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      Crystal Palace 1 Nottingham Forest 1: Visitors’ Champions League race blow as hosts close on first 50-point season ever

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST’S slump continues – yet their Champions League fate remains in their nervous, sweaty palms.Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest began April in third and 10 points clear of sixth, daring to dream of welcoming Europe’s big dogs to their beloved City Ground.Eberechi Eze scored the opener from the spotCredit: ReutersMurillo netted Forest’s equaliserCredit: ReutersBut last night’s salvaged point away to Crystal Palace sees them with just one win from their last five Prem outings – Murillo’s 64th minute deflected flick cancelling out Eberechi Eze’s VAR-awarded penalty on the hour mark.Forest are now sat in sixth and two points off fifth-placed Chelsea and fourth-placed Newcastle with three games remaining.That epic final-day showdown against the Blues still leaves Forest in control of their own destiny, requiring a perfect end to the campaign before then at home to relegated Leicester and away to West Ham.There is also the added ingredient of Enzo Maresca’s Londoners visiting St James’ Park this weekend.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut it should never have come down to this, and Forest only have themselves to blame for nearly letting it slip.Oliver Glasner’s Palace, with an FA Cup final to look forward to later this month, are just four points shy of their best-ever Prem points tally, and could have been even closer thanks to a sizzling display by Eze – fresh from winning £15k in an online chess tournament last week.But this was all about Forest and their ability to check-mate themselves out of nowhere.Nuno made a tactical switch from Thursday’s 2-0 defeat at home to Brentford, dropping Ryan Yates and giving injury-plagued Ibrahim Sangare his first Prem start since August. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe other change was enforced – Callum Hudson-Odoi’s hamstring issues pushing Elliot Anderson out wide and Nicolas Dominguez filling in.Palace went with the same XI that battered Aston Villa at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals last month, and Selhurst Park did its best to recreate that atmosphere in south west London.Top 10 highest paid footballersMatz Selz gave away the penalty that led to Palace’s goalCredit: RexMurillo was forced off late in the match with an injuryCredit: GettyIn reality, Forest’s nerves had sapped the energy from their legs from the off. The hosts could smell that fear and hesitation. A bombardment of Forest’s box with several corners one after another had Nuno’s boys scrambling for a breather.The FA Cup finalists were enjoying themselves, perhaps a bit too much as Tyrick Mitchell almost headed past his own keeper when dealing with a long ball but for an acrobatic reaction stop from Dean Henderson.With a place amongst Europe’s finest on the line, Forest were alarmingly flat. Palace were lacking intensity and quality too, but at least they had an excuse of having one eye on Wembley.Needing to win, Forest were playing like a team terrified to lose.Palace sparked into life in the 34th minute – Sarr connecting with Mitchell’s looping back-post cross forcing Matz Sels into his first save.VAR could have livened things up with Chris Woods taking a tumble in the box under contact from Daniel Munoz five minutes before the break, but the briefest of checks allowed referee Andy Madley to play on.Nuno’s half-time talk could have been so different had Anthony Elanga finished a fine move involving Dominguez and Wood instead of firing straight at Henderson – classic countering Forest from back to front.Not one for throwing teacups in dressing rooms, Nuno now needed his side to throw the kitchen sink at their opponents in search of a goal worthy of Champions League football.Wood should have delivered it in the 50th minute via another counter with a composed touch in the box only to watch his effort deflect just wide from the inside of Lacroix’s leg.Nuno sunk to his knees. A huge moment, especially as seconds before Sels had denied Sarr up the other end.The drama continued. Sarr’s brilliant cross picked out Mitchell in the six-yard box and the Eagles full-back was taken out – first by Dominguez and then by Sels.Madley waved away, but a VAR check was inevitable. The monitor confirmed Forest’s worst fears with Sels booked and Eze stood over the penalty.His finish was emphatic – his tenth in all competitions. His stuttered run-up had Forest players surrounding Madley, more out of desperation than anything else.Forest responded quickly, and with a huge slice of luck as Nico Williams’ driven effort from range was helped in by a stray Murillo leg.Palace pushed in the dying moments as Forest retreated.Maxence Lacroix headed just over. Eze curled one onto the bar from 25 yards and Eddie Nketiah had a goal ruled out for offside in injury time to send Nuno’s nerves into overdrive.Read More on The SunForest are alive, but there really is no more room for error.Palace however are now just four points shy of breaking the 50-point barrier in the Premier League for the first time ever.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side need to be near perfect to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: RexOliver Glasner could be the first Crystal Palace manager to win 50 points in a seasonCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel ran his eyes over the England hopefulsCredit: Alamy More

