Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Joao Felix pulls out of Chelsea squad for Man City clash as he is given leave to fly home for family bereavement

      by

      CHELSEA star Joao Felix will not feature against Manchester City this afternoon after flying home due to a family bereavement.Felix, 25, has been granted compassionate leave by the Blues.Joao Felix will not feature for Chelsea this afternoonCredit: RexThe Portuguese may have been in contention to feature against City, but will now be unavailable on compassionate grounds.Felix rejoined Chelsea last summer on a permanent deal, following a previous loan spell in 2023.He has made 20 appearances in all competitions this season, including 12 in the Premier League.The attacker has been linked with a Chelsea exit this month, having only earned three Prem starts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEarlier this week, boss Enzo Maresca opened up on Felix’s lack of game time.He said: “Joao is a Chelsea player. The problem, unfortunately, for Joao and Christo [Nkunku], the manager plays most of the games with one attacking midfielder and that is Cole Palmer.“We have decided to play with an attacking midfielder in most of the games, so this is the reason why Joao and Christo struggle to get minutes – not for any different reasons because they are both fantastic players, fantastic guys who work well.“The reason why is only because most of the games I decide to play with one attacking midfielder in terms of balance. This is the reason why.”Most read in FootballFurther quizzed if Felix could leave before the end of the transfer window, Maresca added: “I am not saying that, I am not saying that.”I am saying that I like both but the reason why they struggle is because most of the time I play with one attacking midfielder.”Chelsea player ratings: Chalobah back with a bang but Sanchez drops 2/10 horror show in Wolves winIn further Chelsea team news, Levi Colwill and Enzo Fernandez will be late decisions having both suffered with knocks.Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia all remain out with thigh injuries. More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Major British football stadium damaged by Storm Eowyn with huge clash CALLED OFF

      by

      CELTIC’S Scottish Premiership clash with Dundee has been postponed due to damage caused by Storm Eowyn.Scotland has been struck by winds of up to 100mph in what has been dubbed “the Storm of the Century”.Damage has been caused to Celtic ParkCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdConditions around the stadium may have put fans at riskCredit: PADebris can be seen within Celtic ParkCeltic confirmed last night that the match would be subject to an inspection, after images circulated of damage caused to their Parkhead home.The Scottish champions have now confirmed that the game is OFF in a club statement.It read: “Today’s scheduled Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee at Celtic Park has been called off.”Unfortunately, due to the stadium damage sustained yesterday we have been advised that we are unable to proceed with today’s match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”While clearly this is disappointing, the safety of our supporters will always be our priority.”Yesterday, Scotland was subject to a red weather warning issued by the Met Office, with citizens urged to stay at home.This was later reduced to an amber warning, before being downgraded to yellow – which will remain in place until 3pm today.Images circulating online show debris lying within Celtic Park itself.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYWhile advertisements located outside the ground have also been ripped by the gale-force winds.Celtic have confirmed that the game will now take place on February 5, with a 7:45pm kick-off.Rangers’ Ibrox stadium suffers damage from Storm Eowyn Dundee have released a statement of their own.It reads: “Our William Hill Premiership match against Celtic scheduled for today, Saturday 25th January, at 3pm has been postponed due to damage caused to Celtic Park as a result of the severe weather conditions.”This match has been rescheduled and will now take place on Wednesday 5th February at 7:45pm.”Match tickets bought for the original fixture will be valid for the rescheduled match on the 5th February.”Rangers’ Ibrox home has also been damaged by Storm Eowyn.Philippe Clement’s side are away this weekend, with their trip to Dundee United scheduled tomorrow for 12pm set to go ahead.Ross County’s Scottish Premiership clash with Hibernian this afternoon was also subject to an inspection.But the Dingwall clash is set to go ahead after officials were satisfied with safety measures in place.READ MORE SUN STORIESElsewhere in the SPFL, Arbroath’s clash with Kelty Hearts has been called off.While Greenock Morton have confirmed that “significant damage” has been caused to their Cappielow Park home – although they are away to Hampden-based Queens Park this weekend.Ibrox has also been damaged by Storm Eowyn More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd flop Antony gives five-word statement as he’s pictured for first time in Spain ahead of Real Betis loan transfer

