Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool legends vs Chelsea legends: Date, time, TV, live stream for huge charity match at Anfield with Gerrard & Zola

      by

      LIVERPOOL legends welcome Chelsea legends to Anfield for a huge charity match this Saturday!Steven Gerrard is CONFIRMED to represent the Reds this weekend as the legendary Merseyside icon returns for another emotional meeting with his adoring fans.Steven Gerrard will lead Liverpool Legends in a charity match against Chelsea Legends at AnfieldCredit: ReutersMarking 20 years since Liverpool vs Chelsea in the Champions league semi-final in the 2004-05 season, the game sparks a reminder on a storied rivalry. That campaign was unforgettable for both clubs, with Chelsea winning the league for the first time in 50 years and Liverpool lifting the Champions League – after a controversial Luis Garcia goal.There will also be Champions League-winning managers in BOTH dugouts.Rafa Benitez takes charge of the Reds, who took the crown in 2005, and Roberto Di Matteo – who lead Chelsea to the European Cup in 2012 – is in for the Blues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLProceedings from the game will support LFC Foundation’s health programmes, targeting negative health statistics across the Liverpool City Region.Matt Parish, LFC Foundation chief executive, said: “Last season was our best Legends game yet [for] funds raised.””The funds raised enable us to support even more children, young people and families in our community and beyond.”For the first time for Liverpool or Chelsea there will also be a women’s star on the teams.Most read in FootballNatasha Dowie, who won two WSL titles with Liverpool, and Katie Chapman – who lifted the WSL with Chelsea and Arsenal and won 94 England caps.When is Liverpool Legends vs Chelsea Legends?Liverpool Legends vs Chelsea Legends will take place on Saturday, March 22.The match will kick off at 3pm GMT.Anfield will host the match.Is Liverpool Legends vs Chelsea Legends on TV?LFCTV members will be able to watch the fixture as part of their subscription.The channel is available as an add-on with other TV packages.The game will also be held via pay-per-view for £5.99 on the Official Chelsea App and Chelseafc.com.Coverage starts at 2pm.Alternatively, SunSport will blog all the action as it happens.Who is playing in the match?The teams confirmed so far are below, although there are often late changes in charity matches.LiverpoolSteven GerrardSami HyypiaMartin SkrtelDjimi TraoreDjibril CisseFabio AurelioRobbie KeaneJay SpearingIgor BiscanDirk KuytBjorn Tore KvarmeMohammed SissokoGregory VignalFlorent Sinama-PongolleSander WesterveldJerzy DudekDavid JamesNatasha DowieRafa Benitez (manager)ChelseaGianfranco ZolaCarlo CuiciniEidur GudjohnsenRamiresJohn Obi-MikelGary CahillFlorent MaloudaRyan BertrandJimmy Floyd HasselbainkJesper GronkjaerJody MorrisFrank SinclairKatie ChapmanRoberto Di Matteo (manager)READ MORE SUN STORIESWhat is the match raising money for?One hundred percent of the proceedings will be support the works of LFC Foundation, Forever Reds, Chelsea Foundation and Chelsea Players Trust.Previous Legends games at Anfield have raised over £7.5 million with a goal to increase the number of people supported from 127,000, to 500,000 people a season by 2030.Where can I get tickets for Liverpool Legends vs Chelsea Legends?Tickets for the charity match are sold on the Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC websites.Tickets will be sold online only.Adult tickets are available for £29, £19 for concessions and £9 for juniors. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Rasmus Hojlund breaks silence on emotional hug with legend Peter Schmeichel before ending goal drought

