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      Sunderland 1 Middlesbrough 0: Cheeky Chris Rigg finish secures local bragging rights for promotion-chasing Black Cats

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      CHRIS RIGG showed he is the Real heel as his cheeky finish settled this Wear-Tees showdown.The 17-year-old’s displays have led to speculation that he could find himself with Jude Bellingham as a team-mate in Spain instead of the Madrid star’s younger brother Jobe at Sunderland.Sunderland’s Chris Rigg celebrates after breaking the deadlock against MiddlesbroughCredit: PAThe 17-year-old’s cheeky backheel finish was his first goal since AprilCredit: PABlack Cats boss Regis Le Bris said: “He’s like a symbol of the process and game model. He always wants to learn and play, whatever the circumstances.“He deserves to play like that because what I can see on the pitch in training is that he’s preparing for these circumstances and I’m happy for him.“But you can perform for one, two, three, four or five games, the reality of the high level is to perform for a whole season and during multiple seasons.“We have many things to develop but his attitude and behaviour are interesting.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile Le Bris was getting his teenage kicks, opposite number Michael Carrick was once again cursing his team’s finishing.Less than five minutes were on the clock before the first opportunity fell Boro’s way.Tommy Conway pounced on a loose ball, fed Isaiah Jones down the right, then headed the winger’s cross against the woodwork.And we had not even reached the ten-minute mark when Trai Hume escaped with just a yellow for a crunching challenge that left Emmanuel Latte Lath that he never really recovered from.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt took Patrick Roberts to get the Sunderland supporters off their feet as his mazy dribble from the right was only denied a glorious finish to cap it off by a great Aidan Morris tackle.But it was the former Boro man at the heart of it as the deadlock was broken and it all came from Matt Clarke header over when free from eight yards.Fans want Sky Sports interviewer ‘sacked’ for ‘horrid’ question to Middlesbrough starA punt forward at the restart from Anthony Patterson was flicked on and Ayling failed to clear, allowing Romaine Mundle to pounce and charge forward to feed it to Roberts.He cut inside and hit a low cross-cum-shot that George Edmundson could only parry just agonisingly far enough away from Seny Dieng, and Rigg reacted quickest to poke it wide of the stopper and backheel home.Carrick, whose team remain on eight points, said: “The goal was a break, it fell to them, and other than that I thought we limited them to a few individual moments.“We had the first big chance with Tommy and then it was a 100 per cent red card on Manny really, I don’t get why it’s not been given. So two big moments.”The calmness and audacity of the finish belonged on a stage like the Bernabeu – and with more of this the reports linking him with a move there won’t be going away.Finn Azaz and Jones retialited by trying in vain to get Boro on level terms while Dieng saved from Mundle.And referee Simon Hooper almost caused a riot right at the end of additional time by waving away the Sunderland attacker’s screams for a penalty after being pushed over by Ayling.Bor o countered as Latte Lath suddenly found himself in, but his connection on the bounce only managed to send the ball over as the home crowd roared their disgust at the official.Roberts knew he had the beating of Neto Borges every time, and it was his cut inside and shot again that got the crowd going after the break, curling wide from 20 yards.The usually calm Michael Carrick, not for the first time in this, cut a frustrated figure in his technical area as the visitors struggled to lay a glove on their rivals.It was time to take action and turn to a teenager of his own in on-loan Liverpool winger Ben Doak from the bench.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Scotland international, 18, made an instant impact, playing in Morris, who allowed it to run across him, but his effort was off target.But it was almost game over when Mundle’s fierce 20-yard free-kick smashed against the post, but it matter not as his side held on to make it 15 pints from their opening six matches. More

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      English football in chaos with SECOND game suspended for bad weather as fans say ‘the game’s gone soft’

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      THE CHAMPIONSHIP match between Coventry City and Swansea was suspended for about seven minutes due to heavy rain.This is the second game this week that gets paused due to severe weather conditions as the same thing happed in the Premier League fixture between Leicester and Everton.The Championship game between Coventry and Swansea was suspended due to heavy rainCredit: RexThe Swans were 2-1 ahead against the hosts at the Coventry Building Society Arena.But referee James Linington called both sets of players off the pitch on 68 minutes when the heavens opened and rain started pouring on the ground.The game was stopped for over five minutes with fans finding their own way to deal with the bad weather.But thankfully the rain slowed down and the two teams returned on the grass to restart where they left off.Read More on FootballThe incident took place after Leicester and Everton’s clash at King Power Stadium saw the second half being delayed for the same reason.But after five minutes of waiting for the heavens to close up, match officials were forced into resuming the 3pm blackout clash.Fans were left furious after two games were suspended on the same day and stormed social media.One fan tweeted: “The games gone f*****g soft.”Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother gasped: “What?”A third wrote: “Utter nonsense.”Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showThis fan said: “Utterly embarrassing.”And that one commented: “What a farce.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      ‘If Mbappe scored that…’ say fans as England wonderkid, 17, fires Sunderland ahead in bitter Tees-Wear derby

