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    Watch hilarious moment Laura Woods cracks cheeky joke live on TNT Sports leaving Ferdinand and Crouch in stitches

    LAURA WOODS got the “sniggers” she predicted from Rio Ferdinand and Peter Crouch with a mischievous introduction to TNT Sports’ Champions League coverage.The popular presenter immediately tackled the unusual name of the Young Boys’ venue for Aston Villa’s historic Champions League night.Laura Woods decided to get her comment ‘out of the way’ earlyCredit: ReutersStanding on the turn of the Swiss giants’ turf, Woods said: “Hello and welcome along. This is the Wankdorf Stadium. Let’s get it out of the way.”You two have a snigger and we’ll move on like the professionals that we are.”The Arsenal supporter was spot on with her assessment of the two Premier League legends standing next to her.Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand and ex-Liverpool striker Crouch both grinned and burst into laughter.READ MORE TOP STORIESHowever, Crouchie appeared to react the strongest.He wore a huge smile but was almost wincing as he turned his head down and then away from the camera.In contrast, Villa’s Champions League debut was no joke for Young Boys.Youri Tielemans and Jacob Ramsey put Unai Emery’s men in command before half-time.Most read in Champions LeagueThe broadcaster was at Swiss Boys’ stadium for Aston Villa’s 3-0 winCredit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmadou Onana then smashed a late clincher on Villa’s slick return to the elite, with their last appearance at this level coming in the 1982-83 European Cup.Meanwhile, viewers were as amused by Woods’ opening remarks as they were by the Villans’ farcical second goal.Laura Woods’ stuns in bold outfit as ITV host wears low cut blazer for Euro 2024 finalOne responded: “Hahahahahahaha. The way Rio and Crouchy started laughing immediately.”Another suggested: “Not many better at their job than her.”And a third posted: “Laura in full bloom.”But one fan reckoned her comment about the Swiss was hit ‘n miss.He wrote: “You can actually not mention the stadium name at all…”A glimpse into Laura’s life…Laura regularly hosts DAZN’s boxing coverage as wellCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe has gathered a huge social media following in recent yearsCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyLaura presented coverage of Anthony Joshua’s bout with Jermaine FranklinCredit: RexShe has become TNT Sports’ main Champions League anchor this seasonCredit: GettyLaura also likes to let her hair down when not workingCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyLaura went Instagram official with her romance with Adam CollardCredit: InstagramLaura is dating former Love Island star Adam CollardCredit: InstagramThe presenter is ITV’s host for Lionesses coverageCredit: GettyShe also works for ITV on their coverage of the NFLCredit: InstagramWoods previously hosted the talkSPORT Breakfast alongside great pal Ally McCoistCredit: InstagramShe loves a day at the races during the summerCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy More

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    Unai Emery ‘fuming’ after bizarre admin error leads to WRONG Aston Villa player being subbed off in Champions League

    UNAI EMERY was left fuming with the fourth official during Aston Villa’s 3-0 demolition of Swiss side Young Boys.A bizarre admin error meant the wrong Villa player was subbed off in the 89th minute.Unai Emery was fuming with the officials during his team’s win over Young BoysCredit: APThe Villa boss made a triple sub late in the game – but it didn’t go to planCredit: TNT SportsEmery was left raging after the pitch side official put the wrong number up on the board.The Villa boss saw his team wrap up the win thanks to a strike from Amadou Onana with just five minutes remaining. He reportedly intended to remove Onana from the fray as he lined up a triple substitution. The numbers went up on the board, with Emiliano Buendia, Ross Barkley and Ian Maatsen entering the field. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLucas Digne and goalscorers Jacob Ramsey and Youri Tielemans were the players removed – but that didn’t appear to be Emery’s plan. The 52-year-old be seen going wild on the touchline at the match-day officials. Per Uefa Article 56 rules, the number put up on the officials board must match the number of the player that is taken off. Teams cannot change it after.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe exchange didn’t go unnoticed by fans on X, with one laughing: “lol Villa subbed the wrong guy.”Another added: “They took the wrong Villa player off!”Emery ripped up his own transfer handbook to sign Villa sensation Morgan Rogers, who says HE invented Palmer celebrationAfter going 2-0 up in the first half, Villa had two goals ruled out as they cruised to a comfortable win in Switzerland. They finally made the game safe through Onana, the 23-year-old crashing a low daisy-cutter into the bottom left from 25 yards with keeper Von Ballmoos at full stretch.It sealed an emphatic return to the Champions League for Villa following a 41-year absence. Next up for Emery’s side are Bayern Munich on October 2. New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season.They then welcome Italians Bologna to Villa Park before paying a visit to Belgian outfit Club Brugge in November.However, Villa fans have been left furious by the club’s Champions League ticket prices.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe cheapest adult seat appears to start at £85, with the price climbing to £94 and then £97 for premier tickets.For season ticket holders this scales back to £70, £79 and £82. More

