More stories

  • in

    Who is Jules Breach and what football team does she support?

    BT Sport’s Score football show on Saturday afternoons is set to be axed at the end of the season.SunSport understands that from next season the popular show will be replaced with rugby coverage.
    Channel 4 Sport pundit Steven Gerrard (left) and presenter Jules BreachCredit: PA
    Channel 4 Sport pundits Jill Scott, Steven Gerrard, Jules Breach, Joe Cole and Andriy ShevchenkoCredit: PA
    It comes with the TNT rebrand which will see BT Sport and Euro Sport merge.
    Breach is the lead presenter of Score and is often joined on air by former Premier League stars Chirs Sutton and Robbie Savage.
    Who is Jules Breach?
    The 36-year-old was born in Brighton but also spent time in the Caribbean during her childhood.
    After her birth, she moved to Mauritius until she was five before coming back to England to attend Primary School in Portslade.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Channel 4 Presenter Jules BreachCredit: ALAMY
    Following her time at Primary School on the South Coast, she moved to the Caribbean from the age of eight up until she was fifteen.
    She is a football presenter who has worked for some of the biggest names in the industry.
    The presenter has been employed by the likes of ITV, BT Sport, Premier League Productions and CBS.
    Breach was a regular with talkSPORT for live events while also having her own preview show on Friday nights.
    Most read in Football
    She also now has the lead role at Channel 4 as part of their coverage of England matches.
    When she acquired the role she said: “Watching England games as a little girl with my dad is what made me fall in love with the beautiful game, so it is an absolute honour to be presenting the coverage on England’s new home for football – Channel 4!”
    “We are so excited to bring fun, fresh energy to England’s upcoming matches that reflects the young, inspiring Three Lions squad we have all dared to dream with!”
    Which football team does Jules Breach support?
    Breach is a devoted Brighton fan and is often seen celebrating in the studio when the Seagulls score.
    She also regularly attends games at the Amex when she isn’t presenting the Saturday afternoon football show.
    The TV star started watching the Seagulls during the days when they played their home games at the Withdean.
    She will be delighted to see how far her side has come as they are currently on the cusp of the illustrious Champions League spots. More

  • in

    What happened to former Man Utd striker Robin Van Persie and where is he now?

