Soccer

RENEE SLEGERS urged Arsenal to go for the jugular in the first round of their battle with Lyon for a Women’s Champions League final spot. The Gunners will face one of their biggest tests this term when they face the contest’s record winners at the Emirates on Saturday. Renee Slegers believes Arsenal have enough quality to see off the threat posed by LyonCredit: GettyAlessia Russo is expected to return to action when Arsenal face the French giants following an injury she sustained on England dutyCredit: GettyForward Chloe Kelly will also be available for the Gunners having worked her way back to fitness following a foot injuryCredit: PAAnd they have been given a fitness boost with Alessia Russo’s and Chloe Kelly’s return from injury. However goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar is still sidelined, with the Netherlands stopper set to miss encoubter.    The lunchtime clash will see Slegers’ players push for a first-leg semis victory. A result that would put them one win or draw away from reaching the contest’s decider for the first time since 2007. Read More Football Stories It was during that year, under former boss Vic Akers, the Gunners made history becoming the first English side to lift the trophy. Arsenal boss Slegers, 36, said: “We want to go for it and take the opportunity by the throat.”There will be an enormous crowd so we’re going to go from the start because we enjoy playing at the Emirates. “We know this is our chance and I think 40,000 tickets have been soldMost read in Football“We’re at one of the final stages of the Champions League. It’s a huge moment.”A 5-1 drubbing of Leicester on Tuesday was Arsenal’s last result at the Emirates. The win led to them cutting Chelsea’s lead at the WSL’s summit to three points. However Lyon will be a far different proposition to the Foxes, with the latter currently having the worst away record in the WSL this term. The French giants, currently managed by ex-Gunners boss Joe Montemurro, have won the trophy eight times since 2011. The most recent of those triumphs came almost three years ago when they beat current holders Barcelona 3-1 under former boss Sonia BompastorUnder the head coach, who now manages Chelsea, they also reached last season’s final where they fell to a 2-0 loss to Spain’s reigning champions. This term Lyon have scored 24 times in the tournament whilst conceding just twice in the tournament. Despite the visitors’ formidable Champions League form, Slegers reckons Arsenal has the quality to see off the European heavyweights. She adds: “I have huge respect for their history and what they have been doing and producing in the Champions League “But us playing at the Emirates, and the hunger and the belief that we have at the moment, we’re going to go and play our game to the best we can.”Even though we have huge respect for their qualities and threats, we believe we can do something.”Among the Gunners aces certain to be starting later is versatile forward Mariona Caldentey. The Spain superstar, 29, knows all about helping a club make Champions League history having won it three-times with her old side Barcelona. And Caldentey reckons Arsenal have the hunger they need to end their 18-year wait to become queens of Europe once again. Joe Montemurro’s Lyon are currently top of the table in France’s top tier and have conceded just two goals in eight Champions League games this termCredit: AlamyShe said: “We want to win titles and the Champions League is a big one. “We are still a bit far away right now, it’s three games for that.Read More on The Sun”But everyone is hungry for it so it’s a mentality we need to keep. We are here because we deserve it.”Arsenal vs Lyon in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League semi-finals can be watched live from 12:30pm on April 19 on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ More

HARRY MAGUIRE is happy to keep playing as a makeshift striker so Manchester United stay on course for a £100million jackpot.The England centre-back did his bit to help ‘Make Amorim Great Again’ with an incredible 121st-minute winner against Lyon to secure a Europa League semi-final.Harry Maguire is keen to cause more late mayhem after his winner against Lyon put Man Utd in the Europa League semi-finalsCredit: AlamyThe makeshift attacker capped a MAGA-nificent comebackCredit: RexRuben Amorim says Maguire ‘knows how to behave’ in the boxCredit: GettyGlory in that competition would hand United a lucrative ticket to next season’s Champions League.But boss Ruben Amorim has a striker crisis with Joshua Zirkzee crocked and Rasmus Hojlund scoring just one goal in 27 games.Maguire, who has scored four key goals this season, said: “You can see that we’re probably short on attackers.“We had two attackers in Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus that gave everything out there.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We lost Josh, so if he asks me to go up there, I’m willing to go up there.“I do see myself as a threat and I do feel like I can cause problems and score a goal up there when the balls and crosses are coming in.”