Exclusives

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Three Lions ace Ivan Toney hands mobile to FA investigators looking into match-betting claims

      by

      THREE Lions striker Ivan Toney has handed his phone to FA investigators looking into match-betting claims, The Sun can reveal.The £50million star was also understood to have allowed officials into his apartment to look at personal records.
      He has been questioned over claims that wagers were placed on games, in strict breach of FA rules on gamblingCredit: Shutterstock
      Despite being caught up in the seven-month investigation, Brentford ace Toney was surprisingly still picked by Gareth SouthgateCredit: Getty
      After handing over his mobile to the investigators, a string of the 26-year-old’s contacts on the handset have been approached.
      It raises the prospect that other top-flight footballers have been questioned over claims that wagers were placed on games — in breach of strict FA rules on gambling.
      Brentford ace Toney, 26, was surprisingly still picked by Gareth Southgate despite being caught up in the seven-month investigation.
      He is widely expected to be named in his England squad for the World Cup in Qatar on Thursday.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      But football’s integrity will be questioned if he is picked and later charged.
      Sources say the ace has become “incredibly worried” the investigation could cost him his place.
      One said: “Ivan isn’t stupid, he knows it doesn’t look good — even though he insists he has done nothing wrong.
      “The best thing for everyone would be if the FA could clear him in time — so his place in Gareth Southgate’s squad comes down to his football.
      Most read in The Sun
      “He has done everything that is asked of him — he has handed over his phone and records and even spoken to investigators at his apartment.
      “Some of his closest friends have already been contacted — so it is clear the FA are taking this seriously.
      “Ivan just doesn’t want anything to get in the way of his dream of playing for his country at a World Cup.”
      There is no suggestion of any criminal activity by Toney or that he attempted to fix the outcome of any match.
      Read More on The Sun
      No charges have been brought by FA chiefs against the player.
      Toney’s agent and the FA were approached for comment. More

    • 163 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League star suffers serious groin injury from embarrassing reason, top doctor reveals

      by

      A PREMIER League star suffered a serious groin injury from “vociferous sex”, a top surgeon has revealed.The ace even showed him the unusual position in which he picked up the injury.
      A Premier League ace has picked up a groin injury performing an unusual sex actCredit: Getty
      He had to have a keyhole op and was keen to not share the detail with his manager.
      In an exclusive interview, Professor Aali Sheen, 51 — known as The Herniator because of his expertise fixing hundreds of sports stars’ groin injuries — has lifted the lid on it all.
      One Prem ace needed surgery after a coughing and sneezing bout.
      Prof Aali, from South London but now based in Manchester, has a book out called The Painted Surgeon.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL NEWS
      He has treated over 3,000 sports patients and often sees players from the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea.
      He told The Sun on Sunday: “Groin injuries all come about from twisting and turning but it can happen in unusual circumstances sometimes.
      “One top Premier League player was sent to me by his club doctor.
      “He had serious pain in his groin and he told me he’d been having hard and vociferous sex with his partner.
      Most read in The Sun
      “He was graphic about what happened and even showed me the position he suffered it in, which was unusual but helpful.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I operated on him and he was fully fit again in four weeks.”
      The Painted Surgeon is out now priced at £12.99. More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Three Lions ace Ivan Toney investigated by FA over match-betting ahead of this month’s World Cup

