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    Women’s football star ‘violates rival’s intimacy’ with sick gesture and vile comment during on-pitch scuffle

    A SPANISH woman footballer is at the centre of a storm after touching a rival’s private parts and appearing to say ‘Have you got a ‘d**k?’ during a brief pitch bust-up.TV cameras clearly picked up the moment Barcelona defender Mapi Leon deliberately touched Espanyol footballer Daniela Caracas’ genitals as the alleged sex assault victim prepared to defend a corner during a fiercely-contested derby match yesterday.Barcelona’s Mapi Leon clashed with Daniela CaracasCredit: Liga F via X formerly TwitterShe appeared to reach and touch Caracas below the beltlineCredit: Liga F via X formerly TwitterEspanyol have slammed the Barcelona starCredit: RexSpanish media and social media amateur lip readers reported the slur 29-year-old Leon, capped more than 50 times by her national team, fired off at Colombian-born Caracas during a brief push-and-shove struggle before and after the extraordinary crotch grab seemed to be ‘Tienes picha?The offensive expression would translate into English as ‘Have you got a d**k?’Barcelona’s city rivals Espanyol today released an official statement criticising Mapi Leon’s actions and vowing to support Daniela if she decided to press charges.The Catalan club said in a statement, calling Mapi Leon by her full name Maria Pilar Leon: “We would like to express our total discontent and condemnation of the events that took place yesterday during the derby match between RCD Espanyol and Barcelona FC at the Dani Jarque stadium.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“It is an action that we consider unacceptable and that should not go unnoticed.“During the match, the FC Barcelona player María Pilar Leon, in the middle of a struggle with our player, Daniela Caracas, made a gesture that violated the player’s intimacy.“At the time Daniela was unable to react because of the impact caused by the situation.“Later on when she assimilated what happened she became aware of the seriousness of the gesture, but chose not to react angrily to avoid a disciplinary sanction and harm the team.Most read in Football“In addition to what happened on the pitch, there has been a regrettable reaction on social media, where our player has been the target of insults from hundreds of profiles.“We are concerned that, instead of focusing on the act itself, part of the media attention has been diverted to other issues unrelated to its seriousness.Football teams that controversially changed their badge“RCD Espanyol defends our player and condemns any act that threatens the integrity of the players on the pitch.“We firmly believe in respect and sportsmanship as fundamental values in football and we hope that this type of situation will be treated with the seriousness it deserves.“Furthermore, we have made the club’s legal services available to our player should she wish to take legal action.“Likewise, as RCD Espanyol has done on previous occasions, we wish to express our rejection of any form of violence, whether physical or verbal in the world of football.“Sport should be a place of respect and coexistence, and we condemn any attitude that encourages hatred or aggression on and off the pitch.”Barcelona and the player at the centre of the controversy have not yet offered any official reaction.Espanyol lost 2-0 to the league leaders, with a 73rd-minute goal from Graham Hansen and another three minutes later by Salma Paralluelo.Mapi Leon was one of the footballers who said she didn’t want to play for her country again unless there were structural changes in the Spanish FA following the scandal unleashed by the kiss Luis Rubiales gave Jenni Hermoso after the 2023 women’s World Cup and his initial refusal to resign.The former Spanish FA president is currently on trial for sexual assault and coercion over the kiss Jenni says was unwanted.Critics were accusing Mapi Leon of double standards today.One said: “This is really serious. I hope it finishes in a court of law.”Another said: “I hope they take measures like they did with Rubiales.“A sexual assault is where there’s no consent right?”READ MORE SUN STORIESVinnie Jones famously squeezed Paul Gascoigne’s lunchbox during Wimbledon’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle in February 1988.It was caught on camera and went on to become one of the most iconic photographs in the history of English football. More

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    ‘No way this is real’ – Fans can’t believe what Antoine Griezmann swapped his shirt for with fan after Atletico win

