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      Gary Lineker ‘apologises unreservedly’ over Insta post likening supporters of Israel to rats as BBC urged to sack him

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      GARY Lineker has “apologised unreservedly” after sharing a pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats.The outgoing Match of the Day host sparked fury over the Instagram post, which has since been deleted.Gary Lineker has ‘apologised unreservedly’ for an offensive Instagram postCredit: GettyA rat has been used as an anti-Semitic insult referring to language used by Nazi Germany to characterise Jewish people.The rat accompanied footage of a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer attacking the war in Gaza with the caption “Zionism explained in two minutes.”In a statement, Lineker said: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references.”I very much regret these references.Read more Sport”I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.”The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue.”Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters.”I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.Most read in Football”It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly.”The director general of the BBC said people need to follow the broadcaster’s social media rules when asked about the row involving the Lineker post.Gary Lineker says BBC wanted him to quit MOTD to ‘change programme’ – despite star ‘um-ing & ah-ing’ about stayingTim Davie, after giving a wide-ranging speech, speaking of trust, disinformation and impartiality, was asked if Lineker had broken the BBC’s rules.Speaking at The Lowry arts centre in Salford, Mr Davie said: “The BBC’s reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.”And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that.”Lineker’s agent told the BBC the presenter immediately deleted the post when he learned about the image’s symbolism, which he had previously not appreciated.Lineker was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.He was also among 500 other high-profile figures who signed an open letter in February urging the BBC, to re-broadcast a documentary, Gaza: How To Survive A War Zone, to BBC iPlayer.Read More on The SunLast November Lineker announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day, but will still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.He is the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.Gary Lineker released a statement following accusations of anti-SemitismCredit: Getty More

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      Real Madrid ‘ask Liverpool to release Trent Alexander-Arnold early for FREE’ to play in Club World Cup

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      REAL MADRID have cheekily asked Liverpool to RELEASE Trent Alexander-Arnold before his contract expires so he can play in the Club World Cup, according to reports.The lifelong Reds fan is set to end his love affair with the club in the summer upon the expiration of his contract.Trent Alexander-Arnold officially announced his imminent Liverpool exit last monthCredit: EPAReal Madrid have reportedly asked the Reds if they can release the defender on a free so he can be in their Club World Cup squadCredit: REXA move to Spanish giants Real has been on the cards for several years, although Los Blancos have yet to make a formal offer for the defender.The Euro titans, however, are said to be keen on adding the England international to their squad as soon as possible.And The Telegraph claim they’ve enquired about the possibility of Liverpool releasing the fullback for “FREE”.Real are said to have contacted Kop chiefs in the wake of Alexander-Arnold’s announcement of his Anfield departure.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSReal reportedly also want to have the 26-year-old embedded in the team before they jet out for the stateside Club World Cup, which gets underway on June 14.And Los Blancos chief Florentino Perez is also said to be keen on parading the imminent marquee signing before the 32-team competition commences.Alexander-Arnold could potentially forgo the final month of his salary to facilitate an early exit.Liverpool, however, will ultimately have the final say over the defender leaving on a free as they hold his registration rights until his contract expires on June 30.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTrent Alexander-Arnold was subjected to a chorus of boos when he came on against ArsenalCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold was showered with BOOS from sections of the Anfield faithul when he came on as a second-half substitute in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal last Sunday.Some fans continued to boo their academy product every time he touched the ball during his 20-minute cameo.Trent Alexander-Arnold BOOED by Liverpool fans after boyhood fan confirmed he’s leaving in weeksKop chief Arne Slot defended disgruntled fans’ treatment of Alexander-Arnold after the match.He told Sky Sports: “In general and in life, the good thing about living in Europe is that everybody can have their opinion and that’s the same here in Liverpool.”There were people that were not so happy with him. There were a lot of people who were happy with him, they clapped for him.”A few of them booed. I think everybody is allowed to have their opinion.”Towards the end, I think more and more people were positive.Arne Slot defended Reds fans’ right to boo Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: AP”But for me, it’s simple. I owe it to the team and to the fans, to everyone, to play a team that can win a game of football.”And Trent showed why I brought him in because he had two or three incredible balls.”We were very close to winning it, partly because of him, so for me, it’s not that difficult.Read More on The Sun”For the fans, they have the reaction they want but I will always back my players.”The one that I lead, the ones that wear a red shirt. I will always back them, no matter what.” More