“I only got 30 minutes up there and it’s a lot harder than playing centre back.”Amorim has no plans to use Maguire as a forward from the start – but he has been impressed by the impact he can make.Most read in Europa LeagueMaguire saw plenty of the ball in both penalty areasBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKUnited’s boss has seen enough in training and in matches to know the £80m man is a useful attacking weapon when needed.Asked about the possibility of him starting up front, Amorim said: “To play a normal game, no. But in these moments it is something that is really important.Man Utd star calls out fans who left Old Trafford early before epic Lyon comeback with 15-word swipe“When I see Harry and put him as a striker, I just see one guy who is good in the box. He knows how to behave in that space.”United were staring at the prospect of no European football next season when ten-man Lyon took a 4-2 lead in the 109th minute at Old Trafford on Thursday.But the home side struck three times in seven minutes to turn the quarter final on its head – with Maguire stealing the glory with his winner.If United can beat Athletic Bilbao in the semis and then lift the trophy three weeks later then it would be huge for the Red Devils.Doing that alone would be worth around £14.8m for United while the Super Cup in Italy in August would bank another £4.3m.When I see Harry and put him as a striker, I just see one guy who is good in the box. He knows how to behave in that space.Ruben AmorimHowever it is the ticket to next season’s Champions League which will really prove to be invaluable for owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers.They would be guaranteed around £49m, due to their Uefa co-efficient,  while four home games would add another £20m in income.In addition, even an average season at Europe’s top table – such as the one neighbours City had this season – would see them pocket around £11m in prize money.If they reached the first knock-out round then that would be £5m more.The Europa League also brought the start of Maguire’s goalscoring exploits in October — a superb last-gasp header to level up a six-goal thriller in Porto.Then came February’s injury-time winner in the 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over his old club Leicester at Old Trafford.Rasmus Hojlund has netted just once in 27 games while fellow Red Devils’ frontman Joshua Zirkzee is now injuredCredit: GettyTeam-mates mobbed Maguire after he rounded off United’s sensational revival of three goals in seven minutes to KO Lyon in extra timeCredit: GettyThree weeks later, he nodded the decisive goal to spare United’s blushes against relegation-bound Ipswich at the Theatre of Dreams.So it should surprise nobody that he has used his bonce to good effect again — stooping to put his team into the semi-finals on an unforgettable night.Maguire, who seemed set for the exit door with West Ham under two years ago, added: “It’s an incredible feeling — I’ve obviously managed to do it a few times this year in the last minute, the dying moments.“There’s no better feeling than scoring here, particularly when it’s the match-winner.“I’ve had some amazing moments at this club, I’ve been here six years now. I’ve had some great times — and some bad ones as well.“That game pretty much summed up my time at the club.“It was a game full of emotion and the strangest, maddest game I’ve ever played in or witnessed.”United’s season of turmoil looked to be hitting a new low as they blew a 2-0 lead to trail ten-man Lyon 4-2 in extra-time.But three goals in seven minutes turned a topsy-turvy tie on its head, with Maguire stealing the glory right at the end.The Yorkshireman added: “This season has been so difficult for everyone involved, all the fans, players and staff.Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, seen congratulating scorer Diogo Dalot, were praised by Maguire for their incredible workrateCredit: Getty“It’s just been nowhere near good enough and when you get moments like that, and memories you create, it’s so important for the fans to go home with a smile on their faces.”The turnaround was so incredible you could not escape the feeling their name might just be on the Europa League.But they will need to perform far better to see off Ernesto Valverde’s impressive Athletic Bilbao outfit.The fact they shipped four goals at home will concern United manager Ruben Amorim.And just one of United’s seven goals in the tie with Lyon was scored by a striker — and that was Zirkzee, who has since suffered a hamstring injury.Maguire said: “We’ve got to do far better than that if we want to win this competition. We can’t be doing that and be leaving it to turn it around in that situation.I think they thought they had won it, the way they were celebrating. That gave us more of an incentive to turn the game around.Harry Maguire“But it does show great spirit, fight, togetherness. And that’s the one thing this group of lads is doing — they’re giving everything.“The worst feeling was that we felt we’d thrown it away, rather than lost the game at that moment.