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      ‘He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interview

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      MIKEL ARTETA left Sky Sports’ panel in stitches after being asked to give an update on Bukayo Saka’s fitness.Arsenal maintained their stranglehold on second place in the Premier League with a  1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday.Mikel Arteta stormed out of his post-match interview following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester UnitedCredit: SKY SPORTSThe Spaniard pretended to storm out of his post-match interview following the Gunners’ win over ChelseaCredit: SKY SPORTSThe Spaniard had a wry smile on his face after pretending to pull anothe fast oneCredit: SKY SPORTSArteta was in a happy mood during his post-match interview with Sky Sports, so much so that he mocked his viral antics after last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United.The Spaniard pretended to storm out of his interview with the broadcaster as he did after the Gunners’ slim title hopes went up in smoke at Old Trafford.”I’m in,” the former Gunners midfielder said with a smile on his face after diving back into the frame. “He’s got a good chance [of returning after the international break].”Sky’s interviewer saw the funny side of Arteta’s antics, as did presenter Dave Jones.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSThe veteran broadcaster said: “He’s got a sense of humour.”The end of Arteta’s interview spread like wildfire on social media, with one footie fan writing on X: “Now you see him, now you don’t.”Another said: “That is brilliant.”And another said: “Love mikel such a s**thouse and he’s our s**thouse.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMikel Merino bagged the only goal of the game for ArsenalCredit: GETTYOne remarked with a laughing emoji: “This guy.”Another chimed in: “Arteta’s comedy gold.”Mikel Arteta walks out of Sky Sports interview moments after Arsenal lose further ground in Premier League title raceArsenal have been without Saka’s services since their 5-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last December.He resumed light individual drills last month during the North Londoners’ mid-season trip to Dubai.But he’s yet to resume competitive training with the first team, which Arteta will ease him into.He said: “Next we need to arrange it with people around him in a more competitive training session and see how he goes with that.”He’s getting closer, he’s stepping up and making a very good progress I would say.”So, let’s see when we start to throw him in with the team, how he reacts and how fit he can get quickly.”Arsenal will be back in action on April Fools’ Day, welcoming Fulham to the Emirates. More

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      Ligue 1 match ABANDONED and players rushed down tunnel as plume of smoke engulfs stadium after flares thrown

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      MONTPELLIER’S Ligue 1 clash with St-Etienne was abandoned due to flares set off by supporters.La Pallaide went into the match hoping to bolster their fading survival hopes.Several flares were set off at Stade de la MossonCredit: AFPFlares were also thrown on the pitchCredit: AFPThe match was suspended as a fire burned at the front of the standCredit: AFPBlack plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the Etang de Thau standBut after Jean-Louis Gasset’s side went 2-0 down to their fellow strugglers, supporters let their frustrations boil over.As Les Vertes doubled their lead early on in the second half, flares were thrown onto the pitch.This caused a stoppage in play of around three minutes.The match briefly resumed, before it became apparent that a fire had broken out at the front of the Etang de Thau stand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSupporters could be seen running to the back of the stand as a plume of black smoke worryingly rose from the blaze.The referee suspended the contest and sent players back to the dressing rooms as the fire continued to burn.Etang de Thau is where Montpellier’s ultras stand during matches.After around half an hour, fans were instructed to evacuate the stadium, with the decision made to abandon the match.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOfficials struggled to get the flames under controlCredit: AFPThe match was suspended for around half an hour before being abandonedCredit: AFPThe 2011-12 Ligue 1 champions have endured a disastrous season.They went into this weekend bottom of the table with just 15 points, having failed to keep a single clean sheet.Newcastle fans take over Covent Garden ahead of Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and bid to end 70-year trophy waitFormer boss Michel der Zakarian was sacked just minutes after their 5-0 defeat to Marseille in October.Owner Laurent Nicollin, who bizarrely sits in the dugout during matches, has often cut a forlorn figure on the sideline.First team regulars Mousa Tamari, Akor Adams and Arnaud Nordin were sold during the January transfer window.Montpellier went into today’s contest having lost six consecutive matches.During the delay, local players Teji Savanier and Joris Chotard could be seen looking devastated as they stood by the tunnel.La Paillade were humiliated 4-0 by fourth tier Le Puy Foot 43 Auvergne in the Coupe de France earlier this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESDuring the match, Savanier suggested that he didn’t care about his side’s struggles due to his big salary.Nicollin subsequently made the decision to strip the midfielder of the captaincy.The match briefly resumed following the initial delayCredit: GETTYMontpellier have endured a nightmare seasonCredit: AFPSt-Etienne had taken a 2-0 lead before the match was abandonedCredit: AFP More

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      ‘What’s the point?’ – BBC staff raging as major shake-up sees TACTICS correspondent job offered after huge redundancies

