Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Italian minnows rip up manager’s contract after one training session as fans launch protest

      by

      ITALIAN club Piacenza have terminated their manager’s contract after just ONE training session.A remarkable day began with sporting director Alessio Setsu being dismissed and replaced by Carlo Maria Zerminiani.Serie D side Piacenza ripped up their manager’s contract after just one training sessionCredit: instagram @piacenzacalcio1919One of Zerminiani’s first acts as Piacenza chief was to appoint Simone Bentivoglio as the new head coach.During his playing days, Bentivoglio pleaded guilty to a 13-month ban for his part in a betting scandal which took place in 2011.And fans of fourth-tier side Piacenza immediately showed their displeasure at Bentivoglio being unveiled as their new manager.A protest was carried out by supporters during the head coach’s first training session.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd their action was swiftly vindicated as Piacenza bosses succumbed to the pressure.They released a statement which read: “Piacenza Calcio announces that it has reached an agreement for the consensual termination of the contract of coach Simone Bentivoglio.”The technical management of the first team is entrusted to Mr. Stefano Rossini.”Piacenza sit 11th in Serie D Group D with three wins, five draws and four defeats from their opening 12 matches.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe golden era of the football club came in the 1990s when they were promoted twice in four years and reached Serie A in 1995.They spent five years in the top flight, before they were relegated back down to the second division in 2000.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowThey did gain promotion straight back to Serie A where they spent a further two seasons – their last top-flight campaign ending in 2003. More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Awkward Alexander-Arnold billboard showing Liverpool star posing with ex is erected in Madrid amid Real transfer links

      by

      AN AWKWARD billboard of Trent Alexander-Arnold has been unveiled in Madrid.The Liverpool star has been the subject of speculation linking him with a move away from Anfield.Alexander-Arnold has appeared in an advert displayed in MadridCredit: Guess JeansAnd it appears there is only one likely destination – Real Madrid.Naturally, some fans are now fearing the worst after a billboard featuring the defender was erected in the Spanish capital.Alexander-Arnold models for GUESS Jeans in the advert, which has also been displayed in Amsterdam and Milan.But some fans cannot ignore the obvious link between the billboard’s location and Real Madrid’s interest in Alexander-Arnold. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan reacted saying: “It’s obvious he’s going, what I’m interested in is when he’s gonna announce it.”Another added: “Liverpool bigger than one player. Best of luck to him 👍”A third wrote: “He is already in Madrid in his head.”Other fans pointed out the awkward nature of the billboard as Alexander-Arnold poses with his ex-girlfriend Iris Law in his arms.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe features on the billboard alongside his ex-girlfriend Iris LawCredit: Dan CharityEstelle on her InstagramCredit: InstgramTo make matters worse the England star is now dating model Estelle Behnke.Alexander-Arnold is out of contract at the end of the season and Real have reportedly opened up talks with his representatives over a move to the Bernabeu next summer.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s New Love Life Revealed More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Steven Gerrard reunited with Michael Beale as ex-Sunderland and Rangers boss appointed his Al-Ettifaq assistant

      by

      MICHAEL BEALE is set for to be reunited with Steven Gerrard after being appointed Al-Ettifaq’s new assistant managerEx-Rangers boss Beale has been out of work since being sacked by Sunderland in February.Michael Beale is set to reunite with Steven Gerrard at Al-EttifaqCredit: The SunMeanwhile Gerrard is under pressure at Al-Ettifaq following a horror start to the season.The Liverpool legend has kept his £15million-a-year job but has made changes to his backroom staff.Assistant manager Dean Holden and sporting director Mark Allen both left by mutual consent.And Beale – who worked with Gerrard in Scotland – has now joined to replace Holden.READ MORE IN football The 44-year-old was in charge for just 12 matches at Sunderland before being sacked in February.Al-Ettifaq sit 12th out of 18 in the Saudi Pro League, losing HALF of their ten games this season.The ex-England captain held crisis talks with Al-Ettifaq’s owners in November – but vowed to fight for his job.He said: “On the back of recent results in my position you are always aware of disappointment from fans, I have to take that responsibility on my shoulders.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”That is what I will do and continue to fight and work to improve the recent results.”I don’t react, change or get overconcerned about social media or anyone on the outside of Ettifaq’s opinion, my priority is this club.”I listen to the people within and continue to support my players.”I meet Mr Hatim (head of football Hatim Al Misehal) after every game and we talk football, where it is a win, loss or draw, we have fantastic support, myself, the staff and the players from the management team.”Steven Gerrard is looking for self improvement Al Ettifaq More

