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      ‘I threw me f***ing dinner at him & said: ‘Want to say something now, big ears?’ Vinnie Jones on feud with Gary Lineker

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      FOOTBALL’S most notorious hardman Vinnie Jones is glad to have turned his back on his “lunatic” heavy-drinking past that featured brushes with the law in its wilder moments.Twelve years sober, the 59-year-old former Wimbledon midfielder who became a Hollywood star reveals all is now “quiet” in his life with new partner Emma Ford on his West Sussex farm.Vinnie Jones is glad to have turned his back on his ‘lunatic’ heavy-drinking pastCredit: Perou/WBD/discovery+.Vinnie is filming an advert for the British Heart FoundationCredit: SuppliedBut when I meet the actor at his former club’s stadium, where he is filming an advert for the British Heart Foundation charity, there is still a mischievous glint in his eye.Memories of a three-decade feud with Gary Lineker suggest that although he is no longer in Wimbledon’s Crazy Gang of wildman players, there may still be a bit of the Crazy Gang left in the man who was sent off 12 times in his career.Last week Gary told how the only player who had had a “pop” at him over critical comments he had made on Match Of The Day was Vinnie.And according to the man himself, it was far more than a “pop”.READ MORE ON VINNIE JONESVinnie — whose best-known roles include 1998 crime caper Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels and this year’s hit Netflix series The Gentlemen — recalls how Gary “said he’d rather watch [now-defunct teletext service] Ceefax than watch Wimbledon”.Vinnie was not amused, and said: “If I’d got hold of him I’d have ripped him a f***ing new ahole.Christmas list“So when I saw him in a hotel in Dublin, I threw me f***ing dinner at him and said, ‘Well, you want to say something now, big ears?’”The 1995 set-to also involved Vinnie throwing slices of toast at Gary.Most read in FootballBut the Ceefax putdown was not Gary’s only snipe at the Crazy Gang, and a year later he said that Vinnie was “no benefit to the game”.The club then hit back at former England striker Gary, saying he had the “charisma of a jellyfish”.Vinnie Jones shares major update on beloved Discovery+ show In the Country after one series on air Three years later all appeared to be well when the pair appeared together in a Walkers crisps advert.But today Vinnie says with a grin: “He’s not on my Christmas card list. I’m sure I’m not on his.”The in-demand actor — who has a second series of The Gentlemen coming up as well as Paramount+ fly-on-the-wall documentary series Vinnie Jones In The Country — admits he was too aggressive in the old days.And he reveals it was Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones who turned his life around.Vinnie’s problems started when he was 12, with the divorce of his parents Peter and Glenda.He said: “It was my first kind of trauma in my life, because it wasn’t common then. It was looked down on.“I had a lot of aggression as a young man. And when I went to a psychologist, we pinpointed it back to the aggression, mental health and frustration.“Put that in a glass and put beer with it, and then you’ve got a fing lunatic on your hands.”Grabbing Gazza’s gooliesWhen Vinnie became a semi-pro player with non-league Wealdstone in 1984, aged 19, there was an ingrained drinking culture in football.Four years later, after signing for Wimbledon in 1986, he became a household name when he famously grabbed Paul Gascoigne’s private parts during a match against Newcastle United.After he retired from football a decade later aged 34 he made his movie debut in Lock, Stock and headed to Los Angeles.There he formed a celebrity football team called Hollywood United, whose players included Steve Jones and Robbie Williams.The hard-drinking party lifestyle continued, until ex-punk wildman Steve told him some home truths.Vinnie recalls: “We’d had a good drink one night and I phoned Steve. I said, ‘I haven’t got a problem’. He went, ‘Yeah, you have’. He knew.He said, ‘we’ve all got a dog.’ He said, ‘yours is a big bastard. You’ve got to control it. You’ve got to keep it in the kennelVinnie on advice he received from Guy Ritchie“Steve’s 30, 40 years sober now. And he was the one I turned to.”But on the rocky road to quitting alcohol he fell off the wagon, and it was Lock, Stock director Guy Ritchie who helped him, with an alcohol analogy about his “dog” being out of control.Vinnie recalls: “He said, ‘We’ve all got a dog. Yours is a big bd. You’ve got to control it. You’ve got to keep it in the kennel’.Jones had a long-running feud with Gary LinekerCredit: PA:Press Association“That helped me, what Guy said.”Now sober, Vinnie is glad to have put past dramas behind him, such as doing community service for a drunken air rage incident in 2003.He says: “When you’re getting a shower at nine o’clock at night and crash out and go to sleep, you know you’ve had a great day, you ain’t caused any bks.“There ain’t no copper coming round the next morning. You ain’t speed-dialling the florist on a Monday morning to send flowers to people you’ve upset.“And your morals are intact, aren’t they?”Vinnie’s level-headedness is even more remarkable given the heartache he has faced in the past decade.In July 2019 his wife Tanya died aged 53 after suffering cancer.It was her health problems that first got him involved with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in 2012.Tanya’s heart had stopped while giving birth to daughter Kaley and she had needed a heart transplant.Vinnie says: “We definitely had a connection with heart troubles. We’ve had our fair share.”Vinnie met Tanya when they were both 12, when they became next-door neighbours in Watford, Herts, and he says: “We dated at 16.”Wimbledon footballer Vinnie with the FA Cup in 1988Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdVinnie with partner TanyaCredit: RexBut they both found other partners.Tanya gave birth to Kaley in 1987 with her footballer husband Steve Terry, and Vinnie had a son, Aaron, with his then-girlfriend Mylene Elliston in 1991.However, the relationships did not last, and eventually he and Tanya got together and married in 1994.The first thing I do is make my bed in the morning. I’ve got that level, absolutely pristine it isVinnieIn his first advert for the BHF he urged people to perform life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, on anyone who had suffered a cardiac arrest by pushing down “hard and fast” on their chest in time to the Bee Gees song Stayin’ Alive.That campaign, he says, “saved a lot of lives” and now he hopes to encourage 270,000 people to learn the five steps of CPR through a new social media advert.Titled Every Minute Matters, it was made in conjunction with bookie Sky Bet, which is donating £10,000 to the charity for every stoppage-time winner scored this season.The quieter lifeAfter Tanya died, Vinnie said it would be an “impossibility” for him to wed again because their marriage had been “perfect”.However, he has grown close to personal assistant Emma, 47, who works on his TV show Vinnie Jones In The Country.Together they tackle all the problems that come with running a farm.Vinnie has not commented publicly on the relationship, but when asked if he is going to settle down with Emma he replies: “It’ll all be nice and quiet. Everything’s nice and quiet at the farm, put it that way.”At the moment it is harvest time, so they have their hands full getting the crops in.He continues: “It’s my favourite time of the year, the harvest. I love it when they cut all the corn.“I’ll jump on the tractor and help the lads bale in. It’s great.”He reveals that he has sold his Los Angeles home and only has a pad at a golf club in Palm Springs, where he spends three months of the year.In January the former wild man of football will turn 60, but there will be no big party with his old mates Guy, Steve and Brad Pitt.He says: “The old Vinnie would have had a big bash. I’m done with it all really.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I like being in Sussex, where I’m out of the bubble. I’m off the radar.”Vinnie Jones and Emma Ford In The CountryCredit: Discovery +Vinnie Jones and Frank Leboeuf with Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, who Vinnie says turned his life aroundCredit: FirsttouchonlineGrant Rollings with VinnieCredit: Supplied More

