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      in Soccer

      ‘My heart sank’ – BBC legend reveals she ‘had to drink a lot of vodka’ to deal with nerves of making MOTD history

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      FOOTIE commentator Jacqui Oatley has opened up about overcoming the backlash she faced when she made telly history.It’s been EIGHTEEN years since Oatley became the first woman to commentate on Match of the Day.Jacqui Oatley became the first woman to commentate on Match of the Day in 2007Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe announcement that Oatley would cover Fulham’s 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League on April 21, 2007 made headline news.In an interview with The Athletic, Oatley explained how she had honed her craft while offering live commentary and reports on radio for several years before that.And the Match of the Day gig would involve an editor clipping Oatley’s 90-minute commentary, recorded ‘as live’ at Craven Cottage.It would be cut into an eight-and-a-half-minute audio package to air over the match footage for the BBC highlights show.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Oatley recalled the “stomach-drop moment” when she realised that her history-making commentary job had received a lot of negative coverage and fan fury.The Wolves fan told The Athletic: “My heart sank. That’s when it really grew legs with the sexism element.”Three days before her big job, Oatley’s radio alarm woke her up at 7am with the sound of Radio 5 Live talking about it.Presenter Rachel Burden, who Oatley “loves to bits”, was introducing vox pops from members of the public who had been asked whether Oatley should be allowed to do it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBy the Friday, the day before the match, Oatley admitted to hardly having slept or eaten. The 50-year-old added: “My only regret was that I couldn’t be at my best for the most-watched game of my life. Unseen Match of the Day footage shows how pundit analysis really works as BBC boss looks to cut highlightsOatley’s career went from strength-to-strength as she became a leading figure in the world of sport journalismCredit: Getty“I’d love for it all to have stopped and just gone away. But that was never an option.“I was really conscious that if I’d commentated and people hated the sound of my voice, or they just didn’t trust me to convey what was going on.“It was purely the judging of my gender. I wanted to do a good job, but also hang around and stay around, not just do it on that day. “Because people do make assessments of an entire gender based on that kind of thing, which is hilarious and ridiculous at the same time.”And during the commentary itself, Oatley admitted to feeling like a bag of nerves and that she needed a strong drink afterwards.It was purely the judging of my gender.Jacqui OatleyIn his post-match interview, the then-Blackburn manager, Mark Hughes, asked her how it went.She then walked to her car in a daze, drove home and called Alison Mitchell, the cricket commentator, and 5 Live presenter Phil Williams to arrange a night out.Oatley said: “I wanted to drink a lot of vodka to make it possible to deal with the final thing.”She paced the hallway of Mitchell’s flat decided her efforts “didn’t sound too horrendous. I just needed to get through it”.Jacqui Oatley and Stuart Pearce presenting the FA Cup Youth Cup in 2017Credit: GettyMOTD presenter Gary Lineker – who is leaving the flagship show after 25 years at the end of this season – introduced Oatley’s segment.Lineker said: “After all the publicity this week, the moment has finally come for a little piece of history on Match of the Day. “For the first time ever, Lawrie Sanchez took charge of his Fulham side at Craven Cottage. Also making her debut, commentator Jacqui Oatley.”And now Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan will join Mark Chapman as part of a trio of presenters to front MOTD from next season.Oatley’s career went from strength-to-strength as she became a leading figure in the world of sport journalism. She was also the UK’s first female darts presenter, covering major tournaments for ITV.Read More on The SunThe BBC legend is an Ambassador for Women in Football and was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours in 2016 for services to broadcasting and diversity in sport.At the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Oatley became the first female to offer play-by-play commentary of a World Cup match in the United States. More

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      in Boxing

      Ben Whittaker bursts into tears in press conference after beating Liam Cameron as he opens up on abuse

