More stories

  • in

    Incredible behind-the-scenes look at life of a co-commentator as Joe Hart shares Champions League experience

    JOE HART gave an incredible behind-the-scenes look at life as a co-commentator after making his Champions League gantry bow this season.The former Manchester City stopper has been working for TNT Sports ever since hanging up his gloves last summer.Joe Hart gave a glimpse into the life of a Champions League commentatorThe ace lifted the lid on the secrets of the gantryBut Hart has instead been tasked with providing co-commentary duties for another of his former sides.The 75-time England goalie has been providing analysis on Celtic’s chances in the Champions League this term.Working alongside commentator Rory Hamilton, Hart has helped deliver some crucial analysis of the Hoops’ journey to the group stage play-offs.The 37-year-old was on duty again for Wednesday’s first-leg clash with Bayern Munich at Celtic Park, which the Hoops lost 2-1.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Hart also used the opportunity to show some behind-the-scenes glimpses of the gantry while also analysing his first season as a co-commentator.Hart showed off the several screens he gets to help break down what’s going on – including a unique one just for VAR.He then revealed an audio box that adjusts volumes in his ear-set, allowing Hart to either tune in to producers, TNT Sports’ in-house show or the loud noises of the Celtic faithful.The ace then gave a brutally honest assessment of his time in the gantry, admitting he’s still learning the ropes while loving his time as co-commentator.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHart said: “I’m new to this. There are moments when I need to shut up. I think as a co-comm, the final third, you leave that to the main man.“He’ll tell the story as it unfolds. Often, my role will be to come in on replays and give opinion on what’s happened.Joe Hart’s Match of the Day debut alongside Lineker divides fans as some confused by him ‘going on about smelling stuff’“There’s lots going on and lots to get your head around, especially with me being new.“It’s an all-round experience. I learned a lesson in the last game that I drank too much and I needed the toilet… it was a painful last 20 minutes!“I was so mentally ready to be in this sort of role. I’ve just been learning on the job.“Hopefully I’m going to get better and better and improve as we go.” More

  • in

    Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao at centre of Premier League transfer race after running Kyle Walker ragged in Champions League

    THREE Premier League clubs are chasing Feyenoord’s Champions League star Igor Paixao.Tottenham, Newcastle and Bournemouth are all keen on the Brazilian winger, who scored the winner against AC Milan and gave Kyle Walker a torrid time at De Kuip on Wednesday.Igor Paixao gave Kyle Walker a torrid time in the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPThe Feyenoord winger won the player of the match award vs AC MilanCredit: GettyPaixao beat Walker after just three minutes before firing in at the near post and then continued to torment the England international throughout the night.Newcastle and Bournemouth both had scouts in Rotterdam for the Champions League play-off first leg.Paixao, 24, has eight goals and 14 assists across Eredivisie and the Champions League this season, with the player keen on a Premier League move in the summer.Feyenoord are thought to rate their speedy winger, signed from Brazilian side Coritiba in 2022, at £25million and there was plenty of evidence as to why on Wednesday night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNot only did Paixao constantly beat Walker, but he was quick and confident in front of goal, hitting the bar after opening the scoring.No player completed more dribbles than the Feyenoord man at De Kuip, while no team-mate had more shots. Paixao also won the ball on four occasions and created two chances.In the second half, he robbed Walker of possession in the Milan half which led to him going close to scoring from the half-way line.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSPaixao also registered an assist in Feyenoord’s 3-3 comeback draw with Manchester City earlier this season.But his goal last night sealed Walker’s first defeat since joining Milan in January.Wayne Rooney slams ‘strange’ decision by Man City to let Kyle Walker join AC Milan on loan after Real Madrid horror showThe right-back insisted that the loss has not impacted what he sees as a bright start to life in Italy, but knows they need a response at San Siro next week.He said: “I’ve been here for two weeks. Since I’ve been here it’s been good, this is a setback and we have to recover first of all in the championship and then in the return leg.“The atmosphere, the crowd with their passion and the belief that we will put in: it will be a different match but also the approach must be different.”It is not only valid for the forwards, we all have to contribute more.” More

  • in

    ‘That’s enough’ – AC Milan manager walks out of Champions League press conference after just one question

