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      Liverpool 1 Newcastle 2: Jubilant Toon finally end 70 years of heartache to win Carabao Cup in week from hell for Reds

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      SO it turns out that this is Dan Burn’s world and the rest of us should be grateful just for living in it.Two days after earning his first England call-up at the age of 32, the 6ft 7in boyhood Newcastle fan headed the goal which propelled his club to their first domestic trophy in 70 years. Dan Burn spearheaded Newcastle’s Wembley gloryCredit: GettyThe Toon ended their 70-year wait for a trophyCredit: AFPAlexander Isak got Newcastle’s second of the afternoonCredit: MatchDay Images LimitedThe players joined together at the end to celebrateCredit: AFPBurn let out the emotion as the full-time whistle blewCredit: APSuspended Anthony Gordon ran on the pitchCredit: PABruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier lifted the trophyCredit: GettyThe bloke with the same lanky stature as the Angel of the North will soon be having his likeness cast in bronze outside St James’ Park after this glorious afternoon for the Toon.When the Saudi cash rolled into Newcastle three years ago, Burn was at Brighton and believed he would never fulfil his dream of pulling on the black-and-white stripes. Yet here he was powering home the first-half header which sent Eddie Howe’s side on their way to Carabao Cup Final victory over the runaway Premier League leaders. Liverpool looked flat and fatigued after their Champions League exit against Paris St Germain on Tuesday night. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd if they didn’t have such a commanding 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League, Arne Slot’s men would be fearing a complete meltdown.  Newcastle – who lost in this final to Manchester United two years ago, and hadn’t won a Wembley final since the 1955 FA Cup – took full advantage, Alexander Isak thumping home the second shortly after the interval. Burn, called up by new England chief Thomas Tuchel for the Wembley World Cup qualifying double-header against Albania and Latvia, is renowned as one of the nicest men in football. The former Asda shelf-stacker has been living the dream since signing for Newcastle in 2022 but these past three days have played out like the wildest of fantasies. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Geordie Arabia boys were well worth this victory – never allowing Liverpool to settle early on, then overwhelming them either side of the break.   Howe became the first English manager to win a major English trophy in 17 years, since Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth won the FA Cup in 2008. Newcastle fans take over Covent Garden ahead of Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and bid to end 70-year trophy waitThe Newcastle manager had been Redknapp’s first signing as manager at Fratton Park but left long before that Wembley success.But while Liverpool love to tell us that ‘This Means More’ to their club, there was no doubt which set of supporters were more fired up for this final. The Toon Army had taken over Covent Garden, doubtless serenading them with operatic versions of The Blaydon Races and We Are The Geordie Boot Boys.  Before kick-off, there was a wall of noise and a display of 32,000 black-and-white scarves one end and near silence from the other end, until Liverpool fans woke up for their traditional booing of the national anthem. Carabao Cup final ratingsNEWCASTLE ended their 70-year trophy drought in style by beating Premier League champions-elect Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.The 2-1 scoreline flattered the Reds in truth, with Eddie Howe’s Toon having produced a sensational performance to flatten runaway league leaders.Local lad Dan Burn, fresh off his first England call-up, rose highest to head his boyhood club into the lead on the stroke of half-time.Alexander Isak then deservedly doubled Newcastle’s lead shortly after the break.The Toon could have further increased their advantage, only for forgotten man Federico Chiesa to hand Liverpool a late lifeline on 94 minutes.But that goal was unable to spur a further comeback as Newcastle saw out the remaining added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Liverpool players and Gary Stonehouse rated the Newcastle players.Newcastle had lost five Wembley finals since Jackie Milburn & Co triumphed in 1955, so this was a long overdue trophy for their passionate supporters.Howe, missing his first-choice left-side through an injury to Lewis