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      SUNDERLAND wonderkid Chris Rigg set the bitter Tees-Wear derby on fire with a stunning finish against Middlesbrough.Rigg, 17, was named in Regis Le Bris’ starting line-up against Boro in their crunch Championship clash at the Stadium of Light.Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg scored a stunning back heel against MiddlesbroughCredit: RexRigg, 17, scored his first goal of the season for SunderlandCredit: RexSunderland ace Rigg was compared to Real Madrid superstar Kylian MbappeCredit: RexThe midfielder won over the Black Cats’ faithful in the 24th minute when he scored his first goal of the season.And the England Under-18 international did it in style with a wonderful back heel.Patrick Roberts tried a left-footed shot from the right flank but his effort was blocked by Middlesbrough defender George Edmundson.Rigg picked up the rebound and dribbled past goalkeeper Seny Dieng before finishing off with a right-footed back heel that set the home crowd alight.Read More on FootballSunderland fans were left in awe as they stormed social media to praise the teenage sensation.Some even claimed that this sort of goal would make global headlines if it was scored by a superstar like Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe.One fan tweeted: “If Mbappe scored that goal, commentators around the globe would be going crazy. Take a bow, Chris Rigg.”Another commented: “Wow Chris Rigg u have rocked my world.”Most read in ChampionshipA third wrote: “Chris Rigg. Remember the name.”This fan said: “Chris Rigg you are ridiculous, 17 years old.”Roy Keane made £800 off Sunderland players but lost dressing room with training ground trick that immediately backfiredThat one stated: “The best player in the Championship is a 17-year-old lol. Chris Rigg is taking this league for a joke.”And that one posted: “How cool a finish was that from Chris Rigg?! What a talent he is. Only 17. Got some future ahead of him.” More

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      ‘It’s not fair’ says Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid and England star admits fear for younger brother Jobe

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has revealed his fear that people could unfairly compare his brother Jobe’s achievements to his on the pitch.The England superstar, 21, enjoyed a fairytale first season at Real Madrid by firing them to both Champions League and LaLiga glory.Jude does not want people to compare his younger brother Jobe to himCredit: RexHis younger sibling was also on the move last year as he left Birmingham City for Sunderland.Jobe, 18, enjoyed an impressive first season on Wearside and scored seven goals while also continuing his own progression through the Three Lions youth ranks.But he is often compared to his older brother – something Jude says is “not fair”.Speaking on his self-titled YouTube documentary series, he said: “The worry is that people judge him based on my achievements. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But I’m really conscious of that because I know it’s something that people will always throw in his face.”It’s not fair because he’s an amazing talent, amazing player in his own right.“People will use him as a way to have a dig at me and vice versa, so we’re almost like each other’s biggest fans but also the biggest target for each other because we care about each other so much.”Jude returned from a month out injured to help Real Madrid beat Stuttgart in the Champions League in midweek.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe faces Espanyol tomorrow just hours after Jobe lines up for Sunderland against Middlesbrough in the Championship.Jude said: “He has to deal with more than what I would have had to at his age, and he deals with it with so much class. He wants to try and create his own legacy and his own path.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid draw“At the end of the day as long as he’s happy that’s all I really care about to be honest. His happiness means more to me than my own.”And despite having already lifted the biggest club prize on offer, Jude insists there is one thing that would top that and any other accolades.He added: “Because we’re of a similar age and we’ve played together for so long – in the street and on tufts of grass – to play with my brother for England, that would be the biggest dream of my life.“That would mean more than any of the trophies, especially if we managed to do it on a consistent basis and play at a major tournament together, win things together.“Honestly, nothing would even get close to that, nothing.”Meet Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend, lingerie model Laura Celia ValkBy Jon BoonLAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch fashion model who has stolen Jude Bellingham’s heart.The Sun exclusively revealed that she’s been staying at his place in Madrid and is completely smitten with him.Laura boasts a huge social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.From underwear modelling to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.She’s also quite the foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favourites.It won’t be long before we see her at the Bernabeu enjoying a prawn sandwich!Find out more about Laura.Or read all the latest Jude Bellingham news. More