    FANS can’t believe what Antoine Griezmann swapped his Atletico Madrid shirt for after Atletico Madrid made the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.The Frenchman has gone viral for exchanging his match-worn shirt for a rare set of Pokemon trading cards.Footie fans can’t believe that Antoine Griezmann swapped his Atletico Madrid shirt forGriezmann was lucky to find a famous YouTube streamerGriezmann swapped his shirt with a fan for a rare set of Pokemon cardsThe 33-year-old is a huge fan of PokemonAfter helping Diego Simeone’s side to a 5-0 win over Getafe in the quarter-finals of the Spanish Cup, he made the trade with a fan in the stands.Griezmann was caught on video exchanging his shirt with popular Pokeman streamer Darizard and the YouTube guru’s son.They offered the former French international two sealed boxes of the highly sought-after Prismatic Evolutions set of cards.In return, Griezmann handed over his sweaty red and white jersey to the streamer and his delighted kid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the fan reaction surrounding the 33-year-old World Cup winner’s trade has been wild.One wrote: “No way is this real 🤣.”A second said: “As a collector Griezmann just won.”Another commented: “That’s not a fair trade! Can’t believe he’s done this”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile one more replied: “This is how hard it is to get Prismatic Evolutions!”Griezmann – who is Atletico’s record goalscorer with 196 goals – is a well-known lover of Pokemon and trading cards in general.World Cup winner and 137-cap legend Antoine Griezmann shockingly retires from international duty He previously expressed his love of the phenomenon on X in 2016, when he posted a picture of himself alongside Pikachu with the caption: “Pokemon hunting”.He told Topps in 2022: “A couple of years ago, I started with a chrome card from my first year, my rookie card.”I think Koke, our captain, has some chrome cards of his own, but I’m a real collector and I believe there is no football player that is collecting like me with rooms full of cards.”Asked about his favourite card, he said: “I have a Topps Mercury of Victor Wembanyama, maybe that one. “But I would love to have Michael Jordan one of one.”Meanwhile, the draw for the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey is on Wednesday.Atletico are joined by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Real Sociedad in the last-four.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Injury-hit Real Madrid confirm squad for Man City clash with makeshift defence barely known outside Spain

    REAL MADRID will be without several key players when they face Manchester City.The mammoth tie first leg takes place at the Etihad on Tuesday night.Youngsters Gonzalo Garcia and Raul Asencio have deputised in recent weeksCredit: AlamyAnd misfiring City have received a welcome boost with the news Real Madrid have named a makeshift defence.The LaLiga leaders have not been at their usual best in Europe this season, and they have twice suffered heavy defeats to Barcelona this campaign.And they will be without several experienced defenders for their trip to Eastlands, including centre-backs David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao.That means Aurelien Tchouameni, a natural midfielder, will have to cover in the heart of the backline – possibly alongside youngster Raúl Asencio who started against Atletico Madrid at the weekend.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe derby ended in a 1-1 draw despite Real’s rag-tag backline.But they also lost right-back and captain Lucas Vazquez to injury, having already been without their first-choice in that position Dani Carvajal.The veteran defender has been missing for much of the campaign and manager Carlo Ancelotti may have to call upon Jesus Vallejo instead.He has been selected for the matchday squad along with five other defenders – Asencio, Ferland Mendy, Fran Garcia, Jacobo Ramon and Lorenzo Aguado.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat could give City some much-needed encouragement after they were beaten by Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final last year.City have also struggled in Europe this season and won just three of their eight league phase matches.BBC makes half-time innovation in FA Cup clash between Leyton Orient and Man CityBut they will have a fresh Erling Haaland leading the line as the striker sat out of Saturday’s FA Cup win over Leyton Orient.Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku were also rested, although new signing Nico Gonzalez went off injured. More

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    Jude Bellingham at risk of LaLiga punishment as mic catches Real Madrid star’s X-rated rant at derby linesman live on TV

    Jude Bellingham risks possible LaLiga punishment after an X-rated blast at an assistant referee.In the 12th minute of Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid, the England superstar screamed “f*** you man, f*** off” as a throw went against the home side.Jude Bellingham risks LaLiga punishment after an X-rated blast at an assistant refereeCredit: GettyReal Madrid star Bellingham lashed out against Atletico MadridCredit: GettyThis foul-mouthed outburst comes months after he told a referee he was a “piece of s***” during Real’s 4-1 win against Espanyol.Bellingham, 21, escaped sanction for those actions in September but it remains to be seen whether Spanish league bosses will penalise this latest emotional rant, which was heard clearly on TV.Julian Alvarez, formerly of Manchester City, scored a penalty on 35 minutes for Atletico but Real equalised through France World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe on 50 minutes.Carlo Ancelotti’s side remain top of the league by a point ahead of their City rivals with 15 games left.Read More on FootballBritish Formula 1 driver George Russell attended the derby at the Santiago Bernabeu, watching the match from the comfort of the presidential box.Ancelotti might make several changes for the Champions League playoff first-leg trip to Man City as he tries to juggle domestic and continental competitions.The reigning European champions have a mounting injury list with defenders David Alaba (muscle) and Antonio Rudiger (hamstring) out – while Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal are long-term absentees with serious knee injuries.The Italian chief said: “For Tuesday’s game, we have to see the recovery of those who have played.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Those who haven’t played today have an advantage to play on Tuesday.” Spanish defender Lucas Vazquez said: “Another huge game awaits us in Manchester.Jude Bellingham’s furious reaction to Valencia goalkeeper after Vinicius Jr sent off in heated Real Madrid clash“It will be a difficult match against a great opponent that we have faced in the last four years.“The team is eager to show our football and our worth and try to get a win there.” More

