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      ‘Petrified’ BBC pundit forced to hide from rowdy rival fans for FOUR HOURS on packed train

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      ALAN SHEARER revealed that he was “petrified” after being caught on a train with Sunderland fans.The BBC pundit and retired footballer is beloved in Newcastle but not liked by their biggest rivals, the Black Cats.Alan Shearer admitted he was ‘petrified’ while on a train with Sunderland fansCredit: GettyHe scored 206 goals for Newcastle during his careerCredit: GettyShearer, 54, found himself on a packed train from London to Newcastle, surrounded by the rival supporters.The Sunderland fans were in a great mood, having watched their side beat Portsmouth 3-1 at Fratton Park.The former Newcastle star was trying to get back up north after flying back to Heathrow from a friends wedding in Perugia in Italy.However due to the latness of the train, he was unable to get a spot in first class and ended up having to hide his face from the fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShearer revealed his ordeal on the Rest is Football podcast He said: “We get on the Heathrow Express and then get on the tube to King’s Cross.”There was a lovely lady from LNER and she was waiting for us and told us there were hardly any seats left.”She met us at King’s Cross and got us enough seats but there were no booths.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”She then said there was going to be a lot of football fans on, so I am sat thinking at least I am on the train.”We were not in first class and were in coach and I think ‘oh my f*****g god, Sunderland have played Portsmouth away.Watch Micah Richards belt out Bob Marley song with Danny Murphy and Alan Shearer as fans hail ‘nation’s treasure'”So I got my cap on, and I am wedged in the corner, and it is getting busier and busier, and the aisle is getting taken up by singing Sunderland fans.”Within half an hour, I can’t lift my head up because I am scared as it is just full of them in a great mood.”Then they started singing the Newcastle and Shearer songs and I had nearly four hours of which I could not lift my head up, I was petrified.”Shearer continued to reveal that he managed to make it all the way to Newcastle without being spotted by the Sunderland fans.He added: “I got all the way to Newcastle and was hoping they all got off at Durham, but only half of them did.”I was petrified getting off at Newcastle, but there was not one that recognised me.”I did not move for four hours and they had sung and abused me for four hours.”Shearer has often upset Sunderland fans during his appearances on the podcast.He has previously called the Stadium of Light a “s***hole” to which Gary Lineker said it was a “disgusting thing to say.Shearer made 405 appearances for his hometown club after signing from Blackburn in 1996.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe scored 206 goals for the Magpies during his 10-year spell at St James’ Park.Shearer is also the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      My dad’s an MMA icon who KO’d nearly 30 opponents and a UFC icon – I’m making my own way at former Premier League club

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      MILLION MANHOEF is flying in the Championship with Stoke – but he could’ve had a completely different sports career.The winger joined the Potters from Dutch outfit Vitesse Arnhem in January, inking a three-and-half-year-long deal at the Britannia.Million Manhoef joined Stoke City from Vitesse Arnhem in JanuaryCredit: RexThe Dutchman has been in fine form for The Potters this seasonCredit: REXThe 22-year-old comes from incredible athletic stockCredit: REXMillion is the son of MMA and kickboxing legend Melvin ManhoefCredit: BELLATOManhoef initially struggled with the physicality of the Championship but has been one of Stoke’s best players this season.The 22-year-old has scored three goals and bagged a solitary assist in six appearances for Steven Schumacher’s side.The Dutchman has proved to be an explosive force for The Potters, which shouldn’t come as a surprise given the athletic stock he comes from.Manhoef is the son of kickboxing and mixed martial arts legend Melvin, who was one of the most ferocious strikers during his pomp.READ MORE IN MMAMelvin competed in the now-defunct DREAM MMA promotion during the 2000s and was a terrifying force inside the ring.And it was in DREAM where he became the first man to KO future UFC fan favourite Mark Hunt, whom he put to sleep in a mere 18 seconds.It wasn’t long after the birth of Million that Melvin pushed him into the world of combat sports with kickboxing.Million showed great promise in his junior Muay Thai fights but opted to pursue a football career instead.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRecalling his decision to pick football over the fight game, Million said: “My father and mother separated when I was six or seven.”But before that, of course, I was pushed into kickboxing.Inside Conor McGregor’s first gym “I was two and a half years old when I put on the kickboxing gloves.”When I turned four I also started playing football and did both sports. “I fought in competitions and became Dutch kickboxing champion.”Kickboxing is certainly a great passion, but at a certain point I could no longer combine the two sports and I chose football.”It’s a good thing that many people know that he is my father. But I want to do my own thing.”He has had a great career, but to do that he had to make sacrifices with his family. Melvin Manhoef was an incredibly ferocious striker during his 28-year-long combat careerCredit: INSTAGRAM@MELVINNOMERCYMANHOEFManhoef scored a whopping 56 knockouts during his iconic careerCredit: ONE CHAMPIONSHIP”And I grew up with my mother.”I have experienced pressure at some point in my career because of my surname, but it’s not been too bad.”When I first broke into the Vitesse Arnhem first team I heard about it a lot and everyone was always asking about him.”I used to say, ‘What about my mother!'”READ MORE SUN STORIESMillion’s famous dad retired from combat sports in September 2022 after suffering a KO loss to Yoel Romero at Bellator 285 in Dublin.That loss to Romero brought the curtain down on a 28-YEAR-LONG career in which he had over 100 professional fights in kickboxing and MMA.Million Manhoef was an astute kickboxer but chose to pursue a career in football insteadCredit: REX More

