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    German footballer Tim Lemperle rushed to hospital after being ‘assaulted’ and out of crucial Bundesliga promotion clash

    GERMAN football star Tim Lemperle was rushed to hospital after sustaining injures to his face during an assault on a night out.Koln star Lemperle will likely miss Sunday’s huge promotion final against Kaiserslautern for a place in the Bundesliga next season.Tim Lemperle was rushed to hospital after being assaulted on a night outCredit: RexLemperle reportedly suffered a broken nose and a gash on his face on Sunday evening, according to German outlet Bild.The report claims that the striker was out with friends in a borough of Cologne.A fight broke out in a boathouse bar near the bank of the River Rhine with another group, before things settled down.But Lemperle and his pals were allegedly attacked while leaving the venue later at 9pm local time.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 23-year-old former Frankfurt star was taken to a local hospital where he stayed overnight until Monday morning.Koln boss Friedhelm Funkel hasn’t had any contact with Lemperle, who was forced to miss training on Monday afternoon.Funkel said: “I know he was physically assaulted on Sunday. He sustained facial injuries. “The likelihood of him playing on Sunday is slim. It can’t be completely dismissed, but it is slim. I can’t say anything more about it.”Most read in FootballThe police are investigating the incident and appealing for witnesses.Lemperle has scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 24 second division appearances this season.And he was nailed on starter for the final, after having been named in the starting XI in 22 out of 24 league games this term.FC Koln finished second in Bundesliga 2, behind Hamburg who were automatically promoted to end a seven-year absence from the German top flight.Lemperle’s team-mates take on Kaiserslautern, who finished just inside the playoff places in sixth, in the final. More

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    Thomas Muller has Bayern Munich fans howling with risque funeral joke in farewell speech on pitch

    THOMAS MULLER left Bayern Munich fans howling with laughter after delivering a cheeky funeral joke during his on-pitch farewell speech.The 35-year-old is leaving his boyhood club after 17 glittering seasons.Thomas Muller told a cheeky joke as he bid farewell to Bayern MunichCredit: DAZNHarry Kane used the occasion to celebrate his first-ever career trophyCredit: GettyMuller has won 13 titles and two Champions Leagues during his 750 appearances for the club.And he played his last-ever home match in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Gladbach, with wild celebrations seeing Harry Kane soaked in beer after landing a first career trophy.Muller then cut an emotional figure on the field as he bid farewell to Bayern fans.But the Allianz Arena crowd was left doubled over after a rib-tickling joke from Muller during his final speech.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe World Cup winner said: “I’ve got another joke ready. Bear with me. Humour is very individual. “I was looking for a joke, a joke to say goodbye, but I couldn’t find an appropriate one that I liked. “Then I looked for something spicier about funerals. Father is dying at home. The three children are standing at his bedside.“Suddenly, the smell of his favourite cake wafts from the kitchen, where the mother is baking it.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“Then he says, ‘Son, please bring me one last piece of my favourite cake. That would be my last wish’.“Then he comes back from the kitchen without the cake. The father says, ‘What’s going on?’Harry Kane finally gets his hands on first career trophy as Bayern Munich win Bundesliga in style“(The son says) ‘Well, mum said it’s for after the funeral’.”Fans all said the same thing as they reacted with delight to the gag.One said: “Never change Thomas.”Another declared: “That’s so dry, I love it.”One noted: “Haha wtf he’s insane.”Another added: “Please become a pundit.”Following Muller’s speech, it was party time again on the pitch.Kane led the way as he finally clinched his first piece of silverware.Read More on The SunThe England captain was all smiles as he posed with the Bundesliga trophy.And Kane toasted the occasion with plenty of beer – before a ton of it was dunked over his head.Kane led the title party celebrations afterwardsCredit: GettyThe striker toasted the occasion with plenty of beerCredit: GettyTeammates then poured drinks over the England captain’s headCredit: Getty More

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    Shock pics show horror aftermath of Bundesliga pitch invasion that left 25 in hospital and fan fighting for their life

