along the east coast More

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      Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table after shock slip-ups for Arsenal and Man City

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      THE WEEKEND’S Premier League action saw shock defeats for Arsenal and Manchester City as Liverpool returned to the top of the table.And with both of last season’s title challengers slipping up, a supercomputer has predicted how the league table could look come the end of the season.Arsenal lost 1-0 to Newcastle on Saturday in a huge blow to their title hopesCredit: GettyManchester City fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of BournemouthCredit: AlamyLiverpool returned to the top of the table as Mohamed Salah helped them beat Brighton 2-1Credit: GettyArsenal’s toothless defeat to Newcastle was their second loss of the season already, while City tasted defeat for the first time this term at the hands of Bournemouth.The boffins at Bettingexpert.com have enlisted their supercomputer BETSiE to find out what those dropped points could mean in May.The tech whizzes simulated the league season 100,000 times, taking into account team form, results, financial data and xG to take a swing at the likely table at the end of the season.It doesn’t make good reading Arsenal fans, who are set to see their team fail to lift the league title for a third year running.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd this time they’re in line to finish in third place with both Liverpool and Man City above them.But despite Arne Slot’s Reds flying high on top of the tree at the moment, the supercomputer is predicting Man City to win an unprecedented FIFTH consecutive title.City have got a 47.9% chance of retaining their crown as champions of England, and are predicted to do so with their lowest ever points tally at just 83 POINTS.Liverpool are predicted to sit in second on 79 points, just four points ahead of Arsenal in third on 76.Most read in FootballChelsea are expected to return to the top fourCredit: GettyNottingham Forest’s electric start looks like it might lose steamCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLiverpool still have a 38.7% chance of lifting the trophy, while Arsenal’s chances are dwindling at just 9.4%.Chelsea’s impressive start to the season is expected to continue with the Blues earning the final spot in the top four under Ezno Maresca.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersNottingham Forest currently sit above Arsenal in the table after a start to the season that has been nothing short of sensational.But the Tricky Trees are expected to trip up with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side predicted to finish 10th come May.The Supercomputer reckons it’ll be Tottenham who finish fifth, Aston Villa in sixth and Newcastle in seventh spot.While Ruben Amorim will be unable to better Erik ten Hag’s eighth place finish, with BETSiE expecting United to come eighth once again.As for the bottom of the table, it’s grim reading for the newly promoted clubs.It’s predicted that all three of the Championship arrivals will be heading straight back down with Leicester finishing 18th, Southampton in 19th and Ipswich Town rock bottom of the pile.Wolves are expected to make a great escape and come in 17th, but still face a 36.5% chance of heading down.Wolves are predicted to make a great escapeCredit: ReutersIpswich Town are set to finish bottom of the pileCredit: Alamy More