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      Football world pays emotional tribute to Sol Bamba with ex-teammate shaken ‘to my core’ by news of tragic death at 39

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      SOL BAMBA’S untimely death aged just 39 has seen an outpouring of emotion from the football world.The Ivory Coast international passed away after falling ill while working in Turkey on Friday following a battle with cancer.Neil Warnock shared a close bond with Sol BambaCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe former Cardiff defender tragically passed away this weekCredit: GettySol Bamba was a popular figure in English footballCredit: RexBamba, who leaves behind wife Chloe and their three children, was a hugely popular figure within the game.And the esteem with which he was held had been reflected by the messages shared on social media in the wake of his tragic passing.Neil Warnock, who signed Bamba before leading Cardiff to the Premier League, paid a glowing tribute.He wrote on X: “I can’t believe I won’t see that beaming smile again.READ MORE ON BAMBA”I’m so happy that Sol was part of my life and we had such brilliant memories together.”I’m heartbroken for Chloe and the family and all my thoughts are with them.”Sol was a ray of sunshine and I’ll miss him so much.”Former Cardiff defender Lee Peltier wrote on X: “Love you brother. Rest easy my big brother – always there for me, will never forget.”Most read in FootballEx-Bluebirds defender and manager Mark Hudson said: “Never had the chance to witness what a truly great man and leader you were.”We have shared stories and I loved our chats, however brief. My heart goes out to Sol’s family. I am devastated for you.”Junior Hoilett, who won promotion with Cardiff alongside Bamba, said: “RIP Big Bro. Love Always.”Ipswich’s Sam Morsy, who was with Bamba at Middlesbrough, wrote: “Ahhh man big Sol .. incredible human one of the best I’ve shared a dressing room with, at the start of his coaching career.”Writing in Arabic, Morsy added: “We belong to Allah and to him we shall return.”Former Middlesbrough defender Cyrus Christie said: “This news has shook me to my core. Only the other day we spoke as you started your managerial career.”Fly high brother, may your soul rest in peace. One of the nicest and most humble guys to grace this game. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family.”Sol Bamba poses with wife ChloeCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoThey had three children togetherCredit: Instagram @cebambaSol Bamba enjoyed a long careerCredit: RexCurrent Cardiff left-back Callum O’Dowda said: “Heartbroken. Despite everything you went through, you epitomised the most positive outlook on life. A lesson I will hold forever. My thoughts are with your family.”Bluebirds goalkeeper Jak Alnwick wrote: “Rest in peace Sol, one of the nicest guys I’ve ever come across in football.”And Neil Etheridge, a team-mate of Bamba’s at Cardiff, said: “One of the nicest guys I have met off the field and on it.”Always smiling, always so happy, always seeing the brighter side of life.”When I joined the club, before he knew me, Sol treated me as a brother. When we got to know each other we became family. Rest in peace Sol.”Ex-Cardiff winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing wrote: “My guy always looked out for me. Love you brother.”Cardiff, where Bamba made 118 appearances, said the centre-back was a “hero” and described his impact at the club as “immeasurable”.Bamba’s health battlesSol Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma on Christmas Eve 2020 before undergoing four months of chemo.He told Mail Sport in 2022: “After the first chemo I was down for four days.”I could not get out of bed. I lost weight. After that, I told my missus, ‘I’m not going for the second round’. The way I was, in that moment, it was awful.” But the defender quickly rose to the occasion and was lauded for raising awareness of the disease as he battled it head on.Speaking to the Guardian in November last year he said: “The way I went about it, people gave me praise … it was too much.”That’s just what I’m like. I understand some people prefer to shy away from it, but I’m different. I’m just being myself.“Even clubs now are being careful now when they do medical checks, all the way from Premier League to League Two, which is massive. In our game we talk about injuries but you never think about cancer.”Bamba was given the all-clear in May 2021, but said he still had to be “careful”, paying regular visits to the doctor.“Unfortunately when you’ve had cancer once, you always have to double check and make sure it doesn’t come back,” he continued. “Is it behind me 100%? Well, I wish but you never know.”Incredibly, he returned to playing football just five months after his diagnosis.At the time of his comeback, he said: “When I was going through chemo, I never thought for one minute I would come back and play. And I never thought about scoring penalties at Old Trafford – nights like that seemed a million miles away.”The club wrote: “As a player and coach, Sol’s impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman.”Leeds – another former club – said in a post on X: “Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away.”Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”Middlesbrough said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39.”Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time.”A Football Association of Wales statement read: “The FAW is devastated to hear the sad news of Sol Bamba’s passing.”Sol obtained his coaching badges with the FAW and was currently studying for his Uefa pro licence, where everyone he worked with admired his positivity and his love for the game.”Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Sol’s family, friends and everyone that knew him during this difficult time.”Bamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while at Cardiff but managed to return to the field for the Bluebirds after being declared cancer-free following chemotherapy.Wife’s statementHe had three children – Roonea, Lily and Amy.Bamba’s wife Chloe paid tribute to the gentle giant in a heartbreaking statement.She wrote: “For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism.”Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31 August.”These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it. I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.”It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking. What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.” More

