Explainers

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Why is Mikel Arteta banned from the touchline for Arsenal’s final Premier League game against Southampton?

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA is 90 minutes away from leading his Arsenal side to a third successive second-place finish in the Premier League – but the Spaniard is BANNED from the touchline today.Many tipped the Gunners to finally get their hands on the title after Manchester City’s awful start to the 2024/25 campaign.Mikel Arteta has faced disciplinary action beforeCredit: AFPBut instead, it was Dutchman Arne Slot who would capitalise by leading Liverpool to their 20th Prem crown in what turned out to be a sensational debut season.And things could have gone from bad to worse as Arsenal were in danger of slipping out of the top five Champions League spots with a tough schedule ahead of them.However, a hard-fought 2-2 draw with champions Liverpool and a crucial 1-0 win over Newcastle confirmed their spot in club football’s elite competition for next season.Furthermore, barring an absolute travesty, the Gunners will finish second once again but boss Arteta will be gutted that he can’t say goodbye to the fans for this season.Read more on Mikel ArtetaWhy is Mikel Arteta banned from the touchline?Mikel Arteta is banned from the touchline this afternoon as he picked up his third yellow card of the season during last weekend’s win against Newcastle.The Spaniard was booked after kicking the ball away late on.And assistant Albert Stuivenberg will take charge in the Arsenal boss’s absence.Arteta won’t mind too much after his side all-but-sealed a second-place finish.Most read in FootballA super strike from Declan Rice saw the Gunners beat Newcastle to the runners-up spot while also cementing a place in next season’s Champions League.Who is Albert Stuivenberg?Albert Stuivenberg is the current assistant manager of Arsenal, having been at the club since December 2019.Stuivenberg was born in Rotterdam, Holland in August 1970, making him 51 years old.The Dutchman is nicknamed ‘AirPod Albert’ for his wearing of the headphones on the touchline during games.An injury brought his playing career to an early halt after spells at SC Telstar and HFC Haarlem before he moved into coaching with Feyenoord and then the Holland Under-17 and Under-21 teams.Stuivenberg was appointed Louis van Gaal’s assistant coach at Manchester United in 2014 alongside assistant manager Ryan Giggs.After he departed United in 2016 following Van Gaal’s dismissal, Stuivenberg again linked up with Giggs to become Wales’ assistant manager under the former winger in 2018.Stuivenberg was still Wales assistant in addition to his Arsenal role up until July of 2021.But his sole focus is now on the Gunners after leaving the Welsh set-up after their Euro 2020 campaign.Premier League table More

    • 100 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      When does the 2025/26 Premier League season start?

      by

      THE 2024/25 Premier League season will come to a conclusion this afternoon.A campaign full of thrills and spills saw Liverpool secure a record-equalling 20th league title in Arne Slot’s first season in the Anfield dugoutLiverpool were crowned Premier League champions with four games to spareCredit: PAManchester United and Tottenham will already be looking ahead to next season after the two English giants both had domestic seasons to forget.Next season’s 20 Premier League clubs have been officially confirmed after Sunderland beat Sheffield United 2-1 in the Championship play-off final to claim the last spot in the top flight.The Black Cats will join the second tier’s top two, Burnley and Leeds, in England’s elite division, replacing Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich.Next season’s Premier League promises to be as electrifying as ever – and SunSport can reveal the all-important dates you need for your calendar.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen does the 2025/26 Premier League season start?The 2025/26 Premier League season will begin on the weekend of August 16/17, 2025.The start date allows for the maximum player rest time available – 83 clear days – from the end of the 2024/25 campaign.33 weekend and five midweek match rounds will make up the 2025/26 season.The Premier League states that the schedule “continues to allow more rest time for players over the festive match-round period”.Most read in FootballNo two rounds of fixtures will take place within 60 hours of each other and there will be no game on Christmas Eve.The fixtures for the Premier League 2025/26 season will be released at 9am BST on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.When does the 2025/26 Premier League season end?The 2025/26 Premier League season will come to a close on Sunday, May 24, 2026.All matches will kick-off simultaneously like normal.The season end date ensures that the Prem season finishes ahead of the 2026 Club World Cup call-up period. More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Why has Gary Neville been banned from Nottingham Forest for final day of Premier League season?

