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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s boxing no-show explained as superstar is spotted at historic sporting event instead

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO did not attend the boxing in Riyadh as expected last night.The Portuguese star, 40, has been to plenty of events since moving to Saudi Arabia, and even sat next to Anthony Joshua for last year’s first fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.A ringside seat had been prepared for Cristiano RonaldoThe Portuguese star was elsewhere alongside Mohammed bin SalmanCredit: Instagram / cristianoAhead of Saturday night’s huge Last Crescendo show, topped by the rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, Sky Sports posted a video including a ringside seat labelled “CR7”.As the huge night of boxing action unfolded, however, Ronaldo was nowhere to be seen.With the main event nearing, the former Manchester United star’s absence was finally explained as he posted on social media.Ronaldo uploaded a picture of himself with Saudi Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.READ MORE IN SPORTThe pair were at the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race.Ronaldo and Bin Salman witnessed Forever Young edge Romantic Warrior in the £16million duel in the desert.The forward wore a traditional Saudi thawb as he grinned for the picture.He captioned it: “Happy to celebrate Founding Day with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and honoured to attend the Saudi Cup horse race ceremony in Riyadh.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSDimitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev were involved in another classic last nightCredit: GettyMeanwhile, at the boxing, Ronaldo missed an incredible night that included Joseph Parker’s second round knockout of late stand-in Martin Bakole, and Bivol’s tight majority points victory over rival Beterbiev.Ronaldo appeared to be in better spirits at the racing than he had been in 24 hours prior.How Sir Alex Ferguson ‘refused to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave stadium until he signed for Man Utd’ The Real Madrid icon was furious during the closing stages of Al-Nassr’s 3-2 home defeat to Al-Ettifaq.Trailing in the closing stages following a double by former Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum, Al-Nassr were reduced to 10 men as new £64m signing Jhon Duran was sent off for lightly slapping rival player Abdulelah Almalki.Ronaldo furiously contested the decision, and even booted a ball away in frustration.The result left Al-Nassr fourth in the Saudi Pro League table, 11 points behind leaders Al-Ittihad after 21 matches.Ronaldo was frustrated towards the end of Al-Nassr’s defeat to Al-EttifaqCredit: Reuters More

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      Millie Bright says England ‘have a lot of work to do’ before facing Nations League rivals Spain

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      MILLIE BRIGHT wants England to get to “a place of consistency” following a winless start in their first Nations League outing this year. The Lioness vice-captain, 31, says the team have much to do before their Wembley clash with World Cup winners Spain. Millie Bright hopes England can improve their consistency and get closer to their best performance levelsCredit: GettyThe Lioness centre-back and her team-mates were held to 1-1 draw by Portugal in their first Nations League outing this yearCredit: GettyEngland’s next opponents Spain battled from 2-0 down to secure a 3-2 win in their Nations League clash with BelgiumCredit: GettyFriday night saw the reigning Euros champs held to a draw by plucky Portugal after Kika Nazareth’s curled strike caught the visitors out following Alessia Russo’s opener. The 1-1 result at Portimao Stadium  has led to questions about the Lionesses’ recent mixed form before one of their biggest international tests this year.On Wednesday they face a battle with a side aiming to swipe their Euros crown having  beaten them in the 2023 World Cup final in Sydney, Australia.  Despite their Friday night draw, Bright has backed England to get closer to the “levels they want to be at” before their Euros title defence begins in July. Read More Football StoriesWhen asked if she had any concerns about the team’s form, Bright said: “No, not at all. “Football is a journey and we’ve been in this position before when we’re in a really good place and things are going our way. “But then we go through moments where other teams progress and get better. “We’ve still got a lot of work to do and that’s just part of the game. Most read in Football”There is work to be done but we’re aware of what we need to do. “With each game we just have to make sure we keep closing the gap and get closer and closer to the levels we want to be at. “Putting that work in on the training pitch is the most important thing.”Including their result on Friday England have been winless in three of their last seven Nations League games since September 2023. Two of these results include away losses to the Netherlands and Belgium. In two of their last four friendlies of 2024, they fell to a 4-3 loss to 2022 Euros finalists Germany, whilst also drawing 0-0 with Emma Hayes’ USA stars. England’s score draw with Portugal was the second time since July 2023 that the 22nd best team in the world have shared the spoils with Sarina Wiegman’s side. Bright added: “With the (Fifa) rankings people might look at those and think we should be battering this team but as players we don’t look at it like that. “We’ve seen the results they’ve been getting, their performances and the threats they challenged us with. “We’re just going to focus on working on ourselves. “We have to keep that strong mindset to know that we’ve got to get to where we want to be.”Where England fans hope the Lionesses will be next is on the winning side of their next Nations League encounter.An upcoming clash with Spain will see Wiegman’s players go toe-to-toe with the team that denied them a dream  World Cup win in Australia almost two years ago. On Friday their Spain battled back from 2-0 down against Belgium, to seal a dramatic 3-2 win in group two of League A in the Nations League. However Bright believes there are positives England can build on before facing Spain. The 85-capped Lioness said: “As a group we are trying to get to that place of consistency, but that takes time. Alessia Russo reckons England need to be more rutless with scoring chances in their next Nations League gameCredit: Getty”There are lots of things to work on and when you’re playing a top team that poses threats.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think the biggest thing is just keeping the ball better and the possession all over the pitch.”We need to just stick together as a group, get back on the training pitch and work hard and be ready for a big game on Wednesday.” More