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      BEN WHITTAKER burst into tears in his press conference after beating Liam Cameron.The boxer opened up on the online abuse he was subjected to following his withdrawal from the clash with Cameron last October.Ben Whittaker was visibly emotional in his press conferenceCredit: X/ringmagazineHe opened up about the online abuse he suffered in the last six monthsCredit: X/ringmagazineHe beat Liam Cameron in their rematch on Sunday nightCredit: GettyHe won the fight with a second-round stoppageCredit: PAWhittaker, 27, was slammed as a “quitter” by members of the boxing fraternity.It came after he withdrew from the fight following a fall over the top rope in the fifth round.As a result he was met with loud boos on his walk to the ring to face Cameron in their rematch on Sunday night.But it was Whittaker who finished the victor following the rematch with Cameron.READ MORE ON SPORTThe Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist stopped his rival in just the second round at the BP Pulse Live Arena in Birmingham.Following the fight, he opened up on what had been a tough six months, which saw him burst into tears in an emotional press conference.He said: “Truthfully, nothing has changed if I’m honest.”I knew I should be doing that to people like Liam Cameron, no disrespect, but it was the six months out.Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Stuff like my brother had two daughters, I couldn’t really enjoy it too much because of what I was going through online.”And it didn’t really bother me, but even close friends, people that I classed as family, left me.Ben Whittaker DESTROYS bitter rival Liam Cameron in second round of rematch before raging at opponent’s corner”They had a lot to say about me, but it was a great time to go back to the old Ben Whittaker.”Whittaker also admitted that he became humbled in the six months following the first fight with Cameron.He made a change as he replaced his coach, Joby Clayton, with Andy Lee at the Ballbrack Boxing Club in Dublin.He added: “Before the Olympics, I locked in, I trained hard and I dedicated the sport.”My life was moving at 100 miles per hour. Like I say, I come from a humble household where not a lot of stuff was given to us, so to be in the position where everything is coming at me at free will, it was amazing.”But that six months out really humbled me, got me closer to God, and the small people around me are just what I needed.”I went to the gym daily, took away the cameras, took away the social media and just got back to the old Ben.”I want to thank my church as well, Living Hope, because I went through that door very quietly and kept myself to myself, and they brought the old Ben out of me.”I got a text from Andy Lee. A lot of people were laughing behind my back, but he came to me and said, ‘Come to Ireland, and I truly believe we can get the old Ben Whittaker back’.”We trained hard, and after a couple of days he said ‘You’re going to knock him out’.”And I just believed in him, he believed in me, and I went out there and did what I was supposed to do in Saudi.”Read More on The SunMeanwhile, Sunday’s fight was filled with controversy as Whittaker also had to deny spitting at Cameron’s trainer.He was almost slapped by the trainer after he had showboated in his face. More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal player ratings: Leandro Trossard gives Mikel Arteta food for thought as David Raya has quiet day at the office