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED star Rasmus Hojlund has broken his silence on his emotional hug with Peter Schmeichel.Hojlund, 22, went 21 games without scoring before finally netting in the 3-0 win over Leicester.Rasmus Hojlund has broken his silence after breaking his goal droughtCredit: RexPeter Schmeichel was seen hugging Hojlund after he blanked against ArsenalCredit: XHojlund has revealed how his compatriot has helped him deal with his formCredit: GettyTwo games before he ended his drought, a 1-1 draw with Arsenal, Hojlund was seen hugging Red Devils icon and Danish compatriot Schmeichel outside of Old Trafford following the game.The ex-Atalanta star, who cost an initial £64million to sign, responded following the hug with a notably improved performance midweek against Real Sociedad, where he led the line well and provided an assist for Diogo Dalot.However, he finally got himself back on the scoresheet against the Foxes when he was played in behind the defence by Bruno Fernandes in the first half.The Dane took the ball down and ran towards the penalty area before firing a shot across goal and into the bottom left corner on his weaker right foot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHojlund has now opened up on how Schmeichel has helped him work through his drought by lending an ear throughout the season.He told Danish outlet Tipsbladet: “Peter helps me occasionally and listens to how I’m feeling – both when things are going well and when things are going badly.”I wouldn’t call him a father figure, but he helps a lot because he’s been through it before.”He knows what it means to play for Manchester United as a Dane. It’s nice to have someone to spar with on that front.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”It’s also a bit about finding your own path. “Christian also helps me and the others, but if there are people who come and want a little help, I’m available, both for everyone here and Patrick [Dorgu] and Chido [Obi-Martin].”Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’Man Utd have now won two games in a row and are unbeaten in 90 minutes in their last seven games – the exception being losing to Fulham on penalties in the FA Cup.Ruben Amorim’s side face Nottingham Forest on their first game back after the international break.United could be in line for a triple injury boost with Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro all in line to return to the squad, while Mason Mount could also play his first minutes of 2025.However, United are now reportedly set to be without youngster Ayden Heaven for up to six weeks after he was stretchered off against Leicester.Man Utd ratings vs LeicesterMANCHESTER UNITED leapfrogged Tottenham into 13th in the Premier League by beating Leicester.Rasmus Hojlund was left to run in behind and shoot low into the bottom corner from an angle to open the scoring on 28 minutes.The Danish striker had not found the net since December 12 – a run of 21 matches.Alejandro Garnacho saw a goal chalked off for offside but there was no taking his snap-shot finish off him on 67 minutes.And skipper Bruno Fernandes rounded off the comfortable 3-0 win in style in the closing stages.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Hill rated the Man Utd stars. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal hero Ian Wright blasts muddy pitch where Gunners’ fell to a first-leg Champions League loss to Real Madrid

      by

      IAN WRIGHT branded Real Madrid’s pitch a “f***ing disgrace” as Arsenal’s Champions League bid got stuck in the mud.The Gunners icon said the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium’s surface was worse than the Pride Park pitch, where Chelsea beat Manchester City in Saturday’s League Cup final. Ian Wright was appalled by the condition at Real Madrid’s home ground where the Spanish club hosted their Champions League duel with ArsenalCredit: SportsfileThe wet conditions on the pitch left players covered in mud during the quarter-final first-leg clashCredit: GettyArsenal hope to overturn a 2-0 deficit when the team’s meet next Wednesday in the second leg at the EmiratesCredit: GettyGoals from Real strikers Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo saw Arsenal fall to a quarter-final first-leg defeat. The drenched pitch at the rain-soaked Alfredo di Stefano Stadium, left the Gunners’ women stars and their opponents splattered in mud with some players slipping due to its conditions. In the second half Madrid midfielder and ex-Chelsea ace Melanie Leupolz went off after hurting her knee she attempted to clear the ball up field. In an Instagram video, Women’s Super League ambassador Wright said: “It’s a f***ing disgrace, the pitches these girls have to play on.” Read More Football Stories Light wind and rain had been forecast in Spain’s capital ahead of yesterday’s game. However conditions were very wet ahead of the 5:45pm kick-off. Arsenal boss Renee Slegers said: “We knew the condition of the pitch. “We had a plan for it but then it’s always hard because over a season and over time you work on things and you have an identity the way you want to do things. Most read in FootballRenee Slegers has backed Arsenal to turn things around in their decisive second-leg quarters clashCredit: Getty“So then reality comes and these conditions come and all of a sudden you need to do things differently so that’s hard.”Arsenal will battle to try and overturn the deficit in next Wednesday’s second leg at the Emirates.Slegers added: “We’re all confident we can do something against them at the Emirates because it’s only half time.” More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Gareth Southgate fears boys are watching too much porn instead of ‘expressing their emotions’

