More stories

  • in

    Eagle-eyed fans spot Chelsea star’s ruthless message to Cole Palmer on his match ball after Brighton heroics

    ONE Chelsea star teased Cole Palmer by writing a ruthless message on his match ball despite the ace scoring four goals against Brighton.The Blues golden boy sealed a ten-minute hat-trick with a stunning free-kick and grabbed a fourth BEFORE half-time as Chelsea claimed a 4-2 win.One Chelsea star teased Cole Palmer by writing a ruthless message on his match ballCredit: XThe Blues golden boy sealed a ten-minute hat-trick with a stunning free-kickPalmer then grabbed a fourth before half-timeCredit: RexPalmer hit the net in the 21st, 28th, 31st and 41st minutes in a bonkers first half at Stamford Bridge.And that saw him become the first player ever in a Premier League match to score four goals in the first half.Last season, a mystery man wrote “s*** player” on his match ball after he netted a hat-trick in the 4-3 win over Manchester United in April.And this time it was Romeo Lavia who played the role of the mischief-makers he wrote “You’re a mid player regardless” on Palmer’s ball.READ MORE ON CHELSEALavia tagged Palmer as he posted a picture of his graffiti on Instagram, saying: “There you go CP”.And his prank has caused a stir on social media.One fan said: “Cole Palmer is a world-class is what he meant.”Another added: “Best Player in the Premier Rn.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile some saw the truth in Lavia’s message and said: “Palmer is truly a mid player. He never turns up for big games.”Sceptics should take a look at the scoring and assists charts, where Palmer ranks second with six goals and four assists this season.Chelsea star Cole Palmer casually reveals he has been ‘messing about’ on free-kicks before incredible set-piece goalThe midfielder has racked up 43 Premier League goals and assists since the beginning of last season – more than any other player.In another freak twist, Palmer has now scored four goals in the Premier League more times than he has bagged for three.He snatched a dramatic hat-trick to complete an outrageous 4-3 turnaround victory against Man Utd on April 4.Just 11 days later, he banged in four as Chelsea tore Everton apart. More

  • in

    Watch fan’s incredible goal in half-time competition that saw him win life-changing jackpot

    A LUCKY Sparta Prague fan won a massive prize money after scoring a sensational half-way goal.Sparta hosted a fan challenge during half-time on Friday when they hosted Sigma at the epet ARENA.A lucky Sparta Prague fan won a massive payday during a half-time challengeCredit: https://x.com/eurofootcomThe Sparta Prague fan scored from the half-way line at half-timeCredit: https://x.com/eurofootcomThe fan went to visit Sparta Prague take on SigmaCredit: https://x.com/eurofootcomAnd he then scored from the half-way line to win the jackpotCredit: https://x.com/eurofootcomThe Sparta Prague fan won 1million Czech crowns (£33,214)Credit: https://x.com/eurofootcomA supporter stepped up to take on a shot from the half-way line in front of open goal.And the shooter delivered a wonderfully composed curling effort that gracefully sent the ball behind the net.The crowd erupted and the team mascot ran back to celebrate with the winner of the challenge.The supporter was then awarded with a giant check worth a sensational 1million Czech crowns (£33,214).Read More on FootballFans were left in awe of that incredible moment and praised the Sparta supporter on social media.One football fan tweeted: “Bro just got paid someone’s yearly salary in 5 minutes.”Another gushed: “What a roar from the crowd!”A third wrote: “Should’ve being ME.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat one said: “The curve on that strike!”And that one posted: “He won my yearly salary bro.”How much every Premier League club earns in shirt sponsorsSparta went on to lose 3-2 to Sigma in a sensational Czech First League match. More

  • in

    Andrea Capone dead at 43: Former Serie A star who played in Zola’s retired shirt number dies as body found in hotel

    FORMER Serie A star Andrea Capone has passed away aged 43.His body was found in the 5-star Palazzo Tirso Hotel in Cagliari this morning.Andrea Capone has passed awayCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowCapone had a trial at Celtic in 2007Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowReports in Italy state that he died from head injuries after an apparent accidental fall. A statement from Cagliari called him: “A boy who has always been known for his professionalism, dedication and passion.”Tributes also flooded in from fans, with one saying: “Rest in peace Andrea and thank you for all you have given to us Cagliaritans.”Another added: “Thanks for everything Andrea.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third commented: “Rest in peace, Andrea Capone. Your dedication and passion on the field were truly inspiring. You will always be remembered.”Capone wore legend Gianfranco Zola’s iconic No10 shirt at Italian side Cagliari.Before the Chelsea icon hung up his boots, he had a spell at the Sardinians from 2003 to 2005, with his kit number subsequently retired.But two years later, Capone had the honour of wearing the No10 shirt for the club.Most read in FootballThe midfielder was given the iconic kit, having been tipped for big things after coming through the club’s academy.He went on to play 113 times for them, scoring 12 goals.The Italian departed in 2007 and went on to play for Vicenza, Grosseto and Salernitana.Capone was loaned to Treviso, where he won promotion from Serie B, before making his Cagliari debut.He also once had a trial at Celtic in 2007 and scored in a friendly against QPR. More

