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      Let football fans drink alcohol in the stands again, demands Labour MP

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      FOOTBALL fans should be allowed to enjoy a pint in the stands while cheering on their team, an MP says.Labour’s Luke Charters wants designated drinking zones set aside in stadiums to allow supporters to have alcoholic drinks.Labour’s Luke Charters wants designated drinking zones set aside in stadiumsCredit: SuppliedAnd the Football Supporters’ Association has given its backing to the call by the MP for York Outer.Booze is currently prohibited from being consumed in sight of the pitch in the Premier League, English Football League and National League.But it is permitted further down the football league pyramid — and in other countries, such as Germany.Mr Charters said: “I think it’s time to reconsider the alcohol ban in view of the pitch, and at least try to run some trials of designated drinking zones.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL FANS“You can sit with a beer and watch the Bundesliga — so why can’t you have a pint while watching the Prem?“As a dad, I think it’s right that some parts of the ground should probably stay booze-free.“But let’s have a common-sense conversation about what we can do to make the matchday experience better — and back our great local breweries in the process.”The FSA backed Mr Charters’ call for drinking zone trials and said: “In the past, this is actually something many clubs have called for too.”Most read in FootballAlcohol can be sold on the concourse at games before and during matches but cannot be taken in to the stands.The ban has been in place in the men’s game since 1985.Shock moment ‘drunk’ football fans bellow crass chants at Ryanair hostess mid-flight and tell her to ‘get her t**s out’But trials allowing the consumption of alcohol in view of the pitch have taken place in the women’s game, which is not covered by the ban.Southampton, Birmingham City, Bristol City and Newcastle United took part this season.Mr Charters also tore into ticket prices and wants the £30 cap for away fans in the Premier League extended to the EFL and National League.He said: “Whether it’s clubs canning concessions or FA Cup Final ticket prices flying up, this fleecing of fans is blighting our beautiful game.”Football fans enjoy terrace drinking in 1984, one year before the banCredit: Getty More

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      Leeds sending scouts to France to check out Argentina international as top transfer target this summer

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      LEEDS are making Marseille centre-half Leonardo Balerdi one of their top targets for the Premier League.Whites scouts went to France to check out the Argentina ace, 26, and an offer is being prepared.Balerdi is a summer target for Leeds United as they return to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyBalerdi is a key player for MarseilleBalerdi was at Borussia Dortmund then went to Marseille in 2021 and has been a regular starter since.The French giants will be looking for around £20 million for Balerdi but he could fancy a move to the Premier League at this stage of his career.This season Balerdi has an average pass completion of 94% and is the captain of third-placed Marseille.He moved from Boca Juniors to Borussia Dortmund in 2019, before switching to Marseille in 2021.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBalerdi holds both Argentine and Italian nationality but chose to play for Argentina, where he was born.He currently has six caps for the World champions and has attracted transfer interest from Roma.More football transfer gossTHOMAS FRANK wants to splash out on Leicester’s £25 million-rated keeper Mads Hermansen.The Brentford boss is keen on a move for his fellow Dane, 24, who has been a standout during the Foxes’ disastrous season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDutchman Mark Flekken, 31, is the Bees’ current No1 but Hermansen could boost Frank’s side.Hermansen has been linked with Champions League clubs but the Bees’ dressing room has a strong Danish feel with internationals Christian Norgaard, Mathias Jensen and Mikkel Damsgaard already there.Hermansen could move to Brentford from relegated LeicesterCredit: AlamyJOHN COLEMAN has made a surprise dugout return with Irish side Waterford.Coleman, 62, has been out of work since leaving League Two Gillingham in March and jumped at the chance of taking charge.The veteran boss is no stranger to working in Ireland – he managed Sligo Rovers in 2014 – but is best known for his two spells at Accrington, where he took charge of more than 1,000 games.DANIEL BACHMANN’S Watford future is in doubt.The Austrian keeper, 30, last played for the Hornets on January 4 after he was ruled out with an ankle ligament injury and returned to the bench at the end of March.Egil Selvik has filled in between the sticks. And Watford would sell Bachmann, who joined them in the summer of 2017, even though he has three years left on his deal. More

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      FA bosses MUST apologise for treatment of women forced to compete against biological men & punished if they complained