      by

      SIR GARETH SOUTHGATE fears boys are falling into unhealthy habits because they lack role models.The former England manager spoke about the troubles affecting boys, including isolation and a fear of failing.Gareth Southgate fears young boys are falling into unhealthy habitsCredit: TikTok/oliviadangerculpoHe believes many are turning to dangerous influencers due to an absence of effective role models.Southgate, 54, wants to encourage boys to try and fail as he feels overcoming a difficult experience is integral to growth.Currently, he feels too many find themselves in positions where they face adversity alone, and pick up bad habits after turning to alternative sources of influence.He said in a lecture for the BBC: “These are callous, manipulative and toxic influencers, whose sole drive is for their own gain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”They willingly trick young men into believing that success is measured by money or dominance, that strength means never showing emotion, and that the world, including women, is against them.”Too many young men are isolated. Too many feel uncomfortable opening up to friends or family. “Many don’t have mentors – teachers, coaches, bosses – who understand how best to push them to grow. And so, when they struggle, young men inevitably try to handle whatever situation they find themselves in, alone.”Young men end up withdrawing, reluctant to talk or express their emotions.Most read in Football”They spend more time online searching for direction and are falling into unhealthy alternatives like gaming, gambling and pornography.”Southgate wants young boys to face challenges in adolescence so that they have experience in overcoming difficult situations for when they inevitably face tough moments in adulthood.From Gareth Southgate receiving a knighthood to Keely Hodgkinson’s MBE, all the stars who got gongs in New Year honoursHe continued: “In my opinion, if we make life too easy for young boys now, we will inevitably make life harder when they grow up to be young men.”Too many young men are at risk of fearing failure, precisely because they’ve had so few opportunities to experience and overcome it. They fail to try, rather than try and fail.””If I’ve learned anything from my life in football, it’s that success is much more than the final score.”True success is how you respond in the hardest moments.” More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd confirm where club will play matches during £2billion new stadium build as they release statement

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed where they will play matches while their new £2billion stadium is being built.The Red Devils have unveiled plans to create an incredible 100,000-seater arena dubbed the “Wembley of the North.”Man Utd have revealed where they will play while their new stadium is builtCredit: AFPThe Red Devils are looking to create a 100,000-seater arenaCredit: PAThe incredible project will cost £2billionCredit: PAIt will reinvigorate the local areaCredit: PAThe new stadium would be the biggest in the country.And its unique design has already made it a talking point for fans around the world.Sir Jim Ratcliffe hopes a new home will help return United to the top of English football.While the local area will also experience a regeneration project, creating hundreds of new jobs in the process.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited’s new stadium will be built close to where their current home of Old Trafford is situated.The famous arena will eventually be knocked down as part of the construction plans.But it’s led to concerns from fans that the Theatre of Dreams may be vacated sooner than expected, with a temporary home possibly needed.However, United have now confirmed that they will continue to play at Old Trafford while their new stadium is being built.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordArchitects revealed that although the two sites are near each other, there is enough room that Old Trafford will not be affected by any building work.And it means United fans can continue to enjoy their famous old ground for a few years longer.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium United will continue playing at Old Trafford as the new stadium is builtCredit: ReutersArchitects have revealed what will happen to the Trinity StatueCredit: PAThe future of the Munich Clock has also been revealedCredit: AlamyPatrick Campbell, an architect at Foster + Partners, told United’s official site: “The idea is to make sure that Manchester United can continue to play in Old Trafford throughout this whole process.“So we’re locating the new stadium broadly in the middle of the Bridgewater Canal and the railway line, just to the west of the existing stadium.Campbell also opened up on where key landmarks may move.On the Munich Clock, he said: “It’s so important and non-negotiable. That has to play such an important part in the design of how all this comes forward.”On the Trinity Statue, Campbell noted: “That’s 450 metres of tree-lined, activated — museums, shops, bars, hotels, entertainment — route, which links to the route coming from the cricket ground and Wharfside.“So that’s maybe where we put the Trinity Statue, so that just as today, it faces towards and honours the stadium.”Campbell also revealed Old Trafford’s pitch could be retained as a monument.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “How does the existing stadium form part of the new chapter?“What elements of that — is it the penalty spot, the halfway line, how can that manifest itself along the processional route?” More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Championship side send 4,000 tickets to WRONG CLUB in major blunder as non-league outfit post cheeky ‘thank you’ message

