Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Should Dream Team bosses activate Goal Bonus Booster to target Gameweek 8 double headers?

      by

      DREAM TEAM managers have three Boosters to play throughout the season.Just over a third of gaffers have played at least one of their Boosters across the first seven Gameweeks while a shade under 15% have gone early and used all three!Will you activate Goal Bonus for Gameweek 8?Credit: Dream TeamDream Team bosses who have kept their powder dry to this point should at least entertain the possibility that Gameweek 8 might be the opportune time to activate their first Booster of the campaign, specifically Goal Bonus.The main reason for this is that many of the game’s most-popular players are due to fulfil two fixtures, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea all set for double headers.Here’s a quick reminder of each Booster:GOAL BONUS: All goals scored by your players are worth nine points each instead of the usual sixMAXIMUM CAPTAIN: The player who scores most points for your team will automatically be selected as captain12th MAN: Select an additional player from any position to score points for your team at no additional costRemember, each Booster lasts the duration of one Gameweek and can only be played once per season.Haaland will be unleashed upon 20th-placed Wolves this weekendCredit: GettyA quick look at the Stats Centre confirms that the majority of this season’s leading goalscorers have two fixtures in Gameweek 8, including some favourable match-ups.First and foremost, Erling Haaland (£9.1m), who has 11 goals to his name already, travels to Wolves this weekend before a home game against Sparta Prague in midweek.With Gary O’Neil’s side rooted to the bottom of the table having conceded 21 goals in seven league outings and the Czech outfit having conceded their fair share too, City’s prolific poacher will fancy his chances of adding to his tally.Most read in FootballKai Havertz (£5.1m) is among the chasing pack on six goals and Arsenal’s double header appears relatively favourable too; they travel to Bournemouth on Saturday and then host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.Many gaffers will own the Gunners’ German forward and Bukayo Saka (£6.5m) – a potentially fruitful combination assuming both are passed fit.All eyes on Arteta’s press conference this weekCredit: GettyMohamed Salah (£7.6m), also on six goals, is the fourth-most selected player in the game right now with an ownership of 38.9%.Liverpool’s double header is likely to be more testing as both Chelsea and RB Leipzig have started the season in fine form but it’s Arne Slot’s side who top the Premier League table at present.And truth be told, there’s rarely a bad time to back Salah – the difficulty of his fixtures are almost irrelevant, such is his pedigree.Dream Team managers with Haaland, Havertz, Saka and Salah in their XI must surely be tempted to play their Goal Bonus Booster in Gameweek 8?Granted, the availability question marks over the Arsenal stars are a concern and so it might be wise to wait for any updates from Mikel Arteta before making a final decision.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 NOWAnd these are far from the only relevant players for such a tactic.Tottenham have the luxury of back-to-back home games against West Ham and AZ Alkmaar and so the likes of Dominic Solanke (£4.4m), James Maddison (£4.5m) and the in-form Brennan Johnson (£3.8m) may work nicely in combination with Goal Bonus.Johnson is on a scoring streakCredit: PAElsewhere, Aston Villa (vs Fulham & Bologna) and Manchester United (vs Brentford & Fenerbahce) also have fixtures ripe with potential, though the West London sides shouldn’t be underestimated.Backers of Ollie Watkins (£5.9m), Marcus Rashford (£4.1m) and Jhon Duran (£3.3m) will be hopeful of goals.READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea will travel to Panathinaikos after their away day to Anfield but it’s worth noting that Enzo Maresca has heavily rotated his line-ups in the Conference League so far – Cole Palmer (£6.5m) isn’t even in the European squad.Gaffers shouldn’t force it but many will have teams nicely tailored to the Goal Bonus Booster in Gameweek 8.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

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      How Gareth Southgate has saved Ten Hag’s job TWICE with under-fire manager facing sack at Man Utd