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      Gary Neville reveals mega-money bet with Jamie Carragher on Man Utd v Liverpool in title race as Keane picks his winner

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      WHO will finish higher, Manchester United or Liverpool? The yearly debate between Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville resumed on Friday with the punditry duo wagering £5,000 on their respective clubs.Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have wagered over who will come out on topAfter United won their opening game against FulhamCredit: RexEx-Man United defender Neville stated that whoever’s team finishes lower will have to make a £5,000 donation to charity.The former right-back is still backing his beloved United to finish above their Merseyside rivals this season.Addressing Roy Keane after the game, Neville said: “Roy, before the game me and Carragher had a £5,000 bet for charity.”That Liverpool would finish above United and United would finish above Liverpool. Whoever obviously loses, it then goes to charity.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut Keane – known for no nonsense punditry style – shot down any chance of him getting involved in the stake. The former United captain replied: “Don’t get me involved in that bet.”Before Neville then pressed: “Who do you think is going to win the bet though?””I think United,” Keane responded. But his comment prompted a fit of laughter from Carragher.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKeane then clarified: “‘If United stay fit, their star players. Then they’ll do it.”Erik ten Hag was presented with an injury crisis last season after his side struggled through 66 different cases, particularly to key defenders.Awkward moment Man Utd ace Lisandro Martinez calls out Jamie Carragher live in Sky Sports before settling old scoreLiverpool, meanwhile, finished third in Jurgen Klopp’s last season and will be guided by new boss Arne Slot – who has big shoes to fill.Yet many pundits agree with Carragher that Liverpool will finish in the top four as they kickstart a new era at Anfield.Keane previously told The Overlap podcast that Liverpool won’t finish in the Champions League qualification places, as they haven’t done any business in the transfer market.The Reds missed out on signing their top No6 target, with Real Sociedad star Martin Zubiamendi rejecting the move last week.Earlier on Friday, Ten Hag’s side got their 2024-25 campaign underway, claiming a late 1-0 victory against Fulham.New summer £36.6m signing Joshua Zirkzee guided a cross from Alejandro Garnacho to seal the win.Man Utd ratings vs Fulham as new boys shine… but Mount and Amad struggleDEBUTANT Joshua Zirkzee was the hero for Manchester United in an evening where their new guns showed what they are all about.The Dutchman had to remain patient for his opportunity but he took it brilliantly once he came on the pitch.Zirkzee came on for Mason Mount on the hour mark and had been quiet up until his pivotal moment.Ten Hag will take positives from the display and it was his astute sub which led to the winner as his side got their season off to a flyer.Here is how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the Red Devils display…Andre Onana – 6Made an outstanding early tip over from Kenny Tete and was rarely seriously troubled beyond that.Noussair Mazraoui – 7A pretty impressive debut from the Moroccan. Looks assured on the ball, gets forward in support and can put a foot in.Harry Maguire – 7Dominant and commanding in defence, but embarrassingly booked for diving at the other end. Really Harry, even you?Lisandro Martinez – 6Skinned by Adama Traore early. Showed all his defensive guile in how he handled him after that, and got back superbly to deny a breakaway goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Had his hands full dealing with Traore’s pace, but knocked in a couple of wicked curling crosses at the other end.Casemiro – 7Headed over then shot over, but two great passes put Fernandes clean through. Often looked United’s most likely source of a goal.Kobbie Mainoo – 8So crisp, so tidy, so rarely wastes a pass. Another near-flawless, if not exactly flair-packed, display from the youngster. Fizzed a shot just wide, too.Mason Mount – 5So desperate to do well, which earned him an early booking. Only Leno’s legs denied him the goal his effort deserved.Amad Diallo – 5Made one marvellous mazy run into the box, although the tumble to ground that followed wasn’t so impressive.Marcus Rashford – 6Still nowhere near the star of two years ago, but another step in the right direction at least. Some way to get yet, though.Bruno Fernandes – 7Fluffed two great chances, driving at keeper Leno’s legs twice when Casemiro put him through, but sprayed passes around and started the move for the winner.SubsAlejandro Garnacho (for Diallo, 60mins) – 6Put a spark in United when he came off the bench and teed up the winner.Joshua Zirkzee (for Mount, 60 mins) – 7The debut he dreamed of. Barely had a touch, but then fed the ball wide and stuck out his left foot to jab the winner.Matthijs de Ligt – (for Mazraoui, 81 mins) – 5Was only on for the last ten minutes and looked solid although he did not have too much to doJonny Evans (for Maguire, 81 mins) – 5Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 84 mins) – 5 More