      by

      THREE Lions ace Ivan Toney is at the centre of a match-betting probe.The £50million Brentford striker is being investigated by Football Association officials over allegations of wagers placed on games.
      Three Lions ace Ivan Toney is at the centre of a match-betting probe.Credit: Getty
      The allegations are believed to relate solely to the period when Toney was at one of his previous clubs – not current Premier League side BrentfordCredit: Focus Images
      Toney seen training with England skipper Harry KaneCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Toney, 26, is widely expected to be in England’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar, which starts a fortnight today.
      Astonishingly, despite the ongoing investigation, he was picked for Three Lions duty during recent Nations League matches — but did not play.
      The allegations are believed to relate solely to the period when Toney was at one of his previous clubs. A source said: “Ivan is aware of the investigation. He is concerned but is adamant that he has done nothing wrong.
      “The FA is duty-bound to act fully on allegations they receive. But it is obviously a highly sensitive matter for the FA as he is a potential candidate for the England World Cup squad.”
      READ MORE ON QATAR 22
      No charges have been brought by FA chiefs against the player.
      There is no suggestion of any criminal activity by Toney — who also previously played for Newcastle United — or that he attempted to fix the outcome of any match.
      However, under FA rules, all ­professional men and top women players face a worldwide ban on all football betting.
      The laws are so strict they include gambling on transfers, manager jobs and team selection and apply to players and managers, match officials and club staff.
      Most read in Football
      They state that players “shall not bet, either directly or indirectly, or instruct, permit, cause or enable any person to bet on the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of, or occurrence in or in connection with a football match or competition.
      “Or any other matter concerning or related to football anywhere in the world, including, for example and without limitation, the transfer of players, employment of managers, team selection or disciplinary matters.”
      Last night Toney tweeted: “I have been assisting the Football Association with their enquiries and will not be making any comment until such investigation has reached its conclusion. 
      “I am a proud Englishman and it has always been my dream to play for my country at a World Cup.”
      Toney — regarded as one of the world’s best penalty-takers — was selected for Three Lions duty for Nations League matches against Germany and Italy in September.
      Despite hailing Toney’s place at the training camp, England boss Southgate failed to use him, then appeared to cast doubt on his squad place. 
      Southgate said: “I understand the push as it is so close to the World Cup but there is life for Ivan Toney beyond the World Cup as well. He’s very much in the frame and what he does with his club between now and then is also really important.”
      The fact that he was selected by FA bosses while he was being probed by the investigators from the same organisation will prompt questions about the governing body’s handling of the matter.
      If Toney is found to have breached FA rules his selection would be in conflict with the FA’s commitment to transparency over betting. Its website says: “The FA wants to preserve what is great in the beautiful game and has devised rules regarding betting in football to help protect the integrity and future of football.”
      Despite hailing Toney’s place at the training camp, England boss Southgate failed to use him, then appeared to cast doubt on his place in the squadCredit: Getty
      If Toney is found to have breached FA rules his selection would be in conflict with the FA’s commitment to transparency over betting.Credit: Rex
      It adds: “The FA, the Gambling Commission and betting companies have sophisticated systems to monitor and detect breaches of the betting rules. These organisations advise us of issues that arise in the cash, telephone and online betting markets.
      “If found guilty, then this can lead to financial penalties, suspensions, and in some instances, lifetime bans.
      “It is your responsibility to make sure you know the rules and help support the collective effort from the football authorities, players, clubs and officials, to protect the integrity of the game. The rules have never been clearer or easier to understand.”
      A source said: “It seems incredible that a high-profile star could be chosen for England duty at the same time that he is being investigated over betting. England footballers are role models for millions of youngsters and their conduct in relation to the sport must reflect that status.
      “Fans have a right to know if a star player is being probed — their focus must be entirely on winning the World Cup with no distractions.”
      Tory MP Julian Knight, chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, said: “These are serious allegations being made.
      “Football needs to be transparent. Any allegation of this nature needs to be investigated and there is a clear public interest.”
      Although there is no suggestion Toney is a gambling addict, Gareth Southgate is concerned about the impact of gambling on players.
      He witnessed first-hand its impact on ex-England team-mates Paul Merson, Tony Adams and Paul Gascoigne when he was a player.
      Before taking up his current role, he said: “Gambling is an addictive pastime. I think it’s for the national manager to step in if they feel there is an issue. 
      “People have always gambled in squads and sometimes in the squads I was involved in it got people together. But some of the sums being spoken at the moment would be disturbing no matter what you’re earning.
      “There is a duty for everybody involved to make sure those problems don’t get out of hand.” 
      The FA’s regulations were put in place after football was rocked by a string of betting controversies in 2014. A number of top players have been hit with bans — though they all involved more serious conduct than that being investigated over Toney.
      In 2020 ex-Chelsea star Daniel Sturridge was banned for four months and fined £150,000 for texting brother Leon to bet on his possible move from Liverpool to Sevilla.
      In 2019 Newcastle and England full-back Kieran Trippier was banned for ten weeks and fined £70,000 for WhatsApping pals “Lump on if you want” over his rumoured move to Atletico Madrid.
      In 2017, Joey Barton was banned for 18 months after placing 1,260 bets on matches between 2006 and 2013 — including games in which he played.
      In October ex-Reading defender Kynan Isaac was banned for 12 years for deliberately earning a yellow card in an FA Cup first-round tie.
      Read More on The Sun
      He was hit with a ten-year ban for the scam with pals and a further two years for failing to co-operate with the FA investigation and further betting.
      Toney’s agent and the FA were approached for comment. 
      SPOT-KICK KING’S RISE TO THE TOPBy Michael Hamilton
      IVAN Toney has risen from relative obscurity to the brink of England’s World Cup squad.
      He has won plaudits for his swashbuckling style and has scored eight times this season for Premier League side Brentford.
      Toney joined Newcastle in 2015 as a teenager but only made two appearances for the Toon, who sent him out on loans. He plied his trade at Wigan, Scunthorpe and Barnsley.
      He moved to Peterborough in 2018 — scoring 40 times in 76 appearances before switching to Brentford in 2020 for a modest £5million.
      Toney scored 31 Championship goals to fire the West London club into the Premier League. His good form continued last season as he scored 12 times.
      He has an impressive penalty record – netting 25 of 26 spot-kicks.
      A World Cup place would take him to new heights. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Luxury liner dubbed HMS Wag carrying England stars’ partners heading to World Cup but players aren’t allowed on board