      by

      THE Premier League season will come to an end today, and it promises to be a thrilling day of action.The top and the bottom have already been finalised, with just the European spots still to play for.Nottingham Forest have the chance to cap off a stunning season wth Champions League footballCredit: PAFIVE teams remain in the hunt to join Liverpool and Arsenal in next season’s Champions League.Manchester City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest all have a chance of qualifying for Europe’s elite competition on the final day.The standout game comes at the City Ground with Nuno Espírito Santo’s side hosting top-five rivals Chelsea.Forest need to BEAT the Blues to stand any chance of the Champions League, while a win for the London outfit would guarantee their spot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSky Sports have the rights to broadcast the blockbuster clash, but one key figure has been banned from attending.Manchester United legend and commentator Gary Neville has been denied entry to the stadium – SunSport brings you the reason why.Why has Gary Neville been banned from Nottingham Forest?Neville has been banned from commentating at the City Ground for Forest’s Champions League decider against Chelsea this afternoon after the former England right-back slammed the club’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis.Two weeks ago, the Sky Sports figure criticised the Forest chief’s “absolutely scandalous” on-pitch row with boss Nuno in the final minutes of the 2-2 draw with Leicester on May 11.Most read in FootballMarinakis was furious that Forest’s medical staff did not recognise the extent of striker Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury when the Nigerian collided with a post.Awoniyi was subsequently placed in an induced coma after undergoing surgery for a ruptured intestine.When he saw the confrontation, Neville said: “What the Forest owner has just done on the pitch over at the City Ground is absolutely scandalous.”If I was Nuno, I’d be going and having a very strong word with him, because that is an absolute scandal.”He’s just qualified them for a European competition, and from where that club’s been, and to be remonstrated with on that pitch in front of the club’s fans is an absolute joke.”Neville later added on X: “Scandalous from that Forest owner. Nuno should go and negotiate his exit tonight with him! The Forest fans, players and manager do not deserve that.”Forest hit back, using the club’s social media accounts to implicitly accuse Neville of having pushed “fake news online”, adding: “Baseless and ill-informed outrage for the purposes of personal social media traction serves no one — least of all the injured player.’We call on these influential voices to show the same respect for player welfare that they often demand from others. Let concern come before commentary. “At Nottingham Forest, we believe the mental and physical well-being of our players and coaching staff must always take precedence — over media narratives, inflammatory judgements, and certainly over self-promotion.’Forest also insisted there had been no confrontation between Marinakis and the manager.Sky had Neville booked in for the co-commentary gig at the City Ground this afternoon.A spokesman for the channel said: “Sky Sports was subsequently informed by Nottingham Forest that Gary Neville would be denied accreditation to the match.”This was an unprecedented and unwelcome step.”As a result, Sky Sports has decided to revise its production plans and has taken the decision to present the game from Sky Studios in west London.” Read More on The SunNeville has chosen not to partake in Sky’s broadcast of the game at all after being prevented from co-commentating at the City Ground.It is expected he will be replaced, with Sky choosing to still work the match coverage from the ground, even though their show will now be presented from Osterley rather than Nottingham. More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League permutations: Who can still qualify for Europe’s elite competition through Premier League?

      by

      THE 2024/25 Premier League season is heading for a thrilling climax, with the race for the Champions League far from over.Liverpool confirmed their status as top flight winners with four matches remaining.Liverpool are already Premier League championsCredit: GettyThe Reds’ Premier League win meant they became the first English side to qualify for the 2025/26 Champions League.Arsenal will join the Merseyside outfit in Europe’s elite competition after they beat Newcastle 1-0 last Sunday to secure their spot.As will Europa League winners Tottenham, following their 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Bilbao final.But THREE places are still up for grabs with the top five in the Premier League qualifying for next season’s Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWho can still qualify for Champions League through the Premier League?FIVE teams are battling for the remaining three spots in the Premier League’s top five, they are – Manchester City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.3rd – Man CityPoints – 68Goal difference – +26Man City go into the final day in the best position out of the five to claim Champions League football as they have two more points than Newcastle, Chelsea, Villa and three more than Forest.Most read in FootballA point away at Fulham will likely be enough for Pep Guardiola’s men due to their superior goal difference, but a win will make mathematically sure that they can’t be caught.4th – NewcastlePoints – 66Goal difference – +22Newcastle’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal last weekend, and results going in favour of their top five rivals, has left Eddie Howe’s side with a job to do on Sunday.The Magpies host Everton on the final day, knowing a win would secure their spot in the Champions League due to their far superior goal difference to Villa.A draw would be enough for the Toon if Villa failed to win away at Manchester United.5th – ChelseaPoints – 66Goal difference – +20Chelsea face Nottingham Forest in a blockbuster clash with both sides capable of securing Champions League football.The Blues would qualify with a win over the Tricky Trees, no matter what Villa do, due to their far superior goal difference.A draw would be enough for Chelsea if Newcastle are beaten by Everton by more than one goal or Villa fail to win at Man Utd.6th – Aston VillaPoints – 66Goal difference – +9The Villans can secure Champions League football for the second season in a row with a draw at Old Trafford, should Newcastle lose to Everton and Forest vs Chelsea end in a draw.There is a strong chance that Unai Emery’s side will need to win on the final day to finish in the top five.Should Villa win at Man Utd, it may not be enough due to their inferior goal difference, as if Newcastle and Chelsea both win and City take at least a point at Fulham, they would remain 6th, just outside the Champions League spots.7th – Nottingham ForestPoints – 65Goal difference – +13Read More on The SunNottingham Forest HAVE to beat Chelsea on the final day to stand any chance of a top five finish.Even if Nuno Espirito Santo’s men claim all three points, they may still finish 6th if Aston Villa and Newcastle both win. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Which Premier League games are on TV today? Full final day schedule with five teams in race for Champions League