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony has arrived in Spain ahead of his loan move to Real Betis.The Brazilian has said he is “so happy” after agreeing a six-month loan move to the La Liga club after failing to impress at United.Antony has arrived in Spain ahead of his move to Real BetisCredit: RexThe winger posed for a picture at the airportCredit: X @GonzaloTortosaAntony is set to seal his move to Betis today and will undergo medical tests to get the deal over the line this weekend.And the out-of-favour United forward is clearly excited about returning to the pitch as he told reporters at the airport: “I’m so happy, I’m ready”.Antony, 24, is hoping to secure more minutes with the Spanish club after failing to make a single league start for Man Utd this season.Since his £86m arrival from Ajax in 2022, Antony has scored just five Premier League goals in 62 league appearances for the Red Devils.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited and Antony will both be hoping that regular minutes are on the horizon at Betis after it was reported that the deal included penalty clauses related to how often the South American is used. It’s understood that Betis will cover at least 84 PER CENT of the star’s wages – which are believed to be around £200,000 per week.While the Spanish outfit will also pay Antony’s bonuses at the end of the season.It doesn’t look like it will be a permanent end to Antony’s time at Old Trafford with no buy clause included in the loan move.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAntony’s current terms with United run until June 2027, with the club understood to hold the option to extend the deal by another year.Ruben Amorim may lose yet another winger in the remaining week of the January window.Moment shocking brawl breaks out at Old Trafford as Rangers fans ‘infiltrate Man Utd end’ with club set to investigate Alejandro Garnacho is reportedly close to a dramatic switch to Chelsea in a £60m deal.While the Blues could send Christopher Nkunku the other way in a surprise swap deal. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside glamorous life of Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Ashlyn, who was linked with another sports ace and Hollywood star

      by

      MODEL beauty Ashlyn Castro has turned Jude Bellingham’s head – and already charmed his parents. The American influencer, 27, has enjoyed a string of dates with the Three Lions hero in Madrid. Ashlyn Castro is dating England superstar Jude BellinghamCredit: instagramThe stunning American model hails from Los Angeles, CaliforniaCredit: instagramThe 27-year-old regularly updates her thousands of followers from locations around the worldCredit: instagramBellingham and Ashlyn were snapped enjoying a lunch date in MadridCredit: BackGridAshlyn and Bellingham were snapped heading for a lunch date in the Spanish capital earlier this week. It came after she watched the Real Madrid star from a private box at the Bernabeu alongside his parents Denise, 56, and dad Mark, 48.A model and influencer, Ashlyn hails from Los Angeles, California. She has been linked with a string of A-listers in recent years, including Creed actor Michael B. Jordan.READ MORE ON BELLINGHAMThe pair were rumoured to be dating after cosying up on the French Riviera in 2018.Jordan and Ashlyn were snapped dancing the night away as the pair swigged from bottles of champagne at a St. Tropez club.A year later, she denied online whispers she was dating basketball star LaMelo Ball.The rumour mill went into overdrive after one of Ashlyn’s followers congratulated her on the apparent relationship.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCastro originally liked the comment but later confirmed it was a mistake, insisting she was just friends with the NBA star.Ashlyn enjoys the jet-setting lifestyle and shares her worldwide travels to 154,000 Instagram fans. Fans hail ‘agent Jude Bellingham’ as England star is spotted with Real Madrid transfer target in nightclubWhile her bikini-clad snaps from beaches around the world have amassed thousands of admirers. She has recently posted snaps from high-end eateries in New York, LA and Madrid.The influencer is also a big hit on TikTok, posting regular makeup tutorials and amassing over 1 million likes.Despite her globetrotting lifestyle online, Ashlyn likes to keep her personal life away from the spotlight.After tragically losing her father to Covid in 2021, she wrote on Instagram in a moving tribute: “I’ve never been one to share anything too personal on [social media].”I keep the people I love most closest to my heart, I want to protect them at all costs.”Ashlyn regularly posts content from cities around the worldCredit: instagramBellingham and the influencer have exchanged likes on their respective social mediaCredit: instagramAshlyn boasts over 150,000 followers on Instagram aloneCredit: instagramShe is also active on TikTok, giving makeup tutorials and fashion adviceCredit: instagramCastro watched Bellingham play from a private box at the Bernabeu in midweekCredit: instagramAshlyn grew up in Los Angeles and has previously been linked with Michael B. JordanCredit: instagramBellingham, 21, has been dubbed one of the world’s most eligible bachelors.In the space of four years, the Stourbridge native went from playing in the Championship with Birmingham to lifting the Champions League trophy with Real. He penned a monster £70million contract after joining Real from Dortmund in a £115m deal.Bellingham and England teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold went on holiday to LA after last summer’s Euros.Shortly after, he and Castro began exchanging likes on their respective Instagram pages.The £220,000-a-week midfielder split from Ghanaian model Asantewa Chitty in 2023.He was linked with a “completely smitten” Laura Celia Valk last summer.But the Dutch beauty has since confirmed she is single in a recent Q&A with fans.Bellingham has settled into life in the Spanish capital, living in the exclusive La Finca neighbourhood alongside a host of A-list stars.Properties fetch up to £11million in the area, which offers the privacy that Bellingham craves.Jude’s teammate Kylian Mbappe has also bought in the district, which is guarded by round-the-clock security and infrared cameras.Bellingham’s mum Denise moved over with her boy to get him adjusted to life in Spain. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe explained: “My mum is there to just keep everything neutral really. “Without my mum, sometimes I’d get too low with the lows or too high with the highs and I stay pretty humble because I’ve got her around.”Bellingham has become a superstar since switching Dortmund for Real MadridCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      David Gaskell dead aged 84: Tributes pour in for Man Utd’s youngest-ever player as Busby Babes star passes away