    AC MILAN boss Sergio Conceicao walked out of his Champions League press conference after just ONE QUESTION.The manager was less than impressed after the 1-0 defeat to Feyenoord on Wednesday evening.Sergio Conceicao only answered one question in his post-match press conferenceCredit: Sky SportsHe walked out of the press roomCredit: X @ESPNnlAC Milan were beaten 1-0 by Feyenoord in HollandCredit: GettyThe Italian giants were beaten by their Dutch opposition in the first leg of their Champions League play-off.Igor Paixao netted the only goal of the game within just three minutes and was a constant thorn in the side of Kyle Walker.Milan’s frustrating evening appeared to have got the better of Conceicao as he arrived for his post-match press conference.Reports have claimed that he was left waiting for 15 minutes before being allowed to enter the press room.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s been reported that this was down to a lack of “availability” of the players and staff from Feyenoord.He was asked about expectations from the match, gave his answer and walked out of the room.He said: “We knew what the atmosphere was like, how aggressive they were, we knew it.”Matches definitely become easier if you win duels. We entered the match with a chance for Tijjani Reijnders, then we conceded a goal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Well, things happen. It wasn’t a lucky match. We should have done more.”We had the chances to at least equalise.Wayne Rooney slams ‘strange’ decision by Man City to let Kyle Walker join AC Milan on loan after Real Madrid horror showKyle Walker struggled throughout the matchCredit: Getty”But that’s enough now, I waited 15 minutes to speak and now I’m leaving.”Walker, who endured a torrid night, also spoke to the press and insisted that the team can recover from the loss.He said: “We can turn it around… We have to learn from it.”It’s not just the forwards – all the team needs to contribute to score goals.”It’s a two-legged game so we’re disappointed but we look forward to the game at the Stadio San Siro.” More

  • in

    Champions League star left stunned after being handed red card… for asking for opponent to be booked

    MONACO were left in disbelief after their player was sent off for asking an opponent to be booked.The Ligue 1 had fallen behind during their Champions League play-off first-leg game against Benfica just after half-time after a sumptuous chip from Vangelis Pavlidis.Referee Maurizio Mariani showed a second yellow to Monaco’s Al-MusratiCredit: ReutersIt came after the midfielder gestured towards the ref that an opponent should be bookedCredit: GettyA challenge from Alvaro Fernandez on Breel Embolo in the 52nd minute then saw things go from bad to worse for the home side.With ex-Manchester United defender Fernandez on a yellow card by this point, Monaco wanted to try and take advantage of the foul by reminding Italian referee, Maurizio Mariani.Midfielder Moatasem Al-Musrati was chief among the culprits to do so as he was shown to be wagging his right hand at the ref in the gesture of showing a card. Mariani then brandished a yellow card but to the 28-year-old instead of the fouling player.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAl-Musrati, who had been booked in the 41st minute, appeared to be baffled by the decision as his Monaco team-mates then protested against it.It was a very unfortunate end to the Libya international’s Champions League debut following a loan transfer from Besiktas to Monaco in the winter transfer window.But IFAB rules state a yellow card can be awarded to a player who: “Argues with the referee or other match official (verbally or by making gestures).”The sending-off meant Monaco failed to get a vital goal back against the visitors to take to the second leg.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMonaco boss Adi Hütter and left-back Krépin Diatta both felt the decision was unfair, with the manager also moaning about a late yellow for Denis Zakaria which rules him out of the second leg.Hütter said: “I didn’t see him walk to the referee. The only thing what he said maybe was ‘It could be a yellow card.’Jose Mourinho ruins Mauro Icardi with sarcastic comments and fans love it “Yes these are the rules we have to accept, but he was not aggressive right?”And when you see the second yellow card of Zakaria, he is suspended. These are harsh yellow cards.”Diatta said: “I think everyone saw for themselves.”He wasn’t angry and he was calm toward the referee. Sometimes it’s too severe.”The second leg will be played on Tuesday 18. More

  • in

    ‘I’ve had a couple of drinks’ – Rod Stewart steals show as he does duet with Carragher and dances at Celtic v Bayern

