More stories

  • in

    Man Utd quickly act to protect Chido Obi as hoax pages emerge after former Arsenal starlet first-team debut

    MANCHESTER UNITED have come to the aid of Chido Obi after fans set up social media pages impersonating him.The 17-year-old has made first-team three appearances under Ruben Amorim following his move from Arsenal earlier this season.Man Utd are tackling accounts pretending to be Chido Obi onlineCredit: GettyBut since making his debut, the young striker has been the subject of hoax accounts on social media.There has been a surge in pages being created that fool supporters into thinking they are the real player.Man Utd are said to be protective over this happening to teenagers and Obi has been a target.The club recently acted quickly to tackle the issue by removing these fake accounts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMan Utd confirmed to SunSport its something done “routinely” to help all players.Obi made his debut in a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham on February 16 before getting more minutes off the bench in the 2-2 draw with Everton.The teenager was also subbed on towards the end of normal time as Man Utd crashed out the FA Cup to Fulham on penalties.Obi got into positive positions on Sunday, taking three shots that were all considered “big chances” by stat gurus.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIncredibly, struggling striker Rasmus Hojlund has had the same amount of “big chances” across all 22 of his Prem games so far this season.But Amorim will be without Obi for their Europa League campaign as he has not been named in the squad.’That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueHe failed to make the cut for the A List and is ineligible to be a B List player like most academy stars.Uefa rules say you must be at the club for two years to qualify and Obi only joined from Arsenal in October. More

  • in

    Footballer starts League One match just hours after pleading guilty to causing cyclist’s death in horror crash

    A FOOTBALLER started a League One match just hours after he pleaded guilty to causing a cyclist’s death in a horror crash.Mansfield Town striker Lucas Akins, 36, was driving his Mercedes G350 near Huddersfield when he hit 33-year-old Adrian Daniel.Lucas Akins admitted causing a cyclist’s death in a horror crashCredit: GettyAdrian Daniel was struck by the player’s MercedesCredit: West Yorkshire PoliceThe cyclist was rushed to hospital with serious injuries but tragically couldn’t be saved and died ten days later on March 27, 2022.Akins appeared at Leeds Crown Court yesterday where he admitted causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.Just hours later, he took to the pitch for Mansfield Town in their 0-0 draw against Wigan.Manager Nigel Clough later discussed his decision to include Akins in his starting 11.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “We’ve known about it for some time, it’s not just happened but we’re not in a position to comment.”The court was told the horror unfolded on March 17, 2022, as Adrian cycled in the village of Netherton.Prosecutor Carmel Pearson said Akins’ plea was accepted by the Crown, who had relayed the information to the cyclist’s family.His Honour Judge Menary told the footballer: “You have pleaded guilty to the offence at count 2.Most read in Football”I am imposing an interim disqualification and you are now disqualified from obtaining or getting a driving licence. You must not drive on a public road.”Akins was bailed to return to court for sentencing on April 24.The striker came through the youth academy at Huddersfield and made his debut for them in 2007.He had stints at Northwich Victoria, Hamilton Academical, Partick Thistle, Tranmere Rovers and Stevenage.Akins spent eight years at Burton Albion before he joined Mansfield in January 2022.He has made four international appearances for Caribbean nation Grenada, who he qualifies for through his mum.The Mansfield Town star will be sentenced next monthCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Major change to World Cup final confirmed by Fifa with UK band with TEN No1 albums to perform glitzy half-time show

    NEXT year’s World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style half-time show.The tournament is set to take place across the United States, Mexico and Canada and will include a new expanded 48-team format.Gianni Infantino has informed sponsors of a major changeCredit: PAThe World Cup final is set to take place in East Rutherford, New JerseyCredit: GettyThe final will kick off at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 19, 2026.Per Sky News’ Rob Harris, “multiple artists” will perform at half-time.He adds that Fifa president Gianni Infantino has informed sponsors of the decision.Fifa are working with Coldplay on the half-time show, with the British band set to also incorporate other artists into the act.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis will be the first time that a World Cup final has included a half-time show.The 2022 World Cup final in Qatar saw six artists perform before the final between Argentina and France.Their performances were incorporated into the tournament’s closing ceremony.In recent years, the Champions League final has often featured a pre-match musical performance.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSColdplay are set to be involved in the half-time showCredit: GettyLenny Kravitz performed three songs ahead of last year’s Wembley final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.While other recent finals have included Camila Cabello, Burna Boy and Dua Lipa.Coldplay perform Scottish football anthem The recent Super Bowl in New Orleans featured a half-time show with Kendrick Lamar and SZA.It achieved an average audience of 133.5 million – surpassing Michael Jackson’s record set in 1993 and making it the most watched Super Bowl half-time show ever.Kendrick Lamar and SZA produced a record-breaking performance in New OrleansCredit: GettyDua Lipa performs ahead of the 2018 final in KyivCredit: Getty Images – GettyCamila Cabello performed ahead of the 2022 Champions League finalCredit: Getty More