    • 175 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool drop worrying transfer hint over three key players as 2025 calendar is released

      by

      LIVERPOOL have dropped a big hint over the futures of Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.The trio are all out of contract in the summer and have been linked with moves away from Anfield.Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold could both be set to leave in the summerCredit: GettyVirgil van Dijk is also out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: ReutersRight-back Alexander-Arnold, 26, is being closely monitored by European champions Real Madrid.Forward Salah, 32, has been the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia for more than a year, with Paris Saint-Germain also in the frame.And centre-back Van Dijk, 33, was linked with a switch to Barcelona back in January.All three will be able to sign pre-contract agreements elsewhere from January if they wish to leave.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow Reds fans’ fears over losing all three have been exacerbated following the release of the club’s 2025 calendar.Alexander-Arnold, Salah and Van Dijk are on the months of February, March and April.This could be construed as Liverpool preparing for their summer departures by putting them at the start of the year.Earlier this month, SunSport revealed contract talks with Alexander-Arnold are stalling as the club are not willing to offer him higher wages than Salah and Van Dijk.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollowing Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Manchester United back in September, Salah hinted at his imminent exit by saying he wanted to “enjoy the last year” at Anfield.But Van Dijk has offered more optimism surrounding his future after revealing last month that he is speaking to the “right people” about a new deal.Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister ‘being sued for compensation by ex’ two years after he ‘dumped her for her friend’ He said: “I can say obviously discussions are ongoing, but I don’t know, we will see what happens in the future.”What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see.”Despite uncertainty surrounding the futures of key players, Liverpool have not been impacted on the pitch under new manager Arne Slot.The Reds sit top of the Premier League table, five points clear of Manchester City having won nine of their opening 11 matches.They also sit first in the Champions League and are the only team to boast a 100 per cent record after four games. More

    • 150 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Denmark coach walks out of awkward press conference after just 20 SECONDS

      by

      DENMARK’S head coach walked out of his awkward post-match press conference after just 20 seconds.Manager Brian Riemer oversaw a 0-0 draw with Serbia in the Nations League in Leskovac, Serbia.Brian Riemer was involved in an awkward post-match press conferenceHe walked out after just 20 secondsCredit: Sky SportsAnd after the game he was treated to a big surprise in his press conference, which lasted a matter of seconds.That is because not a single question was asked by the reporters who had gathered at the end of the match.Riemer, 46, had a surprised look on his face and left smiling without saying a single word.Fans were equally as bemused with one reacting: “Awkward! 😂”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “That’s a Guinness world record.”A third wrote: “Goalless draw, question-less conference. Consistency!”And another commented: “That was quick! 😅”Denmark secured a Nations League quarter-final spot while Serbia were knocked out, but the media chose not to question Riemer about the achievement.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFormer Brentford assistant boss Riemer was appointed Denmark manager last month following Kasper Hjulmand’s resignation after the Euros.He has managed just two games, losing to Spain before the goalless draw with Serbia.Uefa Nations League clash SUSPENDED after fight breaks out and one of teams walks off pitch in protest More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Man City women’s star probed for ‘conning fuming parents out of £45k in coaching sessions that NEVER happened’