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      Inside Jamie Vardy & wife Becky’s plans for US move with talks for role in huge TV show & new football club

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      THE Vardys are eyeing a move to America after Becky held talks with Stateside TV bosses — while Jamie is wanted by MLS footie sides.We can reveal Wag Becky, 43, is a target for the makers of hit US reality shows including Netflix real estate smash Selling Sunset.Jamie and Becky Vardy are eyeing a move to AmericaWag Becky has held talks with Stateside TV bossesCredit: PAJamie, 38, recently announced he will be leaving Leicester CityCredit: GettyAnd Jamie, 38, who announced ten days ago he will be leaving Leicester City, has US teams including San Diego FC and Wayne Rooney’s ex club D.C. United interested in his signature.A move would see the couple branch out to become famous on both sides of the Atlantic like Posh and Becks, and even the Kardashian reality TV clan.It would also represent a “fresh start” after the Wagatha Christie saga that saw Becky take on Coleen Rooney in court.A source said: “The US is the most likely next move for the Vardys and is partly because Becky has had interest in TV work there.READ MORE ON THE VARDYS“She was in talks with the makers of Selling Sunset earlier this year. They wanted her to appear as the potential buyer of a luxury home there.“That stalled because of the California wildfires in January but could still happen.“If it does, the show is a great ‘shop window’ for stars in the US to go on to other things.“And other networks over there are aware of her because of her high profile through starring on I’m a Celeb and also the ­Wagatha case.Most read in Football“It would also represent a fresh start for them and their family and a chance of moving on from recent events in the UK.“But it does depend on what football offers Jamie receives as he’s still the main breadwinner.Major blow for Becky Vardy as Coleen Rooney WINS latest Wagatha Christie battle“Jamie probably has a couple of years left in the game, and a lot of older players like him end up in the US.“He likes the idea of America, and could even end up with Beckham’s Inter Miami side.“But both Wrexham and Birmingham are still possible over here — and have their own ­Hollywood links.”Striker Jamie joined Leicester, nicknamed the Foxes, from non-league Fleetwood in 2012 and has won the 2015-16 Premier League title plus the 2021 FA Cup.The couple, who wed in 2016, have three children together.Becky also has two daughters from a previous relationship and is stepmum to Jamie’s daughter from a previous romance. More

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      Emma Louise Jones called ‘most beautiful woman in country’ as she risks major wardrobe malfunction in see-through dress

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      EMMA LOUISE JONES has been hailed as the “most beautiful woman in the country”.The sports presenter risked a major wardrobe malfunction in a see-through dress as she hosted the end of season awards at Leeds United.Emma Louise Jones stunned fans in a see-through dressCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/She shared pictures of the outfit on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/She looked stunning in the figure-hugging outfitCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/She was the host for Leeds United’s end-of-season awardsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/Emma, 35, is a huge Leeds supporter and has worked at the club’s in-house media team.She was given the honour of hosting the awards at the club following promotion back to the Premier League.The stunning blonde showed off her outfit for the event, which was a daring see-through dress that was also low cut with a very high slit up the leg.Emma posted snaps of herself on Instagram for her 421k followers.READ MORE ON SPORTThe pictures showed off the beautiful dress and her working on stage as she interviewed Leeds’ Player of the Year Dan James.Fans loved the snaps as they flooded the comment section.One posted: “Beautiful.”A second wrote: “Stunning as always.”Most read in FootballA third commented: “Aw, you look stunning.”A fourth said: “Absolutely stunning!! That dress is amazing.”BBC presenter Emma Louise Jones stuns in low cut dress as she shows off ‘new talent’ to adoring fansEmma spoke to Dan James at the eventCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/She revealed that she always has squash next to her bedCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/Another added: “The most beautiful women in this country! Absolute stunner.”The post also revealed that she also keeps a huge bottle of squash on her bedside table.She captioned the post: “What a pleasure it was to host the Player of the Year awards for the team who’ve been promoted as champions.”What a season, what a celebration!”P.S Yes, I always keep a bottle of squash on my bedside table.”Emma began her career as a freelance journalist for Channel 5 News and has since featured on Football Focus, MOTDx and ViaPlay.Scroll down for a glimpse into Emma Louise Jones’ glamorous lifestyle..Emma is a popular BBC sports presenterCredit: Instagram / @eljonesukShe covers rugby league for the BBC alongside other sportsCredit: Twitter / @eljonesukEmma had put together a strong social media game and can boast over a quarter of a million followersCredit: Instagram / @eljonesukShe loves to share glam pics with her legion of followersCredit: instagramEmma’s posts attract a lot of engagement from her followersCredit: Instagram, @eljones90 More

