Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Australian radio DJ Marty Sheargold axed after ‘disgusting’ and ‘horrendous’ comments about women’s football

      by

      A RADIO presenter has been axed after he made shocking comments about women’s football.Aussie DJ Marty Sheargold made several “disgusting” remarks aimed at the women’s national team while interjecting a sports bulletin on his show.A DJ has been axed for ‘disgusting’ remarks aimed at the Australia women’s teamCredit: AFPThe 53-year-old claimed he would “rather hammer a nail through the head of his penis” than watch the team in next year’s Asian Cup.He compared the players to “year 10 girls” with “all the infighting and all the friendship issues”.The comments came during an update on the Matildas at the SheBelieves Cup.Sheargold interrupted, saying: “Oh, she believes in what? It better be men.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe stand-up comic added he was “sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that’s what I think of it.”Referring to the 2023 World Cup held Down Under, he continued: “There’s something wrong with the Matildas. They had that wonderful tournament out here where we all fell in love with them, even though they didn’t make the quarters.”Sheargold later “sincerely apologised” and was set to appear on his show today – only to be taken off air by Triple M.The station said: “It takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders, and clients seriously and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience.Most read in Football”Right now, it’s clear this is a moment for reflection and review. Triple M, and the wider SCA network, will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff.”Matildas stars Alex Chidiac and Clare Wheeler slammed Sheargold’s comments as “sick”.Mary Earps wins SPOTY as Lioness makes history after England World Cup final run, Hockey ace Rosie Malone said they were “disgusting” and “horrendous”.The Australian FA wrote: “They not only diminish the extraordinary achievements and contributions of our women’s national football team but also fail to recognise the profound impact they have had on Australian sport and society”. More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Zinedine Zidane makes £4MILLION investment in new sport as Real Madrid legend contemplates next move

      by

      ZINEDINE ZIDANE has made a £4MILLION investment into a new sport project.The Real Madrid legend has been out of work since leaving the club as manager in 2021.Zinedine Zidane has invested in a padel centre in FranceCredit: SplashZidane, 52, has often been tipped with a return to management, with the likes of Manchester United and France suggested as options.But after winning three Champions League and two LaLiga titles he seems no closer to coming back to the dugout.The Frenchman is still busy away from the pitch and, according to Padel Paper, is taking a dive into a new sport.The outlet claims that Zidane has made a huge £4m investment into a new padel centre in France.READ MORE ON SPORTThe centre will feature 13 padel courts as well as two five-a-side football pitches and a beach volleyball court.Construction is expected to get started in early 2026.It will be built in the Aix-en-Provence with a second base also opening 50km west in Istres.Toulouges will be the fourth centre that Zidane has built.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has also got a hosting centre in Turin thanks to his ties to Juventus from his playing days.Racket sport padel originated in Mexico and has become hugely popular in recent years.Arsenal wonderkid Miguel Azeez stars opposite Zidane, Beckham and Pogba in Adidas Predator ad Zidane won three Champions League titlesCredit: GettyCristiano Ronaldo has enjoyed playing padelCredit: Instagram @cristianoCristiano Ronaldo has bought a racket centre in Lisbon after gaining interest.Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has also opened the doors to a centre in his homeland.Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted he is “addicted” to the sport.He told Wilson: “Padel is, besides football, the best game I’ve ever played.”I’ve only known it in the last five years or so, but since then, I’m really addicted to it.”You make big steps in a short period of time. It’s really fun to play.”Jurgen Klopp has called it the ‘best game’Credit: xZinedine Zidane’s managerial careerZinedine Zidane began his career in management in June 2014 when he was appointed coach of Real Madrid’s B team.Zizou spent 18 months in charge of Real Madrid Castilla before being given his shot at the big time following the sacking of Rafael Benitez.Zidane, 51, took charge of the first team in January 2016 and guided them to a second-place finish in his maiden season at the Bernabeu helm.But he went one better in the Champions League, sealing Real’s 11th European Cup triumph with a shootout victory over Atletico Madrid.The former Los Blancos star went one better in the league in the 2016-17 season, in which they also won the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.A second successive Champions League triumph also followed, with Real beating Italian giants Juventus at the Principality Stadium.He would create history the following season by becoming the first manager to win the tournament three times on the bounce.A 3-1 win over Liverpool saw Real become the first team to win Europe’s elite club competition three times in a row.Zidane announced his resignation five days after the final, insisting the club needed a “change” of direction.He would return to the Bernabeu in March 2019 following Santiago Solari and Julen Lopetegui’s short reigns.A return to the summit of Spanish football would follow in the 2019-20 season, in which Real also scooped the Spanish Super Cup.Zidane would leave the Bernabeu again in June 2021 after overseeing Real’s first trophyless season in 11 years.Zinedine Zidane’s Honours:- La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20- Supercopa de España: 2017, 2019–20- UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18- UEFA Super Cup: 2016, 2017- FIFA Club World Cup: 2016, 2017 More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I just want them to remember’ – Mo Salah gives biggest hint yet he will LEAVE Liverpool with contract running down

