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      Football fans’ most exciting part of matchday revealed in study – and ‘deeply meaningful’ moment may surprise you

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      FOOTBALL fans get a bigger rush from the pre-match pint than from the game itself, a study suggests.Supporters’ interactions with friends were found to be “deeply meaningful” and the most exciting part of matchday.Football fans get a bigger rush from the pre-match pint than from the game itselfThe findings are from 17 hard-core fans fitted with heart rate monitors ahead of a final.The participants were tracked for four hours before the game then 90 minutes of action.A large, prolonged and collective spike came during the time spent with mates before kick-off.The only time there was a bigger rush was when the Brazilian fans’ team scored in the first half of a game near Rio de Janeiro — but the high did not last as long.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLResearcher Professor Dimitris Xygalatas, from the University of Connecticut, said: “What we see is that the pre-game ritual generates more emotion than the game itself.“There’s just one moment in the entire game when they have more collective emotion, and that’s when they scored a goal.“Rituals are the kinds of things that, at first glance, don’t make any sense in terms of human behaviour, but are deeply meaningful to people.”Prof Xygalatas, a fan of Greek football, said the same effect also probably applied to concerts, festivals and religious events.Most read in FootballHe added: “Our study supports the idea that sports are about more than just the game.”Supporters’ interactions with friends were found to be the most exciting part of matchdayCredit: Getty More

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      Michael Carrick lands new job just days after Middlesbrough axe with John O’Shea to join Man Utd legend

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      MICHAEL CARRICK has landed a new role just days after being sacked by Middlesbrough.The former Manchester United star was fired after guiding Boro to 10th place last season.Michael Carrick will feature at Soccer AidCredit: GettyJohn O’Shea will join his former Man Utd team-mate at Old TraffordCredit: SportsfileHe lasted two-and-a-half years at Middlesbrough, his first managerial job, but is now out of work.However Carrick has now taken on a new job with the former midfielder set to appear at Soccer Aid.Carrick, 43, has been announced as the latest player to sign up to the charity event alongside his former United team-mate, John O’Shea.But this time around they will be on opposing teams at Old Trafford, with Carrick playing for England and O’Shea representing the Rest of the World.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSoccer Aid takes place on Sunday June 15 and will feature A-list celebrities and football legends.Pop stars Louis Tomlinson and Tom Grennan will line up alongside sports people like Tyson Fury, Sir Mo Farah and former hockey star Sam Quek.While former footballers include Wayne Rooney and Jill Scott.However Sam Thompson has revealed his Soccer Aid appearance is hanging in the balance as he continues to recover from his gruelling charity run.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe I’m A Celeb king, 34, raised more than £1.5m for Unicef by running and biking 260 miles from Stamford Bridge, Chelsea, to Old Trafford, Manchester, where the game will be played at the weekend.His body is now feeling the effects, with Thompson saying: “I am so tired but elated. I’m so glad we got it done…Sam Thompson reveals Soccer Aid appearance is hanging by a thread – and horrifying after-effects of 260 mile bike ride”Never again [am I getting on a bike] I think I’m prone to saddle issues! After day one I still to this point can’t feel bits of my privates. I’m being deadly serious!”The bike is a wild thing, Tracey who was with me going up these hills when we were skirting round the edge of Wales, that was mad and you’re just going so slowly and you feel like your bike is going to topple over! I did think to myself this is the first time I’ve ridden a bike in so long.” More

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      Ange Postecoglou shows true colours with touching private message to Tottenham star after being brutally sacked

