Soccer

ENI ALUKO has stepped down from hosting duties at the Women’s Football Awards amid her public row with Ian Wright.Former England star Aluko aimed comments at Wright last week over his work as a pundit in the women’s game.Eni Aluko has stepped down from hosting duties at the Women’s Football Awards amid tension over her comments about Ian WrightCredit: PAAluko was a regular host at the Women in Football AwardsCredit: PAAluko suggested men need to be aware of blocking opportunities for female pundits, before mentioning Wright’s nameAluko accused Wright of “blocking” pathways for women in football punditry on BBC Radio 4.The former Lioness apologised for her comments – but Wright refused to accept it in an impassioned Instagram video.The Arsenal legend called for the public to “move on” from the incident, but the controversy has shown no signs of slowing down.The pair’s employer ITV the latest to weigh in with a strong statement in support of the 61-year-old former striker.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd now Aluko has announced that she will take a step back from her role as host at the end-of-season awards on Thursday. The 38-year-old was due to take to the stage alongside Gabby Logan and Jamie Carragher at the London ceremony.She admitted that she didn’t want her place in the news cycle to “deflect” from the festivities.Aluko’s Instagram statement read: “The Women’s Football Awards hold a special place in my heart.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It was the first time an event of this scale was created solely to celebrate the incredible achievements in women’s football, and I’m so proud to have been part of it since the beginning.'”However, I’ve decided to take a step back from being part of the hosting lineup this year. Joey Barton charged after ‘comparing Eni Aluko to Fred & Rose West’ – as he slams ‘Banana Republic’ legal system”I don’t want anything to deflect from the joy, recognition, and celebration that this event is all about. “This event belongs to the players, coaches, fans, and everyone who has worked tirelessly to elevate the women’s game.”The awards will be hosted in the very capable hands of Gabby and Jamie, who I know will bring their passion and energy to the stage.”I love women’s football deeply, I’m proud of how far we’ve come, and I’ll absolutely be back involved in the future.”Aluko’s photograph has since been removed from the event’s publicity material, which now features only Logan and Carragher. Aluko’s position with ITV, where Wright is a popular figure, is under scrutiny amid the fall out, according to The Mail. Wright has been a big advocate of the women’s game for a number of years and shown his support in a number of ways.He made an incredible gesture to Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald after she suffered a ruptured ACL was forced to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds when the club refused to pay for surgery.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely thanks to Wright, it has been revealed, as he paid for a sports lawyer to advocate for McDonald.Read More on The SunAnd when the club pulled funding for her rehab at the end of last year, Wright started paying for it out of his own pocket.The defender revealed that her rehab costs around £1,700-a-month. More

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have unlocked a cheat code after scoring two identical goals against Arsenal and Liverpool in the Champions League.Ousmane Dembele’s fourth-minute opener handed the Parisians a 1-0 lead in their semi-final first leg at the Emirates on Tuesday night.Ousmane Dembele’s fourth minute winner gave PSG the advantageCredit: EPAThe Gunners have to overturn the 1-0 deficit in Paris next week after being caught out by the same goal as LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe Gunners were caught cold by fast-starters PSG, effectively silencing the North London crowd.It was a carbon copy of Dembele’s 12th minute strike at Anfield when French side knocked Liverpool out of the last-16 on penalties following a 1-0 win.Both teams were undone by a move started and completed by Dembele early on, so it was déjà vu all over again.On both occasions PSG moved the play to the left hand side of defence, to attract the press of both Premier League teams.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDembele, 27, twice arrived in an empty centre circle, before driving forward on the half-turn and spreading it wide.Against Arsenal, PSG left-back Nuno Mendes found the Frenchman after he dropped deep behind Martin Odegaard.Dembele initially had acres of space to run into, before finding Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the left flank.Kvaratskhelia then put Jurrien Timber on the back foot before finding Dembele unmarked, who finished past David Raya from the edge of the box. Most read in Champions LeaguePSG attract Arsenal’s press to the left on Tuesday nightCredit: XDembele then arrives in the middle in empty space, like he did here against LiverpoolThe Frenchman took the ball on the half turn and drove forward before passing it out wide and arriving unmarked in the boxCredit: XPSG did a similar move against Liverpool as they attracted the Anfield press wideCredit: XDembele found space in the centre circle before getting on the end of a brilliant crossCredit: XCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe balance of the midfield suffered without the suspended Thomas Partey, as Declan Rice was naively drawn wide to towards the ball to leave Dembele all alone. PSG made 26 passes in the lead-up to Dembele’s 28th goal of 2025 and Arsenal were chasing shadows for the first 20 minutes after it.But there were two small differences between the goals against Arsenal and Liverpool.The first was that Dembele ran through the middle of the box to finish from close range after beating his compatriot Ibrahima Konate to the ball.And he spread the ball out to Bradley Barcola on the right wing, instead of the left.PSG have scored more goals in the first 15 minutes of games against Premier League clubs this season than Manchester United have, with Ruben Amorim’s side only notching one to their three.The French champions also became the first side to beat four English teams in a single Champions League campaign.Enrique’s side beat Manchester City 4-2 in the group stage before knocking Liverpool out on penalties and sending Aston Villa home in the quarter-finals.They did lose 2-0 at the Emirates early on in the group stage, but Dembele was left out by his manager for a disciplinary issue for “not complying with or respecting the expectations of the team”.That decision has clearly worked wonders as he has returned to the form that expected off him since signing for £42.8m from Barcelona in 2023.Read More on The SunDembele seems to be given total freedom of the pitch while starting as a false nine, scoring 33 goals and providing 11 assists this season. Meanwhile, Barca take on Inter Milan in the other semi-final at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.Dembele’s record in Ligue 1 this season More

