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      Why are Man Utd wearing a different shorts for their Europa League semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to face Athletic Bilbao in a thrilling Europa League semi-final first leg TONIGHT – and the Red Devils will be dressed slightly different than usual.Ruben Amorim’s men are currently 14th in the Premier League and stand no chance of securing an all-important top-five position.Manchester United are wearing their blue strip tonight with a twistCredit: APMeaning that their one chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League and securing silverware rests on winning the Europa League.And it seems almost unthinkable that after such a disastrous campaign, they’re in with a real shout of lifting a European trophy.But if they are to do it, they’ll need to overcome Bilbao tonight and they’ll have to do it in a change strip.Why are Man Utd wearing different shorts?Manchester United are wearing their blue changed shirt in order to avoid a clash with the red and white stripes of the host Bilbao.Read more on Man UtdHowever, they will not be using the same-coloured shorts, as they have previously away to Southampton, Arsenal (twice), Nottingham Forest and Lyon.For the Europa League semi-final first leg,United will be wearing shorts that are officially ‘clear onyx’ in colour, for the first time this season.Amorim’s side have worn the socks previously, against Forest at The City Ground, with the silver feel to them.The preference is for the Reds to wear a different contrast in shorts to the opposition, for instance lighter rather than darker, and Athletic Club wear black ones.Most read in Europa LeagueWhat time does Athletic Bilbao vs Man Utd kick off?Athletic Bilbao vs Man Utd will get underway at 8pm BSTSan Mames is the chosen venue for this huge Europa League first leg and it can host approximately 53,289.United and Bilbao last met in 2012 and the Spaniards got the better of the Red Devils. More

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      Why do Chelsea now have a shirt sponsor and what is DAMAC?

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      CHELSEA have announced a new front-of-shirt sponsor with DAMAC for the rest of the season after 50 games without one – but only for a maximum of seven matches.The Blues had spent most of the season without a sponsor but on Wednesday afternoon announced on their social media channels their partnership with the firm.Chelsea have operated all season without a front-of-shirt sponsorThe sponsor with DAMAC will last until the end of the season.In a statement released on the club website, it read: “Chelsea Football Club today announces a new, long-term global partnership with Dubai-headquartered DAMAC Properties which becomes our Official Property Development Partner. “DAMAC will also feature on Chelsea FC’s front of shirt for the rest of the season.”Amira Sajwani, managing director of sales & development of DAMAC Properties, said: “This launch marks the first of an elite collection that celebrates not just the passion of Chelsea FC but its enduring legacy, innovative spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence. “This initiative goes beyond celebrating the beautiful game; it sets a new benchmark for those who expect nothing less than the exceptional, every time.”READ MORE IN CHELSEAThe West Londoners have dabbled with rumours of a potential long-term sponsor since leaving Three in 2023, with Jordan brand – the sponsors of Paris Saint-Germain – the last name touted for a collaboration.The DAMAC logo will make its first appearance on Chelsea shirts during Thursday’s Conference League semi-final first leg against Djurgarden and for the women’s team starting at Tottenham on May 4.However, it’s expected that the sponsor won’t be a permanent addition as the club will continue their search for one ahead of the Club World Cup. Why didn’t Chelsea have a shirt sponsor?As stated, Chelsea had a sponsorship with sports technology brand Infinite Athlete from October 2023 until the start of this season, but failed to agree on an extension. Most read in FootballThat left the club rocking shirts without a front-of-shirt-sponsor for much of this season as the only side in the division not to be attached. The main reason regarding the absence of a sponsor was the lack of elite continental football being offered at Stamford Bridge.The Blues have found themselves in the Conference League – Europe’s third-tier club competition – and with that have been significantly shifted outside from the elite status of European football. The credibility of a sponsor for the Conference League wouldn’t command the fee that Chelsea would want and vice versa.However, the reward of having a shirt sponsor regardless of the mega wealth available to the club as showcased in under the ownership group led by Clearlake Capital and US billionaire Todd Boehly remains imperative.Profit and Sustainability and Financial Fair Play rules can be pretty dense, but essentially ask clubs to function more as businesses, which puts the onus on club’s revenue streams. What is DAMAC?As stated on the company website, DAMAC was established in 1982 with its origins in catering and logistics. The DAMAC Group of Companies has expanded to encompass a diverse portfolio across various industries, including property development and real estate, data centres, retail and fashion, hospitality, capital markets, and logistics.Read More on The SunIn short, Chelsea’s new shirt sponsor are one of the Middle East’s largest real estate developers.The most high-profile involvement the company has had in football is their eight-year long relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr FC. More

