More stories

  • in

    Man Utd star Tyrell Malacia opens up on injury hell that sparked wild conspiracy theories

    TYRELL MALACIA has responded to wild conspiracy theories that emerged online during his lengthy injury lay-off.The Manchester United left-back, 25, has not featured for the Red Devils since the final Premier League game of the 2022/23 season in May last year.Tyrell Malacia’s last Manchester United game came in May 2023Credit: RexHe has been plagued by a recurring knee problem, but returned to the pitch earlier this week in an U21s game against Huddersfield in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.Dutchman Malacia posted very little on social media during his 17-month absence, leading fans to speculate about his whereabouts.Outlandish theories were dreamt up by conspiracy theorists on social media, including that he’d entered witness protection.But Malacia has now quashed any of those suggestions.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSpeaking to The Athletic, he said: “No, nothing was true. No, no. I’ve just been doing my rehab.”Especially when I was in Holland, I was close to my family — so just training, family, sleeping; training, family, sleeping. The only thing I’ve done.”He continued: “First of all, I’m not really a guy who’s on social media a lot.”If it wasn’t my cousin or my mum sending me this, I wouldn’t even know. Most of the time, a week after I’d find out they were saying this or that.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”As long as my family and I know I’m good, it’s enough. The most important thing is that I know I’m good.”During his time on the sideline, Malacia’s dad fell ill and his grandmother – who he describes as “my second mum” – passed away.Forgotten Man Utd star slapped on the head by team-mates as he returns ‘like a new signing’ after 15 MONTHS outAmid this difficult time, he kept a low profile and remained very private.On his dad, he said: “It’s a bit difficult, because I’m not like a guy who talks about these types of things, but my dad got sick.”He wasn’t able to walk anymore. For my family, it was a big, big impact. It’s still difficult sometimes.”But social media discussions about where he was still got back to him through friends when he was in Holland.He said: “People were saying ‘are you not worried or don’t want to say anything’, especially friends around me, because other people were asking them because they couldn’t get through to me.”They were asking me, ‘Don’t you want to say something publicly about it?'”I was like, ‘No, because I’m not on the internet a lot, I don’t get all this information. If you guys didn’t tell me, I wouldn’t even know. I’m fine’.”Malacia’s imminent return is an early boost to new manager Ruben Amorim as he looks towards his first game in charge away at Ipswich on November 24.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe played 39 games during his first season but did not feature at all in the 2023/24 campaign.He has revealed Casemiro gave him his FA Cup winner’s medal after they triumphed at Wembley last season. More

  • in

    Joseph Parker speaks out on Tyson Fury conspiracy theories around ‘fake cut’ that KOd showdown with Usyk

    JOSEPH PARKER has insisted that Tyson Fury’s cut that caused his fight with Oleksandr Usyk to be delayed was a “freak accident”.Fury has come under criticism for suffering a cut during a sparring session ahead of his fight with the Ukrainian.
    Tyson Fury suffered a cut in a sparring sessionCredit: X @Queensbury
    He was caught by an elbowCredit: X formerly Twitter / @MichaelBensonn
    Joseph Parker has insisted that the injury was an accidentCredit: Getty
    Fury, 35, was caught by an elbow by Croatian sparring partner Agron Smakici and was left needing over ten stitches in his eye.
    As a result of the injury, the heavyweight unification bout with Usyk was delayed from February 17 to May 18.
    There has been no evidence that the injury was faked in any way.
    However, fans have speculated about its legitimacy on social media.
    READ MORE BOXING
    Parker, 32, has now weighed in on the debate and has dismissed the conspiracy theories.
    Former WBO heavyweight champion told iFL TV: “I don’t think that you can escape seeing the opinions and the comments.
    “A lot of people are talking real bad about him [Fury] and saying that it is a fake cut and that he made it happen.
    “Everyone has an idea, everyone has an opinion, everyone wants to say this and say that and think that they know what is happening but that is boxing.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    “These things happen and it is a freak accident.
    “It is good that they have postponed the fight and not given the fight to anyone else because we do want to see that fight happen.
    Watch spine-tingling Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk ‘Ring of Fire’ fight promo video
    “I know that it will happen.
    “There are things in place now where if someone pulls out of the fight there is something that they have to deal with so it will happen, May 18th.”
    Saudi’s boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh was quick to confirm a new date only three months down the line has been set.
    Fury and Usyk must make the fight happen now otherwise will have to have a massive £10MILLION consequence to be paid out of either boxer’s own cash.
    Usyk spoke out for the first time since the fight cancellation during a press conference in Valencia – where it was revealed he pushed for the penalty clause.

    TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT More

  • in

    Fans think they’ve worked out Euro 2024 winner with incredible conspiracy theory… and it’s bad news for England

    FANS believe that they have figured out who will win Euro 2024 with a conspiracy theory.It follows on from the results of the Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.
    Hosts Qatar won the Asian CupCredit: Getty
    Ivory Coast won Afcon in their own countryCredit: AP
    Germany will be hoping to continue the trend at Euro 2024Credit: Getty
    Both of the continental competitions were won by the host nations.
    Qatar beat Jordan 3-1 in the final at the Lusail Stadium after Akram Afif netted a hat-trick of penalties.
    Ivory Coast followed up the success as they came from behind to beat Nigeria in the Afcon final.
    Franck Kessie cancelled out William Troost-Ekong’s opener before former West Ham striker Sebastien Haller scored the winning goal.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    With Euro 2024 being held in Germany, some fans are now backing the host nation to come out on top again.
    One German fan wrote: “There is always a chance.”
    A second commented: “You wouldn’t bet against them!!”
    A third wrote: “Toni Kroos winning euros before retiring, I’ll be there.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    This would be bad news for England.
    There are high hopes for Gareth Southgate’s squad despite the fact the Three Lions have not won any silverware since the World Cup in 1966.
    Aston Villa quickly cut Gareth Southgate from big screen during Man Utd clash as England manager is BOOED by fans
    England have been drawn in a tricky group with Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia.
    Their route to the final could include tough clashes against Euro 2020 winners Italy and France.
    Southgate could have an ace up his sleeve as he is considering calling up Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo.
    The midfielder could slot in alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in the centre of the pitch. More

  • in

    Tottenham fans have wild conspiracy theory after club legend Gary Mabbutt draws team out against Man City in FA Cup

    TOTTENHAM fans targeted legendary ex-skipper Gary Mabbutt in an amusing conspiracy theory after he paired his old club with Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth-round draw.Not even Mabbutt’s status as one of Spurs’ most popular players ever could save him from online teasing after he conjured a tough home clash against the 2023 Treble winners.
    Luckily for Gary Mabbutt he is already a fans’ favourite as many supporters weren’t happy to see Spurs paired with FA Cup holders Manchester CityCredit: ITV

    Mabbutt peaked his club career with Spurs’ FA Cup glory in 1991Credit: PA:Press Association
    Tottenham have not won the Cup since Mabbutt hoisted it aloft following a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest in the 1991 final.
    At the time it meant Spurs had triumphed in the competition a record eight times.
    Since then, however, Tottenham’s biggest rivals Arsenal have moved to the top of the list on 14, with Manchester United on 12.
    And Liverpool, as well as Chelsea, now share third place in the table – as Spurs have been stuck on eight for 33 years.
    READ MORE TOP STORIES
    Mabbutt’s history-making moment was not lost on Tottenham fans following Monday night’s draw.
    One cheeky supporter posted: “Gary Mabbutt absolutely determined to carrying on being the last Spurs captain to lift the cup.”
    In fact, Tottenham have gone without lifting any major silverware since beating Chelsea in the 2008 Carabao Cup final.
    And most fans were less than happy with the ‘reward’ for last Friday’s 1-0 third-round win over Burnley – a tie with Pep Guardiola’s FA Cup holders.
    Most read in FA Cup
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    But one claimed: “Man City will be as cheesed off with that draw as Spurs. Away. At Tottenham. Their bogey team. It’s 50/50.”
    And a neutral follower argued: “One of the worst draws I’ve seen… the only interesting game is Tottenham vs Man City.”
    That might be a harsh verdict as Chelsea have been paired at home to Aston Villa and National League Eastleigh could host Erik ten Hag’s United.
    That’s if Eastleigh beat Newport in their replay and United see off League One Wigan. More

  • in

    Francis Ngannou reignites huge Tyson Fury conspiracy theory and claims Gypsy King ‘CHEATS’ ahead of Saudi showdown