BOURNEMOUTH star Evanilson has had his ban overturned after he was sent off against Manchester United.The striker was sent off following a VAR review despite slipping before he collided with Noussair Mazraoui.Evanlison was sent off after colliding with Noussair MazraouiCredit: RexEvanlison made contact with the defender’s shin after losing control.But referee Peter Bankes still deemed it a red card offence, despite the tackle not being intentional or malicious.Bournemouth appealed the decision and have been successful, with Evanlison’s three-match ban overturned by the FA.However the Cherries will still feel aggrieved as they played the last 20 minutes against United with ten men, and Rasmus Hojlund scored a last-gasp equaliser for the visitors.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSunSport columnist and former Prem ref Mark Halsey argued Evanilson’s tackle did not warrant a red card, suggesting the VAR John Brooks should not have got involved.He said: “Ref Peter Bankes gave a yellow card to the Brazilian — and that was the correct call, as Evanilson’s slip turned his tackle into a reckless one. It was not serious foul play.”Why on earth did VAR John Brooks get involved?”It’s a very poor decision — and Bournemouth can feel aggrieved because it changed the game and dented their European hopes.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever not all fans felt the same way, and there was a mixed reaction to Evanilson’s ban being overturned.One fan said: “What a joke. Leg breaker challenge and its ok in the game. Wow!”Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’Another added: “??? That was a clear red.”But one fan agreed with the decision, saying: “Cost Bournemouth the win that.” More

CARLO ANCELOTTI has reportedly made a shock U-turn by turning down the Brazil job.The Real Madrid boss has been chased by the Brazil football federation for several months.Carlo Ancelotti has rejected a deal from BrazilCredit: RexAnd he appeared set to put pen to paper on a deal that would have seen Ancelotti become Brazil manager in 2026 – for the World Cup.Ancelotti travelled to London to sign a contract, only to backtrack according to Spanish outlet Marca.The Italian is understood to have contacted the president of the CBF, Ednaldo Rodrigues, to express his gratitude for the interest but to reject the offer.It is believed Ancelotti is now considering another multi-million dollar from a club in Saudi Arabia.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 65-year-old still needs to agree the terms of his departure from the Bernabeu, as he is contracted to the club until the end of next season.Ancelotti has reportedly demanded £3.4million in compensation to leave this summer, which Real have rejected.But the Spanish giants could be keen to replace Ancelotti, with Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso top of their wishlist.Last season, the ex-Liverpool star guided Leverkusen to Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal successes, while also reaching the Europa League final.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAncelotti won LaLiga and the Champions League last season.But a trophyless campaign this time around could spell the end of his second spell in Madrid.Carlo Ancelotti to step down as Real Madrid boss More

LEEDS UNITED are on the brink of winning TWO club trophies this week ahead of the final day of the Championship season.Leeds’ under-21s got the first job ticked off with a 2-1 National League Cup final victory over Sutton United on Tuesday night.Leeds United’s under-21 side won the inaugural National League cup on TuesdayCredit: GettyLeeds and Burnley are in a battle to win the Championship on the final dayCredit: RexBut if Leeds slip-up, the Clarets will be looking to pounce with a home win against play-off chasing MillwillCredit: PAAnd now the first team need to follow that up by winning the Championship at Home Park on Saturday lunchtime. A win over already relegated side Plymouth Argyle will be enough to secure the title over second place Burnley.As it stands, Leeds and Burnley sit level on 97 points, but Daniel Farke’s side lead the way with a superior 13-point goal difference.But if Leeds slip-up, the Clarets will be looking to pounce with a home win against play-off chasing Millwill, as both can finish the campaign with 100 points. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Whites returned to the summit after hammering Bristol City 4-0 at their final game at Elland Road this season. Scott Parker’s side had temporarily moved ahead with a 5-0 thrashing of QPR on Saturday lunchtime.With both sides already promoted to the Premier League, all that is left to decide is the destination of the league title on the final day.But the under-21 side led by example when they became the inaugural National League Cup winners, which pits Premier League and EFL youth team players against National League clubs.Most read in FootballHarry Gray doubled Leeds’ under-21s lead to win the National League Cup finalCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHarry Gray – who is the younger brother of Tottenham’s Archie Gray – put his side in firm control after Diogo Monteiro’s opener.Harry has enjoyed a brilliant week after celebrating promotion with the first team, following his senior debut in Leeds’ 6-0 thrashing of Stoke City on Easter Monday,’Looks class’ – Three-time English champs release incredible video as they prepare to build one of UK’s biggest stadiumsLeeds were mathematically promoted hours later after Sheffield United failed to beat Burnley, who also went up on Easter Monday.Harry, 16, was an unused sub against Bristol City, and will be hoping he can get a second senior outing on the final day.He remarkably became the fifth family member to play for Leeds, after Archie, their dad, grandad and club legend great uncle Eddie.It was Eddie who broke down in tears when the teenager made his debut against Stoke a fortnight ago.After winning the National League Cup, Gray told LUTV: “I’m enjoying it.”It’s been a good week to be honest. I just want more, I want to keep scoring goals but hopefully in the first team next year, prove myself.”Read More on The SunThe £1m prize fund from the Premier League is meted out only to the National League clubs, who also keep all gate receipts.Leeds are set to host a bus parade to celebrate their promotion back to the top-flight – even if the club miss out on becoming champions. More

WOLVES are front-runners to land Jamie Vardy — with the veteran striker determined to keep playing in the Prem.The 38-year-old star’s announcement that he will leave relegated Leicester this summer has sparked a flurry of interest.Vitor Pereira’s Wolves are the frontrunners to sign Jamie VardyCredit: RexVardy has announced he is leaving Leicester when his contract expiresCredit: RexBut Vardy could instead return to former club Sheffield WednesdayCredit: RexWrexham’s Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney could offer him at least £50,000 a week in the Championship.And Vardy’s boyhood club Sheffield Wednesday would love to welcome him back after releasing him at the age of 16.But he is adamant he can still cut it in the top flight.West Ham and newly-promoted Leeds are also keen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWolves boss Vitor Pereira is favourite to land him as he prepares for the exit of £62.5million star Matheus Cunha, most likely to Manchester United.Vardy has 143 Prem goals for the Foxes and rattled in 24 during their sensational title-winning triumph of 2015-16.SunSport columnist Harry Redknapp believes Vardy should make the “no-brainer” switch to Wrexham.Ex-England star Vardy announced his decision to leave Leicester following the club’s relegation to the Championship in a season he called a “s***show”.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIn a heartfelt statement, he said: “It’s something that I’ve thought about and spoken about with my family. I think it’s time.”I’ll be devastated on the day when it is the last [game], but good things, they come to an end.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 years”It’s going to be one of those emotional days. Who knows which way that can go. If you ask anyone, I’m not really an emotional guy.”Nothing like that ever comes across with me, but when you’ve been somewhere for so long, and it is time to say goodbye, you just never know what your personal reaction is going to be.”I’ve spent 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, and some downs, but the majority have all been highs.”It’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about it, but I think the timing it right.” More