    SHOCKING pictures have showed the state of Hamburg’s pitch after a wild pitch invasion left 25 people in hospital and one fan fighting for their life.The German giants finally sealed promotion to back to the Bundesliga at the seventh attempts after beating Ulm 6-1 on Saturday.Hamburg’s pitch is in a state of ruinCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThousands of fans descended after winning promotion to the BundesligaCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe grass has been badly cut up in some areasCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSome fans got their hands on a souvenirCredit: Shutterstock EditorialFans got carried away with the celebrations after the 6-1 win over UlmCredit: GettyHamburg are back in the top flight after a seven-year absenceCredit: GettyFans got carried away after their final home match of the season and thousands descended on to the pitch. Dramatic footage from the Volksparkstadion stadium shows supporters jumping from the stands, toppling advertising boards and sprinting across the pitch.Wild scenes erupted as some climbed onto the players, while others raced toward the dugouts and attempted to enter the dressing rooms before being stopped by police.The result from all the footfall is clear to see, with the grass cut up and badly damaged all over the pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClumps of turf were taken out and held by fans, keen to take a souvenir from a memorable match.Several fans were injured when jumping onto the pitch, while some were hurt in scuffles.A total of 25 supporters taken to hospital, where one is recovering from life-threatening injuries.A total of 44 people received on-site medical treatment.Most read in FootballAround 65 firefighters and emergency personnel – backed by a dozen ambulances – swarmed the stadium to deal with the fallout.The Hamburg fire department confirmed they initiated a full-scale emergency response at the scene, as scenes of joy turned to panic.Bradford clash SUSPENDED with club seconds from promotion as fans storm pitch BEFORE full-timeHamburg’s victory capped a dramatic end to their seven-year stay in Germany’s second division.It comes after Harry Kane got drenched in beer during a live TV interview after winning the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.The England captain, 31, celebrated on the Allianz Arena pitch with wife Kate and kids Ivy, Vivienne and Louis as he finally got his hands on his first trophy.Bayern clinched the Bundesliga title six days earlier without kicking a ball as Bayer Leverkusen drew with Freiburg.  More

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    Shock moment fans storm pitch in huge invasion with 25 rushed to hospital as club wins promotion to Germany’s Bundesliga

    THIS is the shocking moment football fans stormed the pitch in a huge invasion — with at least 25 people rushed to hospital after Hamburg sealed their promotion to the Bundesliga.Dramatic footage from the Volksparkstadion stadium shows fans jumping from the stands, toppling advertising boards and sprinting across the pitch.Hamburg fans invade the pitch as they celebrate their promotion to the BundesligaCredit: ReutersFans swarmed the pitch after the crucial winCredit: EPAFanatics also ripped the net after their club finally returned to the German football leagueCredit: GettyAt least 25 people were injured and rushed to hospital amid the chaosCredit: APWild scenes erupted as some climbed onto the players, while others raced toward the dugouts and attempted to enter the dressing rooms before being stopped by police.A major rescue operation was launched after jubilant HSV supporters stormed the field following a thumping 6-1 win over SSV Ulm, which secured their promotion on the penultimate matchday of the 2nd Bundesliga.In total, one person was left with life-threatening injuries, 19 were seriously hurt, and five suffered minor injuries, according to Berliner Tageszeitung.A fire department spokesperson said several fans had been injured after leaping from the stands, while others were hurt in scuffles amid the chaos.Read more on the BundesligaA total of 44 people received on-site medical treatment.Around 65 firefighters and emergency personnel – backed by a dozen ambulances – swarmed the stadium to deal with the fallout.The Hamburg Fire department confirmed they initiated a full-scale emergency response at the scene, as scenes of joy turned to panic.Harry Kane finally gets his hands on first career trophy as Bayern Munich win Bundesliga in styleHSV’s victory capped a dramatic end to their seven-year stay in Germany’s second division. Most read in BundesligaIt also marked the end of six failed attempts to return to the top flight.But the celebrations stretched city resources thin.Emergency services were already stretched due to the 836th Hafengeburtstag festival and a concert by pop star Roland Kaiser nearby at the Barclays Arena, BlueWin reports.It comes after Harry Kane got drenched in beer during a live TV interview after winning the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.The England captain, 31, celebrated on the Allianz Arena pitch with wife Kate and kids Ivy, Vivienne and Louis as he finally got his hands on his first trophy.Bayern clinched the Bundesliga title six days earlier without kicking a ball as Bayer Leverkusen drew with Freiburg. One person was left with life-threatening injuries, 19 were seriously hurt, and five suffered minor injuriesCredit: ReutersA fan celebrates the team’s promotion to the Bundesliga, while sitting on the crossbarCredit: GettySome fans even ripped up the pitch to celebrate the major featCredit: GettyKane celebrated with his team-mates in a posh Munich restaurant before murdering ‘We Are The Champions’, ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ in karaoke.Speaking after the game, a beaming Kane was delighted his much-publicised wait for a trophy was finally over.He said: “It feels amazing. It’s been a long time coming, a lot of hard work throughout the season, and I’m just proud.”Look, it doesn’t change the player that I am. It doesn’t change how hard I work.”Of course, it’s been one of the only things that has been missing from my resume.”But hopefully it’s the first of many with this great club and with this great team as well.”Read More on The SunHe added: “I’m proud of the boys and my family. My wife and kids are here. It’s just a great feeling.”I’m looking forward to enjoying the next week.”Some fans attempted to enter the dressing rooms before being stopped by policeCredit: EPA More

