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      Major Mykhailo Mudryk update as banned Chelsea star ‘passes lie detector test’ in bid to clear his name

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      MYKHAILO MUDRYK has passed a lie detector test in a bid to clear his name as a drugs cheat, it is claimed.The troubled Chelsea star is currently suspended while awaiting a further result on a urine sample which tested positive for the banned substance meldonium.Mykhailo Mudryk has not played for Chelsea since NovemberCredit: APMudryk signed from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk two years ago and the CEO of his former club says the player underwent a Polygraph test organised by his lawyers.Sergei Palkin said: “I have spoken to Mudryk many times since this doping issue arose.”He doesn’t understand how it could have happened. He has no clue. No idea at all.“So his lawyers organised for him to take a lie detector test, which he passed. It will form part of the evidence showing he didn’t intentionally do anything wrong.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”Mudryk has been clear, it’s not his fault that he tested positive. We now need to find out how this has happened, and who did this. His lawyers are trying to find out.”Unknowingly taking banned substances is no defence and Mudryk faces a ban of up to four years.He has not played since November 28 last year when he scored for Chelsea against Germans Heidenheim in the Conference League.Traces of meldonium were discovered in a routine urine sample submitted while on international duty.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKPalkin admits his club is on Mudryk’s side because they are still owed money as part of the transfer deal which could rise to £88m with add ons but only if he plays regularly.Mudryk, 24, has disappeared from public view since news broke of him failing a drugs test. He has not been seen at Chelsea’s training ground for months.Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk facing FOUR YEAR ban after failing drugs testUkrainian football has been ravaged by the invasion of neighbours Russia in 2022, leaving many clubs in dire financial straits.Palkin told GiveMeSport: “There are still no results from the B-sample, so that remains open. Nobody knows what’s happened. I wish Mudryk all the best. He’s a top professional and a very good person. He should be protected.”Shakhtar also has a vested interest. There are bonuses from his move to Chelsea linked to his performances.“If he’s not playing, it causes problems for us because we could potentially lose €30m (£25m). So Shakhtar, Chelsea and Mudryk, we are in one boat. We all support Mudryk, and hope he is allowed to continue playing football soon.“Selling Mudryk to Chelsea was a crucial deal for us.“Without the Mudryk fee, I don’t understand how we would have settled many, many, many issues.”Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeHow long are drugs bans in football?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK could be banned for up to four years after failing a drugs testBut what are the rules regarding drugs in football?There is a big difference between recreational drugs and performance-enhancing substances.Recreational drugs – such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD and MDMA – carry a six-month suspension.However, this ban can increase to up to two years if a drug is detected when a player is tested after a match.But performance-enhancing drugs carry a far more severe punishment.And crucially the alleged drug Mudryk tested positive for, meldonium, falls under that category.The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code’s standard ban is four years.That is how long Paul Pogba was suspended for following his failed drugs test – although it was later reduced on appeal to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.The FA follows the UK Anti-Doping code under the WADA authority so will follow their lead and procedures.Should Mudryk’s follow-up secondary ‘B’ sample also test positive, he is likely to be hit with at least an 18-month ban but it could be as high as four years.The only person in football currently banned on the UKAD sanctions list for anti-doping rule violations is Craig Campbell.The former Scottish striker was banned for four years in December 2022 after being convicted of dealing cocaine.  More

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      Ex-Man Utd star Jesse Lingard tells grandad’s sex abuse trial he’d ‘block daughter from seeing him if claims were true’