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      Eni Aluko left off punditry duty for all three Uefa finals after Ian Wright row as full TNT Sports line-up revealed

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      ENI ALUKO will not feature as a pundit for any of the European finals following her public bust-up with Ian Wright.The former England Women’s star insinuated some male pundits, like Wright, risked blocking opportunities for women by taking up space in women’s sports.Eni Aluko will not feature for TNT Sports in any of the three European finalsCredit: PAAluko apologised to Ian Wright after insinuating he risked blocking opportunities for female punditsCredit: AlamyWright subsequently rejected Aluko’s apology, stating he felt upset given the support he has shown her in the past.Now Aluko has been left off punditry duty by TNT Sports, so will not feature at the Champions League final, nor the Europa League and Conference League finals.Aluko, 38, has appeared regularly as a pundit on Conference League matches featuring her former side Chelsea.She provided analysis for matches against Panathinaikos, Noah, and Copenhagen, but will be absent for Chelsea’s final clash with Real Betis.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAluko has also been used by TNT Sports for Premier League and WSL matches this season, but last worked on March 27.Since then she’s had a fall out with Wright after suggesting there is a “finite amount of opportunities” for women and “men need to be aware of that”.Aluko later said sorry after receiving a lot of backlash for her comments, but Wright said he could not accept her apology.He said: “I’m very disappointed by what Eni has said.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”She knows how I have helped her and supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management.”I’ve seen the apology on social media, but I can’t accept it, but I also want to move on from it. I don’t need any further social commentary directed at anyone.”Ian Wright says he ‘cannot accept’ Eni Aluko’s apology as Arsenal legend responds over women’s football punditry rowTNT Sports have confirmed their punditry and commentary line-ups for all three finals, with Peter Crouch also left off the roster for all three.Instead Rio Ferdinand will appear twice, including the Champions League final where he will be joined by Karen Carney and Owen Hargreaves.The former Manchester United star will be in attendance to see the Red Devils take on Tottenham in Bilbao – ex-Spurs hero Gareth Bale will be there for TNT Sports alongside Glenn Hoddle, Robbie Savage and Paul Scholes.Michail Antonio, Joe Cole, and Steve Sidwell have been picked for the Europa Conference League final.SunSport has contacted TNT Sports for comment.TNT Sports’ European finals teamsChampions League: Paris Saint-Germain vs Inter Milan – May 31Presenters: Reshmin Chowdhury & Laura WoodsPundits: Karen Carney, Rio Ferdinand, Owen HargreavesCommentary: Darren Fletcher & Ally McCoistReporter: Jules BreachEuropa League: Tottenham vs Manchester United – May 21Presenters: Jules Breach & Lynsey HipgravePundits: Gareth Bale, Rio Ferdinand, Glenn Hoddle, Robbie Savage, Paul ScholesCommentary: Darren Fletcher & Ally McCoistReporter: Danny JamiesonEuropa Conference League: Chelsea vs Real Betis – May 28Presenter: Emma DoddsPundits: Michail Antonio, Joe Cole, Steve SidwellCommentary: Adam Summerton & Lucy WardReporter: Becky IvesRio Ferdinand will be a pundit at two European finals for TNT SportsCredit: PA More

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      Reading takeover finally COMPLETED as crisis club release statement after being saved from brink of going bust

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      THE takeover of Reading FC has officially been completed.Redwood Holdings Limited have finally put pen to paper on a deal that sees them acquire 100 per cent of the League One club.The takeover of Reading has finally been completedCredit: GettyAs a result, Rob Couhig – the owner of the company – will become chairman.Co-owner Todd Trosclair has joined the board with immediate effect.A statement read: “The Club are pleased to announce that Redwood Holdings Limited – a subsidiary company of Dogwood LLC, owned by Rob Couhig and Todd Trosclair of New Orleans, Louisiana – has completed the acquisition of 100% of the shareholding in Reading Football Club.”The takeover, which has received EFL clearance, completed very early on Wednesday morning and includes the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park Training Ground.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Both Couhig and Trosclair will join the club’s board with immediate effect, with Rob Couhig being named as Chairman.”It concluded: “Redwood is ambitious and dedicated towards the club returning to its rightful place within the English football pyramid, while adhering to clear principles of honesty, transparency, and financial sustainability.”Further communication from Redwood will follow in due course.”Reading were on the verge of going bust before the takeover was confirmed.Most read in EFLFormer owner Dai Yongge purchased a 75 per cent stake in the club eight years ago but quickly became responsible for a series of financial issues.As a result, the Royals were hit with several points deductions and suffered relegation from the Championship in 2023.Reading fans take to the pitch to protest against owner Dai YonggeThe drop to League One prompted Dai to put Reading up for sale.Couhig expressed an interest in taking over earlier this year.By the time it was completed, the club had been up for sale for over 600 days. More