Hall and Anthony Gordon’s ban, chose Nick Pope in goal, the England keeper having missed the 2023 final. It was a decent start from Newcastle, with no sense of them freezing on the big stage as they did in defeat by United two years ago. Sandro Tonali shot narrowly wide from an Isak pass before Ibrahima Konate denied the Swede a clear chance by intercepting a Jacob Murphy centre.Liverpool looked jaded after extra-time and penalties against PSG and Howe’s men were winning plenty in midfield.Newcastle were lucky not to concede a penalty when Kieran Trippier handled in the box, stopping the ball from reaching Luis Diaz. Neither ref John Brooks nor VAR Stuart Attwell were interested and the Toon took full advantage of their let-off.When Joelinton halted one Liverpool break with a tackle on Jarell Quansah, the Geordies celebrated as if their team had scored.And then, on the stroke of half-time, they did. Trippier’s corner went deep and Burn was virtually unmarked, 14 yards out when he headed back across goal into the far corner. After his England call-up on Friday, the giant Northumbrian must have been wondering when he will wake up from all of this.Burn was left completely unmarked in the penalty areaCredit: GettyHis effort nestled into the bottom cornerCredit: ReutersIsak swept a superb finish in soon after half-timeCredit: RexFederico Chiesa pulled a goal back in injury timeCredit: APEddie Howe roared his delight as his side took control of the finalCredit: ReutersBefore the break, Liverpool finally had a shot, although Diogo Jota screwed his shot wide after Mo Salah’s break down the right.Newcastle were straight back at it after the break. First a Trippier corner was helped on by Joelinton to Burn whose shot was pushed out by Caoimhin Kelleher for Isak to tap in – only for an offside flag to rule the effort out. Still, it didn’t matter because Isak netted again a minute later and this time it counted. Tino Livramento motored down the left and centred for Murphy to win a big header, allowing the Swede to lash home from close range. Liverpool were being overrun and the black-and-white half of Wembley was in rapture.Curtis Jones, newly arrived as a sub, had a powerful shot brilliantly saved by Pope. Soon after, it ought to have been 3-0 when Kelleher pushed out a close-range Isak volley. The Toon Army were clearly anxious, the weight of miserable history on their shoulders. And four minutes into injury-time, the nerves were properly jangling when Federico Chiesa raced through and slotted home for Liverpool. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Italian’s effort was originally flagged offside but VAR overruled, setting up a severely nervous climax.Burn was an absolute colossus. At this rate, he’ll be lifting the World Cup for England in New Jersey next summer.Newcastle’s fans produced a wall of noise at WembleyCredit: EPATV duo Ant and Dec went wild in the standsCredit: ReutersAlan Shearer also joined in the celebrationsCredit: MatchDay Images LimitedLiverpool struggled to lay a glove on their inspired opponentsCredit: GettyArne Slot had a nightmare week with two cup exitsCredit: GettyJoelinton looked fired up from the first whistleCredit: GettyLiverpool’s frustration at the end was clear to seeCredit: APBurn was all smiles as victory was sealedCredit: ReutersGetting his hands on the trophy capped off a dream week following his England call-upCredit: AFPThe Magpies heroes etched their names into the history booksCredit: AFP More

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      Liverpool vs Newcastle LIVE RESULT – Carabao Cup final: Wembley erupts as Toon FINALLY end 70-year trophy drought

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      NEWCASTLE have beaten Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final to END their 70-year trophy drought!Boyhood fan Dan Burn headed the dominant Magpies in front on the stroke of half-time.Alexander Isak then doubled the lead eight minutes into the second half with a fine half volley as Wembley erupted into wild celebrations.But Federico Chiesa pulled one back for Liverpool after a lengthy VAR check in injury time to set up a nervy finale.Kick off time: 4.30pm GMTTV channel: ITV1/Sky Sports Main EventFREE live stream: ITVXLiverpool team: Kelleher; Quansah, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Luis Diaz; Diogo JotaNewcastle team: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, BarnesCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL the action from Wembley with our live blog below…Tindall leaves fans in stitchesFANS have been left in stitches after