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      FOOTBALLER Jesse Lingard today told his grandad’s sex abuse trial that he would block his daughter from seeing him if the claims were true.The ex-Man Utd star is giving evidence after Kenneth Lingard, 86, was accused of sexually assaulting a woman from the age of five until she was 19.Jesse Lingard has given evidence at his grandad’s sex abuse trialCredit: PAKenneth Lingard allegedly assaulted a woman from the age of fiveCredit: PAShe reported the alleged historic abuse to the police after watching a Channel 4 documentary that featured Jesse.The England star, 32, had praised his grandfather’s influence on his career in the show.Jesse, who flew in from South Korea where plays for FC Seoul, told Liverpool Crown Court the woman contacted him after the documentary came out.He said: “She was just going on about the documentary and how I let him be part of it when he’s done those things.Read more news”I was like ‘what are you on about, I have not heard nothing about this’.”Jesse said the woman told him she was going to call the police – prompting him to tell her: “Call them if you want”.He told jurors she “popped out of nowhere” and that is was “kind of random”.Jesse also said he would have “cut ties” with his grandad straight away if he knew anything about the abuse allegations.Most read in FootballHe added: “My daughter wouldn’t be round there. My little sister wouldn’t be round there.”Jesse, who scored in FC Seoul’s 2-1 loss on Saturday against Gwangju, said the trial has caused a few of his sponsorship deals to fall through.He also told the court he had lived with his grandparents from the age of two or three and that Lingard was very supportive of his career.The footballer said: “He basically taught me football, taught all the skills, drove me up and down motorways from Liverpool to Manchester, Crewe, Barnsley, Stoke, to watch me play football.”He’s been the man that’s got me here today.”Jurors previously heard the woman messaged Jesse three times on November 18, 2022, after the show aired.In one text, she said: “Shame on you Jesse Lingard. Loads of lies. Your grandad Kenneth Lingard molested and sexually abused me and you know he did.”You did the documentary for money and to make yourself some kind of mental health ambassador. Well, as you say, I’m speaking out. No more silence.”In another, she referred Jesse hiding a “dark” secret that his grandfather was a “paedophile” and “child molester”.She also branded the former England star’s late grandmother Pamela an “enabler”.The woman claimed he had “no right doing that documentary” when his grandfather had “molested” her for years.Jurors also heard calls she made to police on the day Jesse Lingard — The Untold Story was aired.She asked officers how she could get someone “arrested for child abuse but historic child abuse?”The woman also told police she “thought it was time to speak out about the abuse I had received” after watching the show.She added: “It just made me feel ill that he was made out to be such a hero.”Read More on The SunLingard, of Warrington, has denied 17 counts of indecent assault.The trial continues.Lingard flew in from South Korea to give evidenceCredit: Getty More

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      Lotte Wubben-Moy eager to step things up in next chapter of Arsenal career after signing new deal with WSL giants

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      LOTTE WUBBEN-MOY has vowed to make the “next chapter” of her Arsenal career count after signing a new contract with the club. The England defender’s new deal is claimed to be a three-year one according to BBC Sport.Lotte Wubben-Moy she feels pride and excitement at extending her career with ArsenalCredit: GettyThe Gunners defender has made 143 senior appearances for Arsenal and scored ten timesCredit: GettyWubben-Moy’s team hope to overturn a one-goal deficit in their second leg Champions League semi-final duel with LyonCredit: GettyThe WSL ace, 26, who has made 143 Gunners appearances, rose through the ranks of the club’s youth system before making her senior debut at 16. This season has seen Wubben-Moy’s moments on the pitch at times disrupted by injuries.So far this term Wubben-Moy, who captained her club’s development side during her youth career, has played in nine WSL games and two in the Champions League.In February a muscle problem led to her withdrawing from England’s camp ahead of the Lionesses’ Nations League duels with Portugal and Spain. Read More Football Stories However the defender, whose side will play Lyon away this Saturday in a Champions League second-leg semis duel,  returned to training this month. And the lifelong Arsenal fan could be set for more game time with her team currently three points behind WSL leaders Chelsea ahead of their final three league games this term. Of her new deal Wubben-Moy said: “I feel a huge amount of pride, excitement and optimism to once again put pen to paper at this special football club. “Arsenal is the club I want to win with and I feel this new contract comes at a time in my career where my ambitions are matched by my abilities on the pitch. Most read in Football”I’m determined to make this next chapter count.”Gunners boss Renée Slegers added: “We’re so happy that Lotte has signed a new contract. “Lotte is a top defender who has shown significant progression in recent years. “She will continue to play an important role as we pursue our shared goal of competing for the highest honours in the game.”Before commencing her second stint at Arsenal, Wubben-Moy spent two years in the United States’ college soccer systems playing for North Carolina University side Tar Heels. Since her return to the Gunners in 2020 the London-born defender has won three League Cups and one FA Cup with the club. Away from the pitch Wubben-Moy is an active supporter of a number of sports-related causes focused including providing girls with more opportunities to play football. Following England’s triumph at the 2022 Women’s Euros she helped to coordinate an open letter from the Lionesses to Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, when they were Conservative leaders candidates, The letter called for girls to have access to at least two hours of sports classes including football training. Wubben-Moy’s new deal comes in a month which Arsenal hope to reach the Women’s Champions League final for the first time in 18 years.Credit: Alamy Clare Wheatley, Arsenal women’s football director said: “Lotte is a wonderful role model for all young players. Read More on The Sun”She is an example of how hard work, strong values and determination are the platform for success. “We know that she will continue to give all of herself to Arsenal Football Club, both on pitch and of course in her consistent support of our wider community.” More