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      FA chiefs finally red-carded trans players from women’s football yesterday.Biological men will be banned from all levels of the women’s game from June 1. FA bosses are facing demands to apologise for the treatment of women and girls forced to compete against biological menTrans goalie Blair Hamilton, circled, joined a women’s teamTrans Radio UK, made up solely of trans women, played against Dulwich Hamlet WomenCredit: AlamyFA bosses are facing demands to apologise for the treatment of women and girls forced to compete against biological men — and punished if they complained.They finally acted following last month’s Supreme Court ruling that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.The decision affects around 20 trans footballers registered at grassroots level.Olympic swimming star Sharron Davies, who has led a ten-year fight to stop biological men taking part in women’s sport, told The Sun she was delighted, and disgusted, by the FA’s “too little, too late” move.READ MORE UK NEWSShe said: “I’ve heard all kinds of heartbreaking stories — women saying they just can’t compete with men who’ve ruined the enjoyment of their sport.’Sense has prevailed’“It’s crazy and I’m pleased to see sense has finally prevailed (in football) but I won’t rest until men are barred from all female sport.”Sharron told of her fury that the FA has yet to apologise to an autistic girl, 17, banned six games for asking a “bearded” opponent: “Are you a man?”She denied being transphobic and said she was concerned for her safety. Sharron added: “The FA owes this girl an apology and all the women forced to compete against men.Most read in Football“The FA have misrepresented the Equality Act, which has not actually changed, and have been sanctioning legalised cheating for years in ­pursuit of a woke agenda.”FA rules reviewed on April 1 had allowed the 20 or so trans players to carry on playing if their testosterone levels were below a set level for at least 12 months.But chiefs sparked confusion by saying they could intervene if concerns were raised about safety and fairness.Trans women are NOT women, Supreme Court rules in win for anti-woke campaigners after battle over female-only spacesFiona McAnena, of campaign group Sex Matters, said of yesterday’s new ruling: “This is welcome but long overdue.“The FA has had ample evidence of the harm to women and girls caused by its nonsensical policy of letting men who identify as women play in women’s teams.“The requirement to lower their testosterone tells you that everyone knew they were not women.“Thankfully, the UK Supreme Court has now confirmed this.“Every other sporting body now needs to re-establish a genuine women’s category, and this shameful period in history will finally be brought to an end.”My experience is playing in the men’s game, ten to 15 years ago it wasn’t a safe place to be transgender or non-conforming in any wayNatalie WashingtonTory MP Sir John Hayes added: “This is a victory for common sense. Sporting competition needs to be fair and farce had replaced fairness.”In a 2022 “world first”, Trans Radio UK, a team of solely trans women, played their first game against Dulwich Hamlet Women.Last September Sutton United women’s team postponed their fixture against Ebbsfleet United after a row over the signing of trans goalie Blair Hamilton.In November 2023 trans player Francesca Needham quit Rossington Main Ladies FC in South Yorkshire and claimed she suffered discrimination after opponents refused to play against her.Olympic swimming star Sharron Davies, who has led a ten-year fight to stop biological men taking part in women’s sportCredit: AlamyLast night Natalie Washington, of Football v Transphobia, told how trans players have said they could give up the game from June 1.Natalie said: “Most don’t feel they can play in the men’s game for reasons of safety and comfort.“My experience is playing in the men’s game, ten to 15, years ago it wasn’t a safe place to be transgender or non-conforming in any way.“That’s probably improved slightly but it’s still not a great place to be.”’Biology matters’The FA said: “We understand this will be difficult for people who simply want to play the game they love in the gender by which they identify.“We are contacting the registered transgender players to explain the changes and how they can continue to stay involved in the game.”Asked about an apology to biologically female players, the FA said: “We’ve no further comment.”Read More on The SunDowning Street insisted “biology matters” when it comes to women’s sport and “everyone should be compliant with the law”.Other sports could follow the FA’s lead. The English Cricket Board currently allows for self-identification at all levels. But chiefs could confirm a policy change today.APOLOGY BY POLICEBy Andy RobinsonPOLICE have apologised after investigating a fan who was banned by Newcastle United for expressing gender-critical views.Linzi Smith, 34, was accused of being transphobic by a complainant who claimed trans people would not feel safe sitting near her at St James’ Park.She promotes lesbian, bisexual and women’s rights online.Northumbria Police launched a hate crime probe after being handed a dossier by the club.Linzi was interviewed for two hours under caution in 2023 and eventually faced no further action.The force now says elements of the probe were unacceptable. Linzi said: “I can’t help but feel let down over so many failings.”Newcastle fan Linzi Smith was accused of being transphobicCredit: LInzi Smith More