      by

      AN international women’s footballer is being investigated for allegedly conning parents out of thousands of pounds for coaching sessions that never took place.Welsh star Natasha Harding, who played for Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa, is accused of taking hundreds of pounds for one-to-one training with youngsters – but never carrying out the classes.Natasha Harding in action for Manchester City in 2015Credit: GettyHarding was capped 103 times by WalesCredit: GettyAngry parents claim Harding, capped 103 times by Wales in a star-studded career, owes them £45,000 in refunds.Harding has apologised for the cancelled sessions but said it was “unavoidable” and “beyond my control”.She said she is “devastated” over the situation and has agreed to pay refunds.There are 27 “victims” including whole teams of young girls, who are said to have handed over as much as £1,200 each without getting anything in return.Read More SportIndividual sessions for kids aged between eight and 15 cost £30 an hour, but many parents were buying multiple classes and some included whole squads of hopefuls.Now the South Wales football community, where Harding began her career, fear the ex-striker has deliberately taken their money and has no intention of giving it back or holding any of the coaching sessions.A WhatsApp group was created by outraged parents, after they realised more and more alleged victims were owed hundreds of pounds by Harding.A source, whose 12-year-old daughter was due to train with the ex-pro, told The Sun: “She promises a lot to the kids, my friend’s daughter is autistic and she kept asking when she was going to see Natasha.Most read in Football“She spent £900, she would add on dietician and gym plans but never actually got anything.“She has repaid small amounts now that she knows we are putting up a fight to get our money back.“But the parents who are owed more than £1,000 have got nothing back.”After retiring from professional football last year Harding, 35, started offering out days where children could participate in private sessions.According to sources, the sessions grew in popularity and Harding started block booking for up to £360.OUT OF POCKETA lot of the children who booked onto the sessions play for academies in Gwent, South East Wales, or The South Girls’ Development Centre.Their parents are fearful that speaking out could affect their children’s future football careers.The anonymous source added: “She is putting fear into us because she is perceived to control the football world, she’s got contacts everywhere.“My daughter ended up having zero sessions, I couldn’t get her to commit to a date and it took me weeks to chase her for a refund.“People are realising she has purposefully taken money with no intention of giving it back.”The promised sessions were supposed to start in June 2023 and when they began to be cancelled many gave Harding “the benefit of the doubt”.But now parents are exchanging up to 90 messages a day on a specially set-up WhatsApp group as the missed thirty-pound sessions have begun piling up.Reported excuses include Harding telling parents she had two car crashes in three weeks, alongside two car breakdowns and one car “blow out”.Harding, Welsh Footballer of the Year in 2016, has been reported to Action Fraud, and the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre.It is understood parents have also reported her to Gwent Police and Gloucestershire Police.STAR’S APOLOGYHarding, 35, who lives in Stroud, Glos, has apologised and blames circumstances beyond her control for the missed coaching sessions.She told The Sun: “I offer my apologies to those affected whose sessions I could not complete. “This was unavoidable, and it was never the intention not to fulfil the sessions.”Because of circumstances beyond my control, which was always made clear to parents, I had to cancel some sessions after initiating and completing others.”Harding, now a TV commentator on the women’s game, added: “I’ve been trying to expand my small academy and was unfortunately let down by additional coaches, my car being written off and the second car breaking down.“When without a car I caught a two-hour train to sessions to avoid cancellations, lugging my equipment with me and needing taxis.”However, this was not sustainable.”The academy’s purpose is to provide detailed technical coaching to young boys and girls and provide them with opportunities I never had, with the cost below alternative coaches to give equal opportunity without barriers, prejudices, or preferences.”I’m devastated that I haven’t been able to finish the session blocks, and I’ve always been upfront about the problems I’ve faced that are beyond my control.”We agreed on refunds for those sessions and I have paid them.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The majority of parents have been incredibly understanding and I have received a huge amount of positive references and I continue to work hard, delivering local sessions.”A spokeswoman for Action Fraud confirmed a complaint had been made about Harding. More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Raheem Sterling opens up on ‘difficult’ upbringing as troubled kid before becoming Premier League star

      by

      RAHEEM STERLING has opened up on the “great support network” that saw him overcome a troubled childhood to become a Premier League star.The Arsenal winger, 29, has a foundation in his name that funds knife banks and university places for boys as well as hosting mentoring sessions.Arsenal’s Raheem Sterling has enjoyed an incredible Prem career so farCredit: GettySterling had a troubled upbringing before joining QPR and then Liverpool’s academyCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThat foundation is supporting a campaign launched today by Multibank – a nationwide network of donation hubs designed to help those with cost-of-living struggles.Several weeks ago, Sterling spent three hours with seven young men from Brent’s youth offending service in King’s Cross to act as a mentor, giving advice and telling his own story.Sterling was born in Kingston, Jamaica before moving to London with his mother age five after his father was tragically murdered three years earlier.A difficult upbringing – including being displaced by social housing and regular school suspensions – was turned around from the age of nine when he came across Clive Ellington, a volunteer mentor to young boys who introduced Sterling to his first football club: Alpha and Omega FC in Kingsbury, Brent.read more footballCharity Multibank said one million children arrive at school with dirty uniforms as many families now see detergent as a luxury item. And some 19 per cent of parents polled by The Hygiene Bank said their kids have missed school in the past year because of shame over unwashed clothes, creating a classroom divide.Children are also isolated and made fun of with nasty comments due to poor hygiene, teachers say.On meeting Ellington, Sterling – who also has 82 caps for England – explained: “It was a real difficult period for me in my schooling because it was a time I was getting expelled from school.Most read in Football“I was moving schools, moving around a lot. [Ellington] was a massive help for me to kind of see a different perspective.“I always struggled because of circumstances at home that I couldn’t quite understand myself.“Those actions and things started to play a pattern in my school with my focus, with my behaviour and how I was within the school environment.“[Ellington] made me see different opportunities. I wasn’t too much into football before that. I wasn’t playing, just at school and stuff at home, but he brought me into it at grassroot level.“I was starting to smile again and having a place that I could express myself was a real weight off my shoulder.“Looking back now, it’s easier to see, but as a child you’re probably not understanding what’s going on, but at the same time, taking in what’s going on.“So, you can’t quite understand how to interpret that in your speech and how to communicate that with people.”At 11-years-old, Sterling was picked up by academy systems at Queens Park Rangers and then Liverpool, going on to star for the Reds as a 17-year-old.After seven years at Manchester City between 2015 and 2022 – winning four Prem titles – he joined Chelsea for around £50m before joining the Gunners on loan this summer.Sterling continued: “I give a lot of credit to [Ellington]. It is something that is vital for individuals to have a great support network around them.“Year after year, the progress in my behaviour and in my concentration and just maturing as a young man.”Meanwhile, England rugby star Maro Itoje, who is also backing the campaign, said: “It’s our duty as a society to look out for those who are coming behind us.”Entertainment platforms Sky, Prime Video, TNT Sports and TalkSport have also joined forces to support the campaign.Tottenham are one of the first Prem clubs to also align with the Multibank scheme, focusing on affording basic hygiene products, with a donation bank available at their game against Fulham on December 1.England star Itoje is also backing the campaignDonna-Maria Cullen, executive director at Spurs, said the football club has made donations to its local foodbanks ahead of Christmas in support of the most vulnerable within the community.She said: “We are certain that our football family will unite to ensure young people in our area are able to build their confidence from an early stage in life by having access to basic hygiene products.”Andy Carpenter, head of the Harlequins Foundation, said: “Given our dedication to working with young people living in the poorest areas to address the deprivation-related challenges they face, it was a no-brainer to be a part of this campaign to support those most in need in our heartlands.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMultibank said: “With two in three staff expecting the level of hygiene poverty to increase in their school, we endeavour to get soap, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, in the hands of those most in need.”The Multibank’s 2024 Christmas campaign is designed to raise awareness and respond to rising issues of hygiene poverty. For more information visit: https://themultibank.co.uk/ More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid being sued for millions over VIP Bernabeu SkyBar that costs fans £2,500 a game