Jason Tindall grabbed the limelight during Newcastle’s Carabao Cup trophy lift.The Newcastle assistant joined the team to parade the cup after a famous 2-1 win over Liverpool.And fans were in hysterics as Tindall cut the line and was the FOURTH person to receive the trophy.One fan laughed: “Jason Tindall the fourth person affiliated to Newcastle lifting the trophy. The devil works hard but Tindall works harder.”Another wrote on X: “Love how Jason Tindall got to lift the trophy before most of the Newcastle players.”While a third commented: “How many people do we think Jason Tindall has rattled tonight by helping Newcastle lift the trophy?”Copy linkCopiedMatch statsThe Toon were dominant against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.Despite giving the opposition the ball, they created more chances and were deserved winners.Copy linkCopiedIt’s a Brazilian affairNewcastle’s Brazilian connection were the stars of Newcastle’s midfield.Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes bossed the centre of the park for the Toon at Wembley.And they couldn’t wait to show off the Brazilian flag after their famous win.Copy linkCopiedWinner’s medalsHarvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy show off their winner’s medals.The pair were instrumental in Newcastle United’s success over Liverpool.Copy linkCopiedAnt & Dec timeANT & DEC got plenty of screen time as Newcastle beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.The Toon triumphed 2-1 to end their astonishing 70-year trophy drought at Wembley.As Newcastle’s most famous fans, comedy duo Ant & Dec were never going to miss the match.And broadcasters Sky Sports couldn’t resist showing several shots of the jubilant pair.One fan wrote on social media: “We’ve seen Ant and Dec more times than Salah today. This is ASTONISHING.”To which a second replied: “Is Salah on the pitch?”Copy linkCopiedInside Newcastle’s dressing roomNEWCASTLE players got the party started in the Wembley changing rooms – after ending 70 years of hurt.Toon stars danced and drank out of the Carabao Cup after a dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool at the Home of Football.Goal hero Dan Burn showed off his dance moves.While Sean Longstaff was seen drinking out of the Carabao Cup.Copy linkCopiedProud FenderProud Sam Fender might have been on tour in Berlin, but that didn’t stop him from cheering on the Toon.The Geordie songwriter cheered on his beloved team, and shared a poignant ,message on Instagram.He captioned an emotional pic: “Best day ever. We deserved it. 70 Years. The Clock has been reset. Howay the lads.”Copy linkCopiedParty time in NewcastleNewcastle fans are out on the Toon – celebrating their side’s famous win.Expect a few sore headed tomorrow morning.Copy linkCopiedHowe’s reactionHowe is the first Englishman since Harry Redknapp in 2008 to lift major silverware.Though it was the club’s long wait for silverware that inspired his team to go right at league leaders Liverpool from the off.He added: “We were well aware of the history and we wanted to do the club proud. We wanted to score, we wanted to perform and we wanted to win.“We are breaking new ground, I thought we were magnificent.Howe, whose side will be back in Europe next term after this triumph, added: “I am very very emotional and been all day which is unlike me.“We knew what was at stake today for all of our fans, we wanted to do them proud and win the trophy.“I am so, so pleased with the result and the performance – we deserved to win today.“It was tough when Liverpool scored. I was thinking about extra time, we always make it difficult for ourselves it was never going to be 2-0.”Copy linkCopiedNewcastle’s set-piecesBoss Eddie Howe claimed he was in complete shock when Burn scored – because he’d been pants in set-piece practice.He said: “We worked consistently for two weeks on set plays just for this game and if you had seen us in practice you would have said we had no chance.“We couldn’t believe Dan Burn scored – he didn’t train like that! He was a colossus for us.”Copy linkCopiedClassy Van DijkVIRGIL VAN DIJK was praised for his classy gesture just moments after Liverpool lost the Carabao Cup final.Despite the painful defeat, Van Dijk took time out of his misery to congratulate the newly-crowned champions.Ex-Liverpool left-back Stephen Warnock said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “There was an embrace between Virgil Van Dijk and Dan Burn.”Van Dijk stood at the Newcastle huddle – he went around and shook every player’s hand.”He respected what Newcastle have done today.”Class. A sign of respect for Newcastle.”Copy linkCopiedBurn’s best weekFellow goal hero Dan Burn says he is expecting to wake up from the best dream of his life.After capping a first England call-up by helping his boyhood club to glory, he said: “I’ve had worse weeks!