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      Theory emerges over why Darwin Nunez hasn’t started a game for Liverpool for weeks as transfer agreement revealed

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      DARWIN NUNEZ has fallen out of favour at Liverpool in recent months.The 25-year-old has started just eight of the club’s 30 Premier League games so far this season.Darwin Nunez has started just eight Premier League games this seasonCredit: GettyArne Slot criticised the striker’s work rate earlier this yearCredit: AlamyHe also has just five Champions League starts to his name.Liverpool boss Arne Slot was highly critical of his work rate earlier this year.In February, he said: “I helped him by saying you can miss a chance.”I wasn’t only hard on him. But for the second time in a row I wasn’t happy with his work effort, against Wolves and against Villa.READ MORE IN SPORT”I can’t accept if a player doesn’t give everything. That is clear. I can accept it once, but twice was a bit too much. That’s why I addressed it.”The striker has started just one Premier League match since then, fuelling rumours that he may leave Anfield this summer.But a report from Portuguese outlet A Bola has appeared to suggest that there could be another reason for his lack of game time.Nunez has started 49 Prem and Champions League games combined for Liverpool since joining from Benfica in an £85million transfer almost three years ago.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSReports in Portugal have claimed that the Reds could be forced to pay Benfica another £4.3million when he makes his 50th start.Despite the little-known clause, many Liverpool fans believe that Nunez remains out of the starting line-up due to his form.Sky Sports presenter praised by fans after rarely-seen move in interview with Liverpool matchwinner Darwin NunezThe striker has managed just seven goals in 42 appearances across all competitions this season.He also has seven assists to his name. More

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      Jack Wilshere named Norwich interim manager and could amazingly send ex-Arsenal team-mate Aaron Ramsey’s Cardiff DOWN

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      JACK WILSHERE has been appointed Norwich’s interim manager following the club’s sacking of Johaness Thorup.Dane Thorup oversaw an average season for the Canaries, who are currently 14th in the Championship table.Johannes Thorup has been sacked by Norwich CityCredit: AlamyJack Wilshere has taken interim charge of the CanariesCredit: REXFormer Arsenal and England star Wilshere was part of the Norwich set-up before Johaness Thorup’s sackingCredit: REXAnd the Easter Monday defeat to Millwall has proven to be his final game in charge of the East Anglia club, who have chosen to wield the axe before the season comes to a close.An excerpt of a club statement read: “Norwich City have parted company with head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup with immediate effect.”Assistant head coach Glen Riddersholm has also left his position with the club.”Canaries Sporting Director Ben Knapper said: “Whilst we made this appointment with a long-term focus and in line with our wider club strategy and direction, unfortunately, recent results and performances have deemed it necessary for us make a change.READ MORE ON WILSHERE“I’d like to place on record our sincere thanks to Johannes and Glen. “They are both fantastic people who worked tirelessly to help improve and move our football club forward.“We all wish the two of them the best in the next stage of their respective careers.”Wilshere, who was already part of the Canaries set-up prior to Thorup’s sacking, will oversee the club’s final two games of the Championship season with the assistance of Tony Roberts and Nick Stanley.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJack Wilshere’s Norwich could send his former Arsenal team-mate Aaron Ramsey and Cardiff City down to League OneCredit: GETTYNorwich will travel to the Riverside Stadium on Saturday afternoon to take on Middlesbrough before taking on Cardiff City the following weekend.Boro will be hoping to pip Coventry to the final play-off spot, while Cardiff will bid to beat the drop at Carrow Road.Jack Wilshere’ ‘out of his comfort zone’ in first coaching role since shock Arsenal exit Victory in their final match of the season could see Wilshere relegate his former long-time Arsenal team-mate Aaron Ramsey, who is in interim charge of Cardiff following the Welsh club’s axing of Omer Riza last weekend.Wilshere and Ramsey spent 17 and 11 years at Arsenal, respectively.But remarkably, they only shared the pitch 101 times during their stints with the north London club.And Ramsey admits he wishes he played more games with his fellow former Gunner.The Welshman told The Mirror: “Jack called it a day, which was very sad to see. “[He was] obviously an unbelievable player on his day, very talented. It was a pleasure to play with him. “I wish I had the opportunity to play with him a lot more, but he got injured [and then] I got injured [laughs at the irony] – so we didn’t get a lot of time playing together.”Read More on The SunWilshere will face a massive dilemma ahead of Saturday’s trip to Middlesbrough.He’s set to run the London Marathon on Sunday and will face a lengthy train journey back to the capital on Saturday to prepare himself for the race.Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere played 101 times together at ArsenalCredit: EPA More