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      BBC SPORT are set to hire a “Football Correspondent (Tactics)” as part of a shake-up across the department.The Beeb have made redundancies in order to create 27 new roles.BBC Sport is set to undergo big changesCredit: GettyThe BBC’s director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, formerly of The Times and The Athletic, is looking to freshen up their coverage.According to the Mail, the new tactics role has “raised eyebrows” among Beeb staffers.The Mail were told by an insider: “What’s the point of having all these people who have played the game at the highest level to then bring in a journalist who will presumably never have kicked a ball professionally to spout off about how the likes of Pep Guardiola should be setting up their teams?”Beeb staffers were recently told about the huge shake-up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA meeting then took place at Gary Neville’s Hotel Football to talk through the impending changes.Present at the meeting was Match of the Day’s star pundit Alan Shearer.The former Newcastle striker reportedly stressed the importance of experts providing “accurate” analysis.BBC bosses are shifting the focus of their sports coverage from broadcast to digital.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThis has seen them decide to axe their Sportsday programme.Gary Lineker announced earlier this season that he will depart Match of the Day at the end of the season.’Nobody wants to throw the baby out with the bath water’ – Gabby Logan’s bizarre hint about new-look Match of the DaySpeaking on The Rest is Football, Lineker explained: “It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end.”It came at a point where really the BBC and Match Of The Day, they’ve got the rights for another three years.”The cycle starts from next season so it felt like if I just do one more year it would be a bit weird. I feel this is now the right time.”I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match Of The Day slightly differently.”Lineker added: “So I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”The former England forward, 64, will be replaced by Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates on rotation.Gary Lineker is set to step down as MOTD hostCredit: PA More

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      ‘Killing it’ – Alisha Lehmann risks Instagram ban as stunning Juventus star strips off to see-through lingerie

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      ALISHA LEHMANN has pushed Instagram’s boundaries with her latest racy post.The Juventus star, dubbed the ‘World’s sexiest footballer’, boasts almost 17 million followers on the photo-sharing app. Alisha Lehmann has wowed fans with her latest Instagram shootCredit: InstagramThe Swiss star rocked a daring see-through topCredit: InstagramShe paired the look with matching black underwear, risking an Instagram banCredit: InstagramLehmann joined Juventus from Aston Villa last summerCredit: GettyLehmann previously spent three years with Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League.The 26-year-old joined Juventus last year and has bagged 2 goals in 15 games for the Serie A side.Away from the pitch, Lehmann is a model and is Switzerland’s top sporting influencer.And her latest stunning look proved a real head-turner for her legion of adoring fans.READ MORE ON SPORTRocking a see-through black top, Lehmann showed off matching lingerie in the risque post.She captioned the sultry snaps: “Second skin.”One fan responded: “Killing it as always.”Another swooned: “Alisha you look wonderful!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile a lovestruck third added: “Sculpted by Michelangelo.”And a fourth said: “Absolutely stunning, ignore the haters Alisha.”Maya Jama and Alisha Lehmann team up to become managers of Baller League team Lehmann joined her boyfriend Douglas Luiz in swapping the Midlands for the Old Lady last summer.But she hit out at their wage differences after the Brazilian penned a £100,000-a-week contract.The Swiss winger told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Everyone would like to have the same salary.”I often speak to Douglas at home about this and tell him it’s not fair.”We do the same job, but he gets paid a hundred times more than me.”It’s something that affects me because I’m a woman. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Obviously, there’s still a long way to go on the path we’re on because there may never be equal pay.”There will have to be a very strong will to make a change in this direction.”Lehmann is dating fellow Juventus star Douglas LuizCredit: instagram @alishalehmann7The star spent three years playing in the WSL for Aston VillaCredit: RexThe glam 26-year-old has amassed a loyal following onlineCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Lehmann has almost 17 million Instagram supportersCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7She regularly posts saucy snaps of her glamourous life in ItalyCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7Lehmann is not shy when it comes to the cameraCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Lehmann is the most-followed female footballer in the worldCredit: instagramShe is also a Switzerland internationalCredit: Getty More

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      ‘This is not going to stop me’ – Michail Antonio issues defiant comeback statement after escaping death in horror crash