“Also how we managed to get ourselves into that situation.“Going into extra-time at 2-2, we obviously can’t get done on two counter-attacks like that when we’re playing against ten men. It’s criminal.”At that stage, United looked out for the count, even with a man extra. But the sight of Lyon wildly ­celebrating their goals and getting ready to mark a famous win seemed to ignite something inside United’s players.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordMaguire added: “I still thought there was a lot of time on the clock. “And it was the 109th minute when they scored the fourth.“I think they thought they had won it, the way they were celebrating. “That gave us more of an incentive to turn the game around.”In stark contrast to their Premier League form, United are the only unbeaten team left in European competition this season.Read More on The SunAnd lifting the trophy in Bilbao on May 21, would take them back into the Champions League.Should that happen, the inspirational Maguire’s latest late show will have been priceless.Man Utd ratings vs LyonMANCHESTER UNITED scored three goals in seven unbelievable minutes to beat Lyon in one of the all-time great nights at Old Trafford.The Red Devils looked to be putting in one of their best displays since Ruben Amorim took over as they raced into a 2-0 lead.But after conceding one goal, they let the ground slip from under them, quickly giving away another to allow Lyon to take the game to extra time.Not even a red card for Corentin Tolisso could get United out of their slump as the French side completely dominated most of the additional 30 minutes.Rayan Cherki and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty meant the visitors looked home and hosed before Casemiro was fouled and Bruno Fernandes hit home from the spot.Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire then both netted in stoppage time of extra time to secure a scarcely believable win.Here’s how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the United stars on a night that went from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again. More

FIGURES released this week showed that more than £400million was spent by Premier League clubs on agent fees — a staggering amount and nothing short of a scandal.Between February last year and this February, the total was £409.1m – money which is being trousered by agents, often for setting up deals which had already been agreed.Agent fees across football have skyrocketed again this seasonCredit: GettyFor the past two seasons, Prem clubs have shelled out over £400million to agentsCredit: AlamyAcross the top five leagues in England, the actual total was even higher — £483.6m — with Championship sides accounting for a whopping £63m.And even the women’s game is not immune as over £2m went to agents working for WSL players.A worldwide total for how much agents have earned in recent years would run into the billions of pounds.Football supporters will be asking themselves, ‘Why?’.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhat benefit do agents bring to the game and why is this colossal amount of money not going to where it should be?The huge sums paid to intermediaries and facilitators means it is not going to the game’s grass roots, or improving stadiums, or developing the women’s game, or encouraging fans from all sections of society to come to matches, or… the list could go on.Above all, though, the role of agents is to actively encourage players to move clubs.They get paid, substantially when players switch, so it is a massive incentive towards instability and every club in the land, from Arsenal to Accrington Stanley, suffers.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAgents are rewarded when their players show disloyalty to a club.Therefore, it is no surprise that those same players move with alarming frequency.Fifa reveal how tournament will work – and give Champions League side new nameWhat irks me even more is that some agents, although not all, use threats to get what they want.The conversation goes something like this, ‘Pay me this or the player won’t come’. I am suspicious of this because I’m convinced, more often than not, that players aren’t aware of how their agent is behaving.Effectively, they can hold clubs to ransom, which is wholly unfair.The overall effect is agents get paid, in vast sums, while clubs, and sometimes even players, pay the price, literally.While agent fees go up, transfers go up and that also creates a bubble that football lives in, but surely cannot sustain any longer.So, what is the answer? I don’t know anyone who thinks this is good for the game.The proposed new Independent Football Regulator could fix agents’ fees.Premier League set for another campaign of confused anger caused by incompetent VAR, says Karren BradyI HAD spent the summer desperately hoping VAR and the standard of Premier League officiating would improve this season, writes Karren Brady.But we’re one game in and it already looks like we are set for another campaign of anger and