    ROBIN Van Persie was considered as one of the most lethal marksmen in his prime.The footballer retired in 2019 after a career which saw him succeed for club and country. Here’s all you need to know about him.
    Robin Van Persie won the Premier League golden boot twice during his incredible career
    Who is Robin Van Persie?
    Robin Van Persie is a Dutch former footballer who played as a striker.
    Born on August 6, 1983, he is best known for his time in the Premier League, where he played for Arsenal and Manchester United.
    He signed for Arsenal in 2004, joining from Dutch side Feyernoord.
    He was initially deployed as a left winger, but manager Arsene Wenger believed he could convert him to a striker, as he had done with Thierry Henry.
    READ MORE ON VAN PERSIE
    His first season at the club proved successful, with Arsenal winning the FA Cup on penalties against Manchester United.
    The Dutchman scored a penalty in the shootout, but it proved to be his only trophy with the North London club.
    In following seasons, Van Persie established himself as an important player for the club, including a stunning volley in a 2-1 win away to Charlton which won Match Of The Day’s goal of the month award.
    Following the departure of Henry to Barcelona, Van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor were tasked with firing the Gunners to success.
    Most read in Football
    After a season plagued by injury, Van Persie showed that he was Arsenal’s main attacking threat in the 2008/09 season, which included strikes against Liverpool and a double in a 2-1 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, helping them finish fourth.
    Further injuries followed which disrupted his progress, including one to his ankle which meant he missed five months of the 2009/10 season.
    Van Persie scored 22 goals in 33 games in 2011, including an incredible strike against Barcelona at The Emirates, volleying in from a tight angle.
    He also scored 18 Premier League goals, despite missing half the season through injury, finishing only two goals off the golden boot.
    The Dutchman got his hands on the golden boot the following season, netting 30 times as Arsenal finished third.
    The achievement was particularly impressive as Arsenal had just lost key midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, who left for Barcelona and Manchester City respectively.
    Van Persie scored a hat-trick as Arsenal came from behind to beat Chelsea 5-3 at Stamford Bridge.
    He also chipped in with goals against Tottenham and Liverpool.
    Van Persie was running out of contract at the end of that season, and Manchester United were able to acquire his services for £22.5million in 2012.
    The signing proved to be inspired.
    A partnership with Wayne Rooney was formed, and helped United to win their 20th league title.
    This included strikes against Chelsea in a 3-2 away win, and a last minute winner in a 3-2 win in the Manchester derby at the Etihad.
    He also scored against Liverpool, and managed to net home and away against former club Arsenal.
    He also secured his second consecutive Premier League golden boot.
    The 2013/14 season was less successful. Sir Alex Ferguson had retired and was replaced by David Moyes.
    United finished seventh and missed out on European football for the next season.
    On a personal note, Van Persie chipped in with 18 goals in all competitions, including a stunning hat-trick in a 3-2 win against Olympiacos at Old Trafford.
    The next season saw his former Netherlands manager Louis Van Gaal take charge, and helped them to return to the Champions League after a season-long absence.
    Van Persie departed the club in July 2015, having scored 58 goals in 105 appearances.
    What happened to Robin Van Persie?
    Van Persie joined Fenerbache in July 2015, and spent three years there.
    His most notable moment at the club came in October 2016 against United at Old Trafford in the Europa League.
    With the team trailing 4-0, Van Persie scored a late consolation, and was given a standing ovation by the Old Trafford faithful.
    He joined Feyenoord in 2018, returning to the club in which he started his career, helping to the Dutch cup in his first season back.
    He retired in 2019 after a stellar career.
    Van Persie played 102 times for his country, scoring 50 times, which is the all-time goalscoring record for the Netherlands men’s national team, eight ahead of Klass-Jan Huntelaar in second.
    His most notable moment for the Oranje came in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, scoring a diving header from the edge of the box in a 5-1 win against then world champions Spain.
    Where is Robin Van Persie now?
    Van Persie joined the staff at Feyenoord in May 2021 as one of the U16 coaches.
    He also does work for BT Sport, interviewing Man United boss Erik ten Hag in March 2023, and chatting to Joe Cole in November 2022.
    He joined the channel as a pundit in July 2019 for the 2019/2020 season, and was thrilled in February 2023 on his return to Old Trafford as fans chanted his name.
    RVP appeared in a charity match at Ibrox against Rangers legends in March 2023, scoring two goals and assisting his former teammate Jack Wilshire.
    Van Persie has been married to his wife Bouchra since 2004.
    Together, they have two children, Shaqueel and Dina.
    Shaqueel was born in November 2006, and is part of the Feyenoord youth system.
    He signed his first professional contract with the club when he was 15.
    In January 2023, Shaqueel earned his first call-up for the Netherlands’ Under-17 team.
    Read More on The Sun
    Daughter Dina was born in 2009 and is also keen on sports, enjoying horse riding and dressage.
    RVP turned down a job offer from ten Hag at United in 2022, saying he wanted “stability” for his children. More

  • in

    Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Barca look to finish off the job in tasty Clasico Copa del Rey semi-final – stream, TV channel

    BARCELONA host Real Madrid in the second leg of the huge El Clasico cup match at Camp Nou TONIGHT.The top two La Liga sides take a break from league action once again for the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.
    Barcelona beat Real Madrid in their last league clashCredit: Getty
    League leaders Barcelona are 1-0 up on aggregate after Real Madrid defender Eder Militao’s own-goal proved to be the only one in a tense first leg at the Bernabéu.
    The match at Camp Nou tonight will be the fourth and final time the two Spanish giants meet this season, with Barcelona having won all three of their meetings so far.
    With the league almost out of reach, Ancelotti’s men will be hoping to finish off the series with a comeback win to restore their chances of a domestic trophy this season.
    But Barca won’t be taking their foot off the pedal just yet as Xavi will aim to finish this season’s perfect record against Madrid in football’s biggest rivalry – which he knows all too well.
    Read More Football
    When is Barcelona vs Real Madrid?