  • in

    Man Utd switch up pre-match clothing for Tottenham clash as fans gasp ‘what an entry’

    MANCHESTER UNITED arrived for their clash with Tottenham in style and honouring a club legend.The Red Devils were in all-blue as they wore their new Adidas tracksuit in memory of club icon George Best.Man Utd donned a tribute to George Best ahead of their clash with TottenhamCredit: GettyThe all-blue tracksuit was part of an Adidas collection made in honour of the club iconCredit: GettyThe stars looked sharp in the new pre-match gearCredit: GettyFans were hoping that the new-look will help spark a resultCredit: GettyThe tracksuits draw from the club’s 1967-68 European Cup winning seasonCredit: GettyBest won the 1968 European Cup with United against BenficaCredit: Action ImagesThe squad arrived at Old Trafford wearing the all-blue tracksuit which draws inspiration from the club’s 1967-68 European Cup winning season.Utd beat Benfica 4-1 in the final, with Best scoring in extra time at Wembley.The Belfast-born superstar played over 350 times for the Red Devils and was voted in Fifa’s Team of the Century.Fans are hoping that the current crop can take inspiration from Best and his team-mates and are convinced that the snazzy pre-match outfits are a good omen before their Spurs clash this afternoon.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOn social media, one wrote: “That looks good! We deserve to win by a landslide.”While another added: “Looking sharp, Reds! Let’s bring home the win.”A third wishfully commented: “They look sharp! Let’s hope they play just as sharp”.And a fourth gushed: “What an entry!”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited launched a campaign for the new tracksuit and a whole range of different apparel earlier this week.The George Best Collection features a shirt, jogging bottoms and a zip-up top, all decked out in an iconic Man Utd dark blue.Erik ten Hag criticises Man Utd’s desire in Twente draw Current United stars Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Ethan Wheatley all modelled in the campaign alongside club legends like Andy Cole and Bryan Robson.While the whole collection was photographed by Hollywood movie star Gary Oldman.United face a challenge against Spurs with both sides having tumultuous starts to the season and sitting on just seven points.Erik ten Hag and Ange Postecoglou will be hoping to put on a show for their fans to get the support back on side.United launched the collection with a photoshoot earlier this weekCredit: X @ManUtdHollywood legend Gary Oldman was behind the camera for the shootCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon marries glamorous ex-Sky Sports presenter in romantic and star-studded ceremony

    GIANLUIGI BUFFON has married long-term partner Ilaria D’Amico in a lavish Italian ceremony.The World Cup winner and the former Sky Sports presenter said “I do” at the star-studded gathering on Saturday.Gigi Buffon and Ilaria D’Amico have married in a stunning Tuscan ceremonyCredit: https://www.ilmessaggero.it/The legendary goalkeeper and ex-Sky Sports star have been together for almost a decadeCredit: https://www.ilmessaggero.it/Over 200 guests were in attendance at the lavish nuptialsCredit: https://www.ilmessaggero.it/The pair got engaged in 2017 but have only just got hitchedCredit: GettyBuffon and D’Amico have been together for almost a decade. The 46-year-old goalkeeper originally popped the question way back in 2017. But the couple agreed to wait until the ten-time Serie A champion hung up his gloves to get hitched. Buffon finally retired in August 2023, giving the pair the chance to start their post-football lives together.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSaturday’s ceremony saw the pair wed in the sun-drenched area of Versilia, Tuscany. Buffon’s Azzurri old team-mates Giorgio Chiellini, Luciano Spalletti, and Leonardo Bonucci were amongst the 250-strong guest party.Some Hollywood glamour was sprinkled on the occasion by the presence of Tim Burton.The Sweeney Todd director was there alongside his partner Monica Bellucci, who acted as Ilaria’s witness. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBuffon and his new bride married on the grass outside a huge Tuscan-style mansion.Ilaria wowed in a Luisa Beccaria lace dress, with Buffon sharing the moment with his 11 million Instagram followers. Gianluigi Buffon confirms return to Parma as No1 keeper He captioned the snaps: “Finalmente, NOI,” which translates to “Finally, WE.” One fan responded: “Congratulations to a wonderful couple. Wishing you a wonderful and beautiful married life together.”Another said: “My favourite couple in the world.”Ilaria initially studied to be a lawyer before embarking on a media career, most notably with Sky Sports Italy.Ilaria is a former Sky Sports Italy broadcasterCredit: The Mega AgencyShe left her role with the company six years ago and has also worked as an actressCredit: GettyShe worked as both a presenter and commentator for the broadcaster before leaving in 2018.READ MORE SUN STORIESBuffon meanwhile played until he was 45, returning to his first club Parma in 2021.Regarded amongst the all-time great goalkeepers, he made over 1,100 professional appearances in a career spanning almost three decades. More