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      I came close to being victim of deadly knife crime – that’s why I’m spending £1m to stop it, Tyson Fury’s promoter says

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      TYSON Fury’s promoter Frank Warren says violent crime on UK streets could have changed his life – so he’s spending £1million to stop it.Frank’s Queensberry outfit is donating the huge sum to BoxWise, a charity which gets youngsters in the ring to keep them out of trouble.Frank Warren at the Islington Boxing Club this weekCredit: BoxWiseFrank with his star boxer Tyson FuryCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe donation will let the charity double the number of places on its ten-week programme from 1,500 to 3,000.Legendary promoter Frank announced the donation at the Islington Boxing Club – a stone’s throw from the street where he grew up.In an exclusive chat at the boxing club, Frank told The Sun: “I remember growing up here on the streets of north London.”It was really tough and life could have easily been different for me.Read More Sport”The background that I have, that a lot of these kids have, you get a lot of peer pressure to be the tough guy.”You want to do this, you want to be that. That’s what you have to take away – that’s not what it’s about.”I’ll tell you what it is about boxing. When I was a kid in Islington there were no golf clubs, no tennis clubs.”All kids from working-class backgrounds could do was go and play football or box. Those were really the two sports.Most read in Boxing”They weren’t expensive sports to play – football on the grass or on the street, boxing you’d go down to the local gym. It was easy to do.”It’s not about being tough, it’s about respect. It’s not respecting someone if on the street they’re a tough guy.”It’s about respecting each other. That’s what boxing does. We’ll have a fight this weekend. “After that fight those guys will have knocked seven bells out of each other.”But they’ll have their arms around each other – that’s respect. That’s come about from working in the gym.”The son of a bookie, Frank grew up in Islington and started out as an unlicensed fixer promoting his second cousin Lenny McLean.Since then, he has managed or promoted the likes of Prince Naseem, Frank Bruno, Tyson Fury, Chris Eubank, Amir Khan and Ricky Hatton.He said: “Professional boxers are very important as role models. Kids look up to them and aspire to have their success. “The thing is with boxers, most of them are approachable.”Unfortunately in this day and age, you have to go through God knows how many people to speak with footballers.”When I was a kid, you’d stand outside the Arsenal and get autographs. They don’t do that any more.”But boxers are quite approachable. They come from the local area so they know people and people can see them and buy into them.”WARREN P’sQueensberry is donating £1million to BoxWise to boost its efforts to combat gang and knife crime in some of Britain’s poorest areas.The charity puts disadvantaged youngsters through a 10-week boxing programme at gyms up and down the country.Queensberry’s donation will let BoxWise double the spaces on the programme to 3,000.Frank will also join the charity’s new development board as its chairman.He said: “We have terrible knife crime and other problems due to the lack of respect that people have towards each other.”We’re obviously in the boxing business and BoxWise do a lot of brilliant things for the community and for boxing.”These kids been excluded or have been referred by the police or their teachers. If they weren’t here, they’d be out on the streets.”They’ve brought them through a programme that has changed their lifestyles, how they behave and the way they interact.”The way they interact with people, the way they work as a team, the attitude they have to their bodies with obesity and keeping fit. “Working together from different ethnic backgrounds. All these things – they’re all massive big pluses. It’s all tick, tick, tick.”Why would anybody not want to get involved? We’re blessed and privileged at Queensberry to be able to do this.”The thing is with boxers, most of them are approachableFrank WarrenFrank added: “The fact we’re launching it in Islington where I come from adds a bit of spice to it.”But this is being rolled out all over the country. BoxWise can now double the spaces they have for kids in the future.”People are giving their time up to do this. The adults, the coaches, it’s amazing what they do. “The boxing clubs are part of the community, and they deserve the support of the community.”If you want to talk about crime and doing things, start at the bottom. “What BoxWise does is just a revelation – for these kids it’s a revelation.”We’ll double the spaces to 3,000. We’ll make it happen, it’s a fact of life. “And then we want to get it from 3,000 to 30,000. Seriously, that’s what it’s about. “All over Britain. Kids should have opportunities – if you want better citizens, then raise them as better citizens.”Frank joked that if any of the youngsters at the Islington Boxing Club fancy their chances as a pro, they now know where to come.But he said: “The boxer of the future could be over there right now, and God bless them if they are. “But it’s not for me about being a boxer, it’s about the training. It’s about learning about your body.”Obesity is a big problem in this country – they’ll be learning about nutrition. The whole programme is great.”LET ME BE FRANKBoxWise’s Rick Ogden said Frank’s donation will make a “huge difference” to thousands of young people.Rick told The Sun: “It’s amazing. We’ve actually secured £3million in funding “Queensberry has pledged £1million, and its donation has been matched.”With this additional funding, we’re going to be able to double that straight away to more than 3,000 young people.”It’s not just about the money, it’s about the influence that Queensberry bring. “Everything from the ambassadors to the annual fundraising event to draw in more money.”For any charity to be able to tap into that huge level of expertise is really powerful.”The thing with BoxWise is the opportunity we offer at the end of the ten-week programme. “We pay for young people to take on further education or employment courses.”For any young person you’ll have an outcome after ten weeks, but what’s the long term outcome? “They will change so much, but they will still need that support after ten weeks.”Rick added: “I really hope that one of the things Frank will bring is being to open some of those doors within the sport as a whole.”Whether those young people want to carry on boxing, get into coaching or start volunteering in their local communities.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If we’re bringing thousands of young people through the programme each year, there’s going to be some serious undiscovered talent. “Could the boxer of the future be here? Never say never. It’s absolutely possible.” More

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      Eddie Hearn teases ‘wild’ charity boxing match between England stars Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice

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      EDDIE HEARN has teased a boxing match between England stars Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.The boxing promoter has suggested that the stars “secretly” would “love” to have a fight.Eddie Hearn has teased a boxing match between England playersCredit: PAJude Bellingham and Declan Rice could take part in a Boxing Aid eventCredit: GettyRice and Bellingham are team-mates for the Three Lions and were a part of the team that reached the Euro 2024 final.However, Hearn would be keen to pit them against each other in a boxing ring.Hearn has insisted that he has spoken to the likes of Rice, Bellingham and James Maddison about boxing.He has suggested that they could take part in a charity event similar to Soccer Aid.READ MORE IN SPORTHe told DAZN: “All the guys in that team, and I know quite a few of them, all love their boxing.”Dec Rice is a massive boxing fan. James Madison, I know he’s not in the squad, but he’s another big boxing fan.”Jude Bellingham, they’re all big strong boys.”I was actually speaking to the guys at Soccer Aid about doing a Boxing Aid because all of those guys, and a lot of those big name celebrities, secretly they’d love to have a fight.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”And I think we could create something for charity that would be amazing to watch.”Imagine if, and I’m not sure the clubs would be happy, but those boys in the England squad facing off against each other.Watch Declan Rice go ‘full Ben Stokes’ as he bowls out Harry Kane as England stars play CRICKET in training”It would be wild. Maybe one day. “Rice, 25, has met many boxing stars since making his breakthrough as a Premier League footballer.In 2020, met Anthony Joshua and Floyd Mayweather backstage at Wembley Arena.The Arsenal midfielder had a picture with the pair after watching the Brit knockout win over Kubrat Pulev. More

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      Anthony Joshua in discussions to build a care home for retired ex-boxers as fans hail his ‘heart of gold’