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      ‘I love these fools’ – Chelsea fans react to stars’ wild dressing room celebrations after huge win over Liverpool

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      CHELSEA fans loved seeing the players’ wild dressing celebrations after the win over Liverpool.The Blues stormed to a 3-1 win over the newly-crowned Premier League champions at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.Enzo Fernandez celebrated Chelsea’s win over LiverpoolCredit: SnapchatJadon Sancho was also thrilled in the dressing roomCredit: SnapchatNoni Madueke took centre stage to show off his dance movesCredit: SnapchatEnzo Fernandez fired the hosts into the lead before Jarell Quansah put through his own net.Virgil van Dijk got one back for Liverpool before Cole Palmer put the result to bed with a 96th-minute penalty.The victory for Chelsea is a significant boost to their Champions League qualification hopes.The players were clearly overjoyed with the result as they celebrated in the dressing room.READ MORE ON CHELSEATrevoh Chalobah shared footage of his team-mates celebrating on his Snapchat, captioned “My team”.The video showed Enzo Fernandez shirtless and dancing before Noni Madueke took centre stage.The winger sprang up from his seat to dance in front of the whole squad, who all cheered him on.Fans loved seeing the players in a buoyant mood as they reacted on social media.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOne posted: “I love these fools.”A second wrote: “Missed these vibes.”Chelsea star Cole Palmer explains how 100 versions of himself would beat one gorillaThe win has boosted Chelsea’s Champions League hopesCredit: GettyCole Palmer ended his 12-game goal drought against the RedsCredit: GettyA third commented: “They finally found their happiness.”A fourth said: “Most likeable Chelsea squad in a long time, full of vibes.”Another added: “Man, I love this squad.”The win puts the Blues fifth in the Premier League, level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle.Enzo Maresca’s squad take on the Magpies on Sunday in what could be a crucial match in the race for the Champions League.Chelsea then finish the season with matches against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

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      Luis Galvan dead aged 77: Tributes pour in as Argentine World Cup winner dies just two weeks after legendary team-mate

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      A FORMER Argentine World Cup winner has died – two weeks after the South American nation lost one of its most iconic goalkeepers Hugo Gatti.Luis Galvan died around midday local time today aged 77 in the city of Cordoba where he had spent the last few years living and was admitted to hospital earlier this year.Former centre-back Luis Galvan earned 34 caps for his countryCredit: GettyGalvan, standing third from left, helped Argentina to World Cup gloryCredit: AFP – GettyThe highlight of his footballing career came when he was selected to represent Argentina at the 1978 World Cup, which the country staged and won for the first time.He played all games in the tournament alongside captain Daniel Passarella including the final in the Monumental Stadium against the Netherlands, which they won 3-1.Galvan retired from international football with 34 caps, a year after the nation’s disappointing campaign at the 1982 World Cup when they were eliminated in the second group phase.The former centre-back spent most of his career playing for Talleres de Cordoba, the club he started out with professionally and returned to in 1986 following a year in Bolivia where he played for La Paz-based side Bolivar.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt emerged around three weeks ago that Luis was ill in hospital with pneumonia in both lungs.His family had previously revealed in March that he had been hospitalised with a kidney problem.A relative said he had gone down with pneumonia after picking up a virus while he was being treated, insisting at the time he was getting better and saying: “His desire to live remains intact.”Club Atletico Talleres, the full name of the club where Galvan made 503 appearances over a period of 17 years, posted on X: “We communicate with great sadness the passing of Luis Adolfo Galvan, emblem of the Club and World Champion with the Argentina National Team in 1978.Most read in FootballGalvan played at World Cups in 1978 and 1982Credit: Getty“We accompany your family and loved ones at this time, and we raise our prayers for the eternal rest of their soul. We accompany your family and loved ones at this time, and we raise our prayers for the eternal rest of their soul.”Legendary Argentinian goalkeeper Hugo Gatti died on April 20, just over a month after being admitted to a hospital intensive care unit in his homeland when he contacted pneumonia following a hip operation.Remembering Hugo Gatti: The Legendary ‘El Loco’ GoalkeeperThe retired goalkeeper, nicknamed El Loco or The Madman because of his outspoken character and eccentric style of play, was operated after injuring himself in a street fall as he walked his dog.The 80-year-old’s surgery went well – but a virus he also contracted in hospital is said to have led to him suffering post-op complications and the breathing problems that ended up with Gatti in a high-dependency care unit and ultimately led to his death.Gatti, capped 18 times by his country, was part of the Argentine squad that travelled to England for the 1966 World Cup.He has been described as the first goalkeeper to wear gloves and one of the first to regularly leave his penalty area. He would often take on opponents and venture upfield. He was also an expert penalty stopper.After retiring following 13 years at his last club Boca Juniors he became a controversial TV football pundit.He bizarrely claimed in 2019 Lionel Messi must quit Barcelona and join Real Madrid to prove he was truly the greatest of all time.Read More on The SunLucas, one of the two children he had with his wife of more than 50 years Nacha Nodar, was also a professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Argentinos Juniors, Dundee, and Badajoz.He was appointed U23 manager at Bromley Football Club after hanging up his boots.Hugo Gatti sadly died last month aged 80 More