    SIR ROD STEWART stole the show at Celtic Park for the Scottish giant’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich last night.Tonight was the night for the legendary singer as he confessed he was feeling merry during pre-match interviews with both CBS Sports and TNT Sports.Rod Stewart stole the show at Celtic Park ahead of Celtic v Bayern MunichCredit: GettyStewart was interviewed by Peter Schmeichel on CBS, joking he was being interviewed by Gordon BanksCredit: CBSHe performed a duet with Jamie CarragherCredit: CBSHe then showed his hot legs on TNT SportsCredit: TNT SportsThe Celtic superfan, 80, was first interviewed by CBS’ Peter Schmeichel pitchside, though it did not quite go how the ex-goalkeeper may have expected.During the interview, Stewart told the stadium announcer to “shut up” before admitting, “I’ve had a couple [of drinks].”The confession saw the entire CBS panel of Kate Abdo, now Scott, Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards and Thierry Henry burst out into laughter back in the studio.Carragher then asked whether he could come and join him for a few if Celtic make it though, to which Stewart replied: “Of course you can I’ll fly you anywhere you want.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor a moment Stewart seemed to be sailing back to sobriety as he explained how Celtic could make it through if they did not make any “cock ups”. Realising what he had said a moment later, Stewart then asked: “Did I say cock ups?” This prompted more laughter from the CBS panel while Stewart giggled to himself.As he carried on and some of the travelling fans started chanting, Stewart said: “Oi shut up I’m talking.”After explaining his infatuation with Celtic, Stewart was then asked if he knew who “Big Meeks” was, to which he replied: “Big knees, no never heard of him.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRichards gently corrected Stewart before the singer admitted he did know him, but only said: “Micah thing”.Stewart burst into a little dance to show he still has Hot Legs following a prompt by Carragher before he said he was being interviewed by Gordon Banks, admitting he was only joking as he started laughing.Celtic ace lookalike goes viral in hilarious vids spoofing Hoops star Daizen MaedaHe then said: “You had better get me off the air now, I’m embarrassing myself.”Before he went, Carragher and Stewart performed a duet of Maggie May, while Stewart’s son, Alastair, also appeared to complete the father-son duo.Stewart was feeling forever young with the interviews he was giving as TNT caught up with him.He started out by saying: “I’ve had a couple of drinks as you can probably tell, wahey.”Showing his passion, Stewart explained how Celtic was the rhythm of his heart as the club was in his blood.With every reason to believe Celtic could come away with a win at home, Stewart then burst out into a dance for the crowd as his TNT interview wound down.However, it did at first seem he had taken the microphone with him, with the presenter saying: “He’s taken the mic,” before he handed it to a producer in the background.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut in the game itself, the first cut was the deepest as Michael Olise scored a screamer on the stroke of half-time to put the visitors ahead. Harry Kane then scored minutes into the second half before Daizen Maeda managed to get one back, meaning the Bhoys will be trying to reverse a 2-1 deficit in Munich for the second leg next week.NHS guidelines on drinking alcoholAccording to the NHS, regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week risks damaging your health.To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level if you drink most weeks:men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a weekif you want to cut down, try to have several drink-free days each weekIf you’re pregnant or think you could become pregnant, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all to keep risks to your baby to a minimum. You read more on the NHS website. More

  • in

    Kyle Walker suffers AC Milan Champions League debut to forget with England star run ragged by Brazilian ace

    KYLE WALKER may have left Manchester City, but just like his old club he suffered a rough night in Europe on his Champions League debut for Milan.The England defender, who has made three domestic appearances for the Italian side since ditching Manchester City, was run ragged by Feyenoord match-winner Igor Paixao.Kyle Walker had a rough night on his Champions League bow for AC MilanCredit: AFPFeyenoord’s Igor Paixao sent him all over the place at timesCredit: EPAWalker couldn’t stop Paixao getting in this crossCredit: RexThe 1-0 defeat at De Kuip leaves Milan on the back foot ahead of next week’s play-off second leg at San Siro, the winner of which could face Arsenal in the last 16.But Walker insisted: “We can turn it around… We have to learn from tonight. I”It’s not just the forwards – all the team needs to contribute to score goals.”It’s a two-legged game so we’re disappointed but we look forward to the game at the Stadio San Siro.”READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERFeyenoord, who sacked Arne Slot’s successor Brian Priske on Monday, took the lead after just three minutes.Paixao, who was being watched by a number of Premier League admirers, cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot at the near post which slipped past Mike Maignan.Feyenoord’s electric Brazilian winger gave 34-year-old Walker a torrid time, beating him time and again with direct runs down the left.Rafael Leao should have equalised in the first half but fluffed a golden chance on the break.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMilan, who dropped Tammy Abraham to the bench in favour of ex-Feyenoord man Santiago Gimenez, plugged away in the second half but could not find a way through.Paixao almost doubled his tally with an audacious effort from the half-way line after robbing loanee Walker on the ball as he continued to torment.Kyle Walker pictured reuniting with wife Annie & four kids over a meal after flying to Italy to watch him play for AC MilanNigerian wideman Samuel Chukwueze then blasted a shot through a crowd of players straight at Maignan.Gimenez got a round of appreciation from fans of his old club when Milan replaced him with ex-Chelsea hitman Abraham eight minutes from time.But the Serie A giants rarely threatened seriously.In fact, Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic had to block sharply to thwart a lively late raid from Anis Hadj Moussa.Nonetheless, a narrow loss means the Italians will fancy their chances of a return-leg revival.Meanwhile, The Sun’s Paul Sims has revealed why Walker will “never escape” his ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman.That’s based on our dossier of evidence, including the model’s “restaurant ambush”. More