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    Carragher jokes ‘I think that’s the end of your CBS career’ after forgotten Leeds star trolls Thierry Henry live on air

    ARSENAL legend Thierry Henry was trolled on live TV by forgotten Leeds ace Mike Grella.Henry, 47, rejoined the CBS Sports Golazo show alongside fellow Prem heroes Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards as well as presenter Kate Abdo.Thierry Henry was trolled after claiming that US players from his day in the MLS were better than the current cropCredit: X/ CBSSportsGolazoMike Grella then joked he knows Henry played in the MLS as he replaced him at New York Red BullsCredit: X/ CBSSportsGolazoLiverpool legend Jamie Carragher then joked Grella’s CBS career is overCredit: X/ CBSSportsGolazoMLS legend Grella, 37, tagged along from afar as he was based at the San Siro to cover Liverpool’s first Champions League match of the season against AC Milan.And that led to a heated debate about the MLS with the France great, who played for New York Red Bulls, insisting American footballers from his time were much better than the current US crop.Henry said: “I said it so many times, I played in the MLS. I thought the American-based players in the MLS were better than the American players now in the MLS.”The legendary forward demanded an answer from his American counterpart and wouldn’t let his fellow pundits jump in.Read More on FootballGrella then issued the following cheeky response: ” I know you played in MLS, I replaced you. Remember?”That led to a hilarious reaction from Carragher and Richards who immediately jumped off their seats and walked away.The Liverpool legend was then heard yelling towards Grella: “Mike, I think that’s the end of your CBS career.”Henry, though, continued to demand an answer while Richards and Carragher tiptoed back to their seats in comedic fashion.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Grella responded: “Probably, the answer is probably.”Henry moved to the MLS in 2010 after leaving Barcelona and spent four years in the US during a stint that also saw him returning to Arsenal for a few months in 2012.Watch Thierry Henry dance off in a nightclub with two of his France players as team celebrate Olympic silverAfter his departure, the Frenchman was replaced by Grella who signed with New York Red Bulls in 2015. More

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    Young Boys 0 Aston Villa 3: Rampant Villans make perfect return to Europe’s elite with dominant Champions League win