      by

      MOHAMED SALAH has dropped his biggest hint yet that his Liverpool reign will end this season.As things currently stand, the Egyptian phenomenon is set to depart the Reds on a free when his contract expires this summer.Mohamed Salah had dropped a massive hint that his time at Liverpool could be overCredit: TNT SportsSalah is enjoying a record breaking seasonCredit: PASalah wants to add a second Premier League title to his trophy collectionCredit: Getty Images – GettySalah admitted that he has produced the best individual season of his career as Liverpool sit 11 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Prem.His astonishing 41 goal contributions in the league, via 25 goals and 16 assists, has left manager Arne Slot with one hand on the title.Remarkably, it seems that won’t be enough to keep him at Anfield beyond the summer.Salah spoke with club legend Steve McManaman about his time at Liverpool ahead of Newcastle’s Merseyside trip on Wednesday.READ MORE LIVERPOOL NEWSThe 32-year-old – who is currently Liverpool’s third highest-ever goal scorer – shared his adoration for the historic club.But Salah was speaking in past tense and all but told fans that his days in Red are numbered as things stand.On his legacy, the winger told TNT Sports: “I just want fans to remember that I gave it all to the fans, I gave it all to the city. “I was here, I wasn’t lazy, I just enjoyed my football and gave it my all.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I think that’s what the city is about, they give you love, you have a connection with them.”I just want them to remember that I was here for eight years…or whatever.”Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai react to a BIG win for Liverpool at Manchester CitySalah broke SIX records when Liverpool dismantled Manchester City with ease on Sunday.McManaman then stressed the obvious fact that Liverpool fans want Salah to stay beyond eight years.The legendary Real Madrid midfielder – who works as a TNT commentator now – asked Salah if there’s been any developments with his contract.Salah smiled as he shook his head and added: “No, in a very polite way.”It’s not exactly a comforting update from the main man but of course Anfield chiefs Fenway Sports Group could offer him a new deal.Salah has been free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs since January and Saudi Arabia remain in the hunt.This is the fifth time Salah has dropped a subtle hint about leaving Liverpool this season.After beating Man City in December, he admitted: “Honestly that’s what’s in my head — this is in all probability the last City game I will play for Liverpool so I am just going to enjoy it.”Salah’s potential contract headache first made headlines after Liverpool smashed Manchester United 3-0 in September.He continued: “Nobody has talked to me yet about a contract so I am just like ‘I will play my last season and we will see in the summer.”The Egyptian scored his 241st goal on Sunday, which moved him joint-third on Liverpool’s all-time goalscoring list Gordon Hodgson.Ian Rush leads the way with 346 goals, Roger Hunt has 285.Asked if he’s planning to chase the goal-scoring records of Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane or Alan Shearer, Salah said: “Yeah if I stay in this country, I will think about it.”But so far I’m just thinking about winning the Premier League and we will see at the end of the season.”Mo Salah broke another six remarkable records on Sunday afternoonArsene Wenger advised Salah that great players can always be called upon to produce a match-winning moment, even if they’ve had underwhelming game.He said: “I try to be stable and understand that you won’t be at your best every single game. “But if you stay focused, maybe you’ll have one chance. I don’t engage in trash talking. I just need one chance and you will play for it.”If Salah does leave this summer, no other player would have left a Prem club on a bigger high.Salah added: “I think this season is my best season because I make the other players around me better as well.”If you look at all the numbers for my team-mates, they’re going to be higher than my previous seasons. My assists are higher.”If you look at that direction, I think that Cody Gakpo and others players are enjoying a good season.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOn the Ballon d’Or talk, Salah said: “Lets win the league and Champions League first.”Because with the Ballon d’Or, there’s sometimes other stuff involved there. I just want to win the Premier League.” More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Non-league clash ABANDONED after emergency at ground as freak fire sees game called off at last minute