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      Ethan Ampadu appears to leak Junior Firpo’s next club in front of 150,000 Leeds fans during wild bus parade

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      LEEDS fans fear that Junior Firpo is set to return to Real Betis following Ethan Ampadu’s bus parade outburst.The Whites celebrated with an incredible 150,000 fans in Leeds city centre earlier today.Ethan Ampadu grabbed the mic from Junior FirpoLeeds stars enjoyed an open top bus paradeCredit: ReutersAround 150,000 Leeds fans lined the streets to celebrateCredit: ReutersDuring the wild parade, Ampadu serenaded his popular team-mate.Taking the microphone, the former Chelsea star sang: “He came from Barca, he won the cup in Spain.”He plays for Leeds now, he’ll do the same again.”He’s f***ing magic and don’t you f***ing know, his name is Junior, Junior Firpo.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmpadu’s singing prompted the Leeds fans to join in with the popular chant.But the Wales international’s next action was a lot more concerning for Leeds fans.The 24-year-old repeatedly shouted “Real Betis” – Firpo’s former club.Left-back Firpo has been linked with a return to the LaLiga side that he left for Barca in 2019.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Elland Road favourite is set to be out of contract next month.Upon seeing the video of Ampadu’s outburst, one Leeds fan wrote on X: “Real Betis it is then?”Daniel Farke turns into DJ for Leeds’ bus parade as 150,000 fans cheer on their promotion heroesWhile a second admitted: “Yeah, thought “he’s off” once Ampadu said that.”And another added: “Lad’s going out on a high. Can’t blame him. He leaves a legend in my eyes.”Speaking to Marca last month, via Mundo Deportivo, Firpo reportedly said: “Returning to Spain, well. Especially returning to Betis. It’s an option I always have open.”I’ve never hidden it. If I tell you that I’ve found it like a home here in Leeds, I’m telling you that Betis is my home. I’m a Betis fan, everyone knows that, and it’s in my blood.”Firpo also told the Yorkshire Evening Post of his future, upon Leeds sealing promotion: “Last time that we spoke, I probably told you that I was focused on promotion. Promotion is done now. But I don’t know.”I don’t know. I think it’s something to speak with the club about maybe when the season is done, you know, and they have more clear plans as well. Let’s see what happens.”Firpo signed for Leeds from Barcelona in 2021 and has gone on to make 119 appearances for the Whites.The Dominican international has just enjoyed his best campaign since moving to England, scoring four goals and laying on 10 assists from left-back.During today’s title parade, boss Daniel Farke pretended to perform on DJ decks as fans chanted “Don’t you know pump it up, the Whites are going up.”The German gleefully danced along, having won his third Championship title following previous triumphs with Norwich.Read More on The SunAmid speculation over Farke’s future, Leeds CEO Paraag Marathe yesterday publicly backed the German.Marathe said: “I have ended the speculation. He is my man.”Daniel Farke pretended to play DJ decks at the Leeds paradeCredit: https://x.com/The_Forty_Four More