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU sent a heartwarming text message to Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma.The Aussie boss was sacked on Friday – just 16 days after leading Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years as they beat Manchester United in the Europa League final.Ange Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham on FridaySpurs midfielder Yves Bissouma has revealed his private WhatsApp exchange with PostecoglouHowever, a woeful Premier League campaign which saw the club finish 17th and record 22 losses meant his position was ultimately untenable.Many of the Tottenham squad – including captain Son Heung-min and James Maddison – were quick to post emotional messages of gratitude to Postecoglou.And Bissouma has now revealed his own WhatsApp exchange with his former manager on Snapchat.The conversation begins with Postecoglou writing: “Hi Biss. Sorry I missed your call. I am very proud of you. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”It was an honour to share a dressing room with you and appreciate how much you believed in what we were trying to achieve. “I wish you only the best for the future. I will always be following. Much love from my family to yours.’Bissouma replied just over an hour later with: “Thank you gaffer and thank you really much for everything on and off the pitch I’ll always be grateful. “The way you believed me and trusted me was incredible. I’m gonna miss you but it’s football life. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Got a lot to be said but I think you know what I’m thinking about you already so I’m just wishing you all the best for the future and may God protect you and your family. #bigboss love.”The exchange ended with the 59-year-old responding: “Always by your side Biss 🙏.”BBC star shares shock theory as to why Tottenham waited exactly 16 days after Europa League win to sack Ange PostecoglouBissouma and Postecoglou celebrating winning the Europa LeagueBissouma was one of the best players on the pitch during Spurs’ Europa League final win 16 days before Postecoglou was axed, and has the former Celtic boss saved as ‘Big Ange’ in his phone.The heartfelt farewell exchange indicates how popular Postecoglou was with his players who are reportedly furious with the decision to sack him.SunSport exclusively revealed that Brentford manager Thomas Frank has agreed to replace Postecoglou.Spurs will have to pay a hefty compensation fee for the Dane, and are also interested in taking Bryan Mbeumo with him.Frank is set to be Bissouma’s third manager since he joined Antonio Conte’s Spurs from Brighton in June 2022. More

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      Chelsea target Mike Maignan ‘tells AC Milan in no uncertain terms he wants £12.5m Blues transfer before Club World Cup’

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      MIKE MAIGNAN has told AC Milan in ‘no uncertain terms’ he wants to complete his transfer to Chelsea in time for the Club World Cup, according to reports. Enzo Maresca is prioritising bringing in a new goalkeeper as soon as possible.Chelsea want to sign AC Milan and France goalkeeper Mike MaignanCredit: GettyHis patience has run thin with current stoppers Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, while Kepa Arrizabalaga looks set to join Arsenal for £5million.And with Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign beginning on Monday, there is an urgency to get the deal done quickly.Now Ben Jacobs reports Maignan, 29, is keen to complete the move to West London.And he has made his feelings very clear to his current employers so he can play at the Club World Cup. READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSWATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZNThe report claims the ex-PSG man ‘made it clear in no uncertain terms’ that he will not extend his Milan contract which expires in a year’s time. So Maignan is pushing for an immediate exit to complete the switch and link up with his new team-mates.All transfers must be completed by June 10 to take effect for the club tournament in the United States. Talks are ongoing between Chelsea and AC Milan, with personal terms already agreed with the player.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the sticking point could be the transfer fee.The Stamford Bridge side are willing to pay around £13m for Maignan – but the Italians want more than that, possibly £15m. From embarrassing Chelsea pal to interview with dad – Five times Cole Palmer stole show AFTER Conference League finalsThe Frenchman has 32 international caps to his name and is regarded by many as one of the best keepers in the world.He has been in the Serie A Team of the Year twice in four seasons and he won the title with Milan in 2022 after keeping 17 clean sheets.Chelsea are among the biggest clubs at the reformatted 32-team Club World Cup, alongside Manchester City, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, PSG and Bayern Munich. Maresca’s men kick off their Group D campaign against Los Angeles FC on Monday – followed by Flamengo (June 20) and Esperance (June 25).Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 live on DAZN More

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      Nuno Mendes ‘cancelled out’ Lamine Yamal and won more trophies than Dembele – so why’s he not a Ballon d’Or contender?