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      Sol Bamba’s wife releases heartbreaking statement saying he ‘left earth knowing he was loved’ as ex-Prem star, 39, dies

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      SOL BAMBA’S wife Chloe has released a heartbreaking statement after he tragically lost his battle with cancer.The father-of-three’s death aged 39 was confirmed yesterday after he was taken ill while working for Turkish side Adanaspor on Friday.Sol Bamba’s wife Chloe has payed tribute to the gentle giantChloe and Sol have three children togetherCredit: Instagram @cebambaSol Bamba returned to the field after being diagnosed with cancerCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoThe defender is an icon in the Welsh capital after he time with CardiffCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoBamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while at Cardiff but managed to return to the field for the Bluebirds after being declared cancer-free following chemotherapy.He had three children – Roonea, Lily and Amy – with wife Chloe, who paid tribute to the popular former defender.She wrote: “For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism.”Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it. “I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best. “Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.”It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking. Most read in Football”What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.”Bamba became ill before a game against Manisa BBSK and later died in hospital.A statement from Adanaspor posted on Saturday night read: “Our Technical Director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the Manisa Football Club match played yesterday, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there. Our condolences to his family and our community.”Bamba’s health battlesSol Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma on Christmas Eve 2020 before undergoing four months of chemo.He told Mail Sport in 2022: “After the first chemo I was down for four days.”I could not get out of bed. I lost weight. After that, I told my missus, ‘I’m not going for the second round’. The way I was, in that moment, it was awful.” But the defender quickly rose to the occasion and was lauded for raising awareness of the disease as he battled it head on.Speaking to the Guardian in November last year he said: “The way I went about it, people gave me praise … it was too much.”That’s just what I’m like. I understand some people prefer to shy away from it, but I’m different. I’m just being myself.“Even clubs now are being careful now when they do medical checks, all the way from Premier League to League Two, which is massive. In our game we talk about injuries but you never think about cancer.”Bamba was given the all-clear in May 2021, but said he still had to be “careful”, paying regular visits to the doctor.“Unfortunately when you’ve had cancer once, you always have to double check and make sure it doesn’t come back,” he continued. “Is it behind me 100%? Well, I wish but you never know.”Incredibly, he returned to playing football just five months after his diagnosis.At the time of his comeback, he said: “When I was going through chemo, I never thought for one minute I would come back and play. And I never thought about scoring penalties at Old Trafford – nights like that seemed a million miles away.”Bamba was a beloved figure in English football after spells with` Leeds, Middlesbrough and Leicester.He played in the Premier League with Cardiff in the 2018-2019 season after winning the Championship runner-up trophy with the club.Cardiff said Bamba was a “club legend” and his death brought them the “deepest sadness”.The club wrote: “As a player and coach, Sol’s impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman.”Sol Bamba was working in Turkey when he fell ill and passed awayCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoHe bravely battled cancer and leaves behind three childrenCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoSol and Chloe Bamba enjoy a touching moment togetherCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoSol was known for his generous personalityCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoChloe Bamba issued a heartbreaking statement after Sol’s deathCredit: Instagram @ch1ojoLeeds said in a post on X: “Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away.”Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”Middlesbrough said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39.”Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBamba was born in France but made 46 appearances for the Ivory Coast – the country of his parents’ birth.After playing he stayed with football and moved into management as an assistant manager with Cardiff in 2023. More