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    Man Utd ‘considered £58m transfer for Barcelona star in January’ but wonderkid snubbed move

    MANCHESTER UNITED considered a move for Barcelona wonderkid Fermin Lopez in January – but he reportedly rejected the switch.The Red Devils were allegedly willing to offer £58m for the 21-year-old midfielder, with Aston Villa also interested.Man Utd considered a move for Barcelona wonderkid Fermin Lopez in JanuaryCredit: RexFermin Lopez opted to stay at BarcelonaCredit: RexUnited wanted Lopez to bolster their midfield options amid another dismal Premier League campaign, according to The Mail.While Villa – who brought in five new players, including Marcus Rashford on loan- were also keen to add Lopez to their ranks.But the Spaniard made it immediately clear that he wouldn’t entertain a move and was desperate to continue at Barca.United are known to be long-time admirers of Lopez’s talents amid their recent changes in midfield.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChristian Eriksen is expected to leave Old Trafford as a free agent in the summer and Casemiro is no longer considered a regular starter.Roma expressed interest in Casemiro in January and United could loan the legendary midfielder out in June.That could mean that Ruben Amorim’s side could go for Lopez again in the next window in a few months time. In October 2024, Lopez signed a new contract at the club until 2029, and it is understood that he has a £416.5m release clause.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLopez wants to fight for his future at Barca after seeing his playing time reduced under new gaffer Hansi Flick.He has scored two goals and provided two assists in 14 LaLiga games this season, having been named in the starting XI on five occasions.Roy Keane breaks silence on Marcus Rashford’s shock transfer to Aston Villa and has MAJOR concernLopez – who came through the ranks at Real Betis before moving to La Masia – returned from the Olympics with an injury, which left him out for the first few weeks of the season. The youngster has to battle fierce competition in Barca’s midfield which includes Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casado, Gavi and Pablo Torre.Meanwhile, United loaned out Rashford and Antony to reduce their wage bill.But Old Trafford chiefs spent £29.9m on wing-back Patrick Dorgu, while Ayden Heaven joined from Arsenal’s under-21s.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Sergio Ramos’ wife ‘refuses to move with Real Madrid legend, 38,’ following shock transfer after six months unemployed

    SERGIO RAMOS has reportedly made his shock move to Mexico without wife Pilar Rubio.The Spanish legend signed for Mexican side Monterrey after six months as a free agent.Sergio Ramos has moved to Mexican club MonterreyCredit: AFPThe Spanish legend was a free agent after leaving Sevilla last summerCredit: AFPReports suggest Ramos’ wife Pilar Rubio has not made the switch to Mexico with himCredit: Getty – ContributorRamos was without a club after leaving Sevilla over the summer.The 38-year-old penned a surprise one-year deal with the Liga MX outfit last Friday. Ramas married Rubio, a popular TV presenter and model in Spain, in 2019. The pair have four children – but Pilar has reportedly chosen not to join her husband on his new South American adventure. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAccording to Bild, Rubio will remain in Spain during Ramos’ time in Mexico for “professional reasons”.The outlet cites a source close to Pilar, who claims she is “tired of moving.”Ramos left Real Madrid to join Paris Saint Germain in 2021 before switching back to LaLiga with Sevilla in 2023. Pilar is now reportedly back in Madrid and living there for the foreseeable future. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPer the report, Rubio said: “This time I will not give in, I have already given in twice. “Now I am staying here, in Madrid. The family is staying here, Sergio is going alone.”Furious Sergio Ramos goes berserk at Sevilla fan as he stops live TV interview Monterrey are currently 12th in LigaMX with just one win from their opening six matches. They will compete in the revamped Club World Cup, set to start in the USA in June. Monterrey will face Inter Milan, River Plate, and Urawa Red Diamonds in the group phase. Ramos has opted to wear the No. 93 shirt during his time in Mexico.The World Cup winner scored a dramatic 93rd-minute winner for Real Madrid against Atletico in the 2014 Champions League final.READ MORE SUN STORIESExplaining his choice, he said: “The 93rd minute was epic. “It is a tribute to Real Madrid and to my career.” More