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      HE is a Champions League, treble-winning superstar who by his own admission recently “cancelled out” one of the most talented players around in Lamine Yamal.Yet Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes does not appear to be in the conversation when it comes to Ballon d’Or nominations ahead of September’s crowning. Why?Nuno Mendes pocketed Lamine Yamal during his Man of the Match performance in Portugal’s Nations League win over SpainMendes also guided Paris Saint-Germain to the treble, which included the Champions League titleFans have called for Mendes to be in the Ballon d’Or conversationThe 22-year-old full-back lit up Portugal’s Nations League final triumph over Spain on Sunday night, earning a Man of the Match award.He scored a beautiful equaliser to make it 1-1 in the first half – a low driven effort any striker, including his 40-year-old teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, would have been proud of.He then stepped up to rifle in an impressive spot-kick in the shoot-out, having given 17-year-old winger Yamal – a Ballon d’Or favourite – a night to forget in Munich, a real schooling in the arts of defending and positional domination.It was also his deflected cross – after turning Yamal inside out – that looped up for Ronaldo to level the game at 2-2. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMendes said post-match: “It was a clash [with Yamal] like many others I have had during the season.“I have faced up to many great players, very technically skilled players who can make a difference, but today I cancelled out Lamine and [did] not let him do what he does best.”This helped the team and I am happy I helped the team to win this trophy. It’s all about being consistent.“I have played many good games and it’s about the work I do individually and with the coaches at PSG and Portugal.Most read in Football“The Ballon d’Or? I play with Ousmane [Dembele] and he had a wonderful season, Lamine also had a wonderful season. But Ousmane will be in the Club World Cup and Lamine won’t, so I’m very happy for Ousmane.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I wish him the best for the Ballon d’Or and I and his teammates will help him get there.“I play my football; there are players who are closer to that prize. I don’t focus much on it.”New footage shows Cristiano Ronaldo’s wild reaction to Portugal Nations League win as Man Utd star is ‘used as shield’ Mendes said he ‘cancelled out’ Ballon d’Or contender Lamine Yamal on Sunday nightMendes’ PSG team-mate Ousmane Dembele is among the favourites for the Ballon d’OrHe can add modesty to his growing list of attributes, but why should Mendes be counting himself out of the most coveted individual award in football?It is the peak of snobbery in the sport that the grandest of prizes – one that Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated over the years – focuses on attackers and goal-getters.It will likely carry on this year too. Barcelona’s Yamal, PSG’s Dembele and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah are the favourites.As Jamie Carragher once famously said: “No one wants to grow up and be a Gary Neville”, but is that changing?Full-backs are now sexy, admired, idolised and coveted. Surely the day is coming where someone in that position will win the Ballon d’Or for the very first time.Trent Alexander-Arnold has rewritten the full-back rule book in recent years with his passing ability and goal involvements, and has openly admitted to be eyeing the Ballon d’Or now as he prepares to don the shirt of Real Madrid next season.Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly has emerged as another young full-back prodigy after scoring on his England debut back in March, someone who originally came through the Hale End academy as a midfielder.But Mendes appears to be on another planet right now. Against Spain, he had more successful dribbles, touches, tackles, final-third passes and successful duels in the opposition box than any other Portugal player.He tasted Champions League glory against Inter Milan on May 31, having already pocketed a Ligue 1 and cup double, and could yet lift more silverware at the Club World Cup in the States next month.Current top 10 favourites for Ballon d’OrLatest odds from talkSPORT BetOusmane Dembele 1/2Lamine Yamal 7/4Nuno Mendes 10/1 Mohamed Salah 12/1Raphinha 16/1Kylian Mbappe 25/1Khvicha Kvaratskhelia 25/1Desire Doue 50/1Gianluigi Donnarumma 50/1Lautaro Martinez 66/1The Ballon d’Or is often about goals, with Erling Haaland, Vinicius Jr, Robert Lewandowski and Sadio Mane coming close to winning it in recent editions.Yet it is also about big titles, and very few players can rival Mendes in that regard, but because he is a defender, the limelight will likely – and perhaps wrongly – be on others.Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk is the last defender to feature in the Ballon d’Or top three back in 2019, and you have to go back to 2006 for a defender to win it outright – Italy’s Fabio Cannavaro after leading his nation to a World Cup win.Read More on The SunTime is on Mendes’ side to replicate that and Manchester City holding midfielder Rodri’s recent win will encourage him.Play a starring role in Portugal winning the World Cup across the pond next summer and full-backs may finally get their moment in the sun.Yamal endured an ‘off night’ during the Nations League final in Germany More