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      in Boxing

      Ryan Garcia vs Rolando Romero: Start time, TV channel, stream, undercard as pair headline huge triple header in New York

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      TIMES SQUARE provides the unique setting for a STACKED boxing card featuring top-caliber fighters with a lot on the line THIS WEEKEND.On a night set to entertain from start to end, Ryan Garcia’s dust-up with Rolando Romero stands out as the headline-maker encounter.Ryan Garcia and Rolando Romero are set to headline a first boxing event in Times SquareCredit: GettyGarcia still carries the weight of being dubbed one of the ‘Four Princes’Romero hasn’t fought since September last yearCredit: GettyThe fight has grown in hype mainly due to Garcia’s anticipated return to boxing following a one-year suspension for failed drug tests around his April 2024 fight with Devin Haney.The match specifically brought out the 26-year-old American’s best stuff as he took the victory by majority decision – but was eventually overturned to a no contest after the revelation of the failed tests.As for Romero, he possesses the brutal power and honest game that has troubled Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz.Though, the 5ft 8in orthodox has the defensive holes that has seen him come up short in those contests.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe major event has taken on a unique setting and SunSport brings you all the information you need to know ahead of the big night.When is Ryan Garcia vs Rolando Romero?Ryan Garcia vs Rolando Romero will take place on Friday, May 2 – a day before Canelo Alvarez’s clash with William Scull.The fight is the main event of a card that also features Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez.Ring-walk times are yet to be announced, so is the actual time of the fight.TV coverage of the card is set to start at 11pm BST / 6pm ET / 3pm PT.Times Square, Manhattan, is the allocated arena with actual attendance speculative given the first-time nature of the event.The fight night – dubbed Fatal Fury Times Square – will represent a groundbreaking event as it will be first event staged at the famous landmark.The understanding is that screens will be placed on the outside of the venue to broadcast the fights for free. What TV channel is Ryan Garcia vs Rolando Romero on and can it be live streamed?Ryan Garcia vs Rolando Romero will be available to watch on DAZN PPV. There are three options for a DAZN subscription, annual – either paying a one-off fee or monthly – flexible, and a monthly option. Most read in BoxingAn annual pass can be purchased for £119.99 in the United Kingdom. That’s just £2.30 per week or 65p per fight (based on 185 fight nights per year).A monthly flexible pass is priced at £24.99 per month, which can be cancelled at any time.A subscription allows you to watch every live event and all on-demand programming on DAZNA DAZN subscription costs:Annual Super Saver: $224.99 / £119.99 annuallyMonthly Saver (12-month deal): £14.99 per monthMonthly Flexible pass (cancel any time): £24.99 per monthDAZN are also offering a special ‘Knockout Weekend Bundle’ option for the Garcia vs Romero and Canelo vs Scull fights.The cost to have both PPV events is $90 in the US and £34.99 in the UK.The fights will be aired on DAZN TV channels or can be live streamed through its website to paying customers.What is the Ryan Garcia vs Rolando Romero undercard?The undercard is equally star-studded with Garcia’s fierce rival Haney featuring, aswell as late addition Teofimo Lopez. Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero; WelterweightDevin Haney vs Jose Ramirez;  WelterweightTeofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr;  Super lightweight, for the WBO title​​Reito Tsutsumi vs Levale Whittington; Super FeatherweightWhat has been said?Following a tumultuous year for Garcia, he has endured a reevaluation on his life in and out of the ring. Read More on The SunSpeaking on the Ariel Helwani Show, Garcia said: “You gotta be professional, you gotta be on point with everything if you want to be the best fighter in the world. So, it worked for me once, but can’t keep doing that, you can’t sustain that. “It’s just part of my story, bro. It’s one of those moments where I was just kind of dealing with whatever I was dealing with, but honestly, I don’t really regret anything.” More

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      Why are Arsenal and PSG players wearing black armbands during their Champions League semi-final?