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    Jude Bellingham caught by pitchside microphones screaming very X-rated rant at LaLiga linesman in Madrid derby

    JUDE BELLINGHAM was caught screaming a very X-rated rant by pitch-side mics during Real Madrid’s 1-1 derby draw with Atletico.The England star unleashed a foul-mouthed tirade at a linesman as his side earned a point in the capital on Saturday night.Jude Bellingham’s foul rant during the Madrid derby was picked up on micsCredit: RexBellingham was raging after a decision by the assistant refereeCredit: LaLiga TVBellingham risked punishment with the X-rated rantCredit: LaLiga TVTensions were high as superstars including Kylian Mbappe and Julian Alvarez traded blows in a thrilling match.But with just 11 minutes on the clock, Real icon Bellingham was in furious form.A ball went off for a throw-in, which both sides tried to claim.The decision went the way of Atletico Madrid, which infuriated home supporters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut nobody was angrier than Bellingham.Turning to the linesman, he let rip with a very rude outburst that made it perfectly clear he disapproved of the throw-in decision.Unfortunately for Bellingham, his rant took place right next to pitch-side mics.And his message to the linesman was caught clearly for fans on TV to hear.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBellingham shouted: “F**k you man! F**k off!”Even though he swore at an official, the midfielder escaped any punishment.Jude Bellingham’s furious reaction to Valencia goalkeeper after Vinicius Jr sent off in heated Real Madrid clashJulian Alvarez opened the scoring for AtletiCredit: GettyKylian Mbappe levelled things up after the breakCredit: ReutersThat’s despite Mason Greenwood seeing red last season while at Getafe for appearing to tell a referee to “f**k off.”The former Manchester United forward denied those words, instead claiming to say “don’t f**k with me.”And his red card was eventually rescinded by LaLiga after an appeal.Bellingham’s fiery incident saw shocked fans flock to social media.One said: “I heard it and immediately came to X to read reactions.”Another declared: “Class act.”One noted: “He’ll be fined surely.”Another added: “That’s not nice.”Bellingham will have had even more reason to rage when Atletico took the lead.Former Man City star Alvarez netted a penalty in the 35th minute to put the visitors ahead.But Real regrouped after half time.And the 50th minute saw French ace Mbappe hit the target to level things up.Neither side could find an ultimate breakthrough though, and the points were shared as the game ended 1-1.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe result saw Real maintain their one-point lead over Atleti at the top of LaLiga.But Barcelona have the chance to close to gap if they win their game in hand against Sevilla tomorrow. More

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    Real Madrid ‘make William Saliba No1 transfer target’ but Arsenal convinced he would be world’s most expensive defender

    REAL MADRID are prioritising a transfer swoop for Arsenal star William Saliba.Saliba, 23, has been established as one of the best defenders in the Premier League where he has formed a rock-solid duo with Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back.Real Madrid see Arsenal star William Saliba as an ‘absolute priority’Credit: GettyArsenal wopuld only let Saliba leave for a record transfer feeCredit: RexAnd that has led to immense interest from some of the world’s elite clubs for the Gunners’ star.According to RMC Sport, Real have made the France international an “absolute priority” ahead of the summer transfer window.However, the North Londoners are demanding a massive fee for their star Frenchman.Arsenal see Saliba as the best centre-back in the world following two goals in 33 appearances across all competitions this season.Read More on ArsenalMikel Arteta’s side is not keen to sell the ex-Saint-Etienne star any time soon.However, if Arsenal have no option then they are planning to demand a hefty fee.The same source claims the Premier League giants are convinced Saliba will go down in history as the most expensive defender if he leaves the Emirates.That means Arsenal won’t consider any bid worth less than £80million.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat is how much Manchester United splashed to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester in 2019 and made him the most expensive defender in football history.Saliba has a contract with Arsenal until 2027, which means the club is in no rush.Meet Ayden Heaven: Arsenal’s next William SalibaThe Frenchman joined the Gunners in 2019 from Saint-Etienne but was immediately sent back on loan to the French outfit to gain more experience.That led to more loan stints to Nice and Marseille until he was finally established in Arsenal’s first team in 2022.Since then, Saliba has stood out for Arteta’s side with a total of seven goals and two assists in 116 appearances. More