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    I played with Gareth Bale at Tottenham and couldn’t believe his pre-match meal… I tried it once and it did not go well

    JERMAINE JENAS has revealed Gareth Bale stunned Tottenham team-mates with his choice of pre-match meal.And the pundit explained why trying it himself backfired.
    Gareth Bale was no ‘has-bean’ in his first spell at Tottenham – but perhaps his pre-match meal should have been, according to Jermaine JenasCredit: Getty
    Ex-Spurs, Newcastle and England ace Jenas ‘struggled’ with what to eatCredit: Getty
    Jenas bemused many viewers during TNT Sports’ coverage of Brighton’s 0-0 draw with Wolves by discussing food habits.
    And Bale’s choice remains his most memorable match-day munching moment – for all sorts of reasons.
    Brighton’s ex-Spurs full-back Pascal Gross sparked the conversation before kick-off on Monday night with his own revelation to the broadcaster about his pre-game eating.
    Gross said he opts for rice, chicken and olive oil …. topped off by Weetabix!
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    TNT commentator Adam Summerton called that “quite the combination” as the pundits returned to the debate at half-time.
    Jenas suggested: “I bet that’s just a superstition as well.
    “There would have been one day where he had a bit of Weetabix as an extra and prob scored two goals and got an assist and thought that’s it, he has the formula.”
    And when Summerton asked for the ex-England midfielder’s own selections back in the day, he replied: “I always struggled to eat.
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    Bale and Jenas were Spurs’ team-mates from 2007-13Credit: AP:Associated Press
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    “I just had a big bowl of cereal and just drank a lot of Lucozade I think. Night games was a lot easier pasta and chicken.”
    Then came Jenas’ Bale tale.
    He explained: “The only meal I remember looking at and thinking why and how was Gareth Bale used to have like five slices of toast and a mountain of baked beans. 
    “I tried it once, it didn’t go well for me.”
    But viewers seemed to think the main “cereal” offender was Jenas – for talking about food rather than football.
    One claimed: “Discussing how many baked beans Gareth Bale used to eat has to be an all time low.”
    Another posted: “Jenas talking about liking cereal, absolutely amazing commentary once again.”
    And a third viewer admitted just how surprised he was by the conversation.
    He said: “Well, learning about Gareth Bale liking baked beans on toast wasn’t in my commentary bingo card.” More

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    Arsenal fans left fuming after club’s bar charges eye-watering price for a sandwich

    MIKEL Arteta’s Arsenal have been given a thrashing by supporters for charging £27 for a sarnie, chips and drink.A fuming fan posted a snap of what looked like miniature slices of bread inside a cardboard tray served up in the Emirates.
    Arsenal supporters were shocked after one fan said that a steak sandwich with chips and onion rings cost £27 with a drinkCredit: Supplied
    They wrote: “Steak sandwich with chips and onion rings at Arsenal. £27 with a drink…”
    It left others gobsmacked, with one hitting out: “If that steak ain’t a grass-fed ribeye, then it ain’t worth it.”
    Another asked: “Does it come topped with gold leaf?”
    One raged: “That symbolises all that’s wrong with the game.”
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    A steak sandwich alone at the Premier League club’s Royal Oak bar will set fans back £17 — and a small portion of chips costs another £4.50.
    Some chewed over the choice of food, with one saying: “I’d rather have a pint and a pie instead… Football belongs to the working-class people.”
    Two seasons ago Gunners fans were cheesed off after being rinsed for £19.95 for a pizza, and £18.05 for a burger and chips.
    And things will only get dearer.
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    Last week it was forecast that the price of a pint at a Premier League ground is set to hit £13 by 2030.
    The average across all 20 Prem teams this season is £5.76. But researchers reckon it will reach £9.57 in a few years — with £13.12 the highest.
    Arsenal and West Ham are the clubs tipped to top the table for beer prices.
    The Sun contacted Arsenal FC for comment. 
    Arsenal is also one of the clubs tipped to top the table for beer prices at a Premier League groundCredit: Getty More

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    Manchester United on hunt for food safety officer after serving 30 guests raw chicken