      by

      THE final day of the Premier League is here with 10 huge games taking place across the country.THREE places in next season’s Champions League are still up for grabs, with five clubs in the race.The race for the Champions League is far from overCredit: RexManchester City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest all have hopes of joining Liverpool and Arsenal in the 2025/26 edition of Europe’s elite competition.The top seven are guaranteed European football next term, while a scenario remains that eighth could also land continental football, which Brighton and Brentford are battling for.The final day will have no implications at the bottom, with the three relegated sides already confirmed as Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester.Which Premier League games are on TV today? With 10 Premier League matches taking place at once this afternoon, broadcasters have had to make their selections carefully.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe matches with European implications have taken priority, as you would expect with many fixtures being dead rubbers.Sky Sports have selected Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea, which is by far the match with the most at stake.They have also picked Liverpool vs Crystal Palace, with the broadcaster keen to air the Reds’ trophy lift.TNT Sports have opted to air Manchester United vs Aston Villa with the Villans in the race for a Champions League spot.Most read in FootballIt will also be the first time the Red Devils have played since their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in Wednesday’s Europa League final.Broadcasters have snubbed Newcastle vs Everton, despite the Toon having Champions League aspirations.Premier League final day fixturesAll kick-offs 4pmBournemouth vs LeicesterFulham vs Manchester CityIpswich vs West HamLiverpool vs Crystal Palace (Sky Sports Premier League)Manchester United vs Aston Villa (TNT Sports 1)Newcastle vs EvertonNottingham Forest vs Chelsea (Sky Sports Main Event)Southampton vs ArsenalTottenham vs BrightonWolves vs Brentford More

    • 175 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal vs Barcelona live stream: How to watch huge Women’s Champions League final FREE

      by

      ARSENAL and Barcelona go head-to-head in the Women’s Champions League final TONIGHT!The Spaniards are eyeing a FOURTH title in five years and a third on the bounce as they look to match Eintracht Frankfurt’s tally of competition wins.Barcelona are eyeing their fourth Women’s Champions League title in five yearsCredit: AlamyArsenal completed an epic turnaround to progress to the finalCredit: AlamyBarca thrashed Chelsea 8-2 over two legs, winning 4-1 home and away to book their spot in this year’s final.Meanwhile, Arsenal overturned a 2-1 deficit against 8-time Champions League winners Lyon to progress to the Lisbon showpiece.The Gunners stunned the French champions on their own patch with a 4-1 triumph in the second leg to win the tie 5-3 on aggregate.When is Arsenal vs Barcelona – Women’s Champions League final?The Women’s Champions League final will take place on Saturday, May 24.The match kicks off at 5pm BST.Lisbon’s Estadio Jose Alvalade plays host.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHow to watch Arsenal vs Barcelona – Women’s Champions League final for FREEIn the UK, the Women’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Barcelona will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and DAZN.Fear not if you are not subscribed to either platform, as DAZN are running a free live stream of the match on their DAZN’s Women’s Football YouTube channel.Free coverage of the event will begin with a preview show at 4.30pm BST. More

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Championship play-off final prize money 2025: How much do the winning team receive?