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      Lobster added to injury time at Premier League game when it put waitress in hospital

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      A LOBSTER added to injury time at a Premier League game when it put a waitress in hospital.It set off the worker’s allergy to shellfish, including crayfish, as she served customers at Liverpool’s stadium.A lobster added to injury time at a Premier League game when it put a waitress in hospitalCredit: Getty – ContributorDespite taking medication before her shift, her reaction was so severe an ambulance was called.The waitress was given an Epipen injection but had to be taken to hospital for more shots of adrenaline. The incident during a 1-1 draw with Wolves last March was one of 31 at Premier League grounds logged with the Health and Safety Executive last season.Others included a Man City fan who fractured his skull celebrating a 2-0 win at Spurs. Read More on SportHe crashed on to concrete when he leapt up to grab a flag above him and it came away.A celebrating Nottingham Forest fan needed 12 stitches in his calf after cutting himself on an upturned seat.And a drunk West Ham fan broke a leg tumbling from a handrail last March. The incidents are logged if the injured person needs at least seven days off work.Most read in Football More

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      Former Chelsea and Tottenham star now living completely new life as a supply teacher

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      EVERY day is a school day for former left-back Clive Wilson now he works as a permanent supply teacher at Roding Valley High School in Loughton in Essex.Manchester-born Wilson has been at Roding since 2019 — teaching year 11-16s.Today, Clive Wilson is a supply teacher at a school in EssexCredit: RexClive Wilson starred at Tottenham Hotspur in the 1990sCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe 63-year-old said: “I started to work in education in 2008.”After retiring from football in 2000, the ex-defender worked for Le Coq Sportif and Ted Baker before going to university and getting a degree in sports science.He revealed: “The odd thing was I fell into teaching by pure fluke.“I was at a golf driving range one day and there was a lovely guy there who was a Fulham fan and recognised me as a former footballer and asked what I was doing.read more on chelsea“He talked to me about the possibility of teaching. He suggested I should pop to a couple of local schools and have a look at them with no pressure, purely just to see what I thought.“I went along more as something to rule out really.“However, it had the complete opposite effect and I really thought it would be the type of job that I would enjoy.“I’m so grateful for his advice at the range. I haven’t looked back!Most read in Football“The odd thing is I have two brothers and a sister and two of them are teachers, too.Cult hero Ian Holloway spent four years out of football enjoying his hobby as a painter “I used to be one of those people who would tease them about them having the best job with a quarter of the year off with holidays.“Then I started teaching. Wow, was I mistaken! Believe me, you need that time.”Growing up, Wilson always wanted to be a footballer but thought it had passed him by when he had not been spotted by the age of 14.He left school at 16 and went to college to study electrical and electronic engineering with the intention of becoming an electrician.But in the last year of college he was spotted playing at Hough End — Manchester’s equivalent to London’s Hackney Marshes.He said: “Len Davies was a Manchester City scout in the days when people would scout the local talent.“And it went from there. I am a case in point that it’s never too late to chase your dream. “I joined at the time of Alex Williams, Andy May, Steve Kinsey, Tommy Caton — sadly no longer with us — and Steve Mackenzie, a 17-year-old Malcolm Allison signed from Crystal Palace, who went on to score one of the great FA Cup final goals.