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA is in discussions to build a care home for retired ex-boxers.Dave Harris is Chairman of Ringside Charitable Trust, an organisation to support fighters in retirement. Anthony Joshua is in discussions to build a care home for retired ex-boxersCredit: RexAnd Harris revealed AJ – an ambassador for the trust – has reached out to collaborate with the charity to build a care home for ex-boxers. The news had fans hailing Joshua – worth an estimated £175million – for his heartwarming gesture. One said: “I have great admiration for Anthony Joshua the boxer, but AJ the person is incredible, heart of gold and I hope more people follow by his example.”Another added: “Class from AJ.”READ MORE IN BOXINGWomen’s boxing pioneer Jane Couch posted: “Brilliant news for this much needed cause.”One posted: “The most incredible news and really hope something can be worked out.”Joshua first revealed his intention on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs. He said: “They suffer by themselves, so we’ve been speaking about opening up a care home. Most read in BoxingHow AJ punched his way to the topANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch.

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“That would be part of my boxing legacy – that I gave something back to the sport that made me.”He added: “The one thing I would hope for is to keep my health intact. Anthony Joshua to fight Daniel Dubois as Wally Downes Jr gives rundown on all-British bout “Because it’s your health that is the most important thing you’re ­putting on the line.“We can notice it in fighters when their health is deteriorating, but we never actually talk about it among ourselves. All we focus on is winning.”Joshua has shown his kind side before, making a donation to England Boxing during the coronavirus pandemic to help amateur boxing. He also sent necessities to Nigeria during lockdown. Joshua, 34, is set to return to the ring in September with British rival Daniel Dubois, 26, the frontrunner to face him.Joshua has an estimated net worth of £175mCredit: GETTY More

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      How Robbie Williams turned a mate’s charity football match into the £106m Soccer Aid – & why he still hasn’t got an OBE