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE has inadvertently helped Erik ten Hag twice as the Dutchman clings on to his job at Manchester United.The former England boss, 54, quit his role with the Three Lions after Euro 2024.Gareth Southgate left his post as England boss in the summerCredit: GettyErik ten Hag is under pressure at Man UtdCredit: GettyEven prior to his England departure, Southgate was linked with the potential post at Old Trafford.He is believed to be well thought of by the Red Devils’ Ineos chiefs, and would likely emerge as a target if Ten Hag were to be sacked.But Southgate recently ruled out returning to management in the next 12 months, even opening the door to a role outside of the dugout.In an appearance at the European Club Association general assembly in Athens, when he was asked about his next potential job, Southgate said: “Firstly I’m enjoying my life…so there’s no rush.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I was 11 years committing myself fully to the FA and I’ve got lots of different experiences.”But I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that.”I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.”Southgate’s comments would appear to rule himself out of any potential role at United.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThomas Tuchel has been confirmed as England’s new bossCredit: APAnd by quitting his job with England, he appears to have inadvertently taken Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s favourite for the United job out of the running too.Ineos chief Ratcliffe, 71, is believed to be a big fan of new England boss Thomas Tuchel.Sir Jim Ratcliffe leaves showdown talks over Ten Hag’s future after 7 HOURS without giving update as he uses rear exitIn June the pair met in Monaco, with a potential vacancy at United among their topics of discussion.With Tuchel signing an 18-month, £7.5million deal to manage England from January 1, however, he would appear to be out of the running too.Ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford appeared to be hanging by a thread following United’s 3-0 home drubbing by Tottenham.Subsequent draws with Porto and Aston Villa saw the Dutchman cling on to his position going into the international break.Should Ten Hag be sacked, his replacement, at least on a caretaker basis, could be promoted from within.It was recently claimed that first team coach and club icon Ruud van Nistelrooy was “on standby” to take the position, should Ten Hag be axed.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lee Carsley’s next job confirmed as Thomas Tuchel replaces him as England manager after five-month stint

      by

      LEE CARSLEY’S next job has been confirmed following the announcement of Thomas Tuchel as the new England manager.The 50-year-old has been in charge of the Three Lions on an interim basis since Gareth Southgate’s departure after the Euros.Lee Carsley will leave his role as England interim boss at the end of the yearCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel has been named the next permanent England managerCredit: ReutersHe secured wins over Ireland and Finland in September, before a defeat to Greece at Wembley last week.Carsley’s fourth match in charge came in a 3-1 win away to Finland, before he appeared to rule himself out of getting the job full-time by insisting the FA should appoint a “world class coach who has won trophies”.It has since been confirmed Tuchel signed to become England boss before the games against Greece and Finland.And the FA revealed in the Tuchel announcement what the future holds for Carsley.READ MORE ON ENGLANDThey confirmed the former Everton midfielder will return to his role as U21 coach – a role he triumphed in last year as England’s youngsters claimed Euro glory.However, he will still be in charge for next month’s Nations League games against Greece and Ireland.Tuchel will then take over in January.The FA statement read: “Interim head coach Lee Carsley will remain in charge of the Three Lions through to the conclusion of the Uefa Nations League group stage next month, with decisive games away to Greece and at home to Republic of Ireland.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSInside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.”He will then return to lead England’s defence of their Uefa U21 Euro title, after qualification for the finals next summer was secured this weekend.”Carsley had already claimed following England’s defeat to Greece that his plan was to go back to the U21s.Lee Carsley all but rules himself out of England job as interim boss tells FA to hire ‘world class manager’He said: “I was surprised after the last camp [to hear], ‘The job’s mine, it’s mine to lose.'”My remit is I am doing three camps and then hopefully going back to the Under-21s.”The U21s next match has not yet been confirmed, but they have already qualified for Euro 2025 in Slovakia.ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea legend John Terry smashes roof tile with wayward golf shot after taking private jet to luxury course