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      Steven Gerrard bookies’ favourite for Championship job that would see him replace former team-mate as manager

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      STEVEN GERRARD is the surprise bookies’ favourite to become Middlesbrough’s next manager.The Liverpool legend has been out of work since leaving Al-Ettifaq in January.Steven Gerrard is the bookies’ favourite to take over at MiddlesbroughCredit: GettyHe was linked with a return to Rangers but pulled out of the race before Russell Martin was appointed.Former England team-mate Michael Carrick who was sacked by the Championship club last week.Gerrard, 45, leads the betting to take over at the Riverside Stadium, ahead of Rob Edwards and Steve Cooper.However SunSport understands Middlesbrough are not considering the former Three Lions star for the role. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile Marti Cifuentes, placed on gardening leave by QPR last season and linked to the job, is also understood not to be on the shortlist. A host of candidates have expressed interest in the job and the Championship club have been speaking to several coaches already and assessing their options.As Sun Sport reported last week, Boro chiefs are keen on the likes of former Nottingham Forest and Leicester manager Steve Cooper, ex-Luton boss Rob Edwards, Gary O’Neil and Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl.Gerrard though does appear keen on a return to the UK after an ill-fated spell in the Middle East.Most read in EFLGerrard lasted just 18 months at Al-Ettifaq and won 23 of his 59 matches in charge.That stint came after he was sacked at Aston Villa following a return of two wins in the opening 12 games of the 2022-23 Premier League season.His best reign came at Rangers, where he oversaw the club’s first league title for nine years in 2021.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe accumulated 102 points and went unbeaten in the Scottish Premier League, ending Celtic’s period of dominance.Gerrard won 65 per cent of his games in charge at Ibrox.Gerrard and Carrick were team-mates together with EnglandCredit: AFPSteven Gerrard spotted at major sporting event as he gives personal update after Al-Ettifaq exit More

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      Nottingham Forest write to Uefa over Crystal Palace Europa League decision as they stand to benefit from Eagles ban

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST have written to Uefa over concerns about Crystal Palace taking part in the Europa League.Palace’s historic FA Cup final win over Manchester City booked their place in Europe for the first time. Crystal Palace’s European dreams could be ruined over an ownership issueCredit: AFPThe Eagles lifted the FA Cup at Wembley to secure a Europa League spotCredit: GettyBut complications around John Textor’s stake in both Palace and French club Lyon have resulted in the South Londoners’ spot being in doubt.Textor is the majority owner of Lyon and Palace’s largest shareholder at 43 per cent.Uefa rules on multi-club ownership prevent any two clubs controlled by the same person or group from competing in the same competition.The American could have placed his Eagles shares into a blind trust, as many other owners have done to avoid this outcome, though the deadline to do so was March 1.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPalace have already met with Uefa in Switzerland arguing that Textor has no controlling influence at Crystal Palace.Both Palace and Lyon have qualified for next year’s Europa League, but the Ligue 1 side would have precedence as they finished higher in their domestic league.And now The Times report Forest are in contact with European football’s governing body to highlight the potential breach.The final decision could hinge on Lyon, who were disqualified by Uefa’s Club Financial Control Body from European competitions in December over their financial woes which saw them provisionally relegated from Ligue 1 a month earlier.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut they were allowed to continue in the Europa League, eventually dramatically dumped out by Manchester United in the quarter-finals, after complying with certain demands. Should Palace be kicked out of the Europa League, it is understood Nottingham Forest would be promoted from the Conference League and take the Eagles’ Europa League place.How Crystal Palace outsmarted Man City in FA Cup finalAnd should the Selhurst Park club be demoted to the Conference League, that will likely lead to a legal challenge from rivals Brighton – who finished eighth in the Premier League so would be next in line for a Euro spot.Whichever way the decision goes, Palace or Forest may well take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.The City Ground outfit made the necessary changes to their ownership structure when it became apparent both they and owner Evangelos Marinakis’ other team Olympiacos could both qualify for the Champions League. SunSport understands senior figures at the club are confident they will be able to find an agreement with Uefa which will see them take part in the Europa League next season.The Club Financial Control Body are not expected to announce their decision until June 27 but a resolution could come sooner should Textor simply sell his shares.The 59-year-old has been looking to offload his stake in Palace for some time now following a breakdown in relations with chairman Steve Parish.Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis took the necessary precautions to enable his sides to be in the same Uefa competitionCredit: PAForest had to settle for a place in the Conference League after defeat on the final day of the seasonCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘There’s always someone watching’ – Samuel Iling-Junior out to gatecrash England’s World Cup squad by starring for U21s