“The club reached successive FA Youth Cup finals in 1979 and 1980.“Sadly we lost them both to Millwall and Aston Villa. I played in the latter final.”Wilson still remembers his City debut — a League Cup tie against Stoke in October 1981 at Maine Road.Left-back Wilson made his debut with Man CityCredit: PAWilson is fondly remembered at Loftus Road where he played for QPRCredit: Getty – ContributorHe recalled: “I was excited at the thought of maybe getting a chance on the bench. Back then there was only one or two subs at the most.“But when I saw manager John Bond had named me in the team, reality suddenly hit me knowing I then had to go out and do it. All of a sudden I was playing alongside players who I thought were on a different level. But it all went OK and we won 2-0.”Clive spent eight years at Maine Road along with a small loan at Chester City for a season.Then he took on a new challenge in 1987 when he headed south to Chelsea.He said: “I liked the idea of playing for a club in London but then I had the biggest culture shock in terms of trying to find anywhere affordable to live!“I realise it’s nearly 40 years ago but you could get a three-bedroom house in Sale for £35,000.“In London I was lucky if I could buy a garage for that!“The first season at Stamford Bridge wasn’t great after being relegated from the top flight.“Not only that but we had the agony of losing a relegation play-off.“They were those two seasons when teams from the top flight would go into two-legged semi-final and final play-off games against teams from the second tier.Wilson hung up his boots in 2000 after a stint at Cambridge UnitedCredit: Getty“Sadly, we lost against Middlesbrough over two legs in the final.“However, we bounced back the following season — scoring 99 league points from our 46 games.”Wilson maintains his best playing years were under Gerry Francis at QPR between 1991 and 1994.He said: “In reflection, I think so. We finished fifth in the first all-new Premier League campaign in 1992-93 followed by another top-half finish the following season.“Then I think Gerry had a falling out with the club over the sale of Les Ferdinand and soon after he moved to Tottenham as manager.”Wilson ended up reuniting with Francis at White Hart Lane in 1995.He said: “Rangers boss Ray Wilkins wanted me to stay but, with no offence to QPR, I was 34 and I saw the switch to Spurs as possibly my last opportunity of playing at one of English football’s big clubs.“Working again with Gerry made it familiar for me, too.”He spent four years in North London but by the time he switched to Cambridge in 1999, he knew his football career was slowing down.Wilson admitted: “I was 38 and was picking up niggly injuries.Wilson is now enjoying life as a supply teacherCredit: RexWilson played for Spurs between 1995-199Credit: PA:Empics Sport“I was still undecided in that 1999-2000 season whether that would be my final year, but realised a few weeks after the end of the season that was it.“I never did go into my last game with any fanfares about it being my finale. And it suited me that way.“I loved my time as a player and I often get kids ask me why I am a teacher when I used to be a top-flight footballer. There is a concept that top-flight footballers have always been well paid.“It was a different time in English football. But I would never complain about it.“The game gave me a great grounding in my life. I am extremely proud of my 20-odd years in the game.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis last week has been an opportunity for Wilson to take a well-earned break from the classroom for half-term.He said: “It’s been a nice pause but I’ll enjoy going back in and mixing with children who, in the main, are a pleasure to teach and work with on a daily basis.”Wilson occasionally returns to Loftus Road and makes guest appearancesCredit: RexNow 63, Wilson leads a different life to his football careerCredit: Rex More

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      ‘Oh, God… did he say that?’ – Pep Guardiola left in disbelief at Jamie Carragher’s ‘not nice and not true’ claim