  • in

    Watch ‘softest penalty in history’ give Club Brugge ‘disgraceful’ last gasp Champions League win over Atalanta

    FANS have slammed a huge Champions League refereeing blunder as the “worst decision of the season”.Club Brugge scored a 94th minute penalty to beat Atalanta 2-1 in a first leg play-off round clash.Gustaf Nilsson went down holding his face after a clash with Isak HienCredit: TNT Sports The referee controversially gave a penalty despite minimal contactCredit: TNT Sports The official then gave three Atalanta players bookings for their protestsCredit: RexNilsson dispatched the penalty for Club BruggeCredit: EPABut the decision to award the last-gasp spot-kick for a foul on eventual goalscorer Gustaf Nilsson was highly controversial.The striker chased down a loose ball in the box, only for Atalanta defender Isak Hien to get there first and hold him off.His right arm ended up brushing his Swedish compatriot, who went down clutching his face theatrically. Turkish referee Halil Meler pointed to the spot and the decision was surprisingly not overturned by VAR.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFuming Atalanta stars surrounded the referee, with Rafael Toloi, ex-Chelsea man Juan Cuadrado and Hien all getting yellow carded.Nilsson kept his cool amid the chaos and scored to take a one-goal advantage to Italy next week.Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini stormed down the tunnel as the ball hit the back of the net, ripping his coat off as he went.Fans were left shocked by the decision, with one saying: “Might be the worst decision I’ve seen all season.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “Disgraceful decision.”A third wrote: “Worst penalty decision ever. Absolutely embarrassing.”Ref Meler is no stranger to being at the centre of controversy after being punched by Ankaragucu’s club president Faruk Koca at full-time of a game just over a year ago.Ex-Premier League midfielder given red card but bizarrely allowed to continue playing after discussion with opponents More

  • in

    Celtic fans fume at baffling defensive tactic as Harry Kane nets stunning goal for Bayern Munich

    HARRY KANE was presented with a gift of a goal as Bayern Munich took advantage of “schoolboy defending” from Celtic. The England striker, 31, doubled Bayern’s lead in their Champions League clash with Brendan Rodgers’ men on Wednesday night. Harry Kane netted a superb goal for Bayern at Celtic ParkCredit: GettyThe Englands striker smashed in on the volley from a second-half cornerCredit: GettyCeltic fans were completely stunned to see their team’s shocking marking for the goalCredit: TNTKane was left completely unmarked at the far post before smashing inMichael Olise gave Bayern a first-half advantage in Glasgow as Celtic struggled to get into the contest. And they inexplicably gifted England’s top marksman with a free pass early in the second half. Three minutes after the restart, Bayern swung a corner into the Celtic box.Kane lined up deep inside the area, off to the far right corner by the byline.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe walked slowly in towards the six-yard box as the corner was taken – with no Celtic player paying him any attention. England’s record goalscorer received the ball in acres of space at the far post, with no Bhoys player within five yards of him.Kane met the cross on the volley, smashing first-time past a stricken Kasper Schmeichel. One fan raged on X: “At least they didn’t leave the most prolific striker in Europe unmarked.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother said: “Who was supposed to be marking Harry Kane? Basic schoolboy football, & apparently these are pros getting paid.”While a third added: “Not marking Harry Kane in a UCL knockout game is actually just quite funny.”Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starAnd a fourth commented: “I might have just seen the worst ever marking at a corner. Celtic left Harry Kane alone on the edge of the 6 yard box. Harry Kane. No one within yards of him.”Celtic may have been careless from the corner, but kept plugging away for the remainder of the game.And a late strike from Daizen Maeda helps keep the tie alive at 2-1 ahead of the second leg on February 18. Kane has enjoyed yet another prolific season for Bayern.The ex-Tottenham striker joined the German giants for £104million in August 2023.Since arriving in Munich, he’s struck a remarkable 73 goals in 73 games.Earlier this month, Kane refused to deny he has a release clause in his contract that could signal a sensational Premier League return.READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked about the situation, Kane, 31, said: “What I can say is that I’m very happy at FC Bayern. “No comment on the clause.” More