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      SAMUEL ILING-JUNIOR hopes a successful European Championship can springboard him into Aston Villa’s first-team – and World Cup contention.The versatile wing-back, 21, arrived at Villa Park from Juventus last summer as part of the deal that took Douglas Luiz in the opposite direction.Samuel Iling-Junior hopes a big Euros will lead to a breakthrough with both Villa and EnglandCredit: GettyThe starlet left Juventus to join Unai Emery’s Villa last yearCredit: EPAHowever, he stayed put in Italy to spend the first half of the campaign on loan at Bologna in Serie A and even scored for them in the Champions League.Weeks later Iling-Junior, who originally left Chelsea for Juve in 2020, was back in England and heading to Middlesbrough.And it was while playing for the Championship club that he decided he wants his future to be at left-back.Iling-Junior, who is battling with Tino Livramento to start there for England U21s in Thursday’s Euros opening against Czech Republic, said: “I definitely settled into the left-back role and going up and down the pitch [at Boro]. I enjoyed that, bringing my parts into the team with assists, tricks and being creative.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“It’s an honour to be one of the players that the manager has chosen and I want to repay that on the pitch.“Tino has obviously had that great season with Newcastle. The competition is always healthy. If I can bring out the best of him and he brings out the best of me and we go and win the tournament then it’s happy days.”Iling-Junior has represented England at every level bar the seniors and has seen several of his team-mates graduate into the Three Lions first-team.And he knows this month’s tournament in Slovakia could lead to a huge season ahead for him at both club and international level as he revealed his ambitions for the coming 12 months.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe said: “You have to put the World Cup in your sights and knock on that door or at least put myself in a position to be knocking on that door.“There’s a pathway and there’s always someone watching. All the boys that have made their debut from the U21s and are now in that squad, that just goes to show that if you keep putting your mind to it and work with the coaches then you’ll get repaid for your hard work.England’s biggest divers of the season crowned… as shocking record revealed“And definitely get back into Villa after this tournament and have some conversations and make an impact there as well.“Unai Emery has always had conversations with me, so that helps. and he’s kept track of my loans. So that’s definitely a good relationship and once we get back after the tournament then we’ll have those conversations.“But, for now, it’s definitely just focusing on the Euros and we’ll see when I get back to Villa.”Iling-Junior has already tasted Euro joy with England at U19 level and was part of the Juventus side alongside the likes of Dusan Vlahovic and Adrien Rabiot that beat Atalanta to lift the Coppa Italia last season.He added: “Winning the Coppa Italia, winning a trophy, is one of the best feelings I’ve had. “Juventus is a big, big club and I learned what winning actually meant there, and not just winning, dominating and that’s a really nice feeling knowing that you’re part of history.“I enjoyed the pressure there. That gave me motivation each game to go out with a bit of pressure and do what I enjoy. Winning the Euros would definitely be up there with that.”Read More on The SunEngland kick off their Euro campaign against the Czech Republic on Thursday.They then face Slovenia three days later and finish the group stage against Germany on Wednesday 18 June with all of the Young Lions’ matches being broadcast on Channel 4. More