“I don’t want to go to sleep because I feel like I am dreaming. “As soon as I headed it, I knew it was in. I don’t get many so at least I saved it for a big occasion. I feel strange the minute. It is hard to put into words.”Copy linkCopied’This is really just the start’Alexander Isak has spoken after ending Newcastle’s 70-year trophy drought.The Swede scored the Toon’s decisive second goal in a 2-1 win over Liverpool.He said: “This is really just the start.“We will see more from the fans and what it means for the people when we get back to Newcastle. We are all aware of how long it’s been for the fans without a trophy.“This game is about moments and it’s not about being really good as a striker but it’s about being there to score when needed.”Copy linkCopiedGinola reactsToon icon David Ginola has taken to X to react to Newcastle’s historic win:Copy linkCopiedPlayer ratingsWho starred for the Geordies?Who went missing for the Reds when they needed him most? SunSport’s ratings for the Carabao Cup final are below.Copy linkCopiedMatch reportNewcastle have finally broken their Wembley hoodoo.They have won the Carabao Cup – with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool.Our chief sports writer, Dave Kidd was there.Read his match report below.Copy linkCopiedGuimaraes reactionBruno Guimaraes couldn’t hide his emotion after Newcastle won the Carabao Cup.Guimaraes told Sky Sports: “It’s all for these fans. They deserve everything. When I first came here I said I wanted to put my name in history.”We can now say we are the champions again. This is one of the best days of my life.”I don’t have any words. It’s the best day of my life. For them [the fans] it’s like the World Cup. People have grown up and not seen us as champions. My first year as captain of this club and it’s one of the best days. This is unbelievable.”This is my second home. We are making history. Some day when I leave this club I want the fans to sing my name the way they do to Shearer. He text me before the game. I’m so emotional today.”Copy linkCopiedEddie ready to lift first trophyWhat a moment this is personally for manager Eddie Howe.Despite his impressive career, this is the first time he has won a trophy.Much-malligned for not bring success to The Magpies since their Saudi takeover, he kept pressing forward beleving in his project.Now he gets to reap the rewards and give back to all the fans who stuck by him through thick and thin.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedFans get to see momentous occasionTo say you were at Wembley to see Newcastle lift a major trophy is something The Magpies fans thought would never happen.However, this is something that will live on iin the memory of these Geordie fans.This is just the beginning for these supporters, the party is just starting and may carry on for some time.Copy linkCopiedHowe’s Magpies secure historic winThere will be a lot of people missing from their jobs in North East tomorrow, that is for sure.Magpies’ fans will party like never before tonight and what a performance it was from their side.From start to finish Newcastle showed a hunger to end their trophy drought and Liverpool paid the price for it.Eddie Howe may well be given the freedom of the city after this.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: Liverpool 1-2 NewcastleWhat a moment for this football club.Having endured so much pain over the years, they have finally ended their trophy drought.Every one of these Magpies’ players have become heroes and legends of this football club today.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle win the Carabao CupCopy linkCopiedFT: Liverpool 1-2 NewcastleThe referee blows his whistle to end the game.Newcastle’s dreams have come true in the capital.Eddie Howe has taken his side to Carabao Cup glory.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 1-2 Newcastle90+10. There is a VAR review for some violent conduct.Joelinton threw Elliott to the ground to prevent an attack.The game continues as Liverpool launch it forward.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 1-2 Newcastle90+9. You could cut the tension with a knife in the Newcastle ends.They have waited so long for this moment but are worried that it will be stolen off them.Salah plays it forward but Burn ends clear and Willock runs into the corner.Copy linkCopied More