      by

      FORMER Manchester United goalkeeper David Gaskell has passed away aged 84 following a brief battle with illness.United sadly announced their former stopper’s passing in a statement on Friday night.Former Manchester United goalkeeper David Gaskell has died aged 84Credit: REXGaskell passed away following a brief bout of illnessA segment read: “Manchester United is saddened to learn of the passing of our former goalkeeper David Gaskell, a figure with a special place in club history.”News of Gaskell’s passing was confirmed to the club by his family, who paid a touching tribute.They said: “Dave was devoted to his beloved wife, Barbara, with whom he shared 68 wonderful years of marriage.”He was a proud father to his three daughters, Michelle, Lesley, and Nicola, and a loving grandfather to Joel, Emily, Eleanor, Ted, and Edith.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”His family was his greatest joy, and his legacy will live on through them.”In these past few weeks of illness, Dave was surrounded by the love and support of the many friends he made throughout his life—friends who, like so many in Wrexham and beyond, will miss him dearly.”Dave Gaskell leaves behind not just a remarkable sporting legacy, but an enduring example of kindness, dedication, and humility.”He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”Most read in FootballDavid Gaskell still holds the record of being Manchester United’s youngest-ever playerCredit: GETTYGaskell was part of the Busby BabesCredit: PAThe Old Trafford faithful were quick to pay tribute to the late Gaskell, with one writing on X: “Rest easy! Your work is done.”Another said: “Rest in peace champ. Once a Red, aways a Red.”And another said: “RIP.”One remarked: “This is so sad May his soul rest in peace.”Another chimed in: “May he rest in peace.”Gaskell – who was one of the legendary Busby Babes – made a total of 96 appearances for United during a 12-year stay at the club. He made history in his debut against Manchester City in October 1956 by becoming the club’s youngest-ever player. Gaskell was 16 years and 19 days old when he played in the 1956 FA Charity Shield, which United won 1-0.His displays in the Manchester derby saw Sir Matt Busby hand him an immediate promotion to the first team. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe’d spend 11 seasons with United before moving to Wigan Athletic. Gaskwell would then enjoy spells with Wrexham and Arcadia Shepherds – who proved to be his last club – following a single season stay with The Latics. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      England ace Jude Bellingham pictured for first time with stunning model girlfriend…and she’s already met his parents