confusion caused by people who don’t understand the pain and anguish their mistakes cause.Newcastle’s Fabian Schar was sent off for a “headbutt” on Southampton’s Ben Brereton Diaz — even though the Saints striker thrust his head forward with as much “force” as Schar.Yet at Arsenal, Wolves’ Yerson Mosquera was not even booked despite appearing to strangle Kai Havertz and squeezing Gabriel Jesus’ backside!So infuriating VAR inconsistencies are back, it seems.No referee or VAR sets out to deprive teams of goals, deliberately award dodgy penalties or send players off for no reason.They are honest, genuine mistakes. But that’s what VAR was supposed to sort out. Instead, it has made things worse.The whole thing needs a complete rethink and a fresh approach.Sadly, as the summer is the best time to implement change, it seems that ship has sailed for another 12 months.Read Karren Brady’s take on the latest VAR shambles in full…Or check out all of Lady Brady’s SunSport columns.I know it has been tried before by Fifa, who lost that battle in court, but the IFR could slap a levy on all fees so that they could be used constructively and reinvested into the game.In the meantime, the money being drained away into the pockets of agents, many of whom are already wealthy beyond their wildest dreams, continues its unchanging way.Perhaps one of the most concerning aspects of this monetary merry-go-round for agents is the fact that wealthier clubs can afford the more excessive fees.And this trend for astronomical agent fees has got worse in recent years because in season 2021-22 that figure stood at ‘only’ £272m for the top flight.A year later it was £318m and now, two seasons in a row, it has topped £400m.I know what supporters will make of this. It is a racket and money which should be going towards lowering ticket prices, improving stadiums and developing the game at all levels is simply being rinsed away.Read More on The SunThis agent-driven transfer system is bad for football and it rewards sharp business practices, not sporting endeavour.If we can find possible signs of life on a planet 729 trillion miles away, surely we can fix this, an arrangement which serves only one master — agents. More

MATT LE TISSIER has accused Southampton players of lacking the fight to stay in the Premier League.And the Saints legend confessed to SunSport that it has been “a chore” watching his beloved team slump to a record low this season.Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has torn into Saints’ flopsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Saints are battling to avoid the humiliation of the Prem’s worst points totalCredit: GettyThe South Coast flops became the quickest Premier League outfit to be relegated when they lost to Spurs last Sunday week with SEVEN games to go.Southampton have picked up just ten points from 32 games and need TWO more to beat Derby’s dismal lowest Prem total of 11 set in 2008-09.And Le Tissier, who spent his entire career with the Saints —  scoring 161 goals in 443 appearances — has not enjoyed what he’s seen from his own Suite at the club.The 56-year-old said: “This has been a tough season to watch.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“We’ve had relegations before but never quite on this scale.“It’s hard to watch a team which is so far away from the rest of the division. That was probably the toughest season that I have had to watch us play football — it’s been a real chore.“It’s not been enjoyable seeing our team get outclassed on a ­regular basis.“It’s not something I’m used to seeing even when we were close to getting ­relegated when I was playing.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“We were reasonably competitive and had a go.“We might have suffered a bit in a lack of quality but never in terms of having a real fight for it.I hated playing against Arsenal Invincible, he’d pinch me and stand on my toes, I only spoke to him to abuse him“But there just didn’t seem to be that amount of fight in this team and that’s symptomatic of a lot of footballers this day and age.“There doesn’t seem to be the same connection between the players and the fans on the terrace like we had.“I was in at least five relegation scraps. We never got relegated — and definitely four went to the last day of the season.”The poor form cost Ivan Juric his job as manager. But Channel Islander Le Tissier, nicknamed Le God, does not think all Saints fans will be upset seeing their team back in the second tier one year after Adam Armstrong’s goal saw them beat Leeds 1-0 in the play-off final.He said: “When we went to the play-offs last season I would say there was a 50-50 split with Saints fans who didn’t want to go up because of exactly what has happened.We are still fighting not to become the worst Premier League team ever with the number of points we’ve got.Matt Le Tissier“I was speaking to a lot of them a year ago and they were saying they didn’t mind if they lose the final.“That’s not a great position to be in as a football club where you know if you go up you are going to get battered every week.