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      Liverpool hold secret meeting with Florian Wirtz as they look to hijack Man City’s transfer for £126m Leverkusen star

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      LIVERPOOL have held a secret meeting with Florian Wirtz in an effort to hijack Manchester City’s transfer, according to reports.The German superstar jetted in talks with the Citizens ahead of a potential £126million transfer.Liverpool are interested in Florian WirtzCredit: GettyThe German star could cost up to £126millionCredit: GettyPep Guardiola’s side were hoping to convince the attacking midfielder to choose the Etihad over Bayern Munich as the Bayer Leverkusen ace is as the No1 target to replace Kevin De Bruyne.The club had spoken to the player’s father and agent, Hans, ahead of what would be a British record transfer.The £126m fee would surpass the £115m that Chelsea forked out for Moises Caicedo from Brighton in 2023.However, fresh reports have claimed that Liverpool are ready to hijack the deal.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGerman outlet Bild claimed the Reds held a secret meeting with Wirtz on Tuesday.His contract at the BayArena is set to expire in 2027 but he is expected to move this summer.Bayern Munich are also heavily interested in signing the talented German international, 22.Bild also suggested the Bundesliga champions are confident that they will win the race for his signature.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIt claims that the club chiefs are “confident” that Wirtz will keep his “promise” and move to the Allianz Arena. Wirtz has excelled yet again this season despite Leverkusen failing to defend their Bundesliga title.Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong reveals why he snubbed Liverpool and chose Man City last time Reds tried to sign himThe midfielder has contributed ten goals and 12 assists in just 30 league appearances.Meanwhile, Man City have also approached AC Milan to sign Tijjani Reijnders, 26, although they are yet to submit a bid.Milan want around £60m for the Dutch midfielder, which would make him their biggest sale in their history.The two clubs still have a negotiation to complete over right-back Kyle Walker, 34, who is on loan at the Serie A outfit from City for the rest of the season.City are also interested in Nottingham Forest star Morgan-Gibbs White, 25.However, Newcastle will fight off any City attempt to sign England star Tino Livramento.The defender, 22, has shone since stepping up to become Toon’s first-choice right-back ahead of Kieran Trippier. More

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      Neymar splashes more than £1MILLION on personalised Ferrari family SUV to add to incredible car collection

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      NEYMAR has splashed out more than £1million on a personalised Ferrari SUV.The Santos star has added to his incredible car collection with another baby on the way.Neymar has added a luxury new car to his collectionCredit: NewsflashThe Brazilian has splashed out on a £1million FerrariCredit: NewsflashNeymar has personalised the vehicle with his nameCredit: NewsflashNeymar has bought an SUV with another baby on the wayCredit: NewsflashThe Santos star is expecting a fourth childCredit: NewsflashThe Ferrari Purosangue goes from 0-60mph in 3.2 secondsCredit: AlamyHe already owns a lavish selection of vehicles totalling millions of pounds, and recently showed off his latest addition.Neymar took to Instagram, sharing a photo of the black four-door, four-seater Purosangue.The trim on the inside of the car has been personalised to bear his name.The Ferrari, which cost Neymar just over £1m according to reports in Brazil, goes from 0-60mph in just 3.2 seconds.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is the latest luxury car Neymar has got his hands on and will fit nicely in his garage alongside his other extravagant motors.Neymar, 33, owns a £300,000 Rolls-Royce Ghost, and a Bentley Continental GT.He also possesses a Lamborghini Huracan with a top speed of 200mph while his Mercedes G Wagon and Aston Martin DBX, another SUV, cater to his large family.Neymar and his girlfriend Bruna Biancardi, 31, are expecting their second daughter after reuniting last year following a split.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSTheir first child, Mavie, was born in October 2023.Neymar has two other children – Davi Lucca, 13, and Helena, who is ten months old – born from different mothers, Carolina Dantas and Amanda Kimberlly.Neymar slashes team-mate’s tyres in response to harmless shoelace prank as fans say ‘that’s a bit extreme’Neymar also owns a Bentley Continental GTCredit: GettyThe Rolls Royce Ghost is one of his most prized possessionsCredit: GettyHis Lamborghini Huracan is one of the quickest cars in his collectionCredit: GettyThe Aston Martin DBX has plenty of room for his familyCredit: AlamyNeymar also owns a Mercedes G WagonCredit: Alamy More