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      Watch as Maya Jama finally confirms Ruben Dias romance with kiss, cuddle and bite to neck at footy match

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      MAYA Jama and Ruben Dias kiss and cuddle to confirm their romance for the first time with a loved-up display.The Man City defender, 27, even cheekily bit the TV star’s neck as they stood pitch side at a weekly Baller League match.Maya Jama and Ruben Dias confirmed their romance for the first timeCredit: GettyThe pair kissed and cuddled as they stood pitch side at a weekly Baller League matchThe Man City defender even cheekily bit the TV host’s neckMaya cheered on City at Wembley on SundayCredit: Click News and MediaLove Island host Maya, 30, has been dating Ruben since they met at an awards bash in November but has kept their relationship under wraps until now.The Sun’s exclusive video shows the couple hugging in a bunker behind the goal at the Copper Box Arena, in East London.At one point the Portuguese pitch ace pulls her in for a hug, planting a smooch on her cheek and then rubs her back.Later he playfully bites at the back of her neck.READ MORE ON MAYA JAMAA source said: “Maya and Ruben seemed very close, very loved up and were clearly very comfortable with each other.“They were chatting to others around them but gravitated back to each other. They seem very happy with each other.”It is the first time the couple have been seen together in public since they began dating.Maya and Ruben were introduced at the MTV EMAs in Manchester in November, following the breakdown of her on-off relationship with rapper Stormzy last summer.Most read in FootballLast month we told how she had introduced Dias to her mum Bernadette, with sources saying they were “getting more serious”.She also revealed in March she was taking Portuguese lessons.MAYA Jama’s romance with footballer Ruben Dias is hotting up – after she was introduced to his mum BernadetteThe influencer-led Baller League sees former Premier League players, futsal players and celebrities face one another in 12 teams.Maya is among several celebrities backing the new-look football format.The TV host has teamed up with Swiss player Alisha Lehmann to lead MVPs United for the influencer-led football league.The likes of KSI and darts star Luke Littler also attended Monday’s sport event.The Portuguese pitch ace pulled Maya in for a hugMaya was all smiles as she stood next to RubenThe TV beauty has been dating the football star since they met at an awards bash in NovemberA source revealed: ‘They seem very happy with each other’Credit: Click News and MediaMaya posted a picture online of the pair having lunchMaya also recently introduced Dias to her mum BernadetteCredit: Getty More

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      Fan favourite Ian Wright becomes highest paid football pundit after bumper year of earnings amid Eni Aluko row

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      ITV sports presenter Ian Wright is now the highest earning pundit on telly – making an estimated profit of almost £2.2m last year.His earnings now dwarf those of his longtime friend and former England skipper Gary Lineker who was paid £1.35m by the BBC as host of Match of the Day. Ian Wright was recently slammed by fellow pundit Eni AlukoCredit: RexRecent accounts for former Arsenal star Ian, 61, showed that his company, Elanar Ltd, had its best period yet in the year ending July 2024.A TV insider said: “These figures show just how popular a figure Wrighty remains – both the viewing public and with TV execs and advertisers who clearly think he’s worth every penny they pay him.”His firm’s financial reports show he has over £1m in the bank and in the last financial year paid a staggering £549,000 in corporation tax, which suggests he made a profit of £2.19m during that period.As well as his football punditry Ian also has other deals that have boosted his coffers, including ad campaigns for retail giants ranging from Marks & Spencer to adidas.read more on ian wrightITV recently backed him following a row with his fellow presenter Eni Aluko, who accused him of ‘blocking’ opportunities for women in football. She later apologised, but he refused to accept the apology.A spokesperson for the channel later said he was: “an incredible advocate, ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football.”Eni Aluko’s former England team-mate Steph Houghton publicly backs Ian Wright in TV pundits’ rowArsenal legend Ian has refused to accept Eni’s apologyCredit: PAUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      in Boxing

      ‘I want her to know that’ – Devin Haney’s new motivation in career after birth of his daughter ahead of boxing return

