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      Girona vs Arsenal: Get up to £40 in free bets to spend on football with talkSPORT BET

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      ARSENAL round-off their Champions League league phase with a game at Girona on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta’s men are all-but there in the top eight but a point would guarantee things, while Girona are already OUT.Brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim up to £40 in free bets when they register an account and stake at least £20 on the European contest.Girona vs Arsenal: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim talkSPORT BET offertalkSPORT BETVisit the talkSPORT website HERE*Create an account and Opt In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabMake a depositPlace your first bet up to £40, minimum £20, on any football market, at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first betFor example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free betsIf you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free betstalkSPORT BET: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim Here*Girona vs Arsenal: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*What’s the offer?Brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a welcome bonus of up to £40 when they register an account.How to claim?Simply visit the talkSPORT BET website on your mobile device and create an account. Opt in to this promotion via the OFFERS tab and then make a deposit via debit card or Apple Pay.Stake £20 or more on any football market at odds of at least Evens. Remember, you must do this within 7 days of opening your account.What happens next?Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first bet bet.For example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free bets. If you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free bets:On settlement of your qualifying bet, your account will be credited with the following:£10 free bet – Bet Builder (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Correct Score (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)And the following free bets, which will be credited 24 hours after the first bonus funds:£10 free bet – To Win and Both Team to Score – 90 mins (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Acca 4+ selection (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)You can read the full breakdown of free bets and more on how to claim talkSPORT BET’s welcome offer here**18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile device, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Girona vs Arsenal prediction: Free betting tips, odds and Champions League preview

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      ARSENAL have all-but mathematically secured a top-eight Champions League spot ahead of the league phase finale at Girona on Wednesday.SunSport betting experts have previewed the European showdown and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesBetfred’s terrific Bet&Get offer this weekNew Betfred offerVisit the Betfred website HERE**Register an account using the Promo Code: PREM45Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any Champions League market on January 29th, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £45 in Free Bets – £5 for each Premier League game this weekend!Betfred: Get your £45 in PL free bet builders – Claim here**Girona vs Arsenal previewArsenal know a point or more will guarantee them progression to the knockouts as one of the top eight sides.In fact, even defeat would mean an unlikely outcome of results to knock them out their position, which helps evade the play off rounds.So how might that impact Mikel Arteta’s team selection, with two mammoth games up next.Their fading title hopes mean no slip-ups and that’s put to the test at home to the champions Manchester City.Just a few days later they’re up north to try and overturn a 2-0 deficit in the Carabao Cup semi final against Newcastle.So it’s probably just as well they’re already essentially through and face a mid-table La Liga side who are already out.The Gunners are still upset with Michael Oliver’s decision to send off Myles Lewis-Skelly but recovered well to beat ten-man Wolves on Saturday.Girona have just three points from their seven games, sitting 31st of 36 in the Champions League table and eighth in La Liga having lost their last three games in all competitions.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 1-2 at 13/2 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Ethan Nwaneri 13/2 with talkSPORT BET – HEREGirona vs Arsenal latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Girona vs Arsenal predictions and tipsComboDespite all that’s been said above, I still fancy Arsenal to get the better of the Spanish side.They have nothing to play for and Mikel Arteta will be keen for his side to keep up some momentum heading into a crucial few days.Kai Havertz will likely lead the line as they don’t really have anyone else that can play there, so this selection is based around him.Kai Havertz to score, Arsenal to win, both teams to score at 9/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREHe’s no (Y)angelGirona will likely spend the majority of the night without the ball, so looking for their players in the booking markets brings us to one man.Yangel Herrera SIX bookings from 12 La Liga appearances and one in his four showings in this competition.The central midfielder isn’t long back from injury and has been booked in two of his three starts since. In a competitive part of the field too and his price looks awfully generous.Yangel Herrera to be carded at 15/8 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.**Betfred Bet&Get: New customers only. Register by 21.45 on 29/01/25 with PREM45, deposit via Debit Card and bet £10+ (Evs+) on any CL game on 29/01/25. 9 x £5 Free Bets on Bet Builders for EPL games on 01/02/25-02/02/25. Credited on settlement. Eligibility & T&Cs Apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Michael Oliver to make immediate return in huge clash despite sick death threats after controversial Arsenal red card