      by

      JOHN TERRY had a naughty slip up while enjoying a golf trip with friends. The Chelsea and England legend, 43, went away with mates to get in a round of golf at the luxury Hogs Head Golf Club in Waterville, Co Kerry – west of Cork – Ireland on Sunday.John Terry got into some trouble as he enjoyed a spot of golf in Ireland last weekendBut a wayward shot from Terry left a roof tile brokenChelsea and England legend headed to Hogs Head Golf ClubHe was joined on the course by friendsWhile there they enjoyed whiskey and winesThey also enjoyed some cigarsTerry and co flew out to the £315-a-round venue on a private jet while enjoying expensive wines, whiskeys and cigars.However, in a video shared to Terry’s Instagram page, his round of golf took an unexpected turn when he hit a wayward shot.A tee shot on the 18th hole – a 636 yard par five – went off course and landed on the roof of a building next to the fairway.And it ended up smashing a roof slate tile, earning jeers from his mates. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs the ball flew towards the building, they could be heard shouting: “Woahhhh.”One was heard saying: “It’s hit the roof.”While another added: “It’s come back on. It’s on the roof.”After the incident, Terry apologised to course director Brady Sherwood.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWriting on Instagram, he said: “What a great trip, lots of laughs, some good golf, great wine and far too many whiskeys. Sorry Brady for the roof tile.”Fortunately, Sherwood saw the funny side by giving the tile to Terry as a memento.Thomas Tuchel ‘AGREES to become England manager with ex-Chelsea boss expected to be hired THIS WEEK’Sherwood wrote on the tile: “Dear John, an expensive way of playing marbles!”And Terry has already found a new home for the tile… next to one of his Premier League and FA Cup trophies.Terry’s glittering career saw him play more than 700 games for the Blues, winning five league titles, five FA Cups, three league Cups, the Champions League and Europa League.He also earned 78 caps for the Three Lions, scoring six goals.Course director Brady Sherwood left a message for TerryThe location of the course is Waterville, Co KerryThe exclusive course has it’s own landing area for helicoptersTerry said he and his friends had ‘lots of laughs’ More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker reveals Thomas Tuchel was NOT his first choice for England manager as fans have their say on German