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      Everton make £20m-rated Luton striker Elijah Adebayo top transfer target

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      EVERTON boss Sean Dyche will make Luton striker Elijah Adebayo his top target in January.The Goodison chief expects to lose Dominic Calvert-Lewin at some stage and his spies are focusing on the 26-year-old Hatters hitman as his replacement.Luton striker Elijah Adebayo is being eyed up by EvertonCredit: GettyAdebayo scored 10 Premier League goals last seasonDyche would have bid for Adebayo last week if efforts to move DCL had come to anything, but he will be back.Championship side Luton are open to a sale in the £15m-£20million range.Everton would have enough to attempt a move if they sell England striker Calvert-Lewin, 27, who is out of contract next summer and stalling over a new deal.Crystal Palace are also checking out Adebayo just in case Jean-Philippe Mateta attracts a buyer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWe revealed that Eagles are keen for Mateta to sign an extension but there has been little progress and the Frenchman, 27, may fancy a glamour move.Adebayo’s Luton team-mate, Joe Taylor, missed out on a Deadline Day move to Championship rivals Huddersfield — despite being sent to Yorkshire to sign.The striker, 21, was due to go on loan for the season but the Hatters failed to find a replacement for him and had to call him back.And Luton missed out on Leicester’s Tom Cannon as the Republic of Ireland forward, 21, chose to join Stoke on loan.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey have started their Championship campaign in a dreadful way, picking up just one point from four games.They have lost to Burnley, Preston and QPR and drawn with Portsmouth.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelRob Edwards’ men were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by QPR earlier this week. More

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      New Wales boss Craig Bellamy dealt selection blow with Dan James ruled out through injury

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      CRAIG BELLAMY has been dealt a selection blow after Dan James was ruled out of Wales’ Nations League double-header with Turkey and Montenegro next month.Leeds boss Daniel Farke revealed winger James has a hamstring injury and is out of Saturday’s Championship clash with Hull at Elland Road.Dan James attended a McDonald’s event on Thursday afternoonJames will miss Wales’ Nations League clashes with Turkey and Montenegro next monthNew Wales chief Bellamy had named James in his 24-man squad for the September internationals on Wednesday morning.But the fitness setback means the winger will now not meet up with his country.James, 26, said: “I’m gutted to miss out. It’s a shame but I hope the injury won’t keep me out for too long. “The injury isn’t not too bad. I only found out on Wednesday afternoon.read more in football”It’s a new environment for all the players with the new manager and I was looking forward to going in and experiencing that.”James was speaking at a McDonald’s Fun Football Day which saw over 500 children attend Bollington United to take part in a Fun Football session alongside their footballing heroes.James added: “This is the biggest football session I’ve ever been involved in! What McDonald’s is doing is incredible and something that should be applauded. “Football is all about fun and these sessions allow children to play football without any expectations or pressures on them,”Most read in FootballFarke announced the injury blow at his weekly press conference yesterday lunchtime but hopes James will be fit when Leeds take on Burnley on September 14.Farke said: “We are without Dan, who has a hamstring problem. It’s a minor injury. He also won’t travel to the Welsh squad so he can’t be involved.How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch out”I hope to have him back for the Burnley game but he will definitely miss out on this game and also the international game.”Bellamy is already without Bournemouth attacker David Brooks, who is recovering from a dislocated shoulder sustained in last May’s Championship play-off final while on loan at Southampton.Ipswich pair Wes Burns and Nathan Broadhead are also sidelined with hamstring injuries.All four attackers – James, Brooks, Burns and Broadhead – will sit out Bellamy’s first matches in charge since he replaced Robert Page as manager in July.Wales host Turkey in Cardiff on September 6 followed by a trip to Montenegro three days later.McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador Dan James took part in the largest ever Fun Football session to celebrate the milestone of 500,000 children benefitting from the programme across the UK.Sign up to a free session near you at: https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/football.html More