    MANCHESTER United are on the hunt for a food safety officer just weeks after 30 guests were served raw chicken at Old Trafford.The club was handed a 1 out of 5 food rating after dozens consumed food not fit for human consumption at an event on November 21 last year.
    Manchester United are on the hunt for a food safety officer after serving 30 guests raw chickenCredit: Getty
    The dangerous food was served after 300 pieces of chicken were cooked for the event, but only three trays – each of which had around 15 pieces of chicken – were probed to check they were cooked properly.
    That meant 17 trays containing around 255 pieces of chicken – were not checked and the temperature was not recorded as required before they were served.
    United, which described it as an “isolated incident”, is now trying to hire a food safety officer on a 12-month contract.
    The job ad states the successful candidate will be expected to “elevate the standards and exceed expectations in a bustling department”.
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    It adds: “Your role goes beyond routine tasks – you’ll be a crucial player in ensuring the safety and excellence of our culinary offerings during high-profile conference events and lively match day business.”
    Responding to the club’s food hygiene rating being downgraded in December, a spokesperson said: “Manchester United has one of the largest and most experienced food and beverage operations in world sport, with more than 250,000 people dining at the stadium restaurants and over 300 external events successfully delivered each year.
    “Everyone at the club is determined to regain our 5-star food hygiene status as quickly as possible.
    “To support that objective, we are conducting an independent food audit to identify any further opportunities for improvement.”
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    Wolves Women’s team wiped out with ‘food poisoning’ with derby clash against West Brom called off

    WOLVES WOMEN’s Challenge Cup clash with West Brom has been postponed due to an outbreak of food poisoning.Dan McNamara’s troops were set to take on the Baggies in the semi-final of the tournament on Sunday afternoon.
    Wolves Women were due to take on West Brom in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup on SundayCredit: GETTY
    But the match has been called off after 11 Wolves players were struck down with food poisoningCredit: GETTY
    But the match has been postponed after 11 players were struck down with food poisoning.
    An excerpt of a club statement read: “Wolves Women’s Birmingham Challenge Cup semi-final with West Bromwich Albion on Sunday has been postponed due to illness within the Old Gold camp.
    “Dan McNamara’s side have been unable to train this week due to an outbreak which has affected the large majority of players and staff members.”
    Wolves’ academy manager of operations Laura Nicholls has blamed the outbreak on a dodgy meal they had after their match with Reading last Sunday.
    She said: “Unfortunately, following the FA Cup victory at Reading on Sunday, a high percentage of our squad have fallen ill which we’ve aligned to the post-match food they received because it’s also affected Reading.
    “14 of the playing staff and four of our coaching staff have been affected.
    “Unfortunately, we’ve not been able to train this week or complete any preparation.
    “We spoke with the County FA to get some support to cancel the game because we need to put the health of the players first.
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    Wolves have claimed post-match grub after their FA Cup win over Reading is to blame for the outbreakCredit: GETTY
    “We’re all really disappointed. Sunday was a fantastic victory for us and we wanted to take that momentum into another high-profile game – a Black Country derby in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup which we want to retain.
    “We won the competition last year and it’s something we’re keen to progress and do well in.”
    Members of staff have also been hit for six.
    Nicholls added: “Originally we had 10 or 11 who reported they were ill on Monday and Tuesday.
    “Then we had four or five more since then across the players and staff.
    “We’ve even had some today and I know Reading are in a similar situation where it’s taking a bit of time for some people to see the effects and some of the effects have been quite dangerous so it’s important we put the health of the players first.”
    Both teams are currently in discussions over a new date for the fixture.
    Nicholls said: “We’ll work with West Brom to find a date that works for both of us alongside our league fixtures.
    “It’s a really high-profile game and I know the fans of both clubs will be disappointed that they’ve not been able to come and support.
    “From our perspective, we’ll make sure we get a date agreed with West Brom as soon as possible, get that publicised and give everyone the chance to attend and cheers both teams on.”
    West Brom confirmed the postponement of the match on their website.
    Their statement read: “Albion Women’s Birmingham County FA Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Wolves has been postponed.
    “The fixture was due to be played at the New Bucks Head on Sunday, January 21 – but has now been postponed due to illness in the Wolves camp.
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    “A new date for the game will be announced in due course.”
    SunSport have contacted Reading for comment. More

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    Eddie Hearn undergoes brutal 72 hour fast that transformed UFC chief’s body as promoter unveils healthy diet plan

    EDDIE HEARN underwent the same brutal 72 hour fast that transformed Dana White – before getting back to healthy eating. UFC president White last year went 86 hours without food, lasting with only water and claimed he felt like a “superhero”.
    Eddie Hearn underwent a brutal 72 hour fastCredit: David Venni / Men’s Health UK
    UFC president Dana White transformed his body
    Now boxing promoter Hearn – who recently featured on the cover of Men’s Health – has followed up with a three-day fast.
    He tracked his progress on Instagram before finally feasting at 7.30pm after living off just water and electrolytes.
    Hearn posted: “Job done! 72 hour fast complete. Feel good and was a good mental challenge!”
    The man behind Anthony Joshua’s career then shared his healthy diet plan.
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    It consisted of 500ml detox drink, green veg in spinach and broccoli as well as sweet potato and avocado.
    Hearn also had some coconut protein balls, a protein shake, peri chicken, a chicken curry and a coconut banana cookie.
    The 44-year-old recently embarked on a demanding ten-week workout programme to get in shape and now feels better than ever.
    He told Men’s Health UK: “When I wake up in the morning, I go into the bathroom and I get a glimpse of myself and go, ‘F**king hell yeah,’ and that’s good enough.
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    “That makes me feel great for the day.”
    Hearn’s outlook has completely changed as he focuses on improving his fitness even further.
    He added: “Right now, physically, I feel better than I’ve ever felt in my life, and I’m 44 years old.
    “I’m excited to see what’s going to happen in six months, what’s going to happen in 12 months, what’s going to happen in three years.”

    Read about Eddie Hearn’s workouts on the new Men’s Health app, available to download now.

    Hearn featured on the cover of Men’s HealthCredit: David Venni / Men’s Health UK More

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    Thiago Silva’s wife shows off outrageous restaurant bill as Chelsea star takes Wag out to swanky London restaurant

    THIAGO SILVA’S wife shared her shock at a huge restaurant bill as the couple celebrated Chelsea’s FA Cup joy – by posting a picture of it.And below her Instagram snap of the £900.30 bill, Isabelle da Silva wrote: “A simple family dinner” – adding an astonished emoji.
    Outspoken Isabelle da Silva and Thiago Silva enjoyed a costly meal out after Chelsea’s 4-0 third-round win over PrestonCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Isabelle showed her feelings as she shared a pic of the billCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Thiago Silva enjoyed scoring Chelsea’s second goal as they ran riot in the FA Cup after the interval against Championship side PrestonCredit: Getty
    Silva service doesn’t come cheap at the Novikov Restaurant in London’s Mayfair – but fellow football legends like Paul Pogba and Harry Kane can vouch it’s nothing personal.
    Wayne Rooney, Neymar, John Terry, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Robin van Persie and Alexis Sanchez have also dined there.
    Thiago won’t have minded too much – having scored as Chelsea feasted in the second half to thump Preston 4-0 earlier on Saturday and as he also earns over £100,000 a week.
    He and Isabelle appeared to be just as ravenous that evening – with a £95 King Crab leg and £85 Peking Duck part of their packed order.
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    The restaurant, which has a “smart and elegant” dress code, offers both Italian and Asian menus.
    You could scrimp on a salad starter or pasta dishes –  starting for ‘only’ £20 – or opt for £130 “Novikov Royal Caviar” at the other end of the price list.
    And in fact the Italian lunch menu costs only £29 for three courses.
    Meanwhile, 39-year-old Thiago remains the key man in Chelsea’s defence.
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    The 113-cap Brazilian even headed the Blues’ second goal against mid-table Championship side Huddersfield.
    So his manager Mauricio Pochettino might think Silva was entitled to pouch, or Poch, some top-notch posh nosh afterwards. More

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    Former England manager Sam Allardyce labelled a ‘pioneer’ with pints of wine to hit ‘UK shelves for first time’

    SAM ALLARDYCE was hailed a “pioneer” after pints of wine got the green light to go on sale in the UK for the first time in 50 years.As exclusively revealed by The Sun, the new legislation is set to come in next year.
    Sam Allardyce received plenty of praise after pints of wine were legalised in the UKCredit: PA

    It will see still and sparkling wine available to buy at supermarkets, pubs, clubs and restaurants in 568ml bottles.
    And that immediately prompted plenty of football fans to heap praise on Allardyce and credit him for the change.
    Big Sam was famously spotted drinking a pint of wine in undercover footage as part of the sting operation that saw the then-England boss get sacked in 2016.
    One supporter said: “Sam Allardyce is a pioneer.”
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    Another wrote: “Sam Allardyce walked so we could run / fall over.”
    A third added: “Sam Allardyce finally getting his way.”
    A fourth commented: “If his name was Sam Allardici we’d have started selling pints of wine 15 years ago.”
    A fifth quipped: “I’m not quite sure who wanted this in 2016 (apart from Big Sam obviously!) but there you go.”
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    A sixth joked: “Big Sam just knee-slid through his kitchen.”
    And a final user replied: “Big day for Big Sam.”
    Allardyce, 69, had a record-breaking 30-day stint as Leeds boss last season but could not keep them in the Premier League and now remains without a club.
    Champagne in the imperial 568ml bottles was a favourite of Winston Churchill, who claimed it was “enough for two at lunch and one at dinner”.
    However, the champagne volume was outlawed in 1973 when Britain joined the European Common Market – while still wine has never before been sold in pint size in the UK.
    Now the Department for Business and Trade have confirmed the U-turn following Brexit – with the change providing extra choice for customers.
    Still wine will also become available in 200ml containers while sparkling wine can go in 500ml bottles – both new additions.
    And it means there will be just a 68ml difference between two of the sizes while regular full 750ml and half 375ml bottles continue.
    That is despite a consultation with 100,000 responses from 2022 showing 98.7 per cent favoured using metric units when buying or selling products, either as the primary unit of sale (as currently) or as the sole unit of sale (purely metric).
    The Government said: “The move to introduce the 568ml size would sit alongside the 200ml and 500ml measures already available, offering more flexibility and choice for customers.