    ASTON VILLA kicked off their first ever Champions League campaign with a comfortable win, dedicated to club legend Gary Shaw.Unai Emery’s men produced a performance worthy of their sadly departed European Cup-winning striker, who might have been watching over their successful return to the stage he once graced.Jacob Ramsey celebrates making it 2-0 in Aston Villa’s smooth winCredit: APYouri Tielemans powered the opener in SwitzerlandCredit: RexFirst half goals from Youri Tielemans and Jacob Ramsey put Villa in firm command before the break.And they could even afford the luxury of TWO harshly disallowed goals from Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran after French VAR Willy Delajod spotted handball offences.Both appeared to be flawed interventions however as the ball had crashed off Watkins chest first and his goal should have stood – as should Duran’s who was penalised for an Amadou Onana handball SIX passes earlier!However this was a performance loaded with the energy, speed and opportunistic finishing which were Shaw’s trademarks in his pomp.READ MORE TOP STORIESVilla’s players and manager Unai Emery wore black armbands to respect their fallen star while their travelling support chanted: “He gets the ball and he scores a goal, Gary, Gary Shaw.”And there was more joy in the second-half when Onana wrapped up a convincing win to leave Villa fans chanting: “We are top of the league!”According to local legend, Berthold V, Duke of Zähringen, the founder of Bern, vowed to name the city after the first animal he met on a hunt.It turned out to be a bear and a bear still features on Bern’s coat of arms.Most read in Champions LeagueRamsey slotted Villa’s simple second goalCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSince the 16th century, the city has had a bear pit, the Bärengraben, to house its heraldic animals. Fortunately, Unai Emery’s men made sure that Young Boys came to a grizzly end here in the Swiss capital as they gave them a bit of a mauling!Watch incredible moment goalkeeper scores late equaliser as former Champions League club rebuild in fourth tierAlbert Einstein worked out his theory of relativity while living in Bern.But it didn’t take a genius to work out that Bern were a class below Villa and that this really was a case of men against Young Boys!Patrick Rahmen’s strugglers are currently rooted to the bottom of the Swiss Super League, winless after six games. Bern made a spirited start when Emi Martinez was called on to save from Filip Ugrinic and Ebrima Colley, before Colley then rippled the roof of the net with a screamer which had Martinez flapping.But Villa soon found their feet on Bern’s plastic surface.Although Jacob Ramsey decided to change his boots after 18 minutes as he tried to get to grips with the game and the dodgy surface!It turned out he had packed his scoring boots because it was his bizarre goal which gave Villa a two-goal cushion and ended any real threat from the Swiss.It took Villa until midway through the first  half to threaten when Watkins nodded a booming Emi Martinez clearance into John McGinn’s path.But the marauding Scot’s shot flashed over.However three minutes later Villa were ahead with a goal straight from the training ground as set-piece coach Austin McPhee earned his corn again.Amadou Onana enjoys his late glory for Unai Emery’s menCredit: ReutersTielemans hails his historic openerCredit: RexLucas Digne played a short corner to McGinn who delivered deep to the back post.And Youri Tielemans had time to take a touch before blasting the ball low through a sea of bodies into the far corner.It was Villa’s first goal at this level for 41 years but 11 minutes later they doubled their advantage as Young Boys imploded.Morgan Rogers’ low shot was blocked by Zoukrou and the ball fell to Mo Camara whose disastrous pass back was pounced on by Watkins.However, the striker was felled by goalie David von Ballmoos who clattered him over to concede what appeared a certain penalty.But with the ball lodged between Watkins legs, Ramsey had the good sense to force it out and tap into the net as Bulgarian ref Georgi Kabakov played a brilliant advantage.What a pity his French VAR Delajod didn’t do the same.Instead he stepped in to disallow Watkins’ goal after the England striker smashed a shot off Zoukrou then swept the rebound home – off an arm according to Delajod.The eagle eyed Frenchman was at it again after the break when he controversially disallowed a goal from sub Jhon Duran.The Colombian kid took a pass from Ramsey in his stride to bullet hom a low shot from outside the box.Duran then taunted the ultras behind the goal by standing on the advertising boards to celebrate in front of them.But the smile was wiped from his face after the VAR disallowed the goal for a handball by Onana – SIX passes BEFORE Duran’s shot.However Villa had the last word and what a statement it was as Tielemans picked out Amadou Onana who thundered a rocket beyond the bemused Von Ballmoos from 25 yards. READ MORE SUN STORIESThat goal may have been made in Belgium but last night belonged to the memory of a very special Brummie.Onana saved the best until last for the VillansCredit: AFP More

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    Man Utd transfer blow as top target joins Mason Greenwood at Marseille on free transfer after two months unemployed