    Barcelona vs Real Madrid is TODAY, Wednesday, 5 April.
    The match will kick off at 8:00 pm UK time.
    It will be hosted at the Spotify Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona.

    What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

    The El Clasico will be shown live on BT Sport 1 in the UK, and coverage will begin at 7:30 pm.
    BT Sport subscribers can download the free BT Sport app to live stream the game from their mobile or tablet.
    BT Sport subscribers can also watch the game live on the BT Sport website.

    What is the Barcelona vs Real Madrid team news?
    For Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski was injured in the first leg but will be looking to make an impact this time around after scoring a brace against Elche in their last game.
    Raphinha also returns from a domestic ban that saw him miss his team’s win over Elche.
    Most read in Football
    Ousmane Dembele, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are all out due to suffering from hamstring injuries.
    Andreas Christensen is also out with a calf issue that he picked up on international duty for Denmark.
    Madrid are still without Ferland Mendy, who missed the first leg due to a thigh injury and has suffered a calf injury in training since his return.
    Rudiger’s knee problem makes him doubtful for the El Clasico, but Nacho Fernandez returns after his one-match suspension.
    Odds

    Barcelona – 27/10
    Draw – 12/5
    Real Madrid – 19/10

    *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at the time of publication. More

  • in

    Is Wolves vs Chelsea on TV? Bottom-half Blues desperate for three points after bore draw against Liverpool – team news

    CHELSEA still have an outside chance of securing European football – but three Premier League points against Wolves is a must.It’s been a tough week in West London as Todd Boehly was left no choice but to sack Graham Potter following a horror defeat to Aston Villa.
    Graham Potter was axed from the Chelsea hot seatCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    And then the Blues were held to a stalemate against Liverpool in what has been labelled as officially the most boring top-flight fixture ever.
    However, victory over relegation-battling Wolves could be the catalyst for a much-needed turnaround.
    But caretaker boss Bruno Saltor will be tempted to rest some key players with Chelsea’s huge Real Madrid Champions League battle around the corner.
    When is Wolves vs Chelsea?

    Wolves’ Premier League encounter against Chelsea will take place on Saturday, April 8.
    It is scheduled to get underway at 3pm UK time.
    Molineux is the allocated arena for this encounter and it can host approximately 32,050 fans.
    The Blues humiliated Wolves 3-0 in the reverse fixture.

    Is Wolves vs Chelsea on TV?

    Unfortunately, Wolves vs Chelsea will NOT be broadcast on TV in the UK.
    This is due to the 3pm Saturday blackout rule.
    However, fans can follow the action with SunSport’s minute-by-minute coverage.

    What is the team news?
    Julen Lopetegui will be forced to continue without talisman Ruben Neves who is suspended for accumulating too many yellow cards.
    While the quartet of Boubacar Traore (groin), Hwang Hee-chan (knock), Sasa Kalajdzic (knee) and Chiquinho (knee) are all unavailable.
    Elsewhere, Bruno Saltor has some injury issues of his own as Armando Broja (cruciate ligament), Thiago Silva (knee), Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (back), Cesar Azpilicueta will likely miss out.
    Most read in Football
    But Raheem Sterling made a five-minute cameo in the goalless draw with Liverpool.
    Sterling made his return from injury against LiverpoolCredit: Rex
    What are the odds?