    FRANCIS NGANNOU has accused Tyson Fury of being a glove “CHEAT” just weeks before their crossover clash.The former UFC heavyweight champion locks horns with The Gypsy King in a lucrative Saudi showdown on October 28.
    Francis Ngannou locks horns with WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury next monthCredit: GETTY
    The fight will mark the former UFC champion’s boxing debutCredit: GETTY
    The Predator has accused Fury of being a glove tampererCredit: Getty
    Both men have been respectful in the build-up to their much-maligned showdown, although Ngannou has upped the ante by claiming Fury tampers with his gloves before fights.
    The Cameroonian clubber recently told Joe Rogan: “He’s very tricky with his glove. I think he cheats.”
    Ngannou and his team plan to meticulously keep an eye on Fury’s fight night hardware to make sure there is no funny business.
    The 37-year-old admitted: “We are talking about it with the team, and they’re like, ‘Oh, there’s the UK commission with the gloves.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    “I’m like, ‘Bro, we’re going to get there, we need every glove to be checked.”
    The MMA man-mountain added: “If you want us to fight bare hands, bare-knuckle, let’s go bare-knuckle.
    “But don’t give me 10-ounce gloves and wear 8-ounce or 6-ounce gloves because he has no protection. No.”
    Ngannou isn’t the only person to accuse Fury of shenanigans with his gloves.
    Most read in Boxing
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has twice accused the Brit of tampering with his gloves before their rematch and trilogy fight.
    Following his defeat in their 2020 rematch, Wilder claimed his rival had had “egg weights” in his gloves and claimed Brit boxing legend Ricky Hatton – tampered with them midway through the fight to reduce the padding.
    And ahead of their third showdown in October 2021, he claimed Fury’s gloves had “, had little to no padding”.
    Ngannou said of Wilder’s allegations: “But his opponent complains about his gloves.
    “It might not be [true], but we have to check that.
    “I think we have nothing to lose by double-checking because it’s been more than once that people talk about his gloves, and even his opponents.”

    Fury vehemently denied Wilder’s accusations, insisting they were nothing more than “excuses”.
    He said: “I’m sure he’ll have a lot of excuses to make, he always does, he’s a sore loser.
    “He had Everlast MX on, I had Paffen Sport on, the gloves were the same.
    “His trainers were in the changing room yet again [for the pre-fight hand wrapping], they checked everything, there were no queries.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    “He got beat fair and square and that’s all she wrote for Deontay Wilder.
    “I’ll be surprised if he boxes ever again.” More

  • in

    People are convinced they’ve spotted a time-travelling gen-X hipster at 1963 football match – but it’s dividing opinion

    EAGLE-EYED football fans believe they have spotted a time-traveller from a 1963 match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal.The image, which has been posted to social media, shows Gunners fans watching their side in Division One action against the east-Midlands club.
    The Arsenal ‘time-traveller’ can be seen reading a matchday programme with his head facing downCredit: Alamy
    However, while the majority in the image are wearing smart shirts and ties, one in particular individual is sporting a more modern look.
    Whilst reading his matchday programme, the supporter stands in his polo shirt and hoodie.
    The man in question also has a fluffy hairstyle, compared to the slicked-back look of everyone else.
    Whether it’s just pure coincidence or potentially something more – it’s dividing opinion.
    Read more in Football
    The image was posted by Twitter user Retirement in Black & White, which was partnered with the caption: “1st Div game around 1963.
    “Trouble is, he’s wearing a hoodie, polo shirt, and has a centre parting!”
    Another user added: “Textbook example this one”, while a third said: “Time travel or photoshop. It’s a toughie.”
    But another eagle-eyed viewer spotted what could be a second potential time-traveller.
    Most read in Football
    They said: “Didn’t you notice the man in the flat cap behind his left shoulder looking at his mobile phone?”
    However, others tried to remain realistic and keep the sanity amongst social media users.
    As per the Daily Star, one person said: “Polo shirts been around since the 1920s”.
    Another agreed with: “Probably a Mod with that clobber & haircut. 1963.”
    It isn’t the first time traveller conspiracy to emerge from football fans, following Wrexham’s unearthing of a Ryan Reynolds lookalike in an 1878 squad photo.
    However, the club quickly clarified that it was not their superstar owner in the picture, before the man himself laughed things off.
    He replied: “You sure? As mentioned, I have an extensive nighttime skincare routine.”
    Back in 1962, Brazil’s World Cup captain Mauro Ramos was snapped lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy.
    But one of the photographers appears to some as though he’s holding up a flip phone -27 years prior to its release.
    In the end, it just proved to be a handheld box camera surrounded by much larger devices nearby.
    Read More on The Sun
    Away from football, boxing fans believed they spotted a time traveller in the crowd at Mike Tyson’s fight with Peter McNeeley in 1995.
    The spectator appears to be snapping photos on what looks like an iPhone, 12 years before the device debuted, leaving many searching for answers.
    A photographer below Brazil’s Mauro Ramos was thought to be a time travellerCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Gary Lineker outlines Premier League ‘plan to make Leicester go down’ as MOTD host jokes of conspiracy