      by

      THE Championship play-off final will take place TODAY with two of the second tier’s biggest sides battling for a spot in the Premier League.Sheffield Utd and Sunderland will go head-to-head in the blockbuster Wembley showpiece this afternoon.Sheffield United are eyeing an immediate Premier League returnCredit: Shutterstock EditorialDan Ballard’s last-minute header sent Sunderland through to the Championship play-off finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Blades booked their place in the play-off final with a comfortable win over Bristol City in the semis.Boyhood Sheffield United fan Chris Wilder is looking to lead his side to an immediate return to the top flight.Sunderland’s route to the final wasn’t quite as plain sailing with Dan Ballard’s dramatic 122nd-minute header securing a narrow 3-2 aggregate win over Frank Lampard’s Coventry.The Black Cats have had four seasons in League One during their 8-year Premier League exile, but today could be the day they end their much-anticipated wait for a top flight return.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhat is the Championship play-off final prize money?Sheffield Utd and Sunderland aren’t just battling it out for the right to play at Old Trafford, Anfield and the Emirates next season, but for the huge financial reward that comes with promotion to the Premier League.The winners of the Championship play-off final will receive a minimum of £200million – that’s £60m more than Southampton got last term.And the money doesn’t stop there, as whoever claims Premier League status will secure a share of the new domestic television deal, which is worth £6.7bn across four seasons.The Wembley winner will also receive centralised commercial fees, facility fees and merit payments.Most read in ChampionshipShould the play-off victor be relegated back down to the Championship, they would be entitled to parachute payments.Sheffield Utd and Sunderland will also take home a share of the gate receipts from the Wembley play-off final, which is an estimated £2m.Past Championship play-off final prize moneyIt’s safe to say the value of winning the Championship play-offs has significantly increased over the years.In 2005, West Ham received £31m for beating Preston in the final – that’s a mammoth £189m less than this year’s prize.Here is a look at how the value of the Championship play-off final has changed in the last two decades:2025 – £200m2024 – £140m2023 – £170m2022 – £170m2021 – £178m2020 – £135m2019 – £170m2018 – £160m2017 – £170m2016 – £170m2015 – £120m2014 – £80m2013 – £120m2012 – £90m2011 – £90m2010 – £90m2009 – £60m2008 – £60m2007 – £60m2006 – £40m2005 – £31mWhat TV channel are the EFL play-off finals and is there a live stream?All three play-off finals will be broadcast on Sky Sports.The matches will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.They can also be live streamed to customers on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.SunSport will have LIVE coverage of all three play-off finals as they happen. More

    • 138 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Why are the EFL play-off finals kicking off a minute later?

      by

      SUNDERLAND and Sheffield United will meet in one of the biggest games on the English football calendar.A place in the Premier League awaits either the Blades or the Black Cats, with Chris Wilder’s side eyeing an immediate return to the top flight.Daniel Ballard headed Sunderland to Wembley with a last minute winner vs CoventryCredit: Scott Llewellyn | MI NewsChris Wilder is looking to guide Sheffield United straight back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Nick Potts/PA Wire.Charlton and London rivals Leyton Orient will meet in the League One play-off finalCredit: GettyWimbledon will take on Walsall in the League Two play-off finalCredit: Tom West | MI NewsRegis Le Bris is hoping to guide Sunderland back to the Premier League for the first time since 2016/17. The Championship play-off final is just one of three promotion deciders happening at Wembley over Bank Holiday weekend, with the League One and League Two play-off finals also occurring.League One sees an all-London affair, as Charlton and Leyton Orient both look to book their place alongside Wrexham and Birmingham in the Championship next season.In League Two, either Walsall or Wimbledon will be joining Doncaster, Port Vale and Bradford in League One next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport can reveal why these games are starting one minute later than usual. Why are the EFL play-off finals starting a minute later?The kick-off times have been moved back one minute to promote the Every Minute Matters campaign.The campaign is a collaboration between EFL sponsors Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation, which aims to get supporters to learn CPR.More than 270,000 people have already learned the life-saving skill thanks to the campaign, which launched during last season’s play-offs.Most read in EFLAs a result, the three play-off finals will now have amended kick-off times:Sat, May 24: Sheffield United vs Sunderland – 3:01pm BSTSun, May 25: Charlton vs Leyton Orient – 1:01pm BST Mon, May 26: Wimbledon vs Walsall – 3:01pm BSTWhat TV channel are the EFL play-off finals and is there a live stream?All three play-off finals will be aired by Sky Sports.The matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.They can also be live streamed to customers on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.SunSport will have live coverage of all three matches. More