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      Watch Portsmouth and ex-Arsenal defender’s contender for funniest own goal of season as fans say ‘this cheered me up’

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      PORTSMOUTH ace Zak Swanson may have already scored the season’s most comical own goal.Swanson, 23, started for Pompey in the Championship clash against Sunderland at Fratton Park.Portsmouth ace Zak Swanson may have scored the funniest own goal of the seasonPortsmouth ace Swanson ‘s own goal helped Sunderland win 3-1Credit: RexHowever, the right-back had a moment to forget as he inadvertently sent the ball to his own net following a mad error.Sunderland ace Eliezer Mayenda fired a close-range shot that was saved by goalkeeper Will Norris.Portsmouth defender Jordan Williams got the rebound and tried to clear the danger.But Williams’ kick was careless as he shot the ball straight onto Swanson’s abdomen and the deflection diverted into Norris’ own net.Read More on FootballThe Black Cats went on to win 3-1 as the fans were left in absolute disbelief by that howler.One fan tweeted: “This cheered me up a bit.”Another commented: “This Portsmouth own goal is comical.”A third exclaimed: “Wow.”Most read in ChampionshipThis fan said: “Even I can I find that funny.”And that one wrote: “How the f**k has that happened then?”Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelSwanson joined Portsmouth in 2022 from Arsenal, where he started his career at the age of six but never managed a senior appearance. More

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      My ex-Premier League team-mate turned up with a disc cutter after someone clamped his car – there were sparks everywhere

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      QPR captain Steve Cook revealed Jefferson Lerma once turned up to training with a disc cutter after someone clamped his car.The Championship player also recounted a dressing room spat involving the Colombian star during their time at Bournemouth.QPR captain Steve Cook revealed Jefferson Lerma once turned up to training with a disc cutterCredit: YouTube/The Sun SportCook also recounted a dressing room spat involving the Colombian star at BournemouthCredit: GettyIn an exclusive interview with SunSport for the latest episode of “What the EFL?!”, Cook, 33, answered various questions about his 16-year career. When asked about his most “iconic training ground tale,” he recalled the time Lerma’s car was clamped, prompting him to show up to training with the disc cutter.He said: “Jefferson Lerma at Bournemouth, he was a proper character.”Someone actually put a clamp on his car and he’s come in with a disc cutter and sparks going off here and there and everywhere. Columbia madness.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCook spent 11 years with the Cherries, having joined them permanently after a loan spell during the 2011-12 season on the south coast. During his time there, he shared that he experienced his “wildest dressing room tale.”He continued: “The Covid season at Bournemouth we went through a spell under Jonathan Woodgate where the changing room was a bit carnage.”Everyone wearing the worst clothes ever because they could be trusted. Clothes were being cut up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It was like every man for himself. Adam Smith got done on the way out to training. Egg and flour by Jefferson Lerma and Diego Rico, but heavily. Not just one egg and one packet of flour.”And that’s where is obviously sparked the training ground war.”SunSport launches weekly Football League feature called ‘What the EFL-!’Cook reminisced that his “wildest night out” with the Cherries was after Bournemouth’s 3-0 victory over Bolton in the 2015-16 season, which secured their promotion to the Premier League.He added: “We was straight out away in Bournemouth student night. Lads on the stage singing, rapping, tracksuits. Yeah, unforgettable, really.”After making 388 appearances the club Cook headed to Nottingham Forest in January 2022 on a two-and-a-half-year contract.However, his time was called short as the following summer he made a move to Championship side QPR.Who are these famous footballers? More