  • in

    Chelsea fans say ‘we have our Hazard back’ after Cole Palmer’s nonchalant interview following Brighton heroics

    CHELSEA star Cole Palmer was compared to club legend Eden Hazard by fans after making a casual revelation during a hilarious interview.Palmer, 22, led the Blues to a stunning 4-2 victory against Brighton on Saturday at Stamford Bridge by scoring all four goals with a sensational Premier League performance.Cole Palmer reminded Chelsea fans of Eden Hazard with his nonchalant interviewPalmer revealed he doesn’t really practice free-kicks and instead ‘messes about’ during Chelsea trainingCredit: AlamyHazard used to say he didn’t spend much time at the gym before dominating for Chelsea on the pitchCredit: GettyThat alone would be good enough to compare the winger to Hazard, who amassed a total of 110 goals and 85 assists in 352 appearances during his seven-year stint with the West Londoners.However, it was during the post-match interview that the England international really brought back a similar vibe to Belgian icon.Palmer scored an incredible free-kick from 30 yards out that thundered into Bart Verbruggen’s top left corner to complete his hat-trick against the Seagulls.The ex-Manchester City ace later revealed he doesn’t really practice set-pieces and instead “messes about” during training under Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.Read More on FootballPalmer said when asked if he had been practicing free-kicks: “No, not really.”Just messing about. Practice, practice… But, yeah…”The star forward reminded fans of Hazard who used to say he didn’t spend much time at the gym before dominating on the pitch and was well liked for being down to earth.One supporter tweeted: “He said he hasn’t practiced Free-Kicks. Just been messing about. We have our Hazard back.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother commented: “Looks like he hasn’t lost his touch, been messing around and still delivering like the good old days of Hazard.”A third gushed: “AURA.”Fans in hysterics as they spot Cole Palmer’s gesture before West Ham clash as they say Chelsea star ‘didn’t even care’ This fan said: “Palmer has talent like Hazard. In addition, he’s disciplined and loves the club.”And that one posted: “Just messing about bruhhh. This blud is in that [Lionel] Messi & Hazard category I kid you not.” More

  • in

    Ipswich vs Aston Villa LIVE SCORE: Premier League latest as Tractor Boys host Emery’s men in first match of Super Sunday

    IPSWICH host high-flying Aston Villa in the first match on Super Sunday.Sam Morsy’s 95th-minute strike rescued a point for the Tractors in last weekend’s encounter against Southampton.And they’ll be hoping for more fortune to fall their way as they face an Aston Villa side who came from behind to beat Wolves that same day.Kick-off time: 2pm BSTLive stream: NOW TVTV channels: Sky Sports Main Event/Sky Sports Premier LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from Portman Road with our live blog below… More

  • in

    Liverpool keeper Alisson targeted for shock transfer to European giants managed by Premier League legend

    VINCENT KOMPANY’S Bayern Munich are watching developments on Alisson Becker.The Liverpool keeper, 31,  has been linked with a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia, possibly as early as the end of the season.Liverpool star goalkeeper Alisson is being targeted by Bayern MunichCredit: AFPBayern would have to splash a fortune to land Alisson from LiverpoolCredit: GettyBayern boss Vincent Kompany could make an ambitious move for Alisson at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyBayern, who have fitness concerns over their No 1 Manuel Neuer, are also very keen but it would take a fortune to land Alisson next summer.Ex-Burnley chief Kompany is a big fan of Alisson from his time in English football and could launch an ambitious move at the end of the campaign.Liverpool are braced for Alisson leaving and have already signed Valencia’s Georgian stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili, 23, to join them permanently next year.Alisson joined the Reds from Roma following a £67million deal in 2018.Read More on FootballSince then, the star goalkeeper has inspired immense confidence between the sticks – something Liverpool had been sorely lacking prior to his arrival.The Brazil international shone bright during Jurgen Klopp’s reign at the helm.The shot stopper helped the Merseysiders win their first Premier League title in 30 years back in 2020.The Brazilian also won the FA Cup, EFL Cup and the Champions League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlisson has amassed a grand total of 269 appearances with Liverpool during his six-year stint at the Kop.So far this season, the ex-Roma star has played six times across all competitions.Alisson Becker tells Liverpool to cut out ‘stupid’ conceded goals as keeper awaits first clean sheet of the seasonLiverpool manager Arne Slot, though, could also call upon Caoimhin Kelleher if Alisson decides to leave at the end of the season. More