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      ARSENAL are taking on Paris Saint-Germain in a massive Champions League semi-final at the Emirates.The huge game sees Mikel Arteta’s side face the recently-crowned Ligue 1 champions in the first leg of a mouth-watering clash between two of Europe’s best sides.Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber seen wearing a black armband during the Champions League semi-final against PSGCredit: GettyBut it was a nightmare start for the Gunners as Ousmane Dembele scored inside the first four minutes to give PSG a vita opening goal.Dembele picked up the ball inside his own half and drove forward before passing out left to Kvicha Kvarataskhelia.The Georgian superstar then went at Jurrien Timber and cut back for Dembele – who rifled a bouncing shot past Arsenal keeper David Raya and into the far corner off the post.Read more Arsenal vs PSGIt was the Frenchman’s 30th goal of the season.Mikel Merino then had a goal ruled out for offside at the start of the second half.It came just moments after the Emirates stood in silence, while players from both sets of teams were also seen wearing black armbands.Why are Arsenal and PSG players wearing black armbands?Both sets of players are wearing black armbands in honour of the late Pope Francis.Most read in Champions LeagueThe packed Emirates fell silent pre-match as everyone in the stadium remembered the pontiff.Pope Francis died aged 88 on April 21 after he had been hospitalised for a lengthy spell earlier this year.He had been suffering from bronchitis and double pneumonia.Uefa announced they would hold a minute’s silence, although their official statement did not confirm the players would be wearing armbands.A statement read: “Uefa will hold a moment of silence in memory of His Holiness the Pope Francis before the kick-off of this week’s Youth League and Women’s Champions League semi-finals as well as its men’s club competition semis taking place 29 April-1 May.”Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said: “Pope Francis was a beacon of hope for all humanity in these times of war and hardship. “A humanity that will now remain orphaned of that voice – tireless and powerful – that always rose in defence of the poor, the humble, and the vulnerable to call for respect, acceptance, and equality and to implore a peace that always seemed distant, yet ever more longed for by the heart of the world.” More

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      Arsenal vs PSG live stream FREE: How to watch huge Champions League semi-final first leg without paying a penny

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      THEY say the best things in life are for free – and fans will be able to watch Arsenal’s mammoth Champions League semi-final first leg against PSG without paying a single penny!After such a promising start to the season, the Gunners were forced to sit back and watch Liverpool get crowned Premier League champions on Sunday.Arsenal convincingly knocked holders Real Madrid out of the competitionCredit: GettyThe Gunners have already beaten PSG earlier this seasonCredit: GettyARSENAL VS PSG LIVEAnd having suffered early exits from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, it means that Arsenal’s only chance of securing silverware this season rests on the one trophy that eludes them – the Champions League.However, confidence is brewing around North London that they can do the unthinkable, especially after dumping 15-time winners and current holders Real Madrid out of the competition.Two Declan Rice stunning free-kicks in the first leg and a Bukayo Saka chipped effort fired Mikel Arteta’s men to a 5-1 aggregate win over Los Blancos in the quarter-finals.Read more on Arsenal vs PSGAnother confidence booster to help Mikel Arteta’s men overcome this high French semi-final hurdle is that they have beaten PSG earlier on in the campaign.But that was a PSG side without in-form striker Ousmane Dembele, and January super signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.This is set up to be a sensational semi-final and SunSport can reveal how fans can watch the first leg free of charge.How can I watch Arsenal vs PSG Champions League semi-final first leg for FREE?Arsenal vs PSG’s Champions League semi-final first leg is available to watch for FREE on Amazon Prime Video.Most read in Champions LeagueNon-members can sign up for a 30-day free trial giving you all the benefits of Prime including this mammoth match.This season, Amazon Prime has acquired part of the rights to show the Champions League and their top pick this week is Arsenal vs PSG.Prime members can watch the action from the Emirates at NO additional cost to their regular subscription.When is Arsenal vs PSG?The Champions League semi-final between Arsenal and PSG will take place on Tuesday, April 29.It is scheduled to kick-off at 8pm BST.Emirates will play host for this huge encounter and it can host approximately 60,000 fans.Arsenal beat PSG 2-0 when the sides faced off in the group stages of this year’s Champions League campaign. More

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      in Boxing

      Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull: Start time, TV channel, live stream, undercard for huge undisputed title bout in Saudi

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      CANELO ALVAREZ will be desperate to add the final jewel to the crown and become the undisputed super-middleweight champion once again – but Cuban superstar William Scull stands in his way.Boxing icon Canelo was forced to vacate his IBF title after failing to fulfill a mandatory defence obligation against Scull.Canelo convincingly beat Edgar Berlanga in his last boutCredit: RexAnd as a result, Scull inherited the belt by beating the number two-ranked contender, Vladimir Shishkin, with a unanimous decision victory in October 2024.As for Canelo, the Mexican superstar opted to go toe-to-toe with rival Edgar Berlanga a month earlier in Las Vegas.Pure heart and determination helped the boxing mogul retain his unified titles by a unanimous decision of 117-110, 118-109 and 118-109, handing Berlanga his first career defeat in the process.Now going full circle, Canelo has the chance to collect the final piece to his puzzle and reaffirm his status as one of the century’s greatest pound-for-pound fighters.Read more on CaneloFurthermore, with a potential mouthwatering bout against Terence Crawford in mind, Canelo will be eager to make a statement.SunSport can provide all the details ahead of this thrilling encounter, including the huge undercard.When is Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull?Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull will take place on Saturday, May 3.The undercard is expected to begin around 6pm BST while the main event ring-walk times will get underway from approximately 10pm BST.Timings are subject to change depending on the undercard bouts on the night.ANB Arena in Riyadh Saudi is the chosen arena for this mouthwatering fight and it can host around 20,000 spectators.This will be the first of Canelo Alvarez’s four-fight deal that he signed with His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh.How can I watch Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull on and can it be live streamed?Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull will be available to watch on DAZN pay-per-view.Most read in BoxingFight fans can buy the event for £21.99 in the UK.There are three options for a DAZN subscription, Annual – either paying a one-off fee or monthly – and a monthly option. An annual pass can be purchased for £119.99 in the United Kingdom. That’s just £2.30 per week or 65p per fight (based on 185 fight nights per year).A monthly flexible pass is priced at £24.99 per month, which can be cancelled at any time.And a subscription allows you to watch every live event and all on-demand programming on DAZNDAZN subscription costs:Annual Super Saver: £119.99 annuallyMonthly Saver (12-month deal): £14.99 per monthMonthly Flexible pass (cancel any time): £24.99 per monthWhat is the Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull undercard?Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs William Scull (undisputed super-middleweight titles)Bruno Surace vs Jaime Munguia (super-middleweight)Martin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba (heavyweight)Badou Jack (champion) vs Ryan Rozicki (WBC cruiserweight title)Marco Verde vs Michel Polina (middleweight)Brayan Leon vs Aaron Guerrero (middleweight)What has been said?Canelo is focused on this upcoming fight but he fancies crossing enemy territory for a UK debut afterwards.The Mexican star said: “I’m focused 100 per cent on this fight but it’s something I’m always dreaming in my life.Read More on The Sun”I don’t know who or what fighter I’m gonna face, but I’m always dreaming in my career of fighting in UK.”For sure for me would be crazy to go there and fight in front of everybody there. I actually like it a lot.”  More

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      Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2: Start time, TV channel, stream, undercard for blockbuster rematch at Wembley