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      Middlesbrough coach Grant Leadbitter hoping to save lives as he backs cause close to his heart on Sunderland return

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      GRANT LEADBITTER uniquely enjoys legendary status at both Sunderland and Middlesbrough – but he will be wearing much more important colours ahead of tomorrow’s derby.The 38-year-old came through the ranks at his boyhood Black Cats and played a huge role under Roy Keane in their 2007 promotion campaign.Grant Leadbitter captained Middlesbrough to promotion in 2016Credit: GettyThe star enjoys legendary status at both Boro and SunderlandCredit: PA:Empics SportHaving followed the Irishman to Ipswich, he returned to the region in 2012 with Boro and captained them to the Premier League in 2016.Leadbitter headed back to his first love Sunderland two years later and became the first player since Bobby Kerr in 1973 to lift a trophy for the club at Wembley when they won the Football League Trophy.The much-loved midfielder hung up his boots in 2021 but is now back at Boro as Michael Carrick’s first-team coach.As he prepares to head to the Stadium of Light and to the spot where his late father’s ashes are buried under the pitch, Leadbitter is now backing something else very close to his heart.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe is a patron of the If U Care Share Inside Out campaign that encourages people to talk by ‘getting what’s on the inside out’.Fans will spot players from both teams wearing the If U Care Share Inside Out t-shirts in the warm-up before the lunchtime showdown in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day.The idea is the brainchild of the Chester-le-Street based mental health and suicide prevention charity If U Care Share.The charity was founded by Matthew Smith and his family in 2005 after his brother Daniel O’Hare’s death by suicide and it has provided prevention advice and support to families affected by suicide. Most read in ChampionshipLeadbitter said: “It’s a very important cause to me and a lot of people from the North East. “Dan’s family started the charity in his memory and his younger brothers Matthew and Ben have dedicated themselves to raising awareness.“In memory of Daniel, we are hoping to help other people, and that is so important. It’s about making sure no one else takes their own life and trying to get the statistics down.Roy Keane made £800 off Sunderland players but lost dressing room with training ground trick that immediately backfired“Both ourselves and Sunderland promote the charity every year and it’s all about creating awareness.“On Saturday, there will be nearly 45,000 at the Stadium of Light with a lot more people watching at home, and if we can deliver a message, even if it’s to just one person, we could save another precious life.”Last month Matthew completed a 700 mile to every Premier League ground to raise vital funds for the charity, running from Bournemouth, across the south coast, through the seven London clubs, before a gruelling leg to Ipswich, followed by the Midlands, Liverpool, Manchester, before landing at St. James’ Park less than three weeks later.The aim is to raise £135,000 – with 135 being the number of people such as family, friends, work colleagues, health and emergency professionals – who are impacted when one person takes their own life.If U Care Share co-founder Matthew added: “We would like to thank Sunderland and Middlesbrough football clubs for their continued support for the Inside Out campaign and giving such prominent backing to a simple message which saves lives.”Visit ifucareshare.co.uk for more info.If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.Players from both teams will wear these t-shirts pre-matchCredit: MFC More

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      Michael Carrick calls on fellow Manchester United legend to help plot Sunderland’s derby downfall to Middlesbrough

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      MICHAEL CARRICK is calling on the help of Wayne Rooney to help claim derby bragging rights.The Middlesbrough boss takes his side 31 miles up the A19 on Saturday to face North East rivals Sunderland.Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth inflicted a first defeat of the season on Sunderland last weekCredit: RexMichael Carrick revealed he’s already spoken to the legend ahead of the Wear-Tees derbyCredit: PAThe Stadium of Light holds both painful and fond memories for Carrick after leading Boro to a 4-0 win there last year.He was also part of the Manchester United side that suffered title agony on the final day of the 2012 Premier League campaign there.Rooney secured the Red Devils a 1-0 victory, but Sergio Aguero’s famous last-ditch strike took the title to the Cityzens from United’s clutches.As news of City’s winner spread amongst the ground and the United players on the pitch, the home supporters went berserk with delight and even performed a ‘Poznan’.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRooney has since spoken of his bemusement and anger towards Sunderland fans for doing that.The England legend got some revenge last week when his Plymouth beat the Black Cats 3-2 courtesy of a 93rd-minute effort from Joe Edwards.That was his first Championship win since taking over the Pilgrims and it also brought an abrupt end to Sunderland’s 100 per cent start.Now Carrick has confirmed that Rooney has been helping him to secure Wear-Tees bragging rights.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “We’ve exchanged a couple of messages and I’ll speak to him more at some point.“It was a big result for them, so I was pleased for Wayne. It was an important result for them.Brutal Wayne Rooney reveals he became Plymouth manager because he ‘doesn’t want to be the next Gary Neville’“In terms of what we take from it, Sunderland have largely been consistent in the games they’ve played and you can see how they’re trying to play – the patterns and consistencies within the game.“We’ve got a decent idea of how they approach things, but it doesn’t mean that makes it any easier to play against.”Fergie’s Man utd famously lost out on the title in 2012 to the delight of the Sunderland fansCredit: AFPRooney and Carrick became close friends during their together at Old TraffordCredit: Reuters More