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      MICHAIL ANTONIO said the broken leg he suffered in a December car accident is not going to stop him from returning to professional football.The 34-year-old striker crashed his Ferrari in a single-vehicle crash in Epping last December.Antonio said he was grateful to be alive following the accidentCredit: Steve Bell for The SunMichail Antonio is on the mendCredit: InstagramAntonio visited the London Stadium to thank the Hammers for their supportCredit: GettyHe underwent surgery shortly after, later writing on Instagram that he was grateful to be alive.Set to turn 35 years old in late March, many expedcted Antonio to hang up his boots following the injury, but he has set his sights on a swift return to play.He is working six days per week to get back to full fitness and is refusing to give up on his playing career.Speaking to BBC Morning Live he said: “I’m 100 per cent I will be back on the pitch.Read more football”This is what I focus on, this is why I’m in six days a week.”With just three months having passed since the accident, Antonio has already returned to solo training, getting back to running.But Graham Potter has not shed any light on when he may return to play.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAntonio, though, is nonplussed, keeping his head down as he focuses on his recovery, saying this week the player was taking “baby steps.”Most read in FootballHe continued: “Mentally, I believe [in myself] too because I never give up.West Ham manager Graham Potter gives update on Michail Antonio after horror injury “I’m always focused, I’m always pushing myself. “This is just another setback and this is not going to stop me.”Jamaica manager Steve McClaren said Antonio is targeting a summer return.He said: “The impact [of the crash] was horrendous.”He is confident he will come back and is aiming for the summer period.Steve McClaren was appointed Jamaica manager in July 2024″He is a true character off the field, always bubbly and great for the squad. We miss that.”He says the one thing he has got is motivation. When warriors have motivation, they tend to achieve their goal.”Antonio has scored just once in 14 appearances this season, most recently appearing in West Ham’s 3-1 loss at Leicester City in December, just four days before the accident.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has scored five times in 21 appearances for Jamaica.He is the Hammers’ top Premier League goalscorer (68) of all time. More

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      ‘We live in a time of wet wipes’ – Fans slam ‘nonsense’ ITV after apologising as X-rated comment overheard on live feed

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      FANS slammed “nonsense” ITV for apologising after an X-rated comment was heard on live TV.The incident occurred moments before Liverpool faced Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.ITV issued an apology after swearing was heard ahead of Liverpool vs NewcastleCredit: ReutersBoth sides were cheered onto the pitch by fans ahead of kick-off.And with the game set to get underway, Arne Slot and Eddie Howe’s men both gathered in separate pre-match huddles.However, cameras close by the players managed to pick up some unwanted audio.A swear word was heard by Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk urging his side on to victory.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “We worked so hard to be here. Let’s f***ing do this together, come on.”And moments later ITV produced an apology to anyone offended by the bad language, with fellow broadcasters Sky Sports also saying sorry live on air.But that itself drew backlash from supporters, who felt there was no need for an apology.One fan said: “We live in a time of wet wipes.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother declared: “Stop apologising for bad language when covering sports.“You poked a camera into a team talk, what did you expect?”Iconic London landmark lit up by Newcastle stars in incredible projection show ahead of Carabao Cup finalOne noted: “Utter nonsense by ITV.”Another boomed: “If that offends you switch off the footy and watch Songs of Praise.”One cried: “It’s not tiddly winks, people are about to watch a game full of emotions.”Another added: “I’d have been surprised if there hadn’t been swearing!” More

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      Bundesliga clash delayed by nearly an HOUR in row over ultras’ banners as stadium announcer begs for help

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      EINTRACHT FRANKFURT’s Bundesliga clash with VfL Bochum was delayed by 50 minutes following a dispute between ultras and security staff.The Europa League quarter-finalists were due to take on hosts VfL Bochum at 2:30pm UK time.Eintracht Frankfurt banners were deemed to cover emergency exitsCredit: ReutersOfficials pleaded with the Eintracht supportersCredit: APThe match was delayed, however, due to an issue with the Eintracht Frankfurt fans’ banners.Stadium security determined that the banners were blocking emergency exits.This was therefore deemed a safety hazard, thus preventing the game from being able to kick-off.Players were sent back to their dressing rooms as staff pleaded with fans to take the banners down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA stadium announcement warned supporters that the game would not be able to take place if the banners remained in place.The tannoy announcer stressed: “That isn’t in your interests or ours.”Following extensive talks the banners were finally taken down.Players were then able to re-emerge for a second full warm-up, with the game finally kicking off 50 minutes late.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIn December, VfL Bochum’s clash with Union Berlin was mired with controversy.The game initially finished 1-1, with outfielder Philipp Hofmann having to go in goal after stopper Patrick Drewes felt unable to continue after being struck by a lighter from the crowd.Cologne star Anthony Ujah celebrates goal by grabbing horns of goat mascot Bochum chiefs opted to appeal the referee’s decision to resume the match.The German football federation’s sports court accepted their case and awarded them a 2-0 victory.Head of the court Stefan Oberholz claimed that they had “no other choice”.Eintracht raced into a 2-0 half-time lead in today’s match.Rasmus Kristensen put them one up in the 27th minute, with Jean-Matteo Bahoya doubling their advantage shortly after the half hour.Bochum then pulled one back but ex-Chelsea star Michy Batshuayi clinched a 3-1 victory for the visitors with a goal in stoppage time.Eintracht Frankfurt raced into a 2-0 lead at VfL BochumCredit: Rex More