      by

      A LUXURY liner to be used as England’s Wags’ World Cup base was tonight steaming towards Qatar — but no players will be allowed on board.Ace Jack Grealish, 27, and girlfriend Sasha Att­wood, 25, and others will be kept apart as the Three Lions live in a strict hotel Covid bubble away from MSC World Europa.
      MSC World Europa, which will be used as England’s Wags’ World Cup base, is on its way to QatarCredit: 2013
      Sasha Att­wood will be kept away from boyfriend Jack Grealish as the Three Lions live in a strict Covid bubbleCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebecca
      Anna Modler is the partner of England ace Eric Dier
      MSC World Europa’s maiden voyage saw it inching through the Suez Canal yesterday.
      The £1billion 205,700-tonne floating palace boasts six swimming pools, a 643ft promenade, 14 ocean-view whirlpools, 13 dining venues and more than 30 bars and cafes.
      There is also an 11-deck high helter skelter called The Venom Drop — the tallest slide on any ship in the world.
      The liner left a French shipyard nine days ago, where 2,000 workers put finishing touches to its posh interior.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Footballers’ wives and girlfriends are expected to be among 6,762 guests in 2,633 cabins. Five-star packages to stay on board while the vessel is docked off the coast of Doha cost up to £6,000.
      But no players will be allowed on board. On arrival the England squad will be immediately placed in a strict Covid bubble at Doha’s Souq Al Wakra hotel.
      Boss Gareth Southgate is determined to stop the virus from wrecking his side’s hopes.
      Football Association sources confirm that the restrictions will be in place for the three opening group games — and almost certainly as long as England are in the tournament.
      Most read in The Sun
      Qatar axed the requirement for visitors to provide a negative Covid test before flying in for matches — sparking fears the virus could be rife across the Gulf State.
      Organisers have said any player testing positive will have to isolate for five days and wear a mask for a further five. They will also be barred from training sessions.
      Southgate is set to name his provisional squad next week.
      But Wags who seem certain to be heading to Qatar include model Anna Modler, 24, who is dating defender Eric Dier, Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood, 25, and Harry Maguire’s wife Fern, 27.
      Players, including Jack Grealish, will not be allowed on board the luxury linerCredit: Getty
      Harry Maguire’s wife Fern is excepted to stay on MSC World Europa
      Players who test positive for Covid have to isolate for five days and wear a mask for a further five (pictured Harry Maguire)Credit: Getty
      The women will have plenty to keep them busy on board, with a spa and wellness centre, thermal baths, beauty salon and a gym.
      And if they are feeling homesick they can pop into British pub Masters of the Sea for a glass of bubbly.
      A source said: “Due to the fact the boat is off-shore, guests can have a drink and enjoy themselves without having to worry about falling foul of Qatar’s strict laws.
      “The boat’s an amazing place to stay, which is why many of the players’ wives and families snapped up packages that the FA arranged.
      Read More on The Sun
      “If England do go all the way, it’s likely to become like a carnival on board.”
      The FA declined to comment. More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Boxing