    Wolves to win 3/1
    Draw 9/4
    Chelsea 1/1

    Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

  • in

    The Masters Golf 2023: UK tee times, TV channel, live stream, betting odds for Augusta

    THE countdown to the Masters is almost over as the famous Augusta tournament returns to our screens TOMORROW.And the world’s top golfers are ready to get in full swing as the first major tournament of the year commences.
    Scottie Scheffler holds the championship trophy after winning the 86th MastersCredit: Reuters
    The Masters betting: Get the best tips, odds, and betting offers ahead of the first major at Augusta
    Scottie Sheffler claimed the Green Jacket last year and pocketed a tidy $2.7 million.
    Tensions may be higher than ever after a contentious year for the sport. Since its formation last year, the rebel Saudi-backed LIV Golf League has continued to sign more players away from the classic PGA Tour.
    With the likes of past Masters champions Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson joining the lucrative LIV breakaway tour, the world of golf has seen significant controversy since the last Augusta tournament.
    Read More Golf
    But let’s hope all 88 players can leave it behind them as they take on the picturesque US course in hopes of getting their hands on the sport’s most iconic fashion statement – the Green Jacket.
    So what can we expect from the 87th Masters? Find out all you need to know.
    What date is The Masters 2022?

    The Masters starts TOMORROW – Thursday, April 6 and ends on Sunday, April 9, 2023.
    It will take place at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.
    The event consists of four day’s play, with the final one considered one of the biggest days in the golf season.

    What is the Masters groups and tee times?
    Below are all the groups and tee times (BST) for the first round of the Masters which takes place TOMORROW.
    Most read in Golf
    Tiger Woods gets underway mid-afternoon, whilst Rory McIlroy will have to wait a while before his ninth shot at completing a career grand slam by winning the Masters.
    Masters First Round tee off times:

    1pm – Kevin Na, Mike Weir
    1.12pm – Vijay Singh, Scott Stallings, Matthew McClean (a)
    1.24pm – Talor Gooch, Jason Kokrak, Sandy Lyle
    1.36pm – Fred Couples, Russell Henley, Alexander Noren
    1:48pm – Kevin Kisner, Adrian Meronk, Louis Oosthuizen
    2pm – Min-Woo Lee, Larry Mize, Harrison Crowe (a)
    2.12pm – Sergio Garcia, Kazuki Higa, Keith Mitchell
    2.24pm – Patrick Reed, Adam Svensson, Sahith Theegala
    2.36pm – Mackenzie Hughes, Shane Lowry, Thomas Pieters
    2.48pm – Seamus Power, Bubba Watson, Mateo Fernandez (a)
    3.06pm – Abraham Ancer, Keegan Bradley, Chris Kirk
    3.18pm – Viktor Hovland, Xander Schauffele, Tiger Woods
    3.30pm – Patrick Cantlay, Kurt Kitayama, Adam Scott
    3.42pm – Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Cameron Young
    3.54pm – Sung-Jae Im, Hideki Matsuyama, Cameron Smith
    4.06pm – Cameron Champ, Jose Maria Olazabal
    4.18pm – Taylor Moore, Charl Schwartzel, Aldrich Potgieter (a)
    4.30pm – Bryson DeChambeau, Francesco Molinari, J. T. Poston
    4.42pm – Bernhard Langer, Guillermo Mito Pereira, Ben Carr (a)
    4.54pm – Brooks Koepka, Danny Willett, Gary Woodland
    5.12pm – Kyoung-Hoon Lee, Sepp Straka, Harold Varner III
    5.24pm – Tom Hoge, Si-Woo Kim, Phil Mickelson
    5.36pm – Harris English, Ryan Fox, Billy Horschel
    5.48pm – Jason Day, Zach Johnson, Gordon Sargent (a)
    6pm – Brian Harman, Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann
    6.12pm – Corey Conners, Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose
    6.24pm – Matthew Fitzpatrick, Collin Morikawa, Will Zalatoris
    6.36pm – Max Homa, Sam Bennett (a), Scottie Scheffler
    6.48pm – Sam Burns, Joo-Hyung Kim, Rory McIlroy
    7pm – Tony Finau, Tommy Fleetwood, Jordan Spieth

    Play is due to start at 2pm UK time on Friday and at 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
    What TV channel and live stream is Masters 2023 on in the UK?