      by

      GARY LINEKER revealed Thomas Tuchel was not his first choice to become the new England manager.Tuchel, 51, signed an 18-month contract to replace Gareth Southgate as Three Lions boss.Gary Lineker did not have Thomas Tuchel down as his first choice to be England bossCredit: GettyTuchel signed an 18-month contract and will take over from JanuaryCredit: InstagramHe put pen to paper on the £5million-a-year deal on October 8 – before England’s Nations League double-header against Greece and Finland. Lee Carsley will remain in charge as England face Greece and Ireland next month.But then Tuchel gets underway in his new role from January.However, ex-England captain Lineker is not overly thrilled with the appointment – and said who he wanted to get the gig. READ MORE ON ENGLANDLineker, 63, told the Rest Is Football podcast: “I’d have given the job to Lee Carsley.”I have seen enough to suggest to me the players really trust him.”And he is imaginative enough to produce something that is a joy to watch, is entertaining and front-footed football.”I’d have gone for Lee Carsley [but] it is not my job to pick people like that.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCarsley has won three of his four games in charge of the senior national team since stepping up to fill in following Southgate’s departure.However, he admitted he was keen to get back to working with the Under-21s team.Five things you may not know about Thomas Tuchel from younger Brazilian girlfriend to former modelling careerLineker, though, thought he could have been a suitable pick, especially after seeing the success Spain enjoyed with a similar method.Luis de la Fuente was the Spanish U21s boss but then got the promotion to the senior side when Luis Enrique left in December 2022.And De La Fuente justified the Spanish FA’s decision by leading his country to Euro 2024 glory – beating England in the final in what proved to be Southgate’s last game in charge. Lineker added: “I really liked Carsley but I could tell that he knew he wasn’t getting the job.”I suspect between his first camp and sometime before the Greece game. “I would have done it [appointed him] because I would have looked at the recent history of international football, the two winners of the last two international tournaments [Spain’s Luis de la Fuente and Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni] had no real experience of coaching outside the national set-up.”Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.Some have expressed concern about the new England manager not being English.And while Lineker would prefer an English gaffer, he would not be complaining if a foreign boss ended the men’s trophy drought – just like Dutchwoman Sarina Wiegman did with the Lionesses.Lineker continued: “I respect Thomas Tuchel as coach. I think he’s really clever. I spoke to [German journalist] Raphael Honigstein and he said to me, ’60 per cent genius, 40 per cent lunatic,’ or words to that effect.”I don’t think it is imperative [to have an English manager]. I’m not going to lose sleep over it. But my personal preference would be that England has an English coach.”For some reason English football hasn’t produced a plethora of brilliant coaches. Why that is, I don’t know. I think that will happen.”No one will care one iota [about his nationality] if England somehow manage to win the World Cup. “He’s taken another team’s national squad and he will have done this because he would have looked at this squad and gone, ‘My goodness there’s so much talent in there.’“This is an unbelievable opportunity of winning the greatest trophy of all and boy would I love him to do it.”ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England jobLineker’s podcast co-host Alan Shearer praised the FA for acting swiftly to appoint former Champions League winner Tuchel – after reportedly approaching Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti in the summer.Shearer said: “If they sounded out Pep, fine, he’s the best manager in the world.“You then have to look at what’s available to you. They’ve looked at Thomas Tuchel and have thought there is a chance he could get the Manchester United job pretty soon.“So opportunity lies now. If they didn’t act quick now they weren’t going to get one of the outstanding candidates for the job.“There’s no doubt he’s got an incredible CV, what he’s won and managing at the highest level, working with superstars. “But this is going to be a very, very different test for him. It’s a bold move from the FA, there’s no doubt about it.“We need a trophy, it’s as simple as that. And we need a manager that can deliver that.”However, fans are split of the new appointment.A SunSport poll saw 46 per cent of supporters reckon Tuchel will be a hit and end the wait for a major trophy – but 54 per cent are less confident and think he cannot be the manager to lead England to glory.On X, one said: “The World Cup 2026 is ours.”Another wrote: “Welcome Tommy T! Really excited to have you as coach.”Who has Thomas Tuchel coached?Here is a list of the England stars that have already worked with Thomas Tuchel…Harry Kane – Bayern MunichEric Dier – Bayern MunichMason Mount – ChelseaReece James – ChelseaBen Chilwell – ChelseaCallum Hudson-Odoi – ChelseaRuben Loftus-Cheek – ChelseaRaheem Sterling – ChelseaRoss Barkley – ChelseaTammy Abraham – ChelseaConor Gallagher – ChelseaA third added: “Good appointment!! Those saying an English manager deserved it. There isn’t any ready to step up or available at the moment. Eddie Howe/Graham Potter will get their chances, both still young in their managerial careers.”And a final user replied: “It’s coming home.”As well as the 2021 Champions League with Chelsea, Tuchel won the Super Cup and Club World Cup – before being harshly axed by the new owners. His trophy cabinet also includes the DFB-Pokal with Borussia Dortmund, two Ligue 1 crowns with Paris Saint-Germain and the Bundesliga. Tuchel said: “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team.”I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already.READ MORE SUN STORIES”To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.”Working closely with Anthony [Barry] as my assistant coach, we will do everything we can to make England successful and the supporters proud.”Lee Carsley appeared keen to return to the Under-21s rather than keep the senior gigCredit: GettyTuchel expressed his delight at taking on the roleCredit: PAThe German will link up with Harry Kane againCredit: APTuchel led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021Credit: GettyForgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel in the frame to be the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League striker admits to filming illegal sex tapes as prosecutor calls for four years in prison

      by

      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE player Hwang Ui-Jo has apologised for secretly filming sexual encounters with his partners.Prosecutors said the South Korea international, 31, filmed two of his partners without their consent on four occasions between June and September 2022.Hwang Ui-Jo has apologised after pleading guilty to illegally filming sexual encounters with partners without their consentCredit: GettyThe 31-year-old played for Nottingham Forest and NorwichCredit: GettyAppearing in court for the first time in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday, prosecutors demanded a four-year prison term for the forward.The case emerged last year when he filed a complaint against his older brother’s wife for sharing intimate photos of him from the videos to Instagram and blackmailing him.His sister-in-law was sentenced to three years in prison in September for the blackmail attempt after Hwang sued her.However, during the investigation police then found evidence of his act of illegally filming the videos.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe pleaded guilty to all the charges and said he was “deeply sorry”.Hwang pleaded to the court for leniency, saying he would “take this incident as a lesson”.He said: “I will not do anything wrong in the future and will do my best as a footballer.”I sincerely apologise to the victims who have been affected by my actions, and I am deeply sorry for the disappointment I have caused to all those who have cared and supported me.”Most read in FootballThe 62-cap international signed for Nottingham Forest from Bordeaux in 2022 before going on loan to Olympiacos, Seoul, Norwich and Alanyaspor.Hwang left Forest to join the latter team in September.His sentencing date was set for December 18. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Mbappe ‘rape’ cops ‘seize clothes’ for probe as Real Madrid star’s lawyer reveals how he ‘couldn’t carry out attack’