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      Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris fans flames ahead of the derby that’s not a derby with Newcastle claim

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      REGIS LE BRIS echoed the claims of Sunderland’s supporters that it’s not a derby – despite an expected full-house set to attend the clash with Middlesbrough.His Black Cats are looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season after the 3-2 loss at Plymouth when they host their North East rivals from 31 miles down the A19 tomorrow.Regis Le Bris has claimed Middlesbrough is not a real derby for SunderlandCredit: GettyOver 42,000 tickets had been sold by Friday morning and it looks set to be the biggest crowd at the Stadium of Light since 44,814 attended January’s FA Cup clash with Newcastle.However, even though there is a huge clamour for tickets, Le Bris went on the wind-up to the visitors by claiming no-one at Sunderland views the Wear-Tees showdown as a real derby. The Frenchman, who took charge in June, said: “The most important derby from my knowledge is Newcastle.“Middlesbrough is an interesting fixture but I am not sure for the fans that we play a specific derby this Saturday.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAlthough he did acknowledge that he is expecting a stern test from Geordie boy Michael Carrick’s Boro, who are tenth with eight points from their first five games.Le Bris said: “It will be an interesting game with a different style.“They are a well-organised side, in and out of possession, with specific attention in the way of building the game.“We will have specific attention on many details and it will be interesting for us to solve that problem.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, Le Bris has received a huge boost on the injury front as Dan Ballard is expected to be involved after his scare at Plymouth.He left Home Park on crutches and with his foot in a protective boot but the Frenchman claims that was only a precaution.Meet the EFL icon, 36, with more hat-tricks than Haaland this season in ninth tier as he’s dubbed ‘absolute cheat code’Ballard looks set to start but Irish midfielder Alan Browne is out due to a minor knee issue.Le Bris added: “Ballard should be OK for this weekend and for Browney we need at least one week more to be available.”The non-derby is set to be the biggest attendance since the Newcastle clash in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League announce brand new competition launching in less than two weeks with hefty prize money up for grabs

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE have announced a brand new competition that will boost elite youth development in the country.The Prem has teamed up with the National League to launch the National League Cup.The Premier League has teamed up with the National League to launch a new competitionCredit: GettyThe tournament will help young players from Premier League and EFL clubs gain additional opportunities to test themselves against senior opposition from the fifth tier.It will also offer the chance for National League clubs to play regular matches against the best Under-21 teams in England at their own stadiums.The competition comes with a combined prize of £1million, provided by the Premier League. The amount will be distributed only amongst the National League clubs.Read More on FootballBlackburn Rovers, Brighton, Fulham, Leeds, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Southampton, Stoke, Sunderland, Tottenham, West Brom, West Ham and Wolves have been confirmed.They will be joined by Aldershot Town, Altrincham, Boston United, Braintree Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Ebbsfleet United, Halifax Town, Forest Green Rovers, Gateshead, Maidenhead United, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale, Sutton United, Tamworth, Wealdstone and Woking.The National League Cup kicks off on October 1 with a group stage consisted of four groups of eight.The two best-placed teams in each group will advance to the quarter-finals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPremier League Chief Football Officer Tony Scholes said: “We’re excited to launch this new competition in partnership with the National League.“The competition will provide additional opportunities for young players in the under 17-21 age groups to gain valuable experience of playing against First Team opposition, something many of our current Premier League stars have experienced in their development.Best ten new Premier League kits for next season“We’re pleased to be able to support in the operation of the competition and look forward to seeing the wider benefits it will bring to National League clubs.” More