    All of the coverage from the 87th Masters will be shown live on Sky Sports Golf.
    Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all four days at Augusta by following SunSport’s live blog.
    Coverage starts from 2pm on Thursday, April 6.

    Sky Sports customers can live stream all the action through the NOW app – available to download for free on mobiles and tablets.
    What is the latest odds for the Masters 2023 winner?

    Scottie Scheffler – 5/1
    Rory Mcilroy – 5/1
    Jon Rahm – 15/2
    Jordan Spieth – 12/1
    Patrick Cantlay – 12/1
    Justin Thomas 14/1
    Tony Finau 16/1
    Dustin Johnson 18/1
    Xander Schauffele 18/1
    Cameron Smith 18/1

    *Odds courtesy of Betfair and are correct at the time of publication. More

  • in

    Liverpool vs Arsenal: Gunners travel to Anfield as Premier League title race ramps up – stream, TV

    ARSENAL are currently eight points clear of Manchester City in second as they go to face an out-of-form Liverpool at Anfield.The Gunners are eyeing up their first Premier League title since their 2003/04 unbeaten season.
    Granit Xhaka celebrates scoring Arsenal’s fourth goal during their Premier League match against Leeds.Credit: GETTY
    Last time out, Arsenal beat Leeds 4-1 at the Emirates, with Gabriel Jesus scoring a brace.
    Liverpool drew 0-0 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in midweek, with the likes of Mohammed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold not starting from the off.
    The Reds are currently six points off Tottenham in fourth with a game in hand.
    When is Liverpool vs Arsenal?

    Liverpool vs Arsenal will take place on Sunday, April 9.
    Kick off is at 4:30pm UK time.
    Anfield will play host.

    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    What channel is Liverpool vs Arsenal on?

    Liverpool vs Arsenal will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
    Coverage will be from 4pm UK time.
    Alternatively, you can keep up with all the action from Anfield by following SunSport’s live blog.

    Can Liverpool vs Arsenal be live streamed?

    Sky Sports subscribers can live stream Liverpool vs Arsenal on NOW.
    You can purchase a sports NOW pass for £21 per month for six months and at the end of the six months the price will increase to £34.99
    A sports NOW pass will give you access to all eleven Sky Sports channels.

    Team News
    For Liverpool, they could be without Virgil van Dijk who missed their midweek fixture against Chelsea with illness.
    Regulars Mohammed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson and Cody Gakpo all started on the bench in midweek and will be pushing for starts.
    Most read in Football
    Arsenal are set to be without centre-back William Saliba as he continues to struggle with a back injury.
    Eddie Nketiah is currently going through his rehab process as he recovers from an ankle injury.
    While Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu are out long-term for the Gunners.
    Odds

    Liverpool – 17/10
    Draw – 12/5
    Arsenal – 6/4

    *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

  • in

    Shavkat Rakhimov vs Joe Cordina: Date, start time, live stream, TV channel and undercard for huge world title fight

    JOE Cordina has the chance to reclaim the IBF super featherweight world title after he was controversially stripped of it last year.Cordina comfortably took home the IBF super featherweight championship last year after knocking out Kenichi Ogawa in round two with a devastating right-hand.
    Joe Cordina defeated Kenichi Ogawa to win the IBF super featherweight title in his native CardiffCredit: PA
    The Welshman had an agreement with the IBF that the winner of the bout with Ogawa would face Rakhimov by September this year, in a mandatory title defence.
    But Cordina suffered a hand injury in training which prevented him from fighting Rakhimov, which the IBF initially granted medical extensions for. However, the title was stripped from him when he had to get surgery.
    Whilst many considered it an extremely harsh decision, Rakhimov went on to stop Zelfa Barrett to win the vacant belt.
    Cordina will go into the fight as the favourite for most people as he looks to reclaim the championship. But both fighters are undefeated and Rakhimov will be looking to cause an upset by defending his title in the Welshman’s home country.
    Read More Boxing
    When is Rakhimov vs Cordina?