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      IN A career that has seen him win undisputed world titles and earn millions of dollars, Devin Haney finally has something else to fight for.The American boxing star and model Leena Sayed welcomed baby daughter Khrome Iman into the world in January. Devin Haney in training for his next fightCredit: X / RealdevinhaneyHaney welcomed his daughter into the world alongside Leena SayedCredit: Instagram / leenasayedLeena gave birth to her daughter in JanuaryCredit: Instagram / leenasayedHaney, 26, told SunSport: “Kids are a blessing, they bring more blessings and everything has been on the up and up since my daughter’s been born.”I thank Allah for that and it gives me more motivation and more drive to do it even more, even though I love the sport of boxing.”It’s just genuinely something that I love doing but it just gave me that, you know, that extra.”Haney – a former undisputed lightweight champion – has been a model pro throughout his boxing career.READ MORE IN BOXINGSo while he cannot improve on dedication, his newborn daughter is just the latest reason for giving up his life to the brutal sport.Haney said: “I can’t say necessarily it changed me because I think I’m just a warrior and no matter what, I want her to know that about her dad.”Haney has not returned since his controversial fight against Ryan Garcia in April 2024. He was dropped three times before losing a decision – only for the result to be overturned after Garcia failed a drug test.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHaney set up in Big Bear California – known for its gruelling altitude – for his return and kissed his baby goodbye as he left for training camp. He revealed: “This is my job at the end of the day. I know what I signed up for.Why Devin Haney was ‘smiling ear to ear’ and Teofimo Lopez ‘loved’ Chris Eubank Jr’s emotional reunion with his dad”It is what it is and I was there to see her born and be with her and all of that.”But now I had to go back to camp and go to work and do what I gotta do. And like I said, this is what I love to do at the end of the day.”So one day she’s gonna look back and she’s gonna see that her dad is a legend and it all starts now. “These are the moments that will make that come true.”Haney is already dreaming of the day his daughter is old enough for him to watch back and relieve some of his greatest boxing nights. He said: “That’s what it’s about, being a good role model for her and just her looking, being able to look back on these moments, look at what I stood for and everything like that.”The ex-WBC super-lightweight champ prepares to fight for the first time in over a year – his longest career lay-off – after taking a rare break.Haney said: “I enjoyed my time off. I don’t plan on ever having a lay-off like that ever again but I enjoyed it.”I had time to travel, spend time with family, stuff like that. But I’m ready to be back in the limelight and under those bright lights and I’m ready to perform…One day she’s gonna look back and she’s gonna see that her dad is a legend and it all starts now. These are the moments that will make that come true.Devin Haney “I stayed in the gym the whole time. I was really just perfecting my craft the whole time.”Even when I was travelling, I was still training and stuff like that because I knew that when I came back, I wanted to make a statement.”I wanted to come back a better version of what I was before. So yeah, I’ve been in the gym for almost this whole year.”Garcia tested positive for ostarine – a banned substance known to boost muscle growth – and accepted a one-year ban. It followed after tests taken on the day of and 24 hours after the fight – which has changed to a no-contest. But Garcia did clean VADA tests in the build-up to his bout with Haney and put the positive ostarine result down to contaminated supplements.A massive rematch between the former amateur rivals is planned for this winter and already looming large. But first, Haney faces Jose Ramirez, 32, and Garcia fights Rolando Romero, 29, in a stunning three-bout card at Times Square on Friday. And Haney said: “Right now it’s not time for me to speak on that. Right now my main focus is Jose Ramirez and focusing on Jose.Read More on The Sun”We’ll get to that Ryan fight after this one, but right now I put all my attention, all my focus on Jose Ramirez because he’s a live dog. He’s coming to fight.”That’s my main focus right now.”Ryan Garcia’s win against Devin Haney was overturned after his failed drug testCredit: GettyHaney facing off with Jose RamirezCredit: GettyGarcia returns against Rolando RomeroCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd scout ‘Serbian Jude Bellingham’ with Ruben Amorim looking to add goals in summer transfer window