    GARY LINEKER has jokingly outlined the Premier League’s “plan to make Leicester go down” with a number of conspiracy jokes.The former Foxes and England striker, 62, still supports his hometown club and is praying that they can pull off the great escape.
    Gary Lineker has cheekily suggested a conspiracy to get Leicester relegatedCredit: Getty
    The Match of the Day host is a lifelong Foxes fanCredit: AFP
    Leicester sit 19th in the table and are three points from safety with just two games left to go.
    They are winless in four with Dean Smith’s side heading to Champions League-chasing Newcastle tomorrow before heading to Europa Conference League finalists West Ham next week.
    The trip to St. James’ Park will be Leicester’s fourth match in a row on a Monday due to games being broadcasted on Sky Sports.
    But Lineker tongue-in-cheekily hinted that something more sinister could be at play as he hosted Match of the Day on BBC One last night.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    Speaking to pundits Alan Shearer, a Newcastle legend, and former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas, he said: “Let’s have a look at how it stands at the bottom.
    “For some of us it makes awfully grim viewing, but we’ll have a gander nevertheless.
    “Huge game tomorrow, Leeds vs West Ham. Obviously Leicester play on Monday, again, that’s four Mondays on the bounce – I don’t know if it’s some kind of plan to make sure Leicester go down…”
    Shearer told him to “stop it” before Lineker continued: “Conspiracy theories there… No, what do you think? Give me some hope.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Jenas then interjected with: “We’re at the end of the season where there are some strange things – West Ham, for example, have the Europa Conference League final and they’re playing in two of the games.
    “They’ve got yourselves (Leicester) last game of the season and Leeds are going to be facing them as well.
    “What team David Moyes picks out, I don’t know. It’s looking bleak for Leicester in my opinion.”
    Turning to Shearer, Lineker then said: “Your guys now, Newcastle, are pretty much absolutely certain to be in the Champions League…”
    Jenas then said: “What’s he asking?”
    Before Lineker added: “Can you take it easy on Monday? Just relax a little bit… Anyway, we’ll move on!” More

  • in

    Fans convinced Todd Boehly has told Chelsea stars to ‘tank’ on purpose in bizarre conspiracy theory

    CHELSEA fans have jokingly come up with a bizarre conspiracy theory as to why their team is performing so badly.The Blues slumped to a 2-0 loss against Brentford last night, meaning they are now winless in eight games and Frank Lampard is without victory in his first five games as caretaker boss.
    Chelsea fans have made a funny conspiracy theory about Todd BoehlyCredit: PA
    Chelsea are yet to win under Frank LampardCredit: EPA
    Supporters are desperately looking for answers and one made a hilarious quip on social media about owner Todd Boehly.
    They comically suggested: “Lampard is putting out line-ups as if Boehly told him to tank for the number one draft pick.”
    Fans laughed that it was “the funniest tweet ever” and another joked “not to give him [Boehly] ideas”.
    The American businessman owns 20 per cent of baseball team the Los Angeles Dodgers and 27 per cent of basketball outfit the Lakers from the same city.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    In both the MLB and the NBA, there is no relegation and the bottom club instead get the first draft pick for next season.
    From a pool of players available to sign, the worst team make their choice and it then goes in reverse order up the table, so essentially, the worst side get the best talent.

    Boehly has been slammed by pundits like Gary Neville for not understanding football and non-American sport.
    Meanwhile, Chelsea fans have been left baffled by Lampard’s starting XI’s, which have involved a back three and four central midfielders.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Boehly has splashed over £600million in the transfer market since taking over but the club remain without a top striker.
    The West Londoners sit 11th in the Premier League on 39 points, incredibly just ten above the relegation zone.
    And they face tough trips to the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United in their end of season run-in. More