    Rakhimov’s clash with Cordina will take place on Saturday, April 22.
    The fight will be held at the Cardiff International Arena, Wales.
    The programme will commence at 7pm in the UK.
    The main card is scheduled to get underway at 10pm in the UK.

    What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

    The 12-round bout will be shown live on DAZN.
    Subscription to DAZN starts from £9.99 per month and can be purchased here.
    The bout can also be streamed on DAZN.com or via the DAZN app, or on HD Sky Box owners can sign up to watch the fight on DAZN 1 on channel 429.

    Rakhimov vs Cordina fight card
    Here are all the scheduled fights on the card so far:

    Shavkat Rakhimov vs Joe Cordina; For Rakhimov’s IBF super featherweight title
    Gavin Gwynne vs. Craig Woodruff; For Gwynne’s British lightweight title
    Zelfa Barrett vs. Alex Dilmaghani; For vacant WBA Continental super featherweight title
    Sandy Ryan vs. Marie-Pier Houle; For 10 rounds, welter vacant WBO welterweight title
    Jordan Thompson vs. Luke Watkins; For Thompson’s IBF European cruiserweight title
    Brandon Scott vs. TBA; Featherweight
    Sammy Lee vs. TBA; Light heavyweight

    Most read in Boxing More

  • in

    Who is Fifa vice-president candidate Debbie Hewitt?

    DEBBIE Hewitt is running for Fifa’s British vice-presidency role in an attempt to restore the English power in world football.The British vice presidency role at Fifa holds the crucial responsibility of ensuring that English football has a voice in the world’s most powerful global football corporation.
    Debbie Hewitt is running for Fifa’s British vice-presidency roleCredit: Getty
    The British vice president position has been in place since the four Home nations joined Fifa in 1946 and it has brought its fair share of controversies.
    Greg Clarke was the last English representative to hold the position, but he was forced to quit in 2020 after a series of offensive comments. Clarke’s brief spell was the first English vice-presidency since Geoff Thompson’s retirement in 2011.
    The role is currently occupied by Northern Ireland’s David Martin. But the lack of English power at Fifa was enforced by the infamous row over the ‘OneLove’ armbands at the Qatar World Cup 2022 which overshadowed England’s opening game.
    The FA feel they need to reclaim the role, which Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin will actively support as he believes that Fifa needs a strong English voice. All 55 Uefa members will vote for the next candidate in April.
    Read More Football
    Who is Debbie Hewitt?
    Debbie Hewitt is a British businesswoman and sports administrator who is currently the FA Chair.
    She is the FA’s first Chairwoman in its 157-year history.
    The 43-year-old is now running for Uefa British Vice President in the Fifa Council.
    How did Hewitt get into football administration?
    Hewitt was chief executive officer of the RAC from 2006 until 2008. In 2011, she was awarded an MBE for services to business and the public sector.
    Most read in Football
    Since 2018, she has been the non-executive chair of BGL Group, Visa Europe and White Stuff.
    Football has always been a passion of hers, and she is a life-long Liverpool fan.
    In 2021, she was voted by unanimous decision to become the first chairwoman of the FA following the resignation of the disgraced Greg Clarke.
    How does she know Gianni Infantino?
    Gianni Infantino is the current Fifa President.
    Hewitt knows the 53-year-old from her role with sponsors Visa Europe.
    Who is her husband?
    She is married to Paul Hewitt, the former finance director at the RAC.
    The couple has twins together. More