    MANCHESTER UNITED target Adrien Rabiot has joined Marseille on a two year-deal. The 29-year-old will link up with former Old Trafford attacker Mason Greenwood after his Juventus contract expired this summer.Long-term United target Adrien Rabiot has been without a club since MayCredit: AFPRabiot has since signed for Ligue 1 side Marseille this weekCredit: OM_OfficielReports in July suggested that United were planning on holding talks with the midfielder.But they eventually pulled out of the race to seal his signature.Rabiot has now joined Marseille as a free agent until 2026.It’s a move that sees him return to Ligue 1 after five years away from the French top flight. He could make his debut when Marseille, who sit second in the table, travel to rivals Lyon on Sunday night. He joins Greenwood, Neal Maupay and Emile Hojbjerg, who all signed this summer under new boss Roberto De Zerbi.Greenwood has made a fast start to his Marseille career after completing a £30m move, scoring five goals in his first four games and winning the club’s Player of the Month for August.Rabiot, meanwhile, started five of France’s six games at Euro 2024, missing only the quarter-final win over Portugal through suspension.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFrench agent Bruno Satin, who has worked alongside the likes of Paul Pogba, Sergio Aguero and Ibrahima Konate, believes Rabiot should be playing for one of the ten best teams in Europe.Satin claims Rabiot’s move to Atletico Madrid failed last month because mum Veronique Rabiot made demands over her son’s position in the team.Mason Greenwood to switch allegiance to JamaicaSatin told RMC Sport when asked about Rabiot joining Marseille: “It’s the result of the incompetence of the people who accompanied him there.”He is advised by his mother and it shows that it is good to be accompanied by professionals.”Because if he had been accompanied by a pro, he would be in a European top ten club and what’s more, he was free.”He won the Serie A title with Cristiano Ronaldo in 2020Credit: ReutersThe midfielder came through the PSG academy before going on to make 227 appearances for the side in all competitions.He opted for a Serie A move with Juventus in 2019 and won the league title at the end of his debut campaign.He scored 22 goals in 212 appearances during his time in Turin. READ MORE SUN STORIESOn his Marseille move Rabiot said: “At first it seemed unlikely, but after talking a lot with Medhi, we reached an agreement.”I also spoke with the coach. The project really spoke to me. A city that lives for football, it makes you want to play and win.” More

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    Kate Abdo makes HUGE announcement live on CBS Sports for Champions League return as Carragher makes ANOTHER awkward joke

    CBS Sports anchor Kate Abdo has announced she’s changing her name. The popular host married retired boxer Malik Scott in an intimate ceremony earlier this month. Kate Abdo announced she is changing her name after marrying Malik Scott over the summerCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazoThe former Sky Sports presenter made the announcement live on CBSCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazoThe host hugged Thierry Henry, resulting in another ill-timed quip from Jamie CarragherCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazoAbdo joined pundits Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richards for the first Champions League action of the new season.Moments into the show, the 43-year-old revealed she had signed an “exclusive contract” over the summer.To cheers from her colleagues, Abdo said: “Yes, with my new husband!””Allow me to reintroduce myself. Last name, Abdo. It has to go. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”We’re going to do this. S-C-O-T-T. Kate Scott.”The show went on to show snaps from the couple’s wedding before the panel each gave Kate a hug.As Henry finished his embrace with the glamourous anchor, Carragher quipped: “Malik’s not here, is he?”Richards almost toppled off his chair laughing at the comment, before easing the tension by asking: “Did we not get an invite?”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN-UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEarlier this year, Liverpool legend Carragher made an “ill-timed” comment to Abdo which missed the mark during a live broadcast. In a skit involving an Arsenal shirt, Abdo stated she wouldn’t wear it on TV because she is “loyal” to her team Man Utd.’Why would you even say that’ says Kate Abdo after Jamie Carragher’s most awkward joke ever on live TVCarragher quipped back, saying: “Not to Malik”.A visibly rattled Abdo responded: “Why would you even ask that?”Kate took the comment in good spirits but revealed she had been left “hurt” in the studio.She told iFLTV: “What Jamie said came from nowhere. “It was just a quick line, it was meant to be funny, sometimes they hit, sometimes they don’t. That one went a little bit sideways.Abdo signed a four-year extension with CBS last yearCredit: Getty”I felt a little bit hurt but it is what it is. You move on. We talked about it, we’re all good, nothing really to talk about.”Abdo got hitched to the ex-boxer in Malibu, California, in front of a small group of family and friends.”Our wedding was intimate – just the two of us, really,” Scott revealed.”We focused on each other and the commitment we were making.”It was a godly ceremony on the Malibu hills, just how we wanted it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”My kids were there, and it was important for them to see this meaningful, godly moment.”Watching her walk down the aisle was so emotional for me. Every day I fall deeper in love with her.” More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘begs Al-Nassr to sign Zinedine Zidane after SACKING manager… but ex-AC Milan chief leading race’