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      MICHAEL OLIVER will make an immediate return to action despite receiving death threats following his decision to send off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.The 39-year-old official has been appointed to referee Barcelona’s Champions League group game against Atalanta on Wednesday, and is expected to resume Premier League duty this weekend. Michael Oliver will make an immediate return to action despite receiving death threatsCredit: GettyOliver’s family have been targets of sick abuse that are being investigated by the police, which led former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett to suggest he should be taken out of the firing line.Oliver has told Uefa and PGMOL bosses that he wants to carry on however, with both backing his judgement.PGMOL will announce the refereeing appointments for this weekend’s Premier League matches on Tuesday.Oliver held talks with current PGMOL boss Howard Webb on Monday, with the refs’ chief reaffirming their support.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe police investigation into the death threats made against Oliver was stepped up yesterday with the case handed to specialist officers at the UK Football Policing Unit.UKFPU officers are working with social media companies to track down the individuals who sent vile abuse, with the police determined to prosecute.“If people think they can hide behind their keyboards, they are mistaken,” said UKFPU chief, Mark Roberts. “And we will pursue offenders abroad too, with the assistance of overseas forces.”Oliver was targeted after his decision to send off Lewis-Skelly in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Wolves on Saturday.Most read in Football“Officers from the UKFPU have launched an investigation after a number of abusive messages were directed toward a referee following a Premier League match,” UKFPU said in a statement yesterday.“On Sunday January 26 police were contacted by the UK Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in relation to social media messages directed towards referee Michael Oliver.“Enquiries are in the early stages and officers are working closely with social media providers, including Facebook and X, to identify those responsible for the messages.”Fans spot Arsenal star Leandro Trossard’s 6-word comment about Michael Oliver to Wolves ace More

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      Champions League draw simulated with Arsenal and Liverpool facing horror ties… after Man City don’t even qualify

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      THE new Champions League format could throw up some enthralling ties if a supercomputer’s predictions are anything to go by.All 36 teams face off at the same time on Wednesday night in the final matches of the league phase.The Champions League league phase has been predicted by a supercomputerCredit: GettyManchester City are in line to miss out on the next roundCredit: PAThe Champions League tournament tree shows which team will face who depending on the league phase finishing positionTeams will be fighting for the lives with everything up for grabs as those who secure a top eight spot will book an automatic spot in the last 16, the teams placed ninth to 24th head into a play-off round and those from 24th to 36th head straight out of the tournament.Thanks to the boffins at Bettingexpert.com and their supercomputer BETSiE, we now know what the most likely outcome is of the league phase.Their supercomputer has simulated the final round of games 100,000 times, taking into account all the necessary data to make the best predictions it can.And according to their simulations, Manchester City are set to MISS OUT on qualifying for the next round! READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe four-in-a-row Premier League champions need to beat Club Brugge and hope other results go their way to finish in the top 24, but the supercomputer thinks that is pretty unlikely to happen.City are predicted to narrowly miss out, finishing in 25th place.Liverpool are predicted to finish top of the table, while Arsenal should advance in third spot and Aston Villa have been tipped to sneak into the automatic last 16 places by finishing in eighth place.With the way that the new Champions League format works, the predicted table means we can look at who would face who in the qualification round and ultimately the last 16.Most read in FootballLiverpool are predicted to top the Champions League league phaseCredit: APCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe complicated format means that the seeded top eight will be split into opposite sides of the tournament bracket, i.e. the first and second place sides will be treated equally, and split into one side and the other.While the sides that finish from 9th to 24th go into a play-off round to join them, with the top eight of this middle section seeded.The new Champions League format explainedThey are then put in pairs, for example, 9th and 10th together, 11th and 12th together, and so on.The duos are then put into fours based on their league finishes and there is then a draw to decide the match-ups from the quartets.For example, 9th and 10th will play worst qualifiers either 23rd or 24th; 11th or 12th will be drawn against either 21st or 22nd, and so on.This has allowed SunSport to simulate the play-off draw to show what we could expect in the last 16 of the tournament.In our randomised draw, Liverpool’s top spot would mean they take on the winner of Juventus vs Celtic in the last 16 – throwing up a tricky tie for Arne Slot’s in-form Reds.While Arsenal’s third place finish could leave them with the tall task of getting the better of the winner of the play-off tie between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.However, they’ll be confident that they could advance past PSG given their 2-0 victory over the Parisians in the league phase.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt won’t be a walk in the park for Aston Villa either with Unai Emery’s side in line to face the winner of Benfica vs Bayern Munich in the last 16.Similarly to Arsenal and PSG, Villa have already played – and beaten – Bayern Munich in the league phase and will be buoyed by their previous result over the Bavarians.Here’s a look at how the play-offs round fixtures could lookHere’s what that would mean for the Last 16 tiesAston Villa could face Bayern Munich againCredit: GettyArsenal have a good chance of taking on PSG for a second timeCredit: Getty More