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      PEP GUARDIOLA fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked last week’s Euro blockbuster because he is scared of Antonio Rudiger.The Manchester City striker was an unused sub in their Champions League mauling at Real Madrid with a knee injury.Pep Guardiola fumed at “not nice” claims Erling Haaland ducked last week’s trip to the BernabeuCredit: GettyCarragher questioned Haaland’s place on the bench after City were hammered by Real MadridBut Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher reckons the Norway ace wanted to avoid Real’s fit-again centre-back Rudiger, 31.Speaking as pundit on CBS, he said: “It’s Rudiger-itis is it? Is that what we’re saying here?”Ahead of City hosting the Reds on Sunday, Guardiola shook his head in disbelief when told of Carra’s stunning comments.He said: “Oh, God. Did he say that? Jamie Carragher said that? Oh God. Don’t laugh. I don’t know why he makes that suspicious, you know that?READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Did he say that Haaland didn’t want to play the game? It’s not nice — and it’s not true.“He was crazy to play the game but had a problem with his knee and could not play.”It comes ahead of the Etihad fixture, which has become increasingly ill-tempered, and Haaland, 24, faces a late test to make the City line-up.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd he will be desperate to make it after Kop legend ­Carragher’s  taunts.Most read in FootballCarragher, 47, said: “So let me work this out. Haaland has gone to the manager this morning and said he’s not fit?Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe “Do you think it’s got something to do with Rudiger? Is that because Rudiger is playing?“He’s on the bench so he can’t be injured. I never went to see the manager on the morning of a game and said I’m not fit. So he’s injured, is he?” More

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      Bookies pay out on Liverpool Premier League title as Mikel Arteta slams Arsenal flops after West Ham defeat

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      FURIOUS Mikel Arteta slammed his Arsenal flops and accused them of lacking the ‘levels’ to be champs.Bookies Paddy Power last night paid out on a Liverpool title after  Jarrod Bowen’s winner at the Emirates.Fuming Mikel Arteta laid into his Arsenal flops after defeat to West HamCredit: RexMartin Odegaard was equally scathing of his team’s performanceCredit: PAAnd Gunners boss Arteta fumed: “I’m very, very angry. I hope the team is angry. That was nowhere near the levels we have to hit to  win a Premier League.”Sub Myles Lewis-Skelly was also sent off  after a VAR review for tripping Mohammed Kudus — Arsenal’s FIFTH red card of the season.Asked if the title race is over, Arteta admitted: “It’s not in our hands.“I’m really annoyed with the things that ARE in our hands and we didn’t do as well as we could.Read more football news“We have to look in the mirror of what we can do better: the will, the desire and the way we want it.”Prem leaders Liverpool will go ELEVEN points clear with a win at  Manchester City today.Injury-hit Arsenal mustered just TWO shots on target yesterday after midfielder Mikel Merino was handed his first career start as a No 9  following injuries to Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSArteta added: “Even though we had 20 shots, I never felt we were at the standard and the level we needed. We never got a grip of the game.Most read in FootballArsenal player ratings vs West Ham (1)“I refuse to blame the lack of strikers. I am talking about the players’ standards, me included.“This level was not enough. You have to deliver and it has to be with quality to break down a good team.” The shock defeat ended the Gunners’ run of 15 unbeaten Prem games.Skipper Martin Odegaard echoed Arteta’s comments and declared:“The performance was not good enough. It’s a big blow,  really disappointed.“We have players missing but we have players here who are good enough and available.“It wasn’t good enough in front of the goal. With the red card, it was tricky as well.”Asked if he picked the wrong team, Arteta replied: “I would do the same, but when you lose you get it wrong, the tactics, the intentions, everything.”Lewis-Skelly’s 73rd-minute red for a halfway-line trip on Kudus was  upgraded from an initial yellow after VAR Peter Bankes persuaded ref Craig Pawson to view the pitchside monitor.The Prem’s Match Centre confirmed VAR “deemed it denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity”.Kudus said: “I took the ball off and tried to get the shot off. If I wasn’t stopped, I was heading direct to goal against the keeper.Asked what needs to change between now and Wednesday’s visit to third-placed Nottingham Forest, Arteta added: “First of all, suffer, 24 to 48 hours, suffer and feel the pain.“Make sure we come back on Monday with  bite and anger still in the stomach.Arne Slot’s Liverpool take on Man City at the Etihad on SundayCredit: GettyIn-form Liverpool could open up an 11-point gap at the top of the tableCredit: Getty“Hopefully we have a positive reaction. We must understand we need to raise the level.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBowen, who scored his 50th Prem goal, said: “It was a beautiful ball in, I couldn’t miss.“It was really important to win the game.” More