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      MANCHESTER UNITED scouts are on the trail of a talented Serbian teenager who is being compared to Paul Pogba and Jude Bellingham.The Red Devils’ search for fresh talent to overhaul an attack set to record their lowest tally of league goals in over 30 years has taken them to Belgrade.Ognjen Ugresic has been compared to Jude Bellingham and Paul Pogba in styleCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s spies have identified 17-year-old Partizan Belgrade midfielder Ognjen Ugresic as a future prospect worth further inspection.According to reports, United have been to see him live in recent weeks after he made his first Serbian Super League start in early April.Ugresic scored his first top-flight goal in a 3-1 win over Radnicki Nis last weekend and, if he continues to impress, may soon be on the wanted lists of every major European club.His agent certainly thinks so as Ostoja Stjepanovic confirmed that several big names, including some from Serie A, have made inquiries.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the former Macedonia international believes it is too soon for Ugresic to leave Partizan.Stjepanovic said: “I can confirm that the media reports are based on reality, there is interest in him from several sides.“Not only Manchester United scouts are following his development, there are also teams from Serie A.“However, it is too early for him to change his environment now, because in the coming seasons he should get the opportunity to play for Partizan and further develop and progress.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAlthough protective of his client, the agent is not afraid of drawing comparisons between the youngster and two of the best central midfielders to have graced the game in the last decade.“His style is similar to Jude Bellingham or to some extent Paul Pogba,” he told Nemzeti Sport.“His technique is exceptional, but he also has speed, despite his height. “He plays behind the strikers, has good vision, participates in actions, is intelligent…“He has developed a lot under the leadership of Srdan Blagojevic, but he still needs time.“We have been working together for three and a half years, I see huge potential in him. “His parents and he made a lot of sacrifices to get to the Partizan first team, they travelled three hours by car and back every day to training.”Man Utd player ratings vs BournemouthBy Katherine WalshMANCHESTER UNITED managed to secure a 1-1 draw against 10-man Bournemouth in the sixth minute of injury time.Rasmus Hojlund’s last-gasp equaliser leaves United 14th in the Prem, after Evanilson was sent off for serious foul play with 20 minutes to go.Man Utd target Antoine Semenyo fired the home side into the lead with a thunderbolt opener, after a calamity of mistakes while playing out from the back.Yet United somewhat responded well, mainly through Alejandro Garnacho’s flurry of chances.So was the Argentine the star player for Man Utd? Check out how the players rated. More

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      Kind-hearted Man City star Jack Grealish donates £1,000 to devastated family of mum who suddenly died

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      KIND-HEARTED Manchester City star Jack Grealish has donated £1,000 to the devastated family of a mum who suddenly passed away.Michelle Yates, 55, died on April 4, leaving her loved ones struggling to pay for her funeral.Kind hearted Jack Grealish has donated £1,000 to the devastated family of a mum who suddenly passed awayCredit: GettyA GoFundMe set up by a family friend described Michelle as “generous and kind”, someone who would “give her last pound to anyone that needed it”.The England footballer, 29, has donated £1,000 and posted the page on his Instagram, urging his 8.7million followers to give what they can.The GoFundMe reads: “Michelle suddenly passed away at the young age of 55.“This has left her family and friends in complete shock and devastation.READ MOE ON JACK GREALISH“Michelle was a loving mum to Harry and William, her two sons.“An amazing Nan, a doting wife and lovely friend.“Michelle was a generous and kind woman, someone that would give her last pound to anyone that needed it.“The family were not prepared for Michelle’s sudden passing and are faced with funding her funeral, while trying to grieve and process their loss.”Most read in FootballThe GoFundMe has so far raised nearly £7,000 of the £8,000 target, with Jack the top donor.His previous acts of kindness include a £5,000 donation for 20-year-old student Dylan Lamb’s lifesaving leukemia treatment, as well as another £5,000 for expectant father and young Aston Villa fan, Shaun Francis, who passed away suddenly in 2023 aged just 29.Jack Grealish racked up £10k bar bill partying with pals in the wake Man City’s 5-2 win over Crystal Palace – despite playing 3 minutesThe footballer also gave £5,000 to “beautiful” Instagram influencer, Paige Rice, 22, who was killed in a car crash in 2021.The Audi A3 she was travelling in collided with a taxi in the Queensway tunnel in Liverpool, Merseyside.Jack shared a photo of her on Instagram alongside a broken heart and crying emoji with the tribute: “RIP Paige”.It’s understood that Jack didn’t know Paige but he reached out to one of her friends and offered to donate.He’s also given £500 to a fundraiser for British ex-forces hero James Henderson, who was killed in an Israeli strike on a food convoy in Gaza. More