      by

      ENGLAND ace Jude Bellingham is seen for the first time with his new Instagram model girlfriend.The Real Madrid star, 21, has been on a string of dates with American Ashlyn Castro, 27 — who met his parents this week in the Spanish capital.Real Madrid star, Jude Bellingham 21, has been on a string of dates with American Ashlyn Castro, 27Credit: InstagramEngland ace Jude seen for the first time with his new Instagram model girlfriend AshlynCredit: BackGridAshlyn is from Los Angeles where Jude and best mate Trent Alexander-Arnold went on holiday after the Euros in JulyCredit: InstagramInstagram model Ashlyn Castro chatted to Jude’s mum Denise, left, and dad Mark, second from left, in Real Madrid’s WAGS and family boxCredit: BackGridInstagram model Ashlyn chatted to his mum Denise, 56, and dad Mark, 48, in Real Madrid’s Wags and family box on Wednesday.The American even hugged Denise as Jude’s team ran out 5-1 winners against Salzburg in the Champions League.England superstar Jude and Ashlyn then went for lunch together the next day.Pals say they have been on several dates after they began liking each other’s social media posts.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL NEWSJude was said to have been particularly drawn to one in November featuring pictures of Ashlyn in a low-cut dress laying on a bed.She is from Los Angeles where Jude and Three Lions team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold went on holiday after the Euros in July.Ashlyn, who has 140,000 Instagram followers, was rumoured to have previously dated Creed actor Michael B Jordan and was linked with basketball player LaMelo Ball, 23.Ashyn sips a drink in the executive box with the star’s parentsCredit: BackGridThe American even hugged Jude’s mum Denise after the final whistleCredit: BackGridDespite the 5-1 drumming, Ashlyn did not appear to be overawed by the occasion as she watched from the executive box in the stands with Jude’s parentsCredit: BackGridShe suffered heartbreak in July 2021 when her dad died from Covid, aged 59. In a touching ­tribute, she described him as “superman to me”.Most read in FootballJude was crowned Britain’s most eligible bachelor by posh gossip magazine Tatler in October.It said: “For this midfielder, it’s all about the right or left swipe — and we aren’t talking about footwork. Rumours are swirling that he’s on celeb dating app Raya.”Wholesome moment Jude Bellingham leaves a young Real Madrid fan crying with happiness as he hands him his shirtIn April there was speculation that Jude had been dating model Laura Celia Valk, 26, who was said to be “completely smitten”. Last month she said she was single.In 2023 he was reportedly dating Ghanaian model Asantewa Chitty. He is also said to have dated US TikTok star Azra Mian. In 2023 The Sun revealed he had been ­messaging R&B singer Rmarni. Last night Jude’s agent and Real Madrid were approached for comment. The Sun also sought comment from Ashlyn.Jude and Ashlyn went for lunch in Madrid the day after the match, which Real won 5-1Credit: BackGridPals say Jude and Ashlyn have been on several dates after they began liking each other’s social media postsCredit: BackGridAshlyn and Jude seemed happy to wander the busy streets of Madrid as they enjoyed their public lunch dateCredit: BackGridThe lunchtime outing was the first time the pair have been seen in publicCredit: BackGridJude ended up on the winningCredit: GettyAshlyn’s photos have earned her 140,000 followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramShe has also been previously linked with American basketball player LaMelo BallCredit: instagramA series of stunning pictures on Instagram are said to have grabbed Judes’s attention, according to palsCredit: InstagramJude’s heart seems to have been captured by Ashlyn’s stunning styleCredit: InstagramIn 2023 The Sun revealed he had been ­messaging R&B singer Rmarni, but it seems he now only has eyes for AshlynCredit: InstagramBefore meeting Ashlyn, rumours suggested the ace was on celebrity dating app Raya.Credit: InstagramAshlyn suffered heartbreak in July 2021 when her dad died aged 59 just 14 days after catching coronavirus, but it looks like Jude is helping her enjoy life againCredit: Instagram More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Eric Cantona kung-fu kick was crazy… but Premier League stars are now sterile, boring robot clones – let them be human

      by

      THIRTY years on from Eric Cantona’s kung-fu kick and I can remember it like it was yesterday.I was allowed to watch the highlights the following morning as a six-year-old.Eric Cantona was given his marching orders at Crystal Palace 30 years agoCredit: PAThe Frenchman was goaded by a fan and sensationally karate kicked himCredit: REXThe outrageous incident is still one of the craziest in Premier League historyCredit: AFPIt was just crazy, wasn’t it?After being red-carded at Crystal Palace, the Manchester United maverick copped abuse from home fans as he walked off.His response? He launched himself at one of his tormentors.If anything, Cantona became an even bigger superstar because of it, single-handedly taking the recently formed Premier League to another level in terms of the drama and theatre of it all.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSIt’s infamous. Do you know how angry you’ve got to be to do that?I’m an angry person and during my career I thought about smacking an abusive fan in the stands but never had the guts to do it.And yet here was Cantona – one of the best we have ever seen in the Premier League era, in English football – and he just snapped.I can safely say we will never see anything like that in football again.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEric Canto’s infamous karate kick was indefensibleCredit: PAIn principle, that is a good thing.You can’t behave like that on a football pitch, no matter how much abuse you’re receiving from supporters – whether racial, homophobic or just downright horrible.Ruben Amorim celebrates Man Utd’s 2-1 win over Rangers We don’t want to see people being assaulted, just like we didn’t want to see Paolo Di Canio at Sheffield Wednesday shove referee Paul Alcock to the ground, in 1998.But there is a part of me that thinks we have gone too far the other way.The players in the Prem now are almost like robots.Why shouldn’t they be able to react like a human, within reason?Instead, they come across as incredibly restrained, watered down, so much so that the game can be a bit sterile.It’s all about preserving the ­business side of things as opposed to entertainment and shock and awe.I used to love watching ‘Premier League Years’, a programme on Sky looking back at old seasons.Paolo Di Canio was banned for shoving a refereeCredit: Sky SportsYou see some of the more recent ones now and even the celebrations are boring.We haven’t got personalities any more … a Cantona, a Di Canio, a Paul Gascoigne.That maverick, rough-around-the-edges type who can make a mistake but we don’t kill them for it.Cantona was rightly criticised and punished for his actions, serving a nine-month ban, but it was also right for him to be welcomed back once he had done his time.Can you imagine if a Prem player did a ­similar thing now?Their career would be over, discarded for good, sponsorship deals ripped up, left in the gutter, labelled a criminal, an animal.In the modern game, there has to be a balance, to encourage individuality without crossing a line.Otherwise, we will just be watching 11 clones against another 11 clones every season.We seem to put massive pressure on players to be perfect in everything they do but no one is perfect.We see so many examples even today of fans going out of their way to discriminate against and antagonise players.This week alone, a teenager has been banned for three years for making racist gestures at a Peterborough match last year.And another has been arrested and released on bail after the wife of Arsenal star Kai Havertz received horrific messages on Instagram.Declan Rice was pelted with plastic cups and other missiles during Arsenal’s Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb in midweek.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd yet it is footballers who are constantly being told NOT to react.That is not what made the Premier League the best in the world, on and off the pitch.Players are in danger of becoming robots, Troy Deeney believesCredit: REX More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Football should trial return of pints in the stands… but can minority of fans be trusted to show we’re past dark days?