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      Newcastle plotting to bring back former youth star who left in 2013 but is now shining at Premier League rivals

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      NEWCASTLE chief Eddie Howe is plotting to bring Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier back to Tyneside.Tavernier and his brother James, 33 – now captain of Rangers – grew up in the North East and played in Toon’s youth ranks.Eddie Howe is eyeing a summer swoop for former Toon youth player Marcus TavernierCredit: RexThe 25-year-old was formerly on the books at NewcastleCredit: GettyBut the winger, 25, joined Middlesbrough as a schoolkid and went on to earn a £10million move to Bournemouth in 2022.The Cherries have him under contract until 2028 and are under no pressure to sell.However, bids north of £25m could tempt them this summer. Tavernier has been a consistent performer on the South Coast for the past three seasons. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he has helped propel Bournemouth into unlikely Champions League chasers. Tavernier has two goals across 19 league games, along with a career-high five assists. Celtic’s German star Nicolas Kuhn and PSV Eindhoven attacker Johan Bakayoko are other names Howe will be interested in this summer.Newcastle host high-flying Nottingham Forest on Sunday knowing victory will send them fifth. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Howe is keen for his side to chase down Nuno Santo’s men – and bring Champions League football back to St James Park. Howe said: “The challenge for us, the coaching staff and players, is to finish as high as we can in the league. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires “Our target should be what is immediately ahead of us and above us.”We have to try and chase down teams like Nottingham Forest. It is a small target of points. “It is not impossible for us to achieve it.“The game we have coming up is potentially a big moment in that. “If we let our immediate opposition slip away from us, then it becomes very difficult to make that gap up. “They are important games coming up in the next few weeks.” More

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      Man Utd got lucky against Everton after major VAR blunder meant referee saw WRONG footage of Everton penalty claim

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      FORMER Premier League whistler Mark Halsey has branded VAR “embarrassing” following Everton’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United. The Toffees were denied a last-gasp penalty after a controversial VAR intervention on Saturday afternoon.Everton were given a penalty late on against Man Utd – only for the decision to be overturnedCredit: AFPReferee Andy Madley was shown incorrect footage on the pitchside monitorCredit: RexEx-referee Mark Halsey has slammed VAR for the mistakeCredit: AFPAshley Young went down in the box following a shirt pull from Matthijs De Ligt, with referee Andy Madley initially pointing to the spot.VAR Matt Donohue recommended Madley review his decision – before the WRONG footage was shown on the pitchside monitor. Former Prem ref Halsey told SunSport: “The decision to overturn a penalty awarded to Everton near the end of their 2-2 draw with Manchester United was clearly wrong.”VAR Matt Donohue should NOT have got involved because referee Andy Madley’s on-field call was in no way a clear and obvious error.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Ashley Young’s shirt was pulled – and when an opponent does that in the penalty area he is asking for trouble.”When Madley went to the monitor on the advice of VAR he was then shown the wrong footage.”The Premier League Match Centre posted on social media that Harry Maguire’s challenge on Young had been checked and that no foul had been committed.”But they failed to take into account that Matthijs de Ligt had pulled Young back by the shirt.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And had Madley been shown footage filmed from behind the goal he would have seen this.”The incident was embarrassing.”Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey slams decision not to overturn Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in Arsenal’s win over WolvesEverton led 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals by Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.But United fought back after the break and levelled through Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.Relieved Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim claimed the decision not to award a penalty was fair.Amorim said: “No, I think it’s a soft touch, it was not [a penalty] from what I saw. “I think it was a soft penalty, that was clear. “If you start the game without the first half, it was a good point, but we needed the three points.”The VAR footage centered on Harry Maguire impeding Ashley Young, rather than focusing on Mattjis De Ligt’s shirt pullBut fuming Everton manager David Moyes hit out at the officials after his side were denied back-to-back Premier League wins.Moyes fumed: “I can’t understand. [De Ligt] pulled his jersey.”I just thought the referee made the correct decision at the time and he should stick with it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think everybody who watches football, we’re all looking forward to seeing a referee saying ‘No, no I’m sticking with it’.’If it’s absolutely clear and obvious that’s what we’ve got VAR for, but I didn’t think it needed to get involved.Man Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure. More