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      Dan Burn’s wild ride from LOSING FINGER aged 13 and working at Asda to driving Smart car and England call-up

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      THOMAS TUCHEL’S first England squad was full of surprises – but perhaps top of the list was his maiden call-up of 32-year-old Dan Burn.It completed an incredible journey for down-to-earth Burn, who worked for Asda as a teenager pushing trolleys around while his football career stalled.Dan Burn has completed a fairytale story having gone from struggling non-league player to England call-up and scoring in the Carabao Cup finalCredit: GettyBurn defied the odds having lost the ring finger on his right hand in a freak accident aged 13Credit: GettyFuture Newcastle hero Dan was a huge Toon fan as a kidCredit: Newcastle United FCDan Burn got his big break at Fulham, moving from non-league Darlington to the Premier League side in 2011Credit: PA:Empics SportThe Newcastle star could have his first Three Lions cap in the bag having been selected for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.And in so doing, he would be our nation’s oldest debutant since a 33-year-old Kevin Davies made his bow against Montenegro in October 2010.Burn has been shining for his much-loved Toon ever since joining Eddie Howe’s revolution in a £13million move from Brighton in February 2022.He enjoyed one of the peaks of his career with a goal in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.READ MORE SPORT STORIESThose who know him best will say his international recognition is richly-deserved, given the long and arduous path to get to this point. Burn was born in the Northumberland town of Blyth and was Magpies mad, having a season ticket at St James’ Park and heading down to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea in 2000.He was actually on Toon’s books as a kid but then suffered the heartbreak of being released by his boyhood club near Christmas 2003, aged 11.It was a devastating blow. Yet Burn admitted it was probably the right call when speaking to SunSport back in 2019.Most read in FootballIn typically self-deprecating style, the gentle giant said: “I was pretty c**p, if I’m honest.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBurn was a very different player back then, quite literally.Because of his gangly frame, fuelled by his regular diet of fish and chips, he was a goalkeeper up until the age of 14.Dan Burn wears glove on hand missing a finger leaving Newcastle team-mates in stitchesDisaster struck around that time when he caught his finger, which had a ring on it, climbing a fence.It resulted in him losing most of his ring finger on his right hand. Burn appeared to be hitting a brick wall too at that time with regards his ambitions to be a pro footballer, and played locally while studying for a sports diploma and working at Asda.The defender said: “Normally the lads who are getting picked up to play in the youth teams are getting picked up around 15,16. I didn’t end up signing for anyone.“I went to sixth form and went and did a little bit of work. I was working at Asda pushing trolleys.“If you had said then that I would be in the Premier League, I would have laughed at you.“It was a little bit more of a different route for me but it helped me become even more determined and focused.”Burns, in the orange bib with long hair, celebrates the 2011 FA Trophy win with his Darlington palsCredit: AlamyDan Burn went from strength to strength as a stalwart with WiganCredit: Getty Images – GettyDan Burn attracted Newcastle’s attention with his superb form for BrightonCredit: AFPDarlington signed him at 17 which was the break he needed just when it looked like the beautiful game was not going to work out for him. Life at Darlo was hardly one of glamour, with Burn washing his own kit and bringing in packed lunches. Although he did win the 2011 FA Trophy at Wembley on 2011 with a 1-0 win over Mansfield.All that stopped when he moved to the Premier League with Fulham in 2011, but even then there were question marks as to whether he would progress beyond the reserves. That was largely due to misconceptions about his ability and his size – which is something he has had to overcome throughout his career. Many people saw his towering frame as a negative, deeming him to be too big, too slow and too clumsy, when in reality he has always been a competent and composed footballer.He had loan spells at Yeovil and Birmingham before moving to Wigan in 2016.Yet when the Latics were relegated to League One a year later, they were prepared to sell Burn for a