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    Man Utd ready to SLASH Jadon Sancho asking price with Bundesliga side keen after Chelsea snub permanent transfer

    JADON SANCHO could get an escape route back to the Bundesliga – if he is willing to take a wage drop and cut-price pay-off.Sancho is facing a red-faced return to Manchester United, as Chelsea want to back out of the obligation to buy agreed when he joined them on a season-long loan last summer.Chelsea are not willing to buy Jadon Sancho from Manchester UnitedBayer Leverkusen are keeping tabs on Sancho ahead of the summer transfer windowJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBayer Leverkusen are keen to offer him the lifeline of a third spell in Germany and sources say United would do business for little more than £20million.But Sancho’s chances of a move also rest on him taking a hefty drop from his £250,000-a-week Old Trafford salary.While Leverkusen, who are losing boss Xabi Alonso at the end of the season, could afford the fee, his present wages are way beyond them.That leaves Sancho facing the prospect of twiddling his thumbs for the remaining 12 months of his contract…or accepting his wages must be slashed to get out of Manchester.Read More on Man UtdChelsea’s change of heart means they must pay £5m to return him to Old Trafford, which covers the chunk of his salary United have been paying this season.But they may try to use that to negotiate a pay-off with Sancho, who has no future under Ruben Amorim, even though he was already at Stamford Bridge when he arrived.The one-time England winger cost United £73m when they signed him from Borussia Dortmund four years ago.He made a six-month return to Dortmund last season, after a bitter feud with former manager Erik ten Hag, and played a key role in their reaching the Champions League final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut although BVB would like to take him back on a permanent basis – and remain Sancho’s preferred club – Leverkusen’s stronger financial position makes them favourites.The winger introduced himself on the global stage during his first stint at Dortmund where he spent four years before his move to United in 2021.Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!The forward amassed a total of 53 goals and 67 assists in 158 appearances with the German giants.Chelsea ratings vs Djurgarden as Dewsbury-Hall makes most of rare start but Sancho should have done betterCHELSEA coasted their way into the Conference League final thanks to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half finish.Enzo Maresca’s men had done the difficult work last week with a thumping first-leg win.But Dewsbury-Hall gave the home fans something to cheer about with a smart finish.Tyrique George fed the midfielder, who cut inside Djurgarden defender Miro Tenho before slotting home.From there, Chelsea were going through the motions – and no wonder given how poor their Swedish visitors were.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the Chelsea stars… More

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    ‘I’ll be watching and hoping’ – Harry Kane sends message to Spurs fans after finally ending his own trophy drought