“I’m quite happy to interact with people and talk about football all day long but their frustration is palpable.“Most of that frustration is at the presence given out by the players that they don’t care enough about the football club.“Clubs do have their ups and downs throughout the seasons-but this is a pretty big downer.“And it shows just how low we’ve got to by the fact we are still fighting not to become the worst Premier League team ever with the number of points we’ve got.”The former Sky Sports Soccer ­Saturday pundit is revered by Saints supporters – having devoted all his professional days to the club.Back in the day he was renowned for scoring spectacular goals and in his prime became the midfielder to reach a century fastest in the Prem era.Le Tiss, who is never afraid to speak his mind, would like to see a young manager with local connections replace Juric, who was sacked earlier this month.But he feels Russell Martin, who was axed in December, might have kept his job had he not stuck to the passing game that had earned his side such plaudits in the Championship.Most of that frustration is at the presence given out by the players that they don’t care enough about the football club.Matt Le TissierLe Tissier added: “To be honest I would like to see a young, progressive manager, ­somebody who is not afraid to change his tactics when the need arises.“Had Russell Martin been more pragmatic in his approach he would still be in the job. They liked him down here and it wouldn’t have taken much for him to have stayed had he swallowed his pride a bit.“He was so stubborn about passing out from the back and giving goals away from defensive errors each week.“He had taken us out of the league we are heading back to with his style of football – which you can get away with in the Championship but not in the Premier League.Read More on The Sun“If the new manager had a connection with the club that would go a long way with the fans and that is ­something I would like to see.“But that, I guess, is different from the business perspective of the owners and the CEO making the decisions they think is going to be the best chance to get back up.” More

EX-England and Manchester United star Nicky Butt has been given a police caution for head-butting a security guard at his own 50th party.The Sun revealed in January that the guard was treated for a suspected broken nose — and can today name Butt for the first time.Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has been cautioned for head-butting a security guard at his 50th birthday partyCredit: PAButt helped United win a host of trophies under manager Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe accepted the criminal sanction for actual bodily harm over the attack at Soho Farmhouse near Great Tew, Oxfordshire.The former Manchester United star also agreed to donate to charity.He had snapped and attacked the security guard during a seven-hour bash on January 24.Today we can reveal bar staff refused to serve him any drinks shortly before the incident.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTrouble erupted between 7pm and 8pm after the ex-midfielder left the bar for a courtyard.The guard was said to have seen Butt relieving himself against a wall.A row developed and sources said Butt lashed out in a fury.The guard was treated in hospital for facial injuries amid fears of a broken nose.Most read in FootballA source said previously: “There was blood everywhere. People were shocked as the guard came inside with his face a mess. It ruined a lovely day.”The guard took time off work but later returned.Man Utd star Nicky Butt’s 50th party at centre of police probe after ‘head-butt’ left security guard with ‘broken nose’Butt was first quizzed six days after the assault.The Sun understands he accepted the caution within the last month.Police retain the details and flag them in criminal record checks.A caution can only be given if the perpetrator admits the offence.Thames Valley Police confirmed: “The investigation has now concluded. A man was given a caution for the offence of ABH.”Butt had turned 50 three days before the party.Guests included David and Victoria Beckham, and fellow United Class of ’92 stars Paul Scholes and Gary Neville and their partners.The group of around 30 guests dined in a private room before moving to the bar.Former teammate David Beckham attended the do at Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: PAMan Utd’s Paul Scholes was another of the Class of ’92 to attend the bashCredit: AlamyPundit Gary Neville was in attendance at the partyCredit: GettyPolice were then alerted by the club at 9.15pm — around two hours after the assault.Butt helped United win a host of trophies under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.He won 39 England caps from 1997-2004 and played for Newcastle before finishing his playing career in China in 2011.Butt had been CEO of League Two Salford until quitting last year.In 2019 he was charged with assault on ex-wife Shelley.The CPS later dropped the case owing to insufficient evidence.However, Butt was given a caution for causing £800-worth of criminal damage to her iPhone.Last June he got a year’s road ban and 100 hours’ unpaid work after admitting causing serious injury by careless driving.Read More on The SunHis Land Rover collided with motorcyclist Andrew Fielding in Burnley, leaving the biker needing metal rods in a broken leg.His Land Rover collided with motorcyclist Andrew Fielding in Burnley, leaving the biker needing metal rods in a broken leg.The incident occurred at Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: soho farmhouse More