A NEWCASTLE legend has been spotted BUSKING with a guitar in the city centre.The cult hero retired from football back in 2021 and still has a strong love for his time in the Toon.The former star has been spotted busking in Newcastle city centreCredit: instagramHe spent seven years at the MagpiesCredit: PA:Press AssociationJonas Gutierrez, 41, spent seven years at Newcastle following his 2008 transfer from RCD Mallorca.The former midfielder went on to make 205 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals.One of his dozens efforts came in his final outing for the club which ensured the Magpies would stay in the Premier League.His iconic goal came against West Ham in the last game of the 2014/15 season before being released by the club.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGutierrez has been diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2012 and had made a full recovery before he returned to the pitch for the club.His treatment even required surgery to have one removed.He has now been spotted busking in the City Centre near the Grey’s Monument.The Argentine posted a video of himself playing the guitar and singing on his Instagram account.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe revealed that he still has a lot of love for the city adn the club.Gutierrez captioned the video: “My City, my home. I Am a geordie, I Love this City, I Love this people.Newcastle ace Dan Burn pushing crashed carHe scored a goal in 2015 to keep the club in the Premier leagueCredit: IAN MACNICOL/AFP”Thanks for everthing Newcastle a dream come true playing guitar at the monument.”Fans loved seeing the passion still in Jonas as the flocked to the comment section.One posted: “Once a geordie, always a geordie.”A second commented: “Nearly 10 years ago since that goal against West Ham. Never forget.”A third wrote: “Love it Jonas, never forget all your effort and desire you gave to our club for the fans, especially coming back from Illness to keep us up, you’ll never be forgotten.”A fourth said: “Not every day you expect to see a Newcastle legend sitting playing guitar.”Another added: “Just need Nobby Solano on the Trumpet as well! Wish I’d have seen this in person.”After leaving St James’ Park, Gutierrez went on to have stints at Deportivo La Coruna, Defensa y Justicia, Independiente, Banfield and Almagro.Read More on The SunHe also earned 22 caps for Argentina between 2007 and 2011 in which he scored once.In April 2016 won a disability discrimination lawsuit against Newcastle after claiming he was deliberately not selected following his cancer comeback so an appearance clause was not met.Who are these famous footballers? More

MANCHESTER UNITED are set to offer Tom Heaton a shock new contract, according to reports.The veteran goalkeeper, 39, was expected to be let go as a free agent and possibly even hang up his gloves when his £45,000-a-week Old Trafford contract expires this summer.Tom Heaton could sign a one-year contract extension at Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyThere could be an overhaul of the goalkeeping department this summerCredit: PAThere was an understanding that he may stick around at Carrington, though, in a coaching role should he retire. However, the Daily Mail claim Heaton and United could make a surprise U-turn by extending his stay. It is claimed the three-cap England goalkeeper has entered negotiations over a new deal.An additional 12-month contract would see Heaton stay on at United – again as the third-choice stopper. READ MORE ON MAN UTDAn overhaul of the goalkeeping department at Old Trafford remains on the cards.Current No2 Altay Bayindir looks on course to leave to play regular first-team football next season.And uncertainty remains over the future of current No1 Andre Onana, who could move to Saudi Arabia.So Ruben Amorim may opt to keep Heaton around to provide some stability among the goalkeepers.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAnd that would see Heaton remain in the Premier League into his 40s. The ex-Burnley stopper turns 40 next April.Ruben Amorim warns Rasmus Hojlund ‘he has to score many more’ goals after dramatic last gasp Man Utd equaliserBorn in Chester, he joined United as a trainee in 2002 but left in 2010 after six loans and no Red Devils first-team appearances.But he returned in 2021 after two years with Aston Villa.Heaton has made just three appearances in his four seasons, though. He came off the bench in a 1-1 draw in the Champions League with Young Boys in December 2021 and then featured in two EFL Cup victories – over Charlton and Nottingham Forest – on the way to United lifting the trophy.However, the 2-0 second-leg semi-final victory over Forst in February 2023 was his most-recent game for the Red Devils. This term, Heaton has been named on the bench 16 times – including nine in the Europa League and five in the Premier League.Read More on The SunUnited are being linked with various goalkeepers as possible rivals or even replacements for Onana next season.Espanyol stopper Joan Garcia, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Kaua Santos and Lille’s Lucas Chevalier are all thought to be under consideration. Heaton’s latest appearances came in the successful Carabao Cup run in 2022-23Credit: Reuters More