    HARRY KANE is desperate for Tottenham to win a European trophy to complete his dream season.The England skipper lifted his first piece of silverware after scoring the first goal in Bayern Munich’s 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach.Harry Kane made it a family day to remember as he posed with the Bundesliga trophy alongside wife Katie Goodland and their childrenCredit: GettyKane’s former team Spurs face Man Utd in the Europa League final on May 21 after a 2-0 win at Bodo/Glimt completed their 5-1 aggregate triumphCredit: ReutersKane says Katie later stayed away from him when he ‘stunk’ of beerCredit: EPAKane became the first ever player in Bundesliga history to score 25 goals in their first two seasons and he was soaked with beer in the jubilant post-match celebrations.But afterwards, Kane admitted that he is rooting for his former club to beat Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21.Kane, who joined Bayern for £104m from Spurs in 2023, said: “They’ve obviously had a tough season, there’s no hiding from that. “But to reach the Europa League final is a great achievement. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s not an easy feat to beat the teams that they’ve beaten so full credit to them.“I’ll be watching and hoping they can win. “It could be a good month for a lot of Spurs fans, because I know a lot of them have reached out to me and they’re happy to see me lift this title. “And of course, I think we’d all be happy to see Spurs win that.”Most read in FootballKane made it 81 goals in 90 Bayern games in Saturday’s 2-0 winCredit: ReutersBayern team-mate Leon Goretzka covered Kane in beerCredit: GettyKane had a go himself as he dowsed winger Jamal MusialaCredit: EPABEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKKane goes into the final game of the season at Hoffenheim having scored 81 goals in 90 games for Bayern.And the striker admitted that he has felt under a lot of pressure after failing to win a career title.Harry Kane puffs on cigar as Bayern champions drink champagne and dance to Michael Jackson in early hours of morningHe said: “It’s been a long time coming. My first championship is obviously a big feeling, a big thing for the club as well, so I’m just waiting to enjoy it as much as possible. “I wanted to win, I wanted to make sure we had a good result and then we could really enjoy it and that was the case.“Just having my hands on that trophy feels special and I’m going to enjoy the next couple of weeks, for sure.“It just feels amazing. It was a weight on the shoulders, so it’s nice to have that lifted and now we can enjoy it. “We feel like it’s the start of something that we can really build on and that goes straight into the Club World Cup.“This is better than an individual award. I think it’s no secret that this is one thing that’s kind of been missing from my CV. “I’ve had plenty of individual accolades and been close on many occasions to team trophies, but for one reason or another, it hasn’t quite worked. So this is a better feeling for sure.Kane’s parents were there to share his first ever taste of major silverwareCredit: EPA“I’ve had plenty of ups in my career as well without winning the biggest trophies.”But of course I’ve had some sad moments and some tough moments, but resilience is something that I’ve had to show throughout my whole career and even with this title, it doesn’t change me as a player. Of course, now I have a team trophy, but I’ve still got the same work ethic. “I’m still going to keep pushing the boundaries to see how good I can become and how I can be.”Kane also took part in Bayern’s tradition of the players pouring beer over each other’s heads after winning a title.He said: “It was cold. I was freezing out there once I got wet. And once my wife and I got on, she was staying away from me because I stunk of beer.Read More on The Sun“But all these occasions, that’s what I’ve been waiting for. I knew, coming here, that’s how they celebrate it, that’s how we celebrate. “Obviously, it wasn’t to be last year, but now to have that, have the videos, have the pictures, have those memories, it’s things that people can’t take away from you.”Kane is looking to win much more after breaking his trophy duckCredit: GettyThe joy is clear to see for the Three Lions captainCredit: Getty More

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    Harry Kane DRENCHED in beer in TV interview as he celebrates with proud family on pitch after FINALLY lifting a trophy

    BEER-SOAKED Harry Kane toasted the first trophy of his career — then beamed: It won’t be the last.It was a family affair for the England captain, 31, as he celebrated on the Allianz Arena pitch with wife Kate and kids Ivy, Vivienne and Louis as he finally got his hands on silverware.Harry Kane finally got his hands on a trophy after winning the Bundesliga with Bayern MunichCredit: GettyA team-mate drenched Harry Kane with beer in a post-match interviewKane enjoyed a massive glass of Bavarian beer on the pitchCredit: AFPThe striker makes a small piece of kiss-tory for himselfCredit: ReutersKane celebrated on the pitch with wife Kate and three of their kids, Ivy, Vivienne and LouisCredit: GettyKane shared a kiss with wife KateCredit: GettyAnd posed for a photo with his proud parents Kim and PatickCredit: GettyMum Kim and dad Patrick, as well as brother Charlie, were also on the pitch as Kane lifted Bundesliga’s ‘Meisterschale’ with Bayern Munich on Saturday night.And while he proved during the week he cannot sing to save his life, Kane wasted no time in reminding everyone that he is half decent at scoring goals.Bayern clinched the Bundesliga title six days earlier without kicking a ball as Bayer Leverkusen drew with Freiburg. Kane celebrated with his team-mates in a posh Munich restaurant before murdering ‘We Are The Champions’, ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis time it was less plush – as a colleague drenched him in bear during a live TV interview after his opener helped sink Borussia Monchengladbach 2-0.Beers had flowed in the stands from an hour before kick-off, with a Bavarian party well underway in Bayern’s penultimate game of the season by the time Kane struck in the 31st minute before former Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise got a late second .After the game, Kane and his team walked back onto the pitch along a red carpet and onto the podium.Kane’s frustrations over a trophyless first season at Bayern, the pain of not winning anything with his boyhood team Spurs and devastating two losses in major finals with England were replaced by the joy of finally being a winner.Most read in BundesligaKane fired the opener in a 2-0 win over Borussia MonchengladbachCredit: ReutersKane was ecstatic after finally picking up major silverwareCredit: ReutersBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSpeaking afterwards, a beaming Kane was delighted his much-publicised wait for a trophy was finally over.He said: “It feels amazing. It’s been a long time coming, a lot of hard work throughout the season, and I’m just proud.Harry Kane puffs on cigar as Bayern champions drink champagne and dance to Michael Jackson in early hours of morning”Look, it doesn’t change the player that I am. It doesn’t change how hard I work.”Of course, it’s been one of the only things that has been missing from my resume.”But hopefully it’s the first of many with this great club and with this great team as well.”He added: “I’m proud of the boys and my family. My wife and kids are here. It’s just a great feeling.”I’m looking forward to enjoying the next week.”Kane’s latest goal also broke yet another record. His header saw him become the first player in German history to score 25 goals or more in his first two Bundesliga seasons. It feels amazing. It’s been a long time coming, a lot of hard work throughout the season, and I’m just proud.Harry KaneIt was an 81st goal in 90 games since leaving Bayern for Spurs for £104million.Despite receiving criticism in some quarters for not scoring in big games – although he did strike against Inter Milan in the quarter-finals – the 31-year-old has already become the club’s main man.Equally, it was also a special day for Eric Dier who followed his pal from north London to Bavaria 18 months ago and has also won his first title.The defender is now heading to Monaco after turning down a one-year contract to stay in Germany and he featured in a presentation on the pitch before the game and was given a standing ovation.Once the game started, Bayern were lethargic and seemed to be paying the price for their boozy celebrations.Yet Kane scored with his first chance and it was very much made in England as the player delivering his 14th assist of the season was Olise.Michael Olise sealed Bayern’s win the the final minuteCredit: GettyThomas Muller enjoys his send-off in his final Bayern home game, as Kane and Leon Goretzka join in the celebrationsCredit: GettyWhile he plays for France, Olise grew up in London and played for Reading and Palace before making a £50million move last summer. He then delivered a deft finish for his 16th goal in the 90th minute.Certainly for Bayern fans, apart from paying tribute to their new goal hero, this day was all about saying farewell to 35-year-old Thomas Muller, who is ending his 25-year association with the club.Bayern were hoping that Muller, 35, would score a 249th goal on what was his 751st appearance. He had a couple of moments but on both occasions his shots were blocked.And in the 83rd minute, Muller – who could end up playing in MLS – left the Allianz pitch for the last time and was given a guard of honour by the subs and coaching staff before a few of the first-team belatedly joined in.Kane was replaced in injury-time and received a big hug from his manager Vincent Kompany who must be thankful Thomas Tuchel signed the striker a couple of years ago.For ex-Manchester City defender Kompany, this was also an unforgettable occasion.Read More on The SunAnd this was in stark contrast to a  year ago when as manager of Burnley, Kompany suffered a 2-1 loss to Spurs for a 23rd Premier League defeat of the season.If you had told him that 12 months later, he would have been doing a victory lap around the pitch at the Allianz, you have to wonder what the reply would have been.Muller shows his emotions as he hugs Kane, with Dier in the backgroundCredit: ReutersRecord-breaking Kane saluted fans amid a carnival atmosphereCredit: Getty More

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    Manuel Neuer’s wife, 24, takes ‘very difficult decision’ to step away from professional sport as he plays on at 39

    MANUEL NEUER’S wife has decided to step away from professional sport.Anika, 24, married the Bayern Munich goalkeeper, 39, in November 2023 and they welcomed a son Luca last year.Manuel Neuer’s wife Anika has paused her handball careerCredit: GettyThe couple married in a secret ceremony in 2023 and have one sonCredit: GettyShe has made the decision to focus on being a mumCredit: GettyShe has ruled out retiring from the gameCredit: GettyAnika is a professional handball player, who plays for ESV 1927 Regensburg in the German second division.But the left-winger has now opted to walk away from the side to prioritise being a mother.She said in a statement: “The decision was very difficult for me. I really like the team and I really enjoy playing with the girls. “I don’t see the break as the end of my handball career; I just want to have more time for my son.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I will miss the girls and handball very much, so I want to particularly enjoy the final games and finish our great season in the best possible way.”The team’s coach Bernhard Goldbach added: “It’s simply impressive what Ani has achieved on and off the field this season. “She came back from maternity leave stronger than ever and played in all of her season’s games. We can only take our hats off to that.”Neuer married the blonde beauty in a secret ceremony and no official announcement was ever made – but Anika changed her surname on Instagram.Most read in BundesligaJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSShe has since been regularly spotted in the stands cheering her husband on.The two-time Champions League and World Cup winner recently shut down retirement rumours by penning a new contract at Bayern, which runs until the summer of 2026.Harry Kane leaves fans stunned by his German and fans are convinced it is a major hint over transfer future Neuer has played 33 games in all competitions this season. He is currently out injured after hurting his calf while celebrating a goal.Manuel Neuer has a year left on his Bayern Munich contractCredit: Getty More