paltry £500,000 – but there were no takers.Chris Hughton eventually took him to Brighton 12 months on, for six times more at £3m after he excelled in the third tier, shackling Sergio Aguero in Wigan’s famous FA Cup victory over Manchester City that season.Former Newcastle boss Hughton exclusively told SunSport: “Most lads, when they move to a club, rent but Dan bought a place and that showed his commitment to the job that he was doing and for his opportunities. “When I brought him to Brighton, it was a difficult time for him because I had Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy as my main two so he didn’t play as many games as he would have liked.Burn, the Premier League’s tallest player, was famously spotted driving a tiny Smart car in 2022“Am I surprised by his call-up? In some ways, but in some ways, no. His application was always brilliant.”Yet it was when Graham Potter took over at the Amex that Burn’s career at the top level took flight, making him the tallest left-back the Premier League has ever seen.He has featured there a lot for Newcastle too, even though centre-back has always been his favoured position.At the heart of defence is where he has featured most this season and where he seems to have won over Tuchel, so it will be fascinating to see where the German plays him.His call-up is the latest step in a wild ride for Burn, who was not sure professional football was going to work out as a kid, from the lower leagues, to the Champions League with Newcastle and now England.Hughton added: “I’m happy for him. What I think Thomas sees in Dan is somebody that is playing in a very, very good team at the top level, playing Champions League games and he’s consistent in his performances.“He could play in a back three and of course he’s played as left-back. And surprisingly for somebody who’s that size, he’s also quick.“The fact he’s left-sided as well, I think that helps him. There will be a lot of left-sided central defenders who are right-footed. The fact that he’s left-footed gives a natural balance.”Burn’s club Newcastle have the richest owners in the world.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd yet the defender drives a relatively modest car – and a tiny one given his huge size.On New Year’s Eve 2022, Burn was spotted climbing out of a tiny £11k Smart ForTwo, much to supporters’ amusement. More

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      ‘Not on my bingo card’ – Eagle-eyed fans in stitches after spotting Ant & Dec’s Newcastle-themed scarf at Cup final

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      GEORDIE royalty have descended on London as Newcastle face Liverpool in the League Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.Among their number are legendary TV personalities Ant and Dec, the Newcastle-born hosts of ‘I’m a shows like ‘Saturday Night Takeaway’ and ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’Ant McPartlin shows his support for the MagpiesCredit: Sky SportsJason Tindall is a cult hero on TynesideCredit: GettyTV cameras picked the pair out sitting in a plush hospitality box, ready to watch their Magpies hunt for a first trophy for 70 years.But there was one key detail in Ant’s outfit that fans picked up on.He had donned a black-and-white scarf emblazoned with the face of Newcastle assistant manager Jason Tindall.Tindall has become something of a cult hero for Newcastle fans.Read more footballMemes about Tindall’s knack for getting on camera began to circulate last season.Eddie Howe’s assistant was often seen to take centre stage in the dugout, being the first to shake hands with opposition managers at full time.Fans were quick to comment on Ant’s choice of scarf.One wrote on X: “Ant & Dec wearing a scarf with Jason Tindall’s face on was not on by bingo card for today. Love it.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNewcastle partnered with shirt sponsor Sela to provide a scarf to every Geordie making the trip to London for the match.32,000 scarves were distributed, reading ‘Carabao Cup final 2025’ on one side and ‘Howay the lads’ on the other.Newcastle fans take over Covent Garden ahead of Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and bid to end 70-year trophy waitAnt & Dec predicted a win for Newcastle ahead of the final.They asked Dec’s daschund Rocky to choose between two balls, one black and one red, with the corresponding team winning.After some encouragement, Rocky chose the black ball, pointing to a Newcastle victory. More

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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