      by

      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY have been left red-faced after mistakenly sending 4,000 tickets to the WRONG CLUB.Oxford United travel to Hillsborough on April 12 for a bumper clash in their quest to secure Championship survival.Sheffield Wednesday accidentally sent thousands of tickets to the wrong clubCredit: GettyA huge following is expected to follow Gary Rowett’s men into South Yorkshire with the U’s requesting an allocation of 4,000.But instead of sending them to the Kassam Stadium to be sold, the Owls incorrectly sent them to Oxford City – United’s non-league neighbours from four divisions below.The embarrassing gaffe was revealed by the National League South side on social media as they posted a photo of their surprise delivery at the MGroup Stadium.That was accompanied with a caption saying: “A big thank you to Sheffield Wednesday for the delivery of 4,000 tickets for your game vs Oxford United.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA wink face emoji for the “intern at the Hillsborough ticket office” followed along with the message: “Don’t worry, we’ve all been there!”It finished with a “don’t panic” message and a promise to deliver the tickets to the Kassam “after lunch”.However, it seems their rivals “mustn’t have trusted” them as they headed straight round to collect them.Andy Gate, Oxford City’s press officer, said: “We do get calls now and then for people who want to get tickets to Oxford United and get the wrong number, and usually I’m quickly googling the Oxford United website to give them the number for the ticket office there. But we’ve had nothing like this, not at all.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“With the risk of sounding like Mick from Gavin and Stacey, it’s not the thing you expect when you come to work in the morning is it?”Sheffield Wednesday next face Cardiff City next Saturday, while Oxford United face Middlesbrough.’Arrogant’ Sheffield Wednesday chairman Dejphon Chansiri slammed for shoving young fan who filmed him while singing song More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘This is a joke’ – Danny Drinkwater reveals moment he was told he had ONE HOUR to leave Chelsea