    “The UK’s wine sector is set for the boost as part of the Government’s smarter regulation programme to ensure regulations are up to date and agile.”
    UK wine businesses produce around 12.2 million bottles of still and sparkling wine per year.
    The new measurements will see still and sparkling wine sold in 568ml bottlesCredit: Alamy More

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    Schumacher’s ‘Italian mum’ says ‘world collapsed’ after accident & reveals F1 legend’s favourite meal at her restaurant

    MICHAEL Schumacher’s “Italian mum” has said her world collapsed after the F1 legend’s tragic skiing accident – and hopes to meet him again.Speaking about her special bond with the racing star, chef Rossella Giannini praised him and revealed his favourite meal at her restaurant.
    Michael Schumacher would visit his Italian mum’s’ restaurant after race practise every dayCredit: Getty
    Chef Rossella said to this day she remembers when Schumacher first stepped inside her restaurantCredit: Getty
    Rossella Giannini owns and runs the Montana restaurant in Fiorano Modense, which is located just a two-minute drive away from Ferrari’s factory. 
    This was the automobile factory that delivered machinery to Schumacher which helped him to achieve five of his seven championships.
    The F1 legend would spent most of his time practising at the Fiorano racing circuit perfecting his moves and after wrapping up his duties, Schumacher would visit chef Rossella’s restaurant almost every day.
    The chef revealed they both eventually built a beautiful relationship, and to this day she remembers when Schumacher first stepped inside her restaurant – February 14, 1996.
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    Rossella said his all-time favourite at her eatery was “Tagliatelle Al Ragu” – a classic bolognese dish prepared with veil.
    She also said the Ferrari racer, in exceptional cases, liked to order garlic and oil spaghetti.
    However, after hearing the horror news of Schumacher’s skiing accident, Rossella said her “world collapsed” as she learnt about the severity of his injuries.
    She told Bild: “I was on vacation at the time of his accident and heard it on the news.
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    “When it became clear how bad the extent of it was, my world collapsed.
    “I can hardly believe that the accident happened ten years ago. In the meantime, I was able to make peace with the situation.
    “I no longer suffer, but remember the beautiful moments.”
    While Rossella said she no longers “bothers” the F1 racer, she hopes one day he will again walk in through the door of her resturaunt and she would make him his favourite dish again.
    “I don’t want to be a bother. The situation is difficult enough for the relatives.
    “Every now and then I talk to people from Ferrari and ask, but I don’t want to impose myself.
    “Every day I look at the front door and hope that he will walk through again and that I will make him tagliatelle al ragu.”
    It comes after Michael Schumacher’s pal has said his wife is carrying on the way he would have wanted despite the “huge void” left by his horror ski crash.
    Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, former F1 driver and Schumacher’s teammate Johnny Herbert revealed how the family are coping almost ten years on.
    Despite the “huge void” left by the 2013 horror crash, Herbert described Schumacher’s wife Corinna as “very strong”.
    He said: “She [Corinna] has said they are trying to carry on as a family as Michael would have wanted.
    “They are getting on with their lives but private does mean private.”    
    Seven-time world champion Schumacher, 54, suffered catastrophic injuries in the devastating accident while on a skiing holiday.
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    December 29 will mark ten years since the racing icon, largely considered to be the best driver in Formula One history, suffered the crash that left him in a coma for over 200 days.
    Corinna, has protected the privacy of her husband to such an extent that only their immediate family, and closest of friends know any details.
    Rossella Giannini owns and runs the Montana restaurant in Fiorano Modense, which is located just a two-minute’s drive away from Ferrari’s factoryCredit: Getty
    Schumacher suffered catastrophic injuries in the devastating accident while on a skiing holidayCredit: AFP More