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      TWO decades ago, Robbie Williams met football agent Kenneth Shepherd at a charity game his mate was playing in.After watching the match at Newcastle’s St James’ Park stadium, the pair wanted to create a similar event to raise cash and awareness for children suffering across the globe.Robbie Williams and Harry Redknapp at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyJose Mourinho and Olly MursCredit: RexActor Woody Harrelson in 2010 taking the winning penaltyCredit: AFPA triumphant Robbie lifts the cup for EnglandCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSoccer Aid for Unicef was launched in 2006, originally as a one-off — but 18 years and 13 star-studded games later, it has generated an incredible £106million for kids suffering in some of the world’s most deprived countries.And Sunday’s spectacle in front of a packed crowd at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge was as popular as ever — with 3.6million people watching at home, topping the day’s ratings for ITV.England’s 6-3 victory over the World XI — their first win since 2018 — raised £15million for Unicef.Singer Robbie, 50, said yesterday: “Thank you for your kind messages about Soccer Aid. Un-f-ing-believable. Just absolutely incredible. So proud and so pleased.”Read More on SportWith so much money raised, some believe Robbie could finally be awarded an OBE — 12 years after his Take That pal Gary Barlow got one for services to music and charity.The dad of four began working with children’s charity Unicef in 1998 and two years later became an ambassador, travelling to countries including Haiti when it was devastated by an earthquake in 2010.In the first Soccer Aid, Robbie captained and played alongside his pal Jonathan Wilkes, 45 — who featured in the match that inspired the event.One source said: “Soccer Aid spiralled into something Robbie couldn’t have ever imagined.Most read in Football“It has teams in place to work all year round to organise the event and help distribute the funds with Unicef.“Robbie is so proud of Soccer Aid. They have helped so many people and raised awareness for Unicef and the work they do. It’s incredible.Watch moment Usain Bolt injures himself at Soccer Aid before athletics legend carried off on stretcher“The only thing standing in Robbie’s way for an OBE is the fact he spends much of the year abroad, but he’s now sold his US homes and is spending more time in the UK.“He’s a British icon and a thoroughly nice guy. It seems mad he hasn’t had Palace recognition yet.”Kenneth, boss of Triple S Sports Management and son of ex-Newcastle owner Freddy Shepherd, has said: “The idea was conceived when Dad and I met Robbie at The Match in 2004, which was a game between ex-pros and celebrities.“Suddenly Soccer Aid was born. Freddy and Robbie agreed to do it for Unicef and turn it into a global initiative for children around the world, and a lasting and fitting legacy for Dad.”As well as helping push the total raised above the £100million mile- stone, Sunday’s game also provided the light-hearted entertainment which has made the occasion so loved by so many.Ex-Love Islander and boxer Tommy Fury, 25 — the younger brother of champ Tyson — had onlookers in stitches when he produced the funniest moments of Sunday’s show while playing for the World XI.Thank you for your kind messages about Soccer Aid. Un-f-ing-believable. Just absolutely incredible. So proud and so pleasedRobbie WilliamsAfter coming off the bench to Rocky theme tune Eye Of The Tiger, he kicked thin air instead of the ball and took a throw-in underarm, leading fans to question whether he had actually seen a game before.It surely ranks among the best moments we have seen at the match, which has previously been played at Old Trafford and Wembley.Others highlights over the years include Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson scoring the winning penalty in the 2010 shootout — despite obviously not even knowing what a penalty was — and Kasabian rocker Serge Pizzorno channelling his inner Ronaldinho to lob ex-England goalie David Seaman.Jose Mourinho running on to the pitch to wipe out singer Olly Murs, and Inbetweeners actor Blake Harrison’s beaming pre-match grin are other honourable mentions.As well as wanting to back a good cause, there is a competitive streak among those who take part — from ex-footballers to other sporting icons like Sir Mo Farah, along with actors including Tom Hiddleston and singers such as Tom Grennan.I’m A Celeb’s Sam Thompson, 31, revealed heavyweight boxer Tony Bellew, 41, got angry after conceding penalties against him in training.‘Tony stormed out’He said: “He stormed out of goal and went, ‘Why don’t you put on the f****ing gloves, then?’. Then I put the gloves on and saved a couple from him.”Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, 45, took charge of the England team alongside his uncle, former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, 77 — bringing professionalism and a desire to win.Speaking at a Soccer Aid training day last Friday, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, 45, told The Sun: “Paddy McGuinness took out Sam really quite badly yesterday — and they’re on the same team!“He’s lucky he’s flexible, because if that was me, I think it would’ve snapped both my legs.“When you go into the changing rooms and your kit’s in there, and Frank Lampard’s there giving a team talk — he played a six-minute motivational video about playing for England — and you’re like, ‘bloody hell, this is a bit serious’.“I haven’t really kicked a ball for 20 years, so yesterday I was actually better than I thought I’d be. Not good enough, but better than I thought I’d be.”Many of the stars made room for a tipple or two in the bar at Champneys spa resort in Tring, Herts, on Thursday night.But Eddie, perhaps wisely, gave it a miss and said: “I can’t do this and have a drink and not expect to do a hamstring.”Redknapp said at the training event: “Some of them had very late nights, but it’s being marked down.“Me and Frank, we’re aware of those that are having late nights. When the team’s picked, they may have to miss out.“Robbie Keane is leading our team astray. He was up singing at 10.30pm last night and he got them all at it. Tom Grennan gets up and started singing, which was worth listening to.“What we’re gonna do, we’re gonna lead them (the World XI) into the bar. We’ll be like that sheep that leads the sheep into the slaughterhouse.Theo Walcott, Mo Farah, actor Tom Hiddleston and Jack WilshereCredit: ReutersSir Mo Farah, Stuart Broad, right, and Tommy FuryCredit: RexThe World XI’s Kaylyn Kyle, left, and Jill ScottCredit: RexPaddy McGuinness with cricketer Stuart Broad and Alex BrookerCredit: Rex“My players are gonna lead their lot into the bar and then we’re gonna disappear and leave them in there, so they can start drinking and we’ll all be in bed.”He added: “Robbie loves it. He likes a bit of Danny Boy — the Irish, you know. Great fun.” Harry may well have followed through with his cunning plan, as his side breezed past their opponents — who included ex-Chelsea ace Eden Hazard and Olympics legend Usain Bolt, who was stretchered off after rupturing his Achilles.There were some sore heads yesterday as Strictly star Bobby Brazier, actor Danny Dyer and former Lioness Jill Scott led celebrations on the coach taking them to the after-party.Cheering from the Stamford Bridge sidelines was former Take That singer Robbie, along with wife Ayda Field, 45, and their children.Speaking previously about what the donations could be spent on, Robbie said: “It could help Unicef to get life-saving food supplies moving again. Cheering from sidelines”It could help ensure that children are still able to receive their routine vaccinations.“It could help get children back to school, back with their friends, back to just being kids again. The list goes on.”In a video he posted online thanking fans for their kind messages about the match, Robbie — who was on the coaching staff for Soccer Aid’s England side this year — was still in bed shortly after 1pm following a late night of partying.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is now teetotal after years of drug and alcohol abuse, and has gone from one of this country’s best-loved hellraisers to best fundraisers.A non-alcoholic cheers to that, Robbie. More

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      Bizarre moment Soccer Aid commentator comes on mid-match as he says ‘desperate times call for desperate measures’