      Boxer David Haye pictured chomping on chicken wings despite becoming a vegan in 2014

      by

      BOXING star David Haye landed a knockout blow to his vegan diet by chomping on a chicken wing.The former heavyweight and cruiserweight world champ, 42, savoured every bite of a £21 hotel platter of them.
      David Haye landed a knockout blow to his vegan diet by chomping on a chicken wingCredit: Greg Brennan
      David became a vegan in 2014 and has spoken about his meat-free dietCredit: Getty
      An onlooker said: “I couldn’t believe my eyes.
      “David has told the world about his veganism and talked of his meat-free diet while flogging his vegan protein brand.
      “His meat-free diet credentials have hit the canvas.”
      The popular big-hitter, who formerly starred in a promo video for animal rights group Peta, was spotted tucking in on the terrace restaurant at central London’s Blake­more Hyde Park Hotel.
      Haye — wearing a baseball cap and a hoodie — had left his £100,000 Rolls-Royce outside.
      Haye, who appeared on I’m A Celebrity in 2012, became a vegan in 2014.
      In 2017 he told The Sun: “I’ve had a plant-based diet for three years.
      “I have a full-time chef and a good nutritionist who makes sure I get all the minerals and nutrients required, which isn’t easy in a plant-based diet.
      “I feel better than ever, I look and feel younger.
      “People say, ‘Where do you get your strength from?’. I say, where does an ape get his strength from?
      “He’s 20 times stronger than a human and doesn’t have a meat-based diet.
      “They eat plants all day long. It’s a myth that you need meat for strength.
      Read More on The Sun
      “But I don’t like to ram it down people’s throats.
      “People say, ‘How do you know if someone is a vegan – because they never stop talking about being a vegan!’”
      Last night representatives of Haye were asked for comment. More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I wear the poppy to salute my World War II hero grandad – it makes me proud, says Gareth Southgate

      by

      ENGLAND footie boss Gareth Southgate says he is proud to wear a poppy — to salute his World War Two hero grandad.He explained Arthur Toll, who served with the Royal Marines, instilled in him the importance of remembering those who serve.
      Gareth Southgate’s war hero grandad Arthur, instilled in him the importance of remembering those who serve or have servedCredit: Rex
      Gareth, who will lead the Three Lions in this month’s World Cup, said: “The poppy is a symbol that leads people to remember.
      “It keeps humility in the group because it means you’re not just thinking about yourselves.
      “The freedoms that we have are because of the commitment and sacrifice the people that came before us made.
      “My grandad was in the Royal Marines so since I was a kid there’s been that connection and appreciation of what people went through.”
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Gareth, 52, was launching this year’s football shirt auction in which fans can bid for stars’ kit embroidered with the poppy to raise money for the annual British Legion appeal.
      His grandad Arthur was a meat wholesaler in 1939 when war broke out.
      He died in Watford, Herts, in 1994, age 87.
      To bid in the auction go to matchwornshirt.co.uk/poppy
      Most read in The Sun More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle hires Mr Fix-It to help star players with daily chores such as paying bills