JASON TINDALL vowed to carry on rattling opposition bosses – as his ‘Wham! hoodie’ feud continues at Aston Villa today.Tindall, in charge of Newcastle while Eddie Howe recovers from pneumonia, sparked a mass tunnel brawl during Villa’s 3-0 Boxing Day defeat at St. James’ Park.Jason Tindall will be in the dugout as Newcastle take on Aston VillaCredit: GettyIt will be the first meeting between the teams since Tindall infamously wore a Wham! hoodie on Boxing DayCredit: GettyVilla boss Unai Emery clashed with Tindall during a bad-tempered gameCredit: GettyEmery previously snubbed a handshake from Tindall, who shushed the Spaniard then wore a Wham! top to celebrate victory.Ahead of today’s clash, Tindall said: “The only thing that crosses your mind during battle is that you want to come out on top.“I know the hoodie got quite a bit of publicity but you certainly won’t be seeing any at Villa Park.”Tindall is known to friends and foes as Mad Dog – but it is opposition managers he has a knack of leaving foaming at the mouth.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNewcastle’s No 2 has been involved with public bust-ups with high-profile bosses such as Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta.With Eddie Howe sidelined by pneumonia, Tindall has stepped in, leading the Magpies to big victories over Manchester United and Crystal Palace.But, after the ruckus last Christmas, it is Saturday evening’s powderkeg trip to Aston Villa which promises to really test the discipline of the 47-year-old Toon assistant to the limit.Because it is not just Villa and Newcastle fans who have grown a rivalry over the years.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBoth benches rub each other up the wrong way, too.Fate has now put Tindall in charge of the Geordies for their latest showdown with Villa. Fans spot Kevin Nolan’s classy gesture before hugging Klopp and joke Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall ‘needs to learn’ And that is sure to pour petrol on the flames — just four months after bedlam broke between the two benches.Emery was incensed when Jhon Duran was sent off and protested to the fourth official — then snapped as Tindall fanned the flames by putting his finger to his lips.A 20-man brawl broke out at half-time, with Tindall in the thick of it as Villa analyst Victor Manas squared up and accused him of disrespect.Mayhem ensued and Villa’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, landed on his backside, while Tindall and Manas were both red-carded by referee Anthony Taylor.Both clubs were fined after accepting FA charges – but Tindall, who returned at the end of the game wearing a Wham! hoodie, denied the allegations against him.Newcastle said they could not provide CCTV images of the mayhem.Villa were rattled enough to mention it in their statement to the FA, which read: “Mr Tindall on the 85th minute reappeared within the tunnel wearing a Wham! jumper joking around with other members of Newcastle United’s staff.”Tindall already had previous with Emery, who refused to shake his hand after Newcastle’s last visit to Villa Park, when the Magpies won 3-1.I’ll certainly hold my hand out and if the manager wants to shake it, I’m sure he will.Jason TindallAsked if he would shake Emery’s hand this time, Tindall replied: “I’ll certainly hold my hand out and if the manager wants to shake it, I’m sure he will.“There was a lot of talk before the game about the hoodie.“It was pre-arranged — a fan asked me before the game to wear it, and I said I would if we won.“If people that don’t know me want to talk, then that’s fine.”Asked about Tindall on Friday, Emery replied: “I don’t have a problem. Sometimes we can be extremely competitive. But if we get the balance right, there is no problem. I will focus on the match and, of course, send my best wishes to Eddie.“I hope he comes back soon and is healthy.”Jhon Duran’s red card sparked the mass melee in the gameCredit: AlamyThere remains bad blood between the teamsCredit: GettyThe bitterness in the stands goes back to May 2009 when Villa fans unfurled banners taunting ‘Sob on the Tyne’ and ‘Who’s your next Messiah, Ant or Dec?’ to celebrate a win that sent their opponents Toon down to the Championship.Now Newcastle have some bragging rights after landing their first major domestic trophy for 70 years following last month’s Carabao Cup triumph.They look down on Villa from third place on the back of five Premier wins on the spin.And the Toon have won five of their last six meetings.Read More on The SunSpaniard Emery added: “They are in their best moment. They are feeling confident and strong.“There are still 18 points to play for and they have five more than us — this means a lot!” More