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      IAIN STIRLING found a new twist for the commentator’s “curse” – by delivering one on himself.The Love Island narrator dished out a harsh self-assessment as he came on as a sub for the beleaguered Rest of the World XI at Soccer Aid.Iain Stirling didn’t give himself the best of build-upsHe decided to grin ‘n bear it as he came on faced by an England rompAnd with his team being pummelled by the England XI at Stamford Bridge, the broadcaster didn’t hold back in his withering verdict.”Desperate times call for desperate measures,” said the Scottish comedian, as he stood next to presenter Alex Scott.He grinned and applauded back at fans as he went on – clearly excited.But Stirling and Co continued to take a pounding as England banked a 6-3 victory – their first in the annual charity game for six years.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe 36-year-old wasn’t the only celebrity to find himself dazzled in the footballing spotlight.Cruiserweight fighter and ex-Love Islander Tommy Fury bewildered fans by taking a throw-in UNDER-ARM.Tyson Fury’s younger brother then air-kicked so badly that he could have got a boxing glove between his boot and the ball.In contrast, businessman Steven Bartlett went from Dragons’ Den to a fairytale of his own with two goals for England as sub.Most read in FootballStirling enjoyed his cameo role despite calling it ‘desperate’PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSMeanwhile, sprint legend Usain Bolt set himself up for a fall with a shirt number representing his world record of 9.58.But fans who reckoned the Manchester United fan was either “fully taking the p***” or an “actual genius” were more sympathetic towards him later.Alex Scott shows off stunning new look in glamorous white dress for Soccer AidThat’s because Bolt was carried off on a stretcher after appearing to turn his ankle when he tried to tackle England sub Jermain Defoe.Viewers, however, had mixed views on Stirling’s arrival.Some reckoned his build-up to it took away from the frenzy of an entertaining second half, in which an England side managed by Frank Lampard and Robbie Williams dominated.One fan posted: “This Ian Stirling comedy substitution has been the most drawn out thing…”The broadcaster had regularly been asking viewers for £40 donations – as the sum raised for Unicef by the match soared past £15million.And as Stirling continued to commentate on his upcoming arrival on the pitch, some fans grew impatient.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne posted: “I’m donating just in the hope that they stop this banter.”Not the most charitable comment to make when, for a good cause, Stirling is trying to raise sterling! More

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      Soccer Aid 2024 LIVE RESULT: England THRASH World XI to end their six-year wait for charity match win – latest reaction

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      SOCCER AID has concluded for another year – and what a thriller it was at Stamford Bridge.Former Chelsea star Joe Cole put the Three Lions in front early on before Eden Hazard’s stunning free-kick made it 1-1.Alessandro Del Piero gave World XI the lead for the first time in the game after great work from Usain Bolt in the build-up.Ellen White got the equaliser for England to make it 2-2 after superb feet from Cole in the build-up.Minutes after the restart, Steven Bartlett’s excellent finish put the Three Lions back in front before Jermaine Defoe doubled his side’s lead for 4-2.In the build-up to the Three Lions’ fourth goal, Bolt suffered a nasty injury that required a stretcher.Billy Wingrove converted a penalty for World XI to make it 5-3, but Theo Walcott’s late lob secured England their first Soccer Aid win since 2018.
      Match result: England 6-3 World XI
      England XI: James, Dyer, Cahill, Broad, Quek, Grennan, Wilshere, Scott, Thompson, Cole, White
      World XI: Cech, Compston, Kemp, Evra, Scanlan, Essien, Hamraoui, Mack, Del Piero, Hazard, Bolt
      Donate: Soccer Aid For Unicef
      Follow ALL the action from Soccer Aid 2024 with our live blog below…Danny Dyer “locked up” Eden Hazard

      Copy linkCopiedUsain Bolt stretchered off
      Olympic legend and the fastest man to ever grace the planet Usain Bolt was sadly carried off of the pitch on a stretcher last night, which allowed Jermaine Defoe to waltz through on goal and score for England.