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      Andy Carroll and bikini-clad girlfriend Lou Teasdale put on loved-up display on holiday in Magaluf

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      ANDY CARROLL and girlfriend Lou Teasdale have jetted off to Magaluf for a romantic holiday.The former England striker, 36, now plies his trade in the French fourth tier for Bordeaux.Andy Carroll holds hands with girlfriend Lou TeasdaleCredit: InstagramLou also shared a selfie with her man to InstagramCredit: InstagramLou posed for a solo snap in the sea in MagalufCredit: InstagramCarroll has been dating Lou for five months.The Sun recently revealed that the striker plans to marry the celebrity make-up artist after finalising his divorce from ex Billi Mucklow.Loved-up pair Carroll and Teasdale headed for a quick trip to Magaluf over the weekend.Lou, 42, shared a series of snaps from the beach getaway to her Instagram account.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe captioned her post: “One day magaluf loliday x”.Lou’s post included a picture of the couple beaming as they posed for a picture in the sea.The pair also grinned for a selfie with bright sunshine in the background.Lou also posed for a solo snap in her bikini.Most read in FootballCarroll and Teasdale enjoyed themselves in the Bordeaux sunshine last week.They posed for pictures on an inflatable in a swimming pool in the South of France.Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale can’t keep their hands off each other on first holiday as they confirm romance A friend of the loved-up couple recently told The Sun: “Andy is very close to proposing to Lou. They are madly in love.“She is spending as much time as she can with him in France and Andy has never been happier.“Lou is exactly what he needs because she is a calming influence on him and it’s noticeable the change she’s had on him to everyone around them.”Carroll commented “wifey” on one of Lou’s recent Instagram posts.The Geordie, who left English football in 2023, has three children with Billi, as well as a further two from another relationship.Carroll has been in fine form for Bordeaux this term, scoring 10 goals in 17 league appearances for the fallen French giants.Carroll and Lou pose on an inflatable last weekCredit: InstagramThe loved-up pair kiss for a pictureCredit: Instagram More

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      Bryan Mbeumo defies Dream Team logic to achieve stunning triple century