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      Why Erling Haaland is currently most transferred-out player ahead of Gameweek 22 despite prolific form

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      ERLING HAALAND (£7.9m) is currently the most transferred-out player ahead Gameweek 22.Even during rare fallow spells it’s rare for Dream Team managers to turn their backs on Manchester City’s prolific striker so it may seem utterly perplexing why his popularity is dipping now he’s back among the most in-form players in the game.Allow us to explain.Replacing Haaland is fraught with risk but perfectly logicalCredit: Dream TeamFirstly, it’s important to note that Haaland has quietly regained his best form in recent outings.The Norwegian poacher scored one and assisted another for a 15-point haul as Pep Guardiola’s side came from behind to beat Chelsea 3-1 on Sunday.This followed a profitable Gameweek 20 when he scored against both Ipswich and PSG for a combined return of 21 points.At the time of writing, only Justin Kluivert (£3.6m) and Alexander Isak (£6.1m) have taken more points than Haaland from their last three outings.More broadly, goals in three consecutive games means the big No9 now has 24 in all competitions, the outright highest tally in the game.Haaland has banked 36 points in his last three outingsCredit: GettyClearly, Dream Team bosses are not ditching Haaland due to form issues.The reason he has already been removed from a few thousand teams is because of the schedule.Most read in FootballMan City have just one fixture to fulfil in Gameweek 22 and a difficult one on paper in the form of Arsenal at the Emirates – the Gunners are the only team yet to lose a home game in the top flight this campaign.Naturally, gaffers will be more interested in the four teams set to fulfil two fixtures in Gameweek 22 because of the Carabao Cup semi-final second legs: Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle.Isak will be a popular recruit for Gameweek 22Credit: ReutersSuch is Haaland’s pedigree, he may well breach Mikel Arteta’s defence and continue his prosperous form but the decision to replace him with a forward with better prospects in Gameweek 22 is an understandable one.Mohamed Salah (£8m), Cody Gakpo (£4.7m), Son Heung-min (£5m), Kai Havertz (£4.7m) and the aforementioned Isak all have 180+ points to their name plus two fixtures in the diary for Gameweek 22.And that’s just the forwards, Anthony Gordon (£5.3m) and Dejan Kulusevski (£4.4m) are among the strong midfield options prior to the next deadline.City assets will be popular again if they make the Champions League play-offsCredit: GettyOne thing to note is that while Man City currently have just one fixture scheduled for Gameweek 23 (against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup) that will change if they can secure a place in the Champions League knockout phase play-offs – a win at home to Club Brugge on Wednesday will do the trick.Should that come to pass, Guardiola’s side will play the first leg of the play-off in Gameweek 23 and the second leg in Gameweek 24.So why Haaland may disappear from a few teams this week, the shoe might be on the other foot soon enough.Plus, Gameweek 21 isn’t done yet with six fixtures still to complete – things can change very quickly in the world of Dream Team.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Former Champions League star Radja Nainggolan arrested in investigation into cocaine smuggling as police raid 30 houses