  • in

    ‘He actually said it!’ – Fans go crazy for Mikel Arteta’s not-so-subtle put-down after Arsenal’s record-breaking PSV win

    ARSENAL fans went crazy after Mikel Arteta delivered a not-so-subtle put-down following last night’s 7-1 win over PSV.The Gunners tore the Dutch kings apart in Eindhoven to all-but seal their spot in the Champions League quarters.Mikel Arteta delivered a not-so-subtle put-down after Arsenal beat PSV 7-1Credit: GettyMartin Odegaard led the way with two strikes as Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori also scored.The resounding result also saw Arsenal set SIX new records.They included becoming the first team to net seven goals in a Champions League away tie.Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly also became the first English teens to combine for a goal in the competition’s history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal will now be hoping to replicate their goalscoring feats back in the Premier League.The Gunners travel to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon ahead of their return leg with PSV.A tough clash against Chelsea then follows before the international break.And with leaders Liverpool already 13 points clear, the Londoners know they can’t afford to drop more points if they want to remain in the title race.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNow, Arteta has warned his players not to get carried away by last night’s result.He has told his stars to remain grounded.Moment Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe floors porn star girlfriend Teanna Trump in playfightArteta said ‘be humble’ in what may have been a reference to Erling HaalandCredit: GettyAnd in a not-so-subtle dig at Erling Haaland, Arteta even declared that Arsenal need to “be humble”.The infamous words were used by Haaland towards the Gunners after Man City netted a late equaliser against them in September’s 2-2 draw at the Etihad.Following the result, City slipped into an awful run of results and remain out of sorts.Arsenal got their revenge last month when they smashed City 5-1 at the Emirates.But Arteta has urged his aces to stay focused, saying: “Put your head down, be humble.“Analyse how you can improve because the next game is going to be completely different to this one.“Nobody in this room, if I gave you an envelope and said, ‘can you predict what’s going to happen tomorrow and who is going to score?’“That’s the beauty of football and nobody can write the script unfortunately, even if we’d like to.”Fans were certainly loving Arteta’s choice of words.One said: “I understood that reference.”Another declared: “HE SAID THE WORD.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “The karma is coming guys.”Another added: “Arteta actually said be humble!” More

  • in

    PSG vs Liverpool: Get £50 in free bets, plus 22/1 Bet Builder tips with Betfred

    LIVERPOOL are looking to keep their stunning season going when they head for PSG in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie.So our team of betting experts have selected a Bet Builder for the Europ showdown, which Betfred have priced up at 22/1.Not just that! New Betfred customers who register an account with Betfred and stake a tenner on football will receive £50 in sports free bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*PSG vs Liverpool tipsOur Bet Builder selections: Over 3.5 goals, Mo Salah and Bradley Barcola to score and Trent Alexander-Arnold to be carded at 22/1. ADD TO YOUR BET SLIP HERE!Back our 22/1 Bet BuilderHere’s why we’ve made those selections..Over 3.5 goals: Goals galore in these teams and the attacking areas. PSG have scored seven goals twice in the last four games plus four against Lille last time out. Liverpool will score.Mo Salah and Bradley Barcola to score: Mo Salah is the Ballon D’Or frontrunner and an impressive knockout round will secure it. Scored in eight of his last nine appearances. Barcola scored at weekend and made it two in his last four. Can cause mayhem on PSG wings.Trent Alexander-Arnold to be carded: Given torrid time by Jeremy Doku in game before last and wingers here can do likewise. Disciplinary record has been good so this is searching for bit of value.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

  • in

    PSG vs Liverpool: Get up to £40 in football free bets for the Champions League with talkSPORT BET

    PSG host Liverpool on Wednesday night in the first leg of a huge Champions League round-of-16 tie.Liverpool topped the league phase and have kicked well clear in the Premier League and couldn’t arrive here in finer fettle. And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim up to £40 in free bets when they register an account and stake at least £20 on the Paris showdown under the lights.PSG vs Liverpool: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim talkSPORT BET offertalkSPORT BETVisit the talkSPORT website HERE*Create an account and Opt In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabMake a depositPlace your first bet up to £40, minimum £20, on any football market, at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first betFor example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free betsIf you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free betstalkSPORT BET: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim Here*PSG vs Liverpool: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*What’s the offer?Brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a welcome bonus of up to £40 when they register an account.How to claim?Simply visit the talkSPORT BET website on your mobile device and create an account. Opt in to this promotion via the OFFERS tab and then make a deposit via debit card or Apple Pay.Stake £20 or more on any football market at odds of at least Evens. Remember, you must do this within 7 days of opening your account.What happens next?Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first bet bet.For example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free bets. If you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free bets:On settlement of your qualifying bet, your account will be credited with the following:£10 free bet – Bet Builder (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Correct Score (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)And the following free bets, which will be credited 24 hours after the first bonus funds:£10 free bet – To Win and Both Team to Score – 90 mins (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Acca 4+ selection (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)You can read the full breakdown of free bets and more on how to claim talkSPORT BET’s welcome offer here**18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile device, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