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      ARSENAL continued their fine form after beating Real Madrid with a professional win over Ipswich Town.There were very few signs of tiredness in Mikel Arteta’s side despite the brilliant win in the Spanish capital.Arsenal cruised to victory over Ipswich TownCredit: GettyLeandro Trossard netted a braceCredit: ReutersArteta used the match against the Tractor Boys as a dress rehearsal ahead of the Champions League clash against PSG on April 29.The manager opted to drop makeshift forward Mikel Merino back into the midfield while Leandro Trossard took the striker role.The plan worked nicely as the Belgian netted the opening goal with a neat finish in the 14th minute.He continued to impress as he played a key role in Arsenal’s second, which was tapped home by Gabriel Martinelli.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTrossard made it a brace for himself in the second half as he got the better of Palmer for a second time in the 69th minute.Ethan Nwaneri put the cherry on top as his deflected effort made it four in the closing stages.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated Arteta’s men from inside Portman Road…David Raya – 7David Raya did not have a shot on target to saveCredit: GettyHe could have nipped down the tunnel to go to the toilet at several stages during the game and I would not have noticed. That’s how little I was made to look at Arsenal’s goal.Most read in FootballBenjamin White – 7Benjamin White was not at full speedCredit: GettyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIn need of minutes and rhythm following complications from his knee surgery, White got just that here. A solid run-out and some air in the lungs.There are still signs he is not totally up to speed, and looks to currently be the second choice at right back behind Jurrien Timber.Tunnel footage shows Arsenal stars’ team-talk before Real Madrid clash including Rice’s inspirational 5-word command But he is such a good squad option to have, especially in games like this – a reliable figure that barely puts a foot wrong.William Saliba – 8William Saliba was composed throughoutCredit: EPAIt looked at times like the Frenchman was being forced to play against a bunch of school kids, barely breaking a sweat. It felt unfair for him to be on the pitch, he’s that good.If anything, it was just a useful 90-minute slog of building more of a relationship with Jakub Kiwior, something the pair need if they are to reach the Champions League final next month.Jakub Kiwior – 7Jakub Kiwior was shaky at timesCredit: ReutersThe Pole has received nothing but praise for his recent Champions League outings against Real Madrid, and rightly so, keeping Kylian Mbappe and co at bay comfortably.From Spain to Suffolk, as is often the case with Kiwior, there were a few nervy moments on the ball, needing to be bailed out by Declan Rice after an underhit pass from the back.Mikel Arteta even found time to angrily berate the defender early on.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7Oleksandr Zinchenko made his seventh start of the seasonCredit: AFPThe perfect game for the Ukrainian to come in for – just his seventh start of the season in all competitions. It was as if this contest was designed with him in mind.Lots of time on the ball, given plenty of space to cut inside and not a lot of defending or chasing back to worry about.He was so comfortable that he even moved into midfield on the hour mark.Clearly an understudy to Myles Lewis-Skelly right now, he should make the most of this as it is unlikely he will be getting much action from here on in, especially if Arsenal remain in Europe and continue to keep the title race alive for as long as possible.Martin Odegaard – 7Martin Odegaard was back to his best in midfieldCredit: ReutersBack to his creative best, and looked to be having so much fun with Bukayo Saka as his sparring partner down the right.Boy have we missed this sort of performance from the Norwegian – the cute, dinked passes, the dictating around the box, the orchestrating of everything good Arsenal produced.So unlucky not to grab a late goal as his long-range stinger rattled the inside of the post.Declan Rice 72′ – 7Declan Rice set up Trossard’s second goal of the gameCredit: GettyHe is oozing with confidence right now and it shows, bossing any midfield he sets his eyes on, galloping his way into any space he so chooses.His corner deliveries are also still on the money – it is just a shame he does not have someone to convert with usual suspect Gabriel out for the season.Mikel Merino 56′ – 8Mikel Merino picked up an assist for Martinelli’s goalCredit: GettyNo matter the position, wherever Merino plays at the moment he is involved in goals, just like he proved over two legs against Madrid with a goal and two assists.There was another assist here and wasn’t it a beauty? A first-time, no-look, back-heeled flick from Bukayo Saka’s cut-back straight into the path of Gabriel Martinelli at the far post.He was deployed in midfield, but often roamed forward and drifted into pockets of space with Leandro Trossard regularly switching to the flanks.Bukayo Saka 56′ – 8Bukayo Saka was a constant threat on the rightCredit: GettySpent most of the first half being booed by the Ipswich fans, mainly because he was on the end of an awful studs-up tackle by Leif Davis that had the defender shown a straight red.But the jeers were also as a sign of respect – they witnessed a player at the top of his game rip them apart at times down the right and should have had a hat-trick of goals and assists inside the first 45 minutes but for several missed sitters.Understandably was brought off in the 57th minute to protect him for bigger games to come.Gabriel Martinelli 72′ – 8Gabriel Martinelli netted his 50th goal for ArsenalCredit: ReutersJust like in Madrid, the Brazilian can drift in and out of games, on the periphery of attacks, and then in the blink of an eye he is in the right place at the right time.The movement for his goal and Arsenal’s second was superb.These are the sorts of consistent, weekly numbers he needs to be producing if he wants to keep his place on that left wing with next season and a big summer transfer splurge in mind.Leandro Trossard 82′ – 9Leandro Trossard impressed in the striker roleCredit: GettyThis was a real chance to prove his worth to Mikel Arteta down the middle – a potential option for the Champions League semi-final first leg.There were some good moments, his two goals included.For both, he calmly slotted into the corner from close range, thanks largely to some pretty dire defending, while he also got involved in some impressive attacks down the right with Saka.The Belgian was also wasteful – an identical set-up to his goal saw him take a touch when he could have fired it home first time, but to mark him down for that would be harsh.SUBSEthan Nwaneri 56′ – 8Had a few darting runs down the right that came to nothing and then a bit of luck as his shot cutting inside deflected off two Ipswich defenders and in.Has lost a bit of momentum since Saka’s return from injury but that will do him the world of good.Myles Lewis-Skelly 56′ – 6Came on at left-back but was quickly moved inside into a holding midfielder role – his natural habitat from his Arsenal academy days. Unsurprisingly, the 18-year-old was not fazed at all.Raheem Sterling 72′ – 6You really have to feel sorry for the guy. He still looks rusty and it’s the business end of the season, but that’s because he has hardly been played.Read More on The SunKieran Tierney 72′ – 6Another chance for the Arsenal fans to serenade their favourite Scot before he departs this summer.Nathan Butler-Oyedeji 82′ – N/AA Premier League debut for the 22-year-old.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul in line for shock world title fight after Julio Cesar Chavez Jr bout