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      Fans say Cole Palmer is ‘too funny’ as Chelsea star explains how 100 Cole Palmers would beat one gorilla

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      COLE PALMER has been hailed as “too funny” after explaining his view on the viral debate over a fight between a gorilla and 100 men.The Chelsea star has weighed in on the question that has dominated social media.Cole Palmer has shared his thoughts on the 100 men vs gorilla debateCredit: https://x.com/CFCBlues_comHe left fans in hysterics with his responseCredit: https://x.com/CFCBlues_comPalmer thinks 100 of him could beat a gorilka in a fightFormer Manchester City star Joe Hart is on the side of the men, believing that teamwork is the key for them to win.Palmer, 22, also believes that if there were 100 versions of himself, then they could come out on top against the great ape.The midfielder was asked the question during a gym session and his response left fans in hysterics.He said: “Ah not this f***ing bulls*** again.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”I am saying yeah, if you had 100 men willing to fight and can actually fight, and the first 20 or 30, then the gorilla is going to do it.”If you have 100 of you [cameraman] the gorilla but not a 100 of me haha.”Nah I am only messing, it depends you know.”JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFans reacted to his explanation on social media.Most read in FootballOne posted: “Cole Palmer is too funny.”‘S— happens’ – Sky Sports forced to apologise after Cole Palmer swears before slamming trolls in awkward interviewA second wrote: “God man I love him so much.”A third commented: “This boy is too silly. I love him.”A fourth said, “Palmer and the gorilla would end up being best friends, and the gorilla would protect him.”Another added: “I stand with Cole Palmer haha.”It is not the first time Palmer has been asked his opinion on the debate.Ahead of last week’s Europa Conference League clash against Djurgarden, team-mate Tosin Adarabioyo asked him. But he was not impressed as he gave a blunt answer, saying it would be tight.Fans have often been left laughing with the former Man City youth prospect.Many started changing their own technique for making a cup of tea after watching him make one.Palmer broke his scoring drought in Chelsea’s win over Liverpool on Sunday.Read More on The SunThe England international netted from the spot in the 96th minute to wrap up a 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge.It was his first goal in 12 matches, and it took his Premier League tally to 15 this season. More

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      Sick Celtic fan who was spotted mocking Ibrox Disaster against Rangers SACKED from job

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      A VILE Celtic fan seen mocking the Ibrox disaster during Sunday’s Old Firm match has been sacked from his high-flying job.Police have also launched an investigation into the actions of Darren Malloch who was filmed mocking the deaths of 66 Rangers fans who died after a stairway crush in 1971.Darren Malloch was caught mocking the victims of the Ibrox DisasterMalloch has been dismissed from his construction jobThe 35-year-old, from the Glasgow area, is a project manager with Advance Construction Scotland who have since announced his employment has been terminated in the wake of the shameful images of their employee.A statement read: “We can confirm that an individual has been dismissed from our employment, following an incident involving completely unacceptable behaviour at the recent Rangers v Celtic football match.“As a company, we hold all employees to the highest standards of conduct, both inside and outside the workplace.“In line with our disciplinary procedures, we will not tolerate or condone this behaviour.“We believe that Police Scotland is also investigating this incident, and therefore, we are unable to make any further comment on the matter.”Footage from the 1-1 draw between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox showed Mr Malloch holding up his mobile phone towards opposition fans with the number 66 clearly visible on the handset.That is the number of Gers supporters who lost their lives in the Ibrox disaster after a stairway crush at an Old Firm game on January 2, 1971.The warped fan can then be seen putting his phone away before showing the number six twice with his fingers – another reference to 66 deaths – and mimicking falling over with his hands.Most read in FootballIn a further sad twist, a child can be seen copying Malloch’s gestures.Malloch was a highly respected project manager for Advance Construction Scotland.Next season will be Brendan Rodgers’ LAST as Celtic manager says Robert GrieveBut after his image was shared widely on social media, the company dismissed him within hours following a string of complaints.Police Scotland also confirmed they were looking at the footage.A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the incident and enquiries are ongoing.”Celtic were approached for comment on whether they would ban Malloch for Celtic Park for life.The club said: “We will investigate fully and take any appropriate action.”Multiple attempts were made to reach Malloch himself for commentKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More