      by

      CLOTHES have been seized by cops investigating rape allegations reportedly against Real Madrid ace Kylian Mbappe.The France captain has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Swedish hotel room by the country’s media but has slammed the serious claims against him as “fake news”.Clothes have now been seized by cops investigating rape allegations said to be against Real Madrid ace Kylian MbappeCredit: RexMbappe leaving a hotel in Sweden where the alleged victim claims she was sexually assaulted last weekCredit: RexMbappe, wearing jeans and a checked over-shirt, in Stockholm last week surrounded by his entourageCredit: RexMbappe, 25, is yet to be officially named as the suspect in the case despite Swedish news outlets saying they are “100 per cent sure” he is the focus of the investigations.It comes as the footballing superstar reportedly has no idea what he is being accused of, according to his lawyer.Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard told TF1 news that Mbappe is “calm” in wake of the allegations due to believing he is completely innocent. The lawyer said: “He is never alone. He is never exposed to a situation where he would be taking a risk. read more in Mbappe”And so, this totally excludes the fact that there could have been reprehensible actions on his part.”Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet first reported that the French forward is being looked at by cops over allegations of sexual abuse last week.A complaint was reportedly made to police on Saturday after the alleged victim sought medical attention.Expressen reported that Mbappe dined at the Chez Jolie restaurant on Thursday and went to the V nightclub in Stockholm with pals.Most read in FootballHe and his entourage then went back to the Bank Hotel where he was staying and where the alleged rape is said to have taken place.Mbappe is yet to be spoken to by officials as he hasn’t been formally named in the case.These accusations are completely false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptableMbappe’s entourage But investigators have started to build up evidence against a suspect after they seized several items of clothing from a room inside the Bank Hotel.Police have taken a pair of underwear, black trousers and a black top from the room to analyse, report Expressen. Officials are yet to confirm the clothes being seized or who they belong to.Mbappe flew out of Sweden Friday on a private jet just before the complaint had been filed.His entourage has since shot back at the allegations, telling AFP: “A new slanderous rumour is starting to spread across the web from the Swedish media Aftonbladet.”These accusations are completely false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable.”In order to put an end to this methodical destruction all necessary legal actions will be taken to re-establish the truth and pursue any person or media involved in the moral harassment and defamatory treatment that Kylian Mbappe is suffering repeatedly.”The former Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco ace later addressed the report himself as he scolded the Swedish news outlets for allegedly spreading “fake news”.Cops have reportedly seized the clothes from the Bank Hotel where Mbappe was staying with his entourageCredit: EPAMbappe responded to the allegations on X, slamming the reports as ‘fake news’Credit: XHe put out a statement on X saying: “FAKE NEWS !!!! It’s becoming so predictable, just before the hearing as if by chance.”Mbappe also included a winking emoji at the end of the message.The tweet seemingly referred to a hearing Mbappe is set to face over unpaid wages he is disputably owed by PSG.Mbappe claims he deserves 55million Euros (£45million) by his former club in unpaid wages from his seven-year stint at the club.The footballer was also due to get a signing bonus in February but PSG have refused to pay up and follow the ruling by France’s football governing body LFP, according to the claims.A source close to PSG hit back at Mbappe by telling French newspaper L’Equipe they would “ignore” his claims the two incidents may be linked.The source said: “Honestly, it’s a shame. PSG is responsible for everything with him.”He didn’t score any goals (apart from penalties) for Madrid? It’s PSG.”He missed the French national team matches even though he says he did, but he’s not injured? It’s PSG.”PSG are now making up stories in Sweden. We will ignore it and keep our class.”France’s manager Didier Deschamps, 56, was even made to respond to the allegations against his captain.He warned people to avoid spreading “anything and everything” in regards to Mbappe.He told reporters after France’s clash with Belgium on Monday night that the reports have led to a “negative atmosphere” in the dressing room.Mbappe’s club side Real Madrid have also reportedly edited their star man out of a charity promotion just a day after the allegations were made.Two almost identical images posted to Instagram appear to show the French striker in and out of a photo for the club’s Artist Pack promotion.The first image was posted by English midfielder Jude Bellingham and showed him, Roberto Carlos and Mbappe with a group of artists.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Bellingham swiftly deleted the group snap.Real Madrid then posted an almost identical image to its main Instagram account on Tuesday – but now with Mbappe missing.Mbappe is currently embroiled in a legal battle over unpaid wages with his former club PSGCredit: GettyReal Madrid have seemingly edited Mbappe out of a picture on Instagram with a gap left behind the sofa where the star originally was standing More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Lionel Messi score incredible hat-trick and grab two assists as amazed fans ask ‘is he freaking 20 again?’