      Copy linkCopiedEden Hazard got his moment
      What a moment for Eden Hazard.
      The fans queued up to see him, and boy did he deliver.
      His free-kick to level the scoring at 1-0 down was what he would have dreamed about on his return to Stamford Bridge.
      He dazzled throughout the night with his trickery, quick feet, and those neat little flicks that Chelsea fans loved so much during his time in this very stadium.
      Eden Hazard rolled back the years for the World XICredit: Getty
      The brilliant Belgian is a Chelsea legendCredit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedDiary of a CAM
      Steven Bartlett made the Central Attacking Midfield role his own tonight.
      Clearly a man of many talents, he scored a brace for England.
      What a player.
      Steven Bartlett’s real show, Diary of a CEO is one of the most popular in the world.Credit: X – @paddypower
      Copy linkCopiedThe trophy lift
      This is the moment England lifted the Soccer Aid trophy for the first time in SIX years.
      What a moment.
      England lift the Soccer Aid trophy at long last, what a momentCredit: Rex
      Copy linkCopiedINCREDIBLE total amount raised
      An incredible event, Soccer Aid for Unicef.
      It is now time to reveal how much money we have raised all together for this fantastic charity.
      Robbie Williams is getting ready to announce it now.
      BOOM.
      £106,022,392
      Just to be clear that is just over one-hundred and six MILLION pounds raised by Soccer Aid in total.
      Incredible.
      Don’t forget you can still donate HERE to add to that total.
      Copy linkCopiedPlayer of the Match
      What a show, Soccer Aid for Unicef take a bow.
      There were so many stars on display, but one of them shone brighter than anyone else.
      DANNY DYER!Kidding, although he was incredible.
      Steven Bartlett was England’s hero tonight, with a brace that almost became a hat-trick at the death.
      He was absolutely sublime, and looked like a hell of a player.
      Honourable mentions must go to Tom Grennan and Stuart Broad, who were absolutely brilliant too.
      Steven Bartlett was like prime Stephen El Shaarawy rocking the number 92 on the left wingCredit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedFULL TIME: England 6-3 World XI
      IT HAS FINALLY COME HOME!
      The referee blows the final whistle, and England have BEATEN the World XI for the first time in six years.
      Copy linkCopiedEngland 6-3 World XI
      86. So close to a hat-trick for Steven Bartlett!
      The Diary of a CEO host looked destined to make it three at Stamford Bridge but is denied brilliantly by Tony Bellew in goal, who has been quietly decent since replacing Petr Cech.
      Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLLL! England 6-3 World XI
      IT’S THEO WALCOTT WITH A GORGEOUS GOAL!
      He told SunSport ‘It’s coming home’ and it certainly looks that way now!The ball is played over the top to Walcott, who confidently lifts it over the top of the onrushing Tony Bellew and into the back of the net!
      Theo has still got it!
      Copy linkCopiedEngland 5-3 World XI
      80. Karen Carney is driving through bodies with the ball here, but is bought to a stop by Eden Hazard.
      Copy linkCopiedEngland 5-3 World XI
      78. Lovely feet from Eden Hazard on the left hand side, who plays the ball into the oh-so-technical Billy Wingrove.
      He lays the ball of into the feet of the not-so-technical Jason Manford.
      Who blasts the ball out of play.
      Only at Soccer Aid, class.
      Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLL! England 5-3 World XI
      76. Billy Wingrove dispatches the penalty with some absolute swaz.
      He runs to the corner after doing Heung Min-Son’s celebration and SIUUUUUU rings around the Stamford Bridge crowd.
      Copy linkCopiedPENALTY! England 5-2 World XI
      75. There is a penalty here for the World XI, as Patrice Evra is bought down inside the box.
      Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLL! England 5-2 World XI
      IT’S FIVE! IT’S STEVEN BARTLETT AGAIN!
      Tony Bellew is played into trouble by Jason Manford, and Steven Bartlett’s grind mentality pays off as he relentlessly charges him down and the goalkeepers attempted clearance goes straight in!
      Copy linkCopiedEngland 4-2 World XI
      70. So close for Theo Walcott, who is denied a free-kick goal by a goal line Michael Essien clearance.
      England get a corner, which is whipped in by Ashley Cole, but to no avail.
      Copy linkCopiedEngland 4-2 World XI
      68. Back underway at Stamford Bridge after that brief stoppage, and there is instantly a chance for Steven Bartlett, who takes a great touch and is bearing down on goal.
      He looks destined to secure a fifth for England, but Tony Bellew makes a great safe with his feet.
      Copy linkCopiedHuge Concern for Usain Bolt: England 4-2 World XI
      Horrible scenes here at Stamford Bridge as Usain Bolt is getting a lot of attention from the medical team after hitting the deck in the build up to that Defoe goal.
      He is going to be carried off on a stretcher here.
      We sincerely hope he is okay, as he is given a standing ovation by the fans, who he claps off the field.
      What a man, legend.
      Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLLL! England 4-2 World XI
      JERMAINE DEFOE ADDS A FOURTH!
      Huge concern for Usain Bolt, who pulls up with what looks like a serious hamstring injury.
      He goes down, which allows Defoe to stroll through before beating his man and slotting past Tony Bellew with ease.
      Composure personified, Jermaine Defoe.
      Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-2 World XI
      63. Tion Wayne (Mmm mmm) is coming on to replace Diamond for the World XI.
      Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-2 World XI
      62. Ashley Cole picks up the ball in the middle of the park, but is crunched by Patrice Evra.
      The ball finds it’s way out to Jermaine Defoe, who sets up Tom Grennan, but his curling effort is into the hands of Tony Bellew.
      Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-2 World XI
      60. Almost, almost vintage Eden Hazard there.
      He cuts in on his right foot and strikes a shot towards the far post, but it goes narrowly wide.
      Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-2 World XI
      57. Jermaine Defoe strikes the free-kick well but Tony Bellew stands firm and catches him out!
      Billy Wingrove comes on in replacement of Roman Kemp.
      Hope you’re ready for some swaz tekkers from the Wing-meister.
      Copy linkCopiedEngland 3-2 World XI
      55. Free kick on the edge of the box for England as Michael Essien brings down Steven Bartlett in a promising position.
      This is a similar spot to where Eden Hazard curled an effort home earlier on this evening.
      Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLL! England 3-2 World XI
      STEVEN BARTLETT GIVES ENGLAND THE LEAD!
      Jermaine Defoe does absolutely brilliantly to pass the ball through to Steven Bartlett who passes it past Tony Bellew in net!
      Can’t wait to tune into Diary of a Goalscorer after that.
      Copy linkCopied More