      by

      REAL MADRID are reportedly being sued for more than £13million over the flagship VIP hospitality suite at the Bernabeu.The LaLiga giants are renovating their iconic stadium and re-opened it in 2023 with the bulk of the facelift done.Real Madrid are close to completing their Bernabeu renovationCredit: GettyThe SkyBar was tipped to be the crown jewel in the revampCredit: room 1804 DesignThe luxury suite aims to be the pinnacle hospitality suiteCredit: room 1804 DesignFans can expect to pay up to £2,500 per match for one of the 200 spacesCredit: room 1804 DesignAnd the construction work saw the addition of the crown jewel of the revamped arena, their epic exclusive ‘superbox’. The SkyBar is a stunning 700-metres-squared space designed by Room 1804 to be the ultimate luxury football stadium experience hotspot in the world. With a capacity of 200, the lucky Madrid fans able to get access can expect a restaurant, a massive bar, LED ceiling and walls, wonderful views of the pitch, two outside terraces overlooking the city of Madrid – and can even stay late to make the most of the nightclub in the SkyBar.It does not come cheap, though, with tickets understood to cost up to £2,500 for a single match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat could see Real Madrid rake in as much as £500,000 per home game.With approximately 30 home fixtures in a season and the possibility to stage up to 20 concerts per year and rent out the space on non-matchdays, the beautiful SkyBar was estimated to help generate roughly £25m annually. However, things have not gone to plan.The Bernabeu’s rights to host concerts was suspended until spring 2025 in order to adapt the stadium to ensure it complies with anti-noise regulations following protests from neighbours. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMore worryingly, though, there is still no sign of the SkyBar being open.Real Madrid were due to open its doors to the prestigious gold, premium and diamond zones for fans six months ago.Staggering final cost of new Bernabeu revealed after Real Madrid move into state-of-the-art 85,000-capacity stadiumBut now well into the 2024-25 season, it remains empty and seemingly unable to welcome guests.And that has reportedly sparked a legal challenge from the company awarded the rights to operate the SkyBar.According to El Confidencial, Anastasia Gourmet have slapped the 15-time European kings with a lawsuit worth £13.8m for being unable to use the space.Of that whopping sum, approximately £6m is said to correspond to suppliers, Mundo Deportivo add. The reports claim Anastasia Gourmet have been blocked from accessing their new premises – prompting the huge loss of expected earnings. SunSport has contacted Real Madrid for comment. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe vast majority of the Bernabeu’s transformation work is complete – including a new retractable pitch and a new retractable roof, an impressive exterior facade plus a 360-degree video scoreboard.Costs have sky-rocketed to approximately £1.5billion but it is understood the final stages of the refurbishment will be done in January 2025.A massive bar takes pride of place in the centre of the SkyBarCredit: room 1804 DesignThe space even has a nightclub built inCredit: room 1804 DesignThe prestigious venue has four main area set across three levelsCredit: room 1804 DesignLED screens make up the ceiling and wallsCredit: room 1804 DesignThe Bernabeu has undergone a dramatic facelift in recent yearsCredit: GettyThe updated stadium now has a retractable roof and retractable pitchCredit: Getty More