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      JAKE PAUL can fight his way to a shock world title shot if he beats Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. The YouTuber-turned-boxer returns to the ring on June 28 in Anaheim, California against Chavez Jr. Jake Paul returns on June 28 for the first time since beating Mike TysonCredit: GettyJulio Cesar Chavez Jr will be Jake Paul’s next opponentCredit: Esther Lin/MVPOn the undercard, WBA and WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez faces Yuniel Dorticos. And Ramirez’s promoter Oscar de la Hoya sensationally opened the door to Paul challenging for the cruiserweight titles. He told BoxingScene: “I can see it, I can see it. We didn’t really plan for this, but the fact you have ‘Zurdo’ with the two world titles… “The winners fight? Who knows? Maybe that’s [Paul’s] path to the world title. We’ll see.”READ MORE IN BOXINGPaul returns for the first time since his controversial November fight against Mike Tyson – who came out of retirement aged 58. He won over eight rounds with over 100 MILLION watching on Netflix despite the scrutiny surrounding the event. Paul, 28, is now 11-1 with his only defeat coming via split-decision to Tommy Fury, 25, in February 2023. Chavez meanwhile is the son of Mexican boxing great Julio Cesar Sr. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSon Jr held the WBC middleweight world title for three defences from 2011-2012. He also went the distance in a pay-per-view points loss to Canelo Alvarez in 2017 and has suffered inconsistent for since.Chavez lost an embarrassing decision to UFC great Anderson Silva, 50, in 2021, a year after Paul beat the Brazilian himself.But Chavez has bounced back with two victories since – most recently on Paul’s undercard against ex-UFC star Uriah Hall last July.And De La Hoya added: “Chavez is a real fight. “I believe he is a real threat to Jake Paul, and I’m glad and happy that Jake Paul stepped up to fight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. It’s not an easy fight.”Chavez lost to Canelo Alvarez in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Ronnie O’Sullivan fears Kyren Wilson crossed ‘very fine line’ that sparked World Snooker Championship exit

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      RONNIE O’SULLIVAN reckons Kyren Wilson fell victim to the Crucible Curse due to BURNOUT.Late on Saturday night, the Warrior’s world championship reign was unexpectedly ended 10-9 by debutant and qualifier Lei Peifan.Ronnie O’Sullivan thinks burnout played a part in Kyren Wilson being dumped out of the World Snooker ChampionshipsCredit: GettyThe reigning Crucible champion suffered a shock 10-9 defeat to qualifier Lei Peifan on Saturday nightCredit: GettyWilson, 33, is the 20th person to have lifted the world title for the first time in Sheffield and then failed to retain the trophy 12 months later.The world No.2 won four ranking titles in an excellent season and admirably he took little breaks as he wanted to be the “best ambassador possible” for the sport.But the Rocket, 49, reckons Wilson should have cut back on his playing schedule and skipped a few events.O’Sullivan was struck down by the Curse in the 2002 semi-finals, going down to Stephen Hendry, the year after his first of seven triumphs.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe former world No.1 said: “I think Kyren played in too many tournaments, which he didn’t need to play in.“If you look at the last two winners of the world championship, himself and Luca Brecel, they both came in very fresh.“To win this world championship, you need to come in, okay doing well, but at some point around February, say to yourself: ‘Right, it’s ALL about the world championship.’“One minute he’s in Leicester playing for 7-8 days. I was like: ‘You want to be chilling out and just put your cue down.’Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“It’s a very fine line and when you come here, you want to have a spring in your step. Play your way into form.“Rather than be really at your limit. It’ll go the other way. With Kyren, he could have maybe missed a few tournaments.Kyren Wilson rolls his eyes at World Snooker Championship announcer live on BBC as ‘curse’ is instantly brought up“This is the one you want to win. I always think, come in a bit undercooked, take a month off playing.“For this tournament, you need to be feeling strong come the quarters and semis. To me, I think he has played too much match snooker.”Wilson – who played 82 matches in the 2024-25 season – will decide in the next day whether to return to the scene of his exit or drown his sorrows on holiday.The father-of-two, 33, is unsure if he will work for BBC TV during the remainder of the event or go home and spend time with his family.If he does work for the Beeb then he might have an awkward meeting with Shaun Murphy in the bowels of the Crucible.The pair are engaged in a war of words over a mystery incident that happened backstage in practice before the final session of the 2025 Masters final.Wilson, who jokingly smashed a mirror in the build-up to try to curb any potential back luck, sighed: “I cannot think of anything worse than snooker right now!“I’m not sure what I will do. It has been an incredibly long season. I have really missed my family this year, it has been really tough at times.“I love this sport, I love the game. I have tried to be the best ambassador possible. But now it’s trying to fit in a bit of quality family time.“I’m meant to be working for the BBC! I don’t know. I don’t really want to be there.“This is extremely tough to take. It really hurts. I’ve such a strong record at the Crucible. I’m tough to beat here.Read More on The Sun“I’m sure the Curse will be broken at some point. Unfortunately I won’t be that person.“I certainly had the Snooker Gods against me. Maybe I have to put that mirror I smashed back together.”List of all-time Snooker World ChampionsBELOW is a list of snooker World Champions by year.The record is for the modern era, widely considered as dating from the 1968-69 season, when the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) took control of the sport.The first World Championships ran from 1927 – with a break from 1941-45 because of World War II and 1958-63 because of a dispute in the sport.Joe Davis (15), Fred Davis and John Pulman (both 8) were the most successful players during that period.Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan share the record for the most titles in the modern era, with seven each.1969 – John Spencer1970 – Ray Reardon1971 – John Spencer1972 – Alex Higgins1973 – Ray Reardon (2)1974 – Ray Reardon (3)1975 – Ray