  • in

    PSG vs Liverpool prediction: Free betting tips, odds and Champions League round-of-16 preview

    LIVERPOOL return to Champions League action on Wednesday when they make the trip to face French giants PSG.SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the round-of-16 first leg and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesPSG vs Liverpool previewIt’s the business end of this competition now and two of the fancied sides before a ball was kicked meet in the round-of-16.Having said that, we probably weren’t sure before the season what we’d get from a PSG or Liverpool side having both made big changes in recent months.Liverpool couldn’t have been any more impressive under Arne Slot. They’ve stormed to a 13 point lead in the Premier League and came out on top in the league phase of this competition too.Seven wins a defeat – in the final game when changes were made – makes for a very healthy European campaign so far and it’s no surprise to see them in behind the Spanish pair of Madrid and Barca in the outright markets.They’ve only won one of their last four games away from Anfield though. Draws in the Merseyside derby and at Villa Park followed that defeat to Plymouth in the cup. But a 2-0 win at Man City in their last trip likely made up for those.They now head for Paris and to play a PSG side who are flying in front of goal at the minute.They’ve scored seven goals TWICE in the last four games, including the home play off round game against Brest in this competition, and put four by high-flying Lille at the weekend.They look to have turned a corner after a poor campaign in the Champions League that saw them finish 15th in the league phase, hence having that play-off tie and being unseeded here.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 2-2 at 10/1 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Mo Salah 4/1 with talkSPORT BET – HEREPSG vs Liverpool latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*PSG vs Liverpool predictions and tipsCola canPSG must surely think they have to take a lead to Anfield next week to stand a chance of progression.In Bradley Barcola, they have a player at the top of his game at the minute and he’ll be a constant threat down the wings of the hosts.Two goals and three assists in his last four games – including a contribution in each.Bradley Barcola to score or assist at Evens with William Hill – CLAIM HEREYellow’dAndy Robertson’s spot is under threat a bit and he was left out of the win over Newcastle last time out.He’ll face a really tough night with Ousmane Dembele likely a direct opponent, who has scored in each of the last three games for PSG.Value in the booking markets.Andy Robertson to be carded at 3/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE *William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned T&Cs apply. 18+ GambleAware.org.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

  • in

    Bruno Pizzul dead aged 86: Tributes pour in as legendary football commentator dubbed ‘voice of Italia 90’ passes away

    TRIBUTES have poured in for legendary football commentator Bruno Pizzul after he passed away aged 86.Pizzul was one of the beautiful game’s top broadcasters during his heyday.Legendary football commentator Bruno Pizzul has passed away aged 86Credit: GettyHe was known by many fans as the ‘voice of Italia 90’Credit: AlamyStuart Pearce famously missed a penalty in England’s semi-final defeat to eventual winners West GermanyCredit: AlamyThe former player led the commentary for Italy’s national football team from 1986 to 2002.And many fans remember him as the “voice of Italia 90” after stealing the show during that year’s World Cup tournament.England supporters were left heartbroken when Stuart Pearce’s penalty miss against eventual winners West Germany saw the Three Lions crash out in the semis.But Pizzul’s flamboyant commentary still made it a summer to remember as his own native Italy beat England in the third-place play-offs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd tributes quickly poured in upon news of his passing.One read: “Goodbye Bruno Pizzul, the voice of Italia 90.”Another declared: “Many of our greatest memories are accompanied by his unforgettable voice.”One noted: “RIP you absolute legend of broadcasting.”Most read in FootballAnother boomed: “A true maestro of the mic, his legacy lives on in the hearts of fans.”One chimed in: “Pizzul wasn’t just a brilliant commentator, he literally was Italian football for me.”Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersAnother added: “A part of us Italians is gone.”Pizzul started his football journey as a player in the 1950s with minnows Pro Gorizia and played in the 1960s with Catania and Cremonense.He moved into broadcasting in 1969 and eventually became Italy’s national team commentator in 1986.His last game came in 2002, and 20 years later Pizzul was awarded the title of Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. More