      by

      A NON-LEAGUE match was postponed barely 40 minutes before kick-off last night due to a freak fire.Berkshire club Thatcham Town had been due to host Bideford AFC in the Southern League Division One South.The match had been scheduled to take place at Thatcham’s Waterside ParkCredit: Thatcham Town Football ClubWith the Devon part-timers having already made the three-hour trip east, the game was called off due to a floodlight catching fire.Providing a further update to supporters just 10 minutes before the game had been due to kick off, Bideford wrote on social media: “A floodlight caught fire and the fire brigade had to be called.”Therefore the game unfortunately had to be postponed just as we had arrived at the ground.”In footage subsequently circulating on social media, a fire engine could be seen arriving at Thatcham’s Waterside Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA further clip featured firemen inspecting the floodlight, which had smoke billowing from it.This morning, Thatcham posted a statement from chairman Paul Ayres offering a further statement.It read: “We regret to inform everyone that last night’s match had to be postponed due to an unexpected floodlight failure.”The floodlights had been on for approximately 30 minutes when, at around 18:50, one of the eight pylons faulted and blew, causing a small fire at the base of the pylon.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”The fire brigade responded swiftly and were on the scene quickly to extinguish the fire, ensuring everyone’s safety. However, due to the incident, it was not possible to continue with the match.”Our next steps involve arranging for a floodlight electrician to assess the damage and determine the necessary repairs to restore full functionality.”Police evict tennis fans and match suspended as ‘national emergency’ declared and stadium plunged into darkness No update has yet been given on when the rearranged fixture between Thatcham and Bideford will take place.Thatcham’s statement went on to acknowledge the inconvenience to their opponents.It added: “We sincerely apologise to Bideford AFC’s players, management, and supporters who made the long journey to us on a Tuesday night. We appreciate your understanding and will provide updates as soon as possible regarding the rescheduling of the fixture.”Thank you for your patience and support.”Ninth-tier Thatcham are scheduled to host Melksham Town on Saturday, although it is so far unclear whether floodlight issues could put the match in jeopardy.The Berkshire side are 21st in the 22-team table, having won just six of their 30 matches this season.Bideford, meanwhile, are safely mid-table in 14th. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League club boss admits arranging ‘cash for sex deal’ with teen girl he ‘raped at his home’

      by

      A PREMIER League club boss has admitted arranging a “cash for sex” deal with a teen girl he is accused of raping.The leading football figure, who cannot be named, is being sued by the alleged victim for aggravated damages.She claims she was raped by the man at his home when she was aged 15 after he invited her over to discuss a potential career opportunity.In High Court papers, the man admitted he had initiated a “cash for sex” arrangement while she was 16 or 17, The Athletic reports.He also claimed she had contacted him multiple times over the following years to offer sexual favours in return for money.His signed statement continued: “On the vast majority of occasions (he) has declined offers of sex, although he has engaged in sexual activity with the claimant on up to about 15 occasions in total over the years, for which he rewarded her with cash payments in line with her expectations.Read more news”On one occasion, the defendant engaged in sexual activity with both the claimant and her sister, both of whom were looking to earn some cash.”The football boss – anonymised in court as JZX – also branded her allegations as “dishonest and malicious”.The alleged victim came forward in 2021 claiming she was raped at his home when she was 15.But the man was not arrested and the case was left on file by the Crown Prosecution Service.Most read in FootballThis was due to a legal irregularity that meant the woman had waited too long to report the claims.Legislation at the time stated if the alleged offence took place between 1956 and 2004, and the complainant was a girl aged between 13 and 15, she had to make a report within a year.Although this was scrapped when the 2003 Sexual Offences Act came into place, it still applied if the alleged incident took place in the previous 48 years.She is suing the Premier League figure for aggravated damages for sexual assault and intentional infliction of injury.The woman claims that while he was showing her around the house, JZX subjected her to a “disgusting and traumatising” ordeal.She said in her own papers that he made her sit on his knee, told her she was a “good girl” and asked if she was a virgin.JZX then allegedly handed her £150 in three £50 notes after raping her.She says the alleged attack left her with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.The woman admits having sex on a number of occasions over the years but said she believed he would provide her with career opportunities “if she complied with his sexual demands”.READ MORE SUN STORIESJZX strongly denies the allegations and has stated the “implied contention that (he) might harm her or her family is wholly unfounded”.The BBC previously revealed how the boss was still in his post while awaiting the High Court trial.The leading figure in the Premier League has been accused of rape More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City set sights on Newcastle star Tino Livramento to replace Kyle Walker as summer transfer plans revealed