      by

      NEWCASTLE United has taken on a Mr Fix-It to help its star players with daily chores — such as paying their TV licences.The Saudi-owned club appointed Jamie Morren as a liaison officer.
      Newcastle appointed Jamie Morren, pictured on the right, as a liaison officer to help its star players with choresCredit: NUFC.TV
      He is helping big-bucks signings, such as Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes and Dutchman Sven Botman, settle in on Tyneside.
      His job is to take care of tasks such as paying bills and setting up direct debits so they can concentrate on playing.
      The lifelong United fan said: “The whole point of my job is to take away any kind of distraction for the players so that football is the only focus.
      “It could be things like setting up direct debits, paying bills, finding houses, cars, transport.
      READ MORE ON NEWCASTLE UNITED
      “Imagine you’re 22, you’re moving to a country you’ve never been to before and someone says, ‘By the way, have you paid your TV licence?’
      “In the summer, it took a good 10 minutes of convincing Sven that TV licences were a real thing.
      “If I moved to Brazil at 24 years old, for example, I wouldn’t know how to set up a direct debit or pay council tax or whatever.
      “I think some people look at it and think, ‘you’ll just do everything for them’, but it’s a case of making sure they’re adjusted so they don’t have worries of ‘I don’t understand what this means’ or ‘what on earth is a TV Licence’ and making sure they’re completely comfortable and settled in that sense.
      Most read in The Sun
      “They’re moving to a new environment, a new country, often with no family with them, and they’re having to learn all of these new things on top of perhaps learning a new language.
      “It’s not just about ‘my boiler’s gone off, can you show me how to get it back on?’ It is about making sure you’re there if a player does have an issue.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We’re a family, and player care is part of that.”
      And the mollycoddling seems to be working — with the Magpies fourth in the Premier League. More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney’s head was cut open on night out by flying plate thrown by his youngest son

      by

      WAYNE Rooney’s head was cut open on a night out by a flying plate thrown by his youngest son.Cass, four, launched it like a frisbee and accidentally hit his dad as the former footie ace enjoyed a boozy meal at a restaurant.
      Wayne Rooney suffered a cut on his forehead during a boozy night out with pals in Dubai
      Wayne was hit by a plate thrown by his youngest son
      Cass, pictured left, launched it like a frisbee and accidentally hit his dad
      We reported his wound last week and Cass has been revealed as the culprit — after he got over-excited during traditional Greek plate smashing.
      A witness said: “Wayne took it very well. His poor lad was very sorry.”
      Wayne, 37, wife Coleen, 36, and pals were partying on holiday in Dubai when Cass scored his direct hit.
      But the England and Man Utd legend laughed it off despite his gashed forehead.
      READ MORE ON WAYNE ROONEY
      The couple were with kids Kai, 12, Klay, nine, Kit, six, and Cass plus pals including ex-Red Devils team-mate Phil Bardsley and his wife Tanya, who shared footage online.
      It included Coleen balancing a plate and shot glass on her head as a waiter poured at the restaurant, where ex-boxing champ Amir Khan was also eating and posed for a picture.
      The onlooker said: “The group were having a whale of a time and the drinks were flowing.
      “At one point, guests are invited to smash plates on the floor.
      Most read in The Sun
      “It is always a highlight and the crowd are usually well inebriated at this point.
      “It was no different this time and, amid the chaos, the youngest Rooney kid threw a plate across the table frisbee-style and caught him right between the eyes.
      Coleen Rooney was also seen smashing plates and enjoying herself at the restaurant
      Ex-boxing champ Amir Khan was also eating and posed for a picture with Wayne at the restaurant
      “There was no malice but it caught Wayne smack in the middle of his forehead.”
      Roo was seen using a napkin to dab the blood in footage taken seconds after he was hit.
      Read More on The Sun
      The witness added: “It must have hurt like hell but it was a complete accident. He didn’t want little Cass to see his upset, and they had a cuddle.
      “As soon as it emerged he wasn’t seriously hurt, the entire table exploded in laughter.” More