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has strongly recommended Zinedine Zidane as Al-Nassr’s next manager following the dismissal of Luis Castro.The Saudi giants announced Castro’s departure just 14 months after his arrival at the King Saud University Stadium where he replaced Rudi Garcia.Cristiano Ronaldo has asked Al-Nassr chiefs to sign Zinedine Zidane as new managerCredit: AFP or licensorsRonaldo and Zidane enjoyed a stunning partnership at Real MadridCredit: AFPBut Al-Nassr are set to sign former AC Milan manager Stefano PioliCredit: APAccording to Marca, Ronaldo has spoken to club chiefs and expressed his strong desire to reunite with former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner and Zidane enjoyed a stunning partnership at Real as together they won the LaLiga title as well as three consecutive Champions League trophies.However, Al-Nassr look set to snub the Manchester United legend’s recommendation.According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Stefano Pioli is set to take charge instead.Read More on FootballFormer AC Milan boss Pioli and the Middle Eastern outfit are “on the verge” of finalising a deal.Zidane was also linked with Al-Nassr last year before Castro replaced Garcia at the helm.The French tactician reportedly rejected a two-year contract worth €150million (£126m) from Ronaldo’s side.Recent reports have also indicated that the legendary midfielder won’t be taking over a job where he doesn’t speak the native language.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat’s why pundits, such as William Gallas, have poured cold water on reports linking Zidane to United.That would limit Zidane’s options to Spain and his homeland, with rumours suggesting he is eyeing the France job.Cristiano Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand in hysterics as they remember Man Utd nicknames from ‘Shrek’ and ‘SatNav’ to ‘J-Lo’The Juventus legend has been a free agent ever since his departure from Real in 2021. More

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    Eagle-eyed fans spot bizarre detail in Arsenal’s 2024-25 team photo and fear Martin Odegaard’s injury worse than feared

    ARSENAL fans are panicking over Martin Odegaard’s injury – after spotting a subtle change to their usual squad photo. The Norwegian star posed alongside his Gunners teammates in the team’s annual 25-man picture. The Arsenal 2024/25 squad photo featured two footballs placed in front of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo SakaCredit: GettyOdegaard is nursing a left ankle injury after going down against Austria last weekCredit: SplashThe subtle change is in contrast to previous years, including in 2023Credit: GettyIn 2022, with no trophy to display, the Gunners also opted against using any further propsCredit: Getty – ContributorOdegaard is currently nursing a left ankle injury and missed Sunday’s North London Derby win over Tottenham.The 25-year-old midfielder picked up the issue during international duty with Norway.Odegaard limped off the pitch in tears following a rough challenge from Austria’s Christoph Baumgartner last Monday. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has since given little away on the severity of his captain’s knock. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAsked about Odegaard following Sunday’s 1-0 victory, he said: “We still have to wait and see, it’s not clear yet.”Fans were quick to notice two balls had been put out in front of the assembled 25 players at the photoshoot. One ball obscured Odegaard’s left ankle, with the other placed ahead of Bukayo Saka to seemingly create symmetry.Arsenal’s squad photos have not followed a similar trend in recent years. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN-UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArteta put the Community Shield in pride of place during the shoot in 2023, but no other objects were featured in the snap. A year prior in 2022, when there was no trophy to display, the team opted against using any other props.Martin Odegaard leaves pitch in tears in major Arsenal injury blow ahead of North London DerbyOne Arsenal fan groaned in response: “They put the ball over Martin Odegaard’s left ankle, it’s not looking good bruv.”Another eagle-eyed fan added: “Blocking Odegaard’s ankle with the ball. I know what you’re doing.”While a third laughed: “If only they had trophies to make it less obvious. Oh wait…”But a fourth countered: “Never would this be intentionally done by the club.”And a fifth agreed: “Saka’s ankle was blocked too. It doesn’t mean anything.”Odegaard joined Declan Rice and Mikel Merino on the sidelines as Arsenal saw off Spurs in Sunday’s derby. His injury could be “significant”, according to The Athletic correspondent David Ornstein.Ornstein told The Athletic FC podcast: “He was never going to make it, it was what Arteta said. READ MORE SUN STORIES”And it looks like a significant injury, but look, we don’t know. “The last I heard, they didn’t have full clarity from the scan still, because of the extent of the swelling, but the extent of the swelling concerns you, if you’re an Arsenal fan.” More