      by

      AS ladies say ‘cheers’ to drinking alcohol in the stands at Women’s Championship matches, the chance of a return to a beer or two on all the men’s terraces are about as high as Accrington Stanley winning League Two.Actually, Accrington’s average attendance of 2,509 would be a very good ground at which to start serving alcohol as policing any noisy drunks would be a simple process.There isn’t a measurable risk of violent drunks at Women’s Championship matchesCredit: GettyKarren Brady is happy to let responsible drinkers drink, it’s the rest of them she worries about . . .Credit: PABut it isn’t going to happen at Wham Stadium which, incidentally, is not named after (the late and great) George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s pop pairing.Nor anywhere else, at least not in the near future.Drinking alcohol within view of the playing field was stopped in 1985 after a sequence of events involving noisy, sometimes violent, spectators.There are no moves to change the law although there are many ways of buying alcohol beyond a pitch view, and a recent study showed Chelsea fans top the beer table, drinking on average six pints a game.Read More on FootballAt that rate, they might need a half-time substitution for their liver more than their team.The police and stewards are on the look-out for drunks or people bringing alcohol into grounds although some still try. A Leeds supporter succeeded in 2012 and, should anyone need convincing that the ban should end, the facts were he assaulted Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland after running on to the pitch.It transpired that the offender drank countless cans of lager and a bottle of vodka on the journey to the ground. In Sheffield he then drank at least seven pints of cider.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesI feel woozy even writing that. He was jailed for 16 weeks and banned from football grounds for six years.There isn’t a measurable risk of violent drunks at Women’s Championship matches and it made sense supporters should be able to drink wisely during this trial.Watch Ireland captain Katie McCabe star in hilarious Adidas ad ahead of new WSL season with ArsenalIt’s a different crowd, reflected in the fact government data revealed there had been no arrests recorded at women’s football matches.The end of restrictions is positive for several reasons — extra revenue, another attraction for people to attend, and even a tot to cheer fans of the losing side.Supporters of a return to drinks during play can point to rugby and cricket for freedom from limitations.At the Ireland v Scotland match a record 137,000 pints of beer were sold at Stade de France.There was a mass brawl, but that was on the pitch between the players. Drinkers at cricket are often asleep anyway.Women tend to follow the rules rather than consider them a nuisance. We despise violence and bad behaviour, both of which are much more prevalent among men and it is unlikely many will see pie-eyed woman causing trouble at matches.Maybe solution lies in compromiseI would love to make a bonfire of all restrictions but I don’t think it would be possible or responsible.Ultimately, the question isn’t just about alcohol — it’s about trust. Have fans moved on from the dark days of the 80s? Can clubs strike the right balance between modernisation and maintaining order?In football, intensity and passion run high. Add alcohol to this and it can be a problem.The last thing clubs or fans want is a descent into chaos because of a few irresponsible drinkers.The landscape of football has been transformed in those 40 years. Stadiums are safer, crowds are more diverse, and family-friendly atmospheres have replaced toxic environments of the past.Perhaps the solution lies in compromise. Limited trials at selected matches could provide data on whether ending the ban works.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuidelines would have to be stringent and include steps such as alcohol-free zones, stricter ID checks, and time-limited drinking.I am happy to let responsible drinkers drink, it’s the rest of them I worry about . . . More