      by

      LIONEL MESSI will never lose it. The 37-year-old bagged a stunning hat-trick and provided TWO assists as Argentina thrashed Bolivia 6-0 in World Cup qualifying.Lionel Messi scored THREE and provided two assists against Bolivia in ArgentinaCredit: RexIt was revealed earlier this year that Messi’s goal celebration is dedicated to his late grandmotherIt was the football icon’s 10th international hat-trick.With that, Messi moved level with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most hat-tricks in men’s international football.The former Barcelona star said: “It’s really nice to come here, to feel the affection of the people. It moves me how they shout my name.”This drives me – enjoying being happy where I am. Despite my age, when I’m here, I feel like a kid because I’m comfortable with this team.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”As long as I feel good and can keep performing the way I want, I’ll keep enjoying it.”The Inter Miami star’s sensational performance saw his career goal count shoot up to 846 – meaning he’s 59 behind stat rival Ronaldo.Messi has now scored 112 goals in 189 games for his country – only second to Ronaldo who has 133 in 216 appearances for Portugal.And his assists tally now sits at 377, with 57 of them coming in an Argentina shirt.Most read in FootballMessi put Argentina 1-0 up inside 19 minutes on Tuesday nightCredit: RexThe seven-time Ballon d’Or winner then scored Argentina’s fifth in the 84th minuteBefore striking again two minutes laterCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMessi, making only his second appearance for Argentina since suffering an injury at the Copa America in July, capitalised on a defensive error to put them ahead after 19 minutes.He set up Lautaro Martinez and then Julian Alvarez before substitute Thiago Almada made it 4-0.Lionel Messi launches new company as he teases shock new career and claims ‘entertainment always been a passion for me’Messi struck twice in two minutes late on, beating two defenders to fire in his second and completing his hat-trick by finding the bottom corner.And fans were in a frenzy after his hat-trick, with one writing: “Is he 20 again?”A second wrote: “He’s absolutely insane. Still the best player in the world.”A third said: “He played like he was 27 again tonight. He’s the GOAT.”One more replied: “The touch is still there, everything else still intact. Just bump up his pace a bit and you have 24-year-old Messi again 😂.”Another added: “It’s not crazy to say that Messi and this Argentina team could win the World Cup again!”The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner achieved his greatest feat when Argentina won the Qatar 2022 World Cup.Argentina are three points clear of Colombia at the top of the South American qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup, despite losing to Colombia in September and drawing with Venezuela last week.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Ronaldo threw a tantrum during Portugal’s 0-0 draw with Scotland at Hampden Park.His huff at Hampden was prompted by the officials’ decision to blow for full-time rather than a corner at the end of the match.He took home the match ball after scoring his 10th international hat-trickA flag of Diego Maradona and Messi was displayed during the match More