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      BRYAN MBEUMO (£4.5m) is the latest player to reach the 300-point mark in Dream Team this season.Following in the footsteps of Mohamed Salah (£7.2m), Bruno Fernandes (£7m), Erling Haaland (£7.8m) and Alexander Isak (£5.9m), Brentford’s talisman achieved his triple century with a spotlight-hogging performance against Brighton on Saturday.303 points and countingCredit: Dream TeamMbeumo was involved in three goals as Thomas Frank’s side beat the Seagulls 4-2 at the Gtech, supplementing his significant contribution with a maximum haul of five bonus points.When all was said and done, the Cameroon international banked 28 points for his best single-game return of the season.MBEUMO’S 28-POINT MASTERCLASS AGAINST BRIGHTON2 goals (+12 pts)1 assist (+3 pts)5 bonus points (+5 pts)2 shots on target (+2 pts)2 big chances created (+2 pts)4 tackles (+2 pts)90 minutes played (+2 pts)The 25-year-old deserves heaps of praise for his efforts this campaign.Tasked with spearheading the Bees’ attack following the departure of Ivan Toney to Saudi Arabia, Mbeumo has scored 18 league goals from 33 outings.At the time of writing, only Salah, Haaland, Isak and Chris Wood (£3.6m) have scored more goals in the top flight.Mbeumo and Wissa have formed a productive partnershipCredit: GettyMbeumo successfully dovetailed with Toney for years but it could be argued he’s found an even better collaborator in Yoane Wissa (£3.5m) – the latter has scored 16 league goals of his own this term.Most read in FootballThe great thing about Mbeumo is that his success has defied Dream Team logic in many ways.Most gaffers recognise the value of the European competitions in providing extra point-scoring opportunities.A quick look at the Stats Centre reveals that 12 of the top 15 performers have played in either the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League this season.Among the exceptions, Isak played eight times across the two domestic cups, scooping 57 points from those extracurricular outings.Whereas Mbeumo was only on the pitch for a total of 160 minutes in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup before Brentford were eliminated from both competitions – he managed 18 points in that time.Mbeumo has a good chance of scoring 20 league goals this seasonCredit: RexMatheus Cunha (£5.3m) is the other player in the top 15 not to have benefited from European commitments and the Wolves forward is currently 42 points behind Mbeumo.Mbeumo is proof that it’s possible to rub shoulders with the very best assets in the game through exceptional league performances; he has laughed in the face of fixture deficits time and time again.And the fact he’s produced such an impressive campaign while representing a bottom-half team is even more impressive.An ownership of 18.3% makes him the sixth-most selected midfielder in Dream Team right now but his 28-point haul is bound to result in a popularity increase.Mbeumo is currently the top performer of Gameweek 32 by a wide margin.Brentford have scored more league goals than Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and BournemouthCredit: ReutersLooking ahead, Brentford are due to visit the City Ground in Gameweek 33 where Nottingham Forest will provide stiff competition in their quest to secure Champions League qualification.But Mbeumo will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing Manchester United and Ipswich in Gameweeks 34 and 35.Read More on The SunThe Red Devils will be distracted by their Europa League semi-final while the Tractor Boys are likely to have been condemned to relegation by the time they host the Bees in May.Mbeumo has Morgan Rogers (£4.5m) and Cole Palmer (£5m) breathing down his neck in terms of total points but he will finish among Dream Team’s best midfielders whatever happens from this point onwards.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 NOW More

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      Ex-Liverpool star Thiago’s wife steals show as she goes braless in revealing dress at Laureus Awards

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      EX-LIVERPOOL star Thiago Alcantara and his wife Julia Vigas stole the show at the Laureus Awards.The sport award ceremony took place in Madrid and there were some familiar winners on show.Thiago Alcantara and his wife Julia Vigas stunned on the red carpetCredit: GettyThe couple attended the Laureus AwardsCredit: GettyFans heaped praise on the glamorous pairCredit: GettyJulia dazzled in a long black dressCredit: GettyHigh jumper Mondo Duplantis and Simone Biles scooped the top prizes of Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year.While Lamine Yamal was named the breakthrough star and Team GB’s Tom Pidcock won Action Sportsperson of the Year after claiming gold in the Mountain Bike at the Paris Olympics.Rafael Nadal was named Laureus Sporting Icon and there were several stars in the audience to see his victory speech.Former Liverpool star Thiago watched on alongside his wife Julia, who stunned on the red carpet.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spaniard wore a long black dress with silver heels and walked hand in hand with her husband.Fans loved the look and heaped praise on Julia.One reacted saying: “Pure class 😍👌🏻”Another added: “How beautiful.”Most read in FootballA third wrote: “Glam and beautiful.”And another commented: “Stunning Couple!!”Ex-Liverpool star Thiago’s wife steals show as she goes braless in revealing dress at Laureus Awards More