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY have set their sights on Newcastle star Tino Livramento, according to reports.The defender is viewed as a potential replacement for veteran Kyle Walker.Tino Livramento is reportedly wanted by Manchester CityCredit: RexHe could be the replacement for Kyle WalkerCredit: GettyWalker’s future at the Etihad appears to be over following his loan exit in January.The 34-year-old left Manchester City for AC Milan on a deal until the end of the season.The Telegraph has claimed that Livramento is being monitored by Pep Guardiola’s side.The former Southampton ace has excelled since his arrival at St James’ Park in 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe joined Newcastle on a five-year contract in a transfer worth £32million.Livramento, 22, has since made 50 appearances for the Magpies in the Premier League.He even earned his first international cap for England in the 5-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in November.Livramento overcame a horror ACL injury that he suffered against Brighton in 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe report has also suggested that Livramento is not the only full-back target.It is claimed that Man City are also considering a move for Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso.Micah Richards reveals he supports two Premier League teams but it ‘depends if I’m off air or on air’ Andrea Cambiaso is also under consideration by Man CityCredit: GettyCambiaso, 25, joined the Old Lady in 2022 but spent his first season out on loan at Bologna.He has since established himself in Turin and has earned 13 caps for Italy since March 2024.Man City are also said to be interested in adding a new No8 to the squad.The incoming star would be a replacement for veteran llkay Gundogan.The German, 34, is on course to trigger a one-year extension to his contract.He has struggled to show his previous form since he returned to the club from Barcelona.The midfielder has recently received interest from Galatasaray with the Turkish club willing to offer him a two-year deal.Manchester City squad agesHere is a look at the ages in Manchester City’s squad…Goalkeepers: Ederson, 31Stefan Ortega, 32Scott Carson, 39Defenders: Ruben Dias, 27Manuel Akanji, 29Nathan Ake, 30John Stones, 30Vitor Ries, 19Abdukodri Khsanov, 20Jahmai Simpson-Pursey, 19Josko Gvardiol, 23Rico Lewis, 20Kyle Walker, 34 – On loan at AC MilanMidfielders: Rodri, 28Matheus Nunes, 26Mateo Kovacic, 30Nico Gonzalez, 23Ilkay Gundogan, 34Bernardo Silva, 30Kevin de Bruyne, 33Claudio Echeverri, 19James McAtee, 22Attackers:Jeremy Doku, 22Jack Grealish, 29Phil Foden, 24Savinho, 20Oscar Bobb, 21Erling Haaland, 24Omar Marmoush, 26Average age: 26.6 More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd have splurged £1.6BILLION on transfers since Sir Alex Ferguson left as Big Six’s eye-watering spends revealed

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have splurged a staggering £1.6BILLION on transfers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.And despite their enormous outlay, they have never felt so far away from competing for the Premier League title.Mason Mount has played just 237 minutes of Prem football this seasonCredit: GettyRasmus Hojlund has scored two goals this termCredit: GettyCasemiro remains under contract until June 2026Credit: GettyRuben Amorim’s lowly flops are 15th in the Prem table, with the Portuguese boss even suggesting that his players are partially to blame for mass job cuts behind the scenes at Old Trafford.Throughout the post-Ferguson era, the Red Devils have attempted to throw money at their problems – forking out huge transfer fees and wages every summer.But having never previously addressed their football structure behind the scenes, United’s scatter-gun strategy has consistently yielded disastrous results.Amorim’s current crop includes £60m Casemiro, £64m Rasmus Hojlund, £55m Mason Mount and £85m Harry Maguire, to name just a few.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFollowing a decent first season, Casemiro’s form has dropped off a cliff, yet United remain liable for his eye-watering £350,000 a week salary until June 2026.Hojlund, meanwhile, has managed just two Premier League goals this season, and Mount just 237 minutes of game time amid constant injury woes.Maguire’s form has also fluctuated wildly, with the Red Devils having previously tried to flog him to West Ham.United misfits Antony and Jadon Sancho are both out on loan, having cost nearly £160m in transfer fees and £450,000 per week in wages between them.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAntony struggled throughout his Old Trafford stayCredit: ReutersJadon Sancho never delivered on his price tagCredit: GettyLiverpool and Arsenal, the Premier League’s top two, have spent £1.12bn and £1.26bn on transfer fees since Ferguson’s retirement – significantly less than Man Utd.Yet they find themselves streets ahead, despite also having smaller wage bills than the Red Devils, per FBref.Erik ten Hag reveals he HAS returned to work and may never go back to management after Man Utd sackingOnly Manchester City, winners of six of the last seven Prem titles, have a higher wage bill than United.Pep Guardiola’s men have spent £1.74bn since Fergie’s United departure, but have the silverware to show for it.In the same period Chelsea, who judging by last night’s fan protests have problems of their own, have spent £2.37bn on transfers, while Tottenham have forked out £1.21bn.United’s current crop includes plenty of high-profile flops, but such a phenomenon is nothing new.A then-world record £89m was spent on Paul Pogba, £35m on Donny van de Beek, £75m on Romelu Lukaku, £59.7m on Angel Di Maria…The list could go on and on.In the first post-Ferguson season, United chiefs handed David Moyes £65m to spend on Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata.Since that campaign, the Red Devils have only spent less than £119m in a season twice – forking out an average of £140m on new players per year.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince his arrival 12 months ago, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been on a controversial cost-cutting drive that has seen hundreds lose their jobs – but the football side of the business continues to cost fortunes without the returns to show for it.It has been 12 years since Man Utd’s last Premier League title and if they do not improve their recruitment, it is hard to see when their next one will come.Paul Pogba cost a then-world record £89million from JuventusCredit: Rex FeaturesDonny van de Beek never hit the heights at Old TraffordCredit: PA More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool boss Arne Slot BANNED over Merseyside derby chaos as he’s set to miss crunch Premier League matches