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      Chelsea star Cole Palmer admits he threw up in the pool on holiday and got his hand stuck in a Pringles tube

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      COLE PALMER admitted to throwing up in a swimming pool on holiday during a bizarre quiz.He also once got his hand stuck in a Pringles tube – a revelation that left the Chelsea star’s sister Hallie in stitches.Cole Palmer once got his hand stuck in a Pringles tube as he joined sister Hallie for a quizThe Chelsea star also confessed to throwing up in a swimming pool on holidayCredit: AlamyPalmer, 23, was in good form as he joined his sibling for a lie detector test courtesy of crisp maker Pringles.The England and Blues ace is already a hit with fans thanks to his talent on the pitch.But Palmer is equally entertaining off it, recently delighting supporters with his passionate views on the ‘100 men vs a gorilla’ debate.This time, the Conference League finalist was hooked up to a lie detector before being asked a series of questions by his sister.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHallie, 24, is a social media influencer with a large following on TikTok.And she did not hold back with some hard-hitting questions.Watching her brother squirm, Hallie first asked: “Have you ever pretended to handle spice so you can show off?”But Palmer was not fazed as he replied: “Yeah, everyone has.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHowever, Hallie’s next question raised a smile from him.She posed: “Have you ever got your hand stuck in a Pringles tube?”Chelsea star Cole Palmer explains how 100 versions of himself would beat one gorillaTo which Palmer, reluctantly, answered: “Yeah, at the bottom, but not for long obviously, you get out.”The Chelsea hero then failed the next question after being asked about his famous ‘chippy chips’, answering “no” to: “Would you ever eat chippy chips-flavoured Pringles?”Finally, Palmer encouraged Hallie to ask him about a holiday faux pas.He urged her: “Ask the pool one, we always debate about that.”Hailed said: “OK, have you ever thrown up in the pool on holiday?”And quick as a flash, while also looking pleased with himself, Palmer simply exclaimed: “Yes!” More

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      Emotional moment Eddie Howe chokes up as he thanks hero NHS staff who cared for him during pneumonia battle

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      EDDIE HOWE choked up as he returned to the hospital where he was treated for pneumonia.The Newcastle manager was hospitalised in April and was forced to miss three matches as he fought the severe infection.Eddie Howe has visited the hospital where he was treated for pneumoniaCredit: x @premierleagueHe thanked many of the medical staff who helped treat himCredit: x @premierleagueHe missed three Premier League games while he was hospitalisedCredit: x @premierleagueHe gave a Burnley shirt to his consultant who supports the clubCredit: x @premierleagueHowe, 47, made his return to the dugout as the Magpies beat Ipswich 3-0.He has since overseen his side’s draw against Brighton and win over Chelsea to boost their hopes of Champions League qualification.The manager returned to the hospital where he was treated to thank the medical staff.Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given joined him as he spoke to doctors and nurses.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIn a video shared by the Premier League, Howe could be seen thanking the workers who helped him.The English boss showed his gratitude to the many workers with kind words of thanks and hugs.He even spoke to one doctor who admitted he was more nervous treating Howe due to his love of Newcastle.Howe was given the chance to video call his consultant, Charlotte, and offer her a special gift.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Burnley supporter was gifted a Clarets shirt by Howe, who managed the club between 2011 and 2012.The Magpies boss also invited Charlotte to St James’ Park when Burnley visit next season.How Newcastle bamboozled Chelsea in battle for Champions League He was very grateful for all the help he receivedCredit: x @premierleagueHe started to choke up when speaking to his consultantCredit: x @premierleagueHe said: “Just for a massive thank you for how you and your team looked after me. Really grateful”To which Charlotte joked: “I don’t wish to do it again but it was a pleasure.”Howe then admitted that he was “getting a bit emotional” as he choked up over the phone call.He also spoke about how he was doing with Given in the car on the way to the hospital.He said: “I am feeling pretty good. Every day I feel stronger.”I was seen to straight away and was diagnosed really quickly with pneumonia and the scan has come back with something on it.”And that treatment would start straight away.”Howe is now back in the dugout for NewcastleCredit: Alamy More