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      OLEKSANDR USYK and Daniel Dubois have FINALLY got a date for their blockbuster rematch – and it is not to be missed!The Greenwich gladiator Dubois has been unstoppable of late, most recently humiliating British hero Anthony Joshua to retain his IBF heavyweight title.Usyk vs Dubois 2 has finally been confirmedCredit: DAZNThis was Dubois’ third consecutive victory after securing a TKO win over Jarrell Miller in December 2023 before forcing Croatian superstar Filip Hrgovic to suffer the same fate a little over a year later.But ironically, the champs’ last defeat came at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk – a controversial loss which led to promoter Frank Warren unsuccessfully appealing the result.Dubois thought he was on his way to winning the August 2023 showdown after dropping Usyk with a shot to the body in the fifth round.However, referee Luis Pablon deemed the punch to be a low blow and gave Uysk the allotted five minutes to recover, plus a little more.Read more on Usyk vs Dubois 2Usyk would then go from strength to strength before eventually landing a brutal KO blow on Dubois in the 9th round.Dubois was then set to get his second crack at the former undisputed heavyweight champion in a Wembley war on Saturday, July 12.But organisers have opted to move the Usyk vs Dubois 2 date back a little further, and SunSport can reveal all of the information below.When is Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2?Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2 will now take place on Saturday, July 19 – a week on from the initial date of Saturday, July 12.Ring-walk times are yet to be announced but they are expected to be around 10pm BST.This depends on the undercard bouts on the nightWembley Stadium is the allocated arena for this huge fight and it can host approximately 90,000 roaring fans.Usyk beat Dubois by a 9th round KO when the two boxers last met in August 2023.Most read in BoxingDaniel Dubois thought his body shot was enough to seal the winCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunBut it was Usyk who go on to controversially win this huge boutCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunWhat TV channel is Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2 on and can it be live streamed?Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2 will be available to watch on DAZN.There are three options for a DAZN subscription, Annual – either paying a one-off fee or monthly – and a monthly option. An annual pass can be purchased for £119.99 in the United Kingdom. That’s just £2.30 per week or 65p per fight (based on 185 fight nights per year).A monthly flexible pass is priced at £24.99 per month, which can be cancelled at any time.A subscription allows you to watch every live event and all on-demand programming on DAZNA DAZN subscription costs:Annual Super Saver: £119.99 annuallyMonthly Saver (12-month deal): £14.99 per monthMonthly Flexible pass (cancel any time): £24.99 per monthWhat is the Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2 undercard?The full undercard is yet to be announced but Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois will certainly be the headline acts.Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois (MAIN EVENT)What has been said?The pair have been going back and forth over their highly-anticipated rematch.IBF king Dubois said: “This is the fight I wanted and demanded and now I get my chance for revenge.”I should have won the first fight and was denied by the judgement of the referee, so I will make no mistake this time around in front of my people at the national stadium in my home city.”I am a superior and more dangerous fighter now and Usyk will find this out for himself.”The response from Dynamite’s upcoming opponent was more measured.Read More on The SunUsyk said: “I’m grateful to God for the opportunity to once again fight for the undisputed championship.”Thank you, Daniel, for taking care of my IBF belt – now I want it back.” More

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      How much prize money do Liverpool get for winning the Premier League title?

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      LIVERPOOL have officially been crowned Premier League champions for the 2024/25 season – and they have earned millions in the process!The Reds lifted the title with a fairytale ending by beating Tottenham in front of a sold-out Anfield crowd.Liverpool beat Spurs to lift the Premier League titleCredit: APAnd the fans were out in full voice, leaving a trail of red mist to take over the blue England skies.But aside from the fans and players, the owners of the club will be more than delighted as they have accumulated a whopping amount of cash for their great achievement.How much do Liverpool get for winning the Premier League title?There is no specific prize fund for the winners of the Premier League title.But Liverpool will be rewarded the most money out of the 20 clubs for finishing top of the charts.Read more on LiverpoolThe champions receive 20 times the basic merit payment, the club finishing second 19 times, and so on, down to the club finishing bottom receiving one times the merit payment.Last year, the highest merit payment was £22.6million claimed by Manchester City as champions, while Sheffield United received the lowest merit payments (£1.1m) as the bottom club.So Liverpool can expect a similar amount to enter their account.What else do Liverpool get for winning the Premier League title?As well as being presented with the Trophy, as champions Liverpool would also get 2024/25 Premier League winners’ medals.Most read in FootballAs laid out by rule C.13 in the Premier League Handbook, the champions receive 40 commemorative medals “to be presented by the Club to its Manager and to such of its Players and Officials as it thinks fit provided that any Player who has entered the field of play in a minimum of five of its League Matches that Season”.The Premier League champions are also guaranteed entry into next season’s UEFA Champions League, although in Liverpool’s case this has already been secured, as they have confirmed a top-five spot.Current Premier League tableHere is how Liverpool won the 2024/25 Premier League title. More