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      RADJA NAINGGOLAN has been arrested as part of an investigation into smuggling cocaine, according to reports. The 30-cap Belgian midfielder, 36, joined second-tier Lokeren-Temse in his homeland last Tuesday. Radja Nainggolan was arrested on suspicion of smuggling cocaine days after his Lokeren-Temse debutCredit: RexThe footballer had been open about struggles with drink and smokingCredit: instagram @sena_asbhoelNainggolan marked his debut on Friday by scoring an Olympic goal directly from a corner to rescue a 1-1 draw.However, reports in Belgium on Monday morning revealed the former Roma and Inter Milan star was detained by police as part of an investigation into smuggling drugs from South America via the port of Antwerp.Approximately 30 houses were raided in the areas of Antwerp and Brussels as part of the sting. The Brussels public prosecutor’s office said: “The federal judicial police of Brussels carried out thirty house searches on Monday morning in the context of a file from the Organized Crime department of the Brussels public prosecutor’s office. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The house searches mainly took place in the province of Antwerp and in Brussels.”The investigation concerns suspected facts of importing cocaine from South America to Europe, via the port of Antwerp, and its redistribution in Belgium.”We can confirm that the footballer RN (Radja Nainggolan) was deprived of his liberty in the context of that case. “Given that the interrogations are currently underway, and in compliance with the principle of presumption of innocence, no further comment will be made at this stage.”Most read in FootballGVA in Belgium added that Nainggolan’s lawyer Omar Souidi is on his way to support his client.The report also states that the footballer had his Smart Brabus car towed away amid the house search in Antwerp on Monday. ‘Smashed’ Radja Nainggolan causes stir with Instagram live video of him drinking and smoking on New Year’s EveHis new club confirmed their star signing missed training and will miss Tuesday’s match – but was ineligible anyway because it was a rearranged match from earlier in the season.Lokeren-Temse said: “Since the investigation is still ongoing, the police services do not want to and cannot make any further comment. “They respect the principle of presumption of innocence.”As a club, we agree with this. We can only confirm that the player was absent from training this morning.”Nainggolan, who scored at Euro 2016, has had a chequered career with various controversial moments and has openly admitted his struggles with alcohol and smoking. In 2017, he had his driving license withdrawn after driving at four times the legal alcohol limit. The four-time Serie A team of the year star then made headlines when he went live on Instagram on New Year’s Eve the same year drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and swearing.The next day he apologised for his behaviour and admitted he “overdid it a bit” and “did not intend to set a negative example”.In 2018, Nainggolan reportedly lost hundreds of thousands of euros at a Monte Carlo casino and then was mugged by thieves who stole passbooks and cheques for €150,000 (£126,000). The midfielder was banned indefinitely by Antwerp in 2022 for vaping on the bench with an e-cigarette – a week after another arrest for driving offences. ‘NOT ASHAMED’Nainggolan had a brief stint at SPAL in 2023 – where he declared he could take to the field after 20 shots the night before.Sporting director Walter Sabatini claimed the midfielder could play after eight shots.But the footballer said: “Sabatini? I called him and told him that eight shots weren’t enough… I can also drink 20 and then I go out on the pitch anyway.“He loves me, he’s always advised me to have a quieter life. He thinks I would have a better career. But I don’t agree, on the pitch I gave it my all.“As a boy I suffered, my family was poor, I made great sacrifices to become a footballer. And now, I don’t give up living, also because nature has given me a body that isn’t affected by the shenanigans I’ve done.“Everywhere I did shenanigans. At Roma I arrived late, there were videos in which I was not very lucid in the evening and then that famous New Year’s Eve at my house…. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.“Maybe that was the craziest night. Well, my videos drunk, smoking and saying words out of place went around the world. I was attacked by everyone, Roma went on a rampage. And they were right.”On his smoking habits, Nainggolan added during his Roma spell: “I’m not ashamed because I smoke and I’ve never hidden this habit of mine.”I know I should set a good example, I have kids… But I’m just a footballer, I do my job. Everyone knows that I smoke and I can’t hide it, but I’m not ashamed.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIronically, between his time at SPAL and joining Lokeren-Temse this month, Nainggolan played ten league games for Bhayangkara – a team based in South Jakarta run by the Indonesian police. Nainggolan has two daughters, Aysha and Mailey, with wife Claudia Lai, who overcame a cancer diagnosis in 2019.Nainggolan won Serie A with Inter Milan in 2020-21Credit: GettyHe starred for Belgium at Euro 2016Credit: Reuters More

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

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

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

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