      by

      LIVERPOOL boss Arne Slot has been handed a two-match touchline ban following his Merseyside derby red card earlier this month.The Dutchman, 46, was sent off by referee Michael Oliver after the final whistle following a frenetic 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park.Arne Slot was sent off at the end of the Merseyside derbyCredit: ReutersThe Dutchman had spoken to Michael Oliver at the end of the gameCredit: GettySlot subsequently admitted he had let “emotions get the better of me” after what was understood to be a four-letter blast at both officials following Everton’s stoppage-time equaliser and suggested he would act “differently” in future.And after admitting a charge of “improper conduct” at an independent FA disciplinary hearing Slot has now been given the two match suspension and fined £70,000.Assistant Sipke Hulshoff has also accepted a similar charge and will serve a two-match touchline ban alongside Slot, beginning tonight.Slot has continued to be on the touchline for Liverpool’s subsequent games against Wolves, Aston Villa and Manchester City, due to the FA taking time to examine the referee’s report.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he will now begin his ban for this evening’s Anfield clash with Newcastle.Slot will return to the touchline for the Champions League match-up with Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday, due to it being a Uefa competition and thus not being included in the FA’s suspension.He and Hulshoff will then serve the second game of their touchline bans for Liverpool’s home match with Southampton on March 8.While Reds boss has been fined £70k, Hulshoff will have to pay £7,000.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFormer Everton star Johnny Heitinga will take charge of LiverpoolCredit: PA:Empics SportAn FA spokesman added: “The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for these sanctions will be published in due course.”Should the decision have been delayed a further 24 hours, Slot’s two-match ban would have seen him missing the Carabao Cup final.Liverpool boss Arne Slot breaks silence on red card controversy and mystery over ban His first Prem game back on the touchline will be the Reds’ homne reverse fixture against Everton.In Slot and Hulshoff’s temporary absence, former Everton star Johnny Heitinga, who is now a first team coach at Anfield, will take charge of Liverpool’s next two Prem games.Slot’s red card followed a chaotic ending to the last Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park.James Tarkowski dramatically thumped home a 98th minute equaliser.Following the final whistle, Curtis Jones took issue with Doucoure celebrating in front of the Liverpool supporters.The midfielder angrily confronted Doucoure, yanking his shirt before Ashley Young and Carlos Alcaraz attempted to intervene.Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister then stepped in, before several more players and even policemen got involved.Jones and Doucoure both received red cards for their roles in the ruckus from referee Oliver.Liverpool have been fined £50,000 for failing to control their players, with Everton made to pay £65,000 for the same offence.Since the incident, Liverpool have taken huge strides towards the title.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey subsequently beat Wolves 2-1, before grabbing a 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.On Sunday they defeated defending champions Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad, profiting on Arsenal’s home loss to West Ham to move 11 points clear at the top.Curtis Jones furiously clashed with Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: ReutersThe incident sparked a huge ruckusCredit: PA More