FANS of footie minnows Harborough Town were stunned when more than 100 Spanish supporters joined them in the stands.Two coachloads visited for the clash with St Ives Town in seventh tier Southern League Premier Division last Saturday.100 Spanish football fans turned up to support seventh tier club Harborough TownCredit: RB MediaThe fans have been following the team on YouTubeCredit: RB MEDIAMany wore the team’s yellow shirt and chanted in their own language in Market Harborough, Leics.They were on a trip organised by YouTube channel La Media Inglesa, which covers British football for Spanish speakers.Ilie Oleart, who founded the group in 2011, asked 440,000 subscribers which lower league team they’d like to see and they backed Harborough.Earlier this season, the club reached the second round of the FA Cup for the first time in their 50-year history.read more on footballIlie said: “I met people at the club in September to get to know their history, the town and the facilities. “We thought they were the perfect club with the right values to share with our audience. “It was the best trip we have had so far.”The Espanyol supporter, from Barcelona, hopes to bring 300 fans next year. Most read in FootballAfter Harborough’s 2-1 defeat, players shared a beer with their new fans, who can stream future matches on YouTube. The group has previously taken supporters to games at Brighton and Hove Albion, Sheffield United and Wycombe Wanderers.Barcelona ‘chasing shock Son Heung-min transfer as cash-strapped Spanish giants target FOUR massive name free agents’Alvaro Sanz, from Madrid, added: “Some of the local fans were quite surprised, probably wondering what 100 Spaniards were doing there.“We occupied a full stand and started cheering from the first second of the game. “Quite a few local fans joined us, and we even taught them some chants in Spanish.”Harborough chairman Pete Dougan also revealed the Bees will travel to Spain for a pre-season tour of Barcelona and Madrid in July.He said: “It was a great day and the atmosphere they generated was superb. “Our fans were singing in English then they sang back in Spanish. It was good fun.”Many wore the team’s yellow shirt and chanted in their own languageCredit: Facebook More

LIONEL MESSI has revealed how David Beckham STILL joins in training at Inter Miami.Former England skipper Becks, 49, hung up his boots in 2013 after a career that took him to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Milan, PSG and a five-year MLS stint at LA Galaxy.Lionel Messi has spoken out on David Beckham as a personBecks gets involved on the pitch more than most co-ownersCredit: GettyMessi says it’s ‘strange’ to meet the ex-England skipper not as a playerSon Romeo saw Beckham Sr do his stuff at Florida Blue Training CenterCredit: GettyHe has been involved in  the ownership of Inter Miami since exercising his £20m option to buy an “expansion team” franchise in 2014.Messi’s arrival in Florida in 2023 sparked a surge of interest and his side – which includes former Barcelona team-mates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba – was controversially awarded a berth at this summer’s expanded Club World Cup by Fifa.And the Argentine superstar, 37, said he is STILL bowled over by Beckham.Messi said: “The truth is impressive – David is a spectacular person.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Although he doesn’t come around here often, when he’s in town he does drop by for a few days.“But we’ve also kept in touch outside the club, and we’ve shared moments when he’s in Miami as well.”Messi added: “He is a very simple person, very humble, someone who comes across as very approachable, and the truth is that he is a great person.“It is strange to see him on the other side  of football and not as a player any more, beyond what he is today and what he represents for the club.Most read in FootballBeckham clearly likes to keepy-uppy appearances at MiamiCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“But he still feels like a player because he comes here and goes out to the field.”He wants to be close to the ball, in the training sessions and to be close to us.I played against England at World Cup then became David Beckham’s team-mate – now I want to be a Premier League referee“He tries that when he is here and the most important thing is the simplicity and the closeness he has.“I did not know him and I did not expect anything, but I was surprised by his way of being.”World Cup-winner Messi has had an instant impact on Inter Miami, both on and off the pitch.Messi scored 10 goals as Miami won the Concacaf Leagues Cup immediately after his arrival.They then earned the MLS Supporters’ Shield last year for having the best record in the regular season, however they were beaten by Atlanta United in the first-round of the playoffs.Giants of the game Beckham and Messi now have different rolesCredit: Getty More