      by

      DANNY DRINKWATER has revealed he was given just ONE HOUR to leave Chelsea.The former Blues midfielder has lifted the lid on his brutal Stamford Bridge exile, which came just a year after his shock £45million switch from Leicester.Danny Drinkwater has revealed he was give just one hour to leave ChelseaCredit: https://x.com/FIVEUKHe stunned Rio Ferdinand with the tale about his brutal axeCredit: https://x.com/FIVEUKDrinkwater was signed by Chelsea in 2017 following their title-winning campaign under Antonio Conte.But a lack of form and several injuries saw him make just 12 Premier League appearances.And when Maurizio Sarri took charge in 2018, Drinkwater began to fear the worst.The Blues already had himself, Cesc Fabregas, N’Golo Kante and Ross Barkley on the books after Tiemoue Bakayoko was loaned out to AC Milan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA young Ruben Loftus-Cheek was making waves in the academy too.But Sarri’s arrival saw TWO more midfielders join, with Jorginho signing from Napoli and Mateo Kovacic coming from Real Madrid.It saw club captain Cesar Azpilicueta initially warn Drinkwater that he may have to start searching for a new side.The three-time England international told Rio Ferdinand’s podcast: “Looking back actually, I remember Azpi tried giving me the heads up about this when I was in that second season.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge”So I was in there with Cesc on that Sarri first pre-season, so it would’ve been me and Cesc I think, Kova might have been there, and they were trying to bring Jorginho in.”N’Golo was obviously there wasn’t he? So N’Golo, Cesc and me, I can’t remember if Kovacic was there at the time.’Reminded me of Gerrard at Liverpool’ – Cole Palmer told he needs to LEAVE Chelsea and has outgrown the club alreadyMaurizio Sarri wanted to send Drinkwater to ItalyCredit: GettyThe midfielder stayed put but failed to make another appearance for ChelseaCredit: Getty“But then Azpi’s like, ‘Drinks, if they bring Jorgi in, which they’re going to, they want to, you need to think about what you want to do here.'”Despite the warning, Drinkwater ended up staying put at Stamford Bridge throughout the summer.He even came off the bench in the 2-0 Community Shield defeat to Man City, suggesting he still had a future at Chelsea.But on transfer deadline day, Drinkwater received the “joke” message he’d been fearing for several months.The midfielder was summoned to Sarri’s office after training, where he was told he was not in the club’s first-team plans.Sarri told Drinkwater that several teams wanted to sign him on loan, including one Italian side.But Drinkwater, father to a young baby at the time, dismissed any exit talk with just ONE HOUR left in the window and insisted he’d take his chances as a fringe player.He continued: “So Sarri’s English, again, when he came, wasn’t the best… That first window after that summer, it was like the last day of the window. Danny Drinkwater’s football careerMan Utd, 2008-2012: 0 games, 0 goalsHuddersfield (loan), 2009-2010: 37 games, 2 goalsCardiff (loan), 2010: 12 games, 0 goalsWatford (loan), 2011: 12 games, 0 goalsBarnsley (loan), 2011: 18 games, 1 goalLeicester, 2012-2017: 218 games, 14 goalsChelsea, 2017-2022: 23 games, 1 goalBurnley (loan), 2019: 2 games, 0 goalsAston Villa (loan), 2020: 4 games, 0 goalsKasimpasa (loan), 2020-2021: 11 games, 0 goalsReading (loan), 2021-2022: 34 games, 1 goalEngland, 2016: 3 games, 0 goalsTrophiesLeicester: Premier League, ChampionshipChelsea: FA Cup”My son was a year old here as well, so I’ve got stuff off the pitch that I’m focusing on as well.”Zola came and saw me, and said, ‘Drinks, the gaffer would like to see you.’ So I was like, ‘Yeah, buzzing, sweet.’ Didn’t expect anything from it.”I came up and he’s like, ‘I think you should go on loan.’ So I was like, ‘What? What time is it?’ I was like saying, ‘I’ve got an hour to get a club, what do you mean?'”And he’s like, ‘No no, loads of like… I’ve got a Serie A team, loads of teams asking about you.’ [I’m] like, ‘Nah nah, I ain’t going out of England, are you mad?'”Just had a baby, I’m a footballer but I’m a dad, I ain’t going anywhere. And he’s like, ‘Well, you might get frustrated.’ I was like, ‘Well, I’m going to get frustrated aren’t I? This is a joke.'”Drinkwater’s decision to stay at Chelsea saw him fail to add to his Communiy Shield cameo for the entirety of the 2018/19 campaign.The Premier League title winner eventually saw his career fade out with unsuccessful loans at Burnley, Aston Villa, Turkish side Kasimpasa and Reading.Drinkwater then retired from football aged 33 in 2023 after failing to find a new side.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe’s since lost £782,000 after going into the restaurant business.And last summer Drinkwater shared a photo of himself “grafting” on a building site. More

    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Family of international burglars facing jail for raiding Newcastle United ace Alexander Isak’s home

      by

      A FAMILY of international burglars is facing jail for raiding footballer Alexander Isak’s home. Three previously admitted conspiracy to commit burglary while Valentino Nikolov, 32, was found guilty yesterday. The gang made off with £68,000 of jewellery and up to £10,000 cash from Newcastle star Alexander Isak’s Northumberland home last AprilCredit: MatchDay Images LimitedValentino Nikolov and Charlie Jovanvic both face jail over the raidThe gang drove from Italy to target homes in the North East — stealing more than £1million of items from two houses. They then made off with £68,000 of jewellery and up to £10,000 cash from Newcastle star Isak’s Northumberland home last April. Valentino and brother Giacomo, 28, their sister Jela Jovanovic, 43, and her son Charlie, 23, were traced and arrested. Judge Robert Spragg said jail “is inevitable” when they are sentenced at Newcastle crown court. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDetective Constable Mark Armstrong, of the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit, added: “This is a fantastic result.” “Burglaries are an insidious crime and cause a great amount of emotional and financial trauma to victims.” Prosecutor Daniel Cordey said: “It is the prosecution case that they all travelled to the North East together as part of that conspiracy or agreement to commit high value targeted burglaries of residential properties. “The burglary was discovered when Mr Isak returned just after 10pm. He found his bins had been moved and entry had been gained by smashing a glass door leading from the back of the property to the TV room. Most read in Football”Inside an untidy search had taken place and cash to the value of between £5,000 and £10,000 had been stolen together with jewellery valued at about £68,000.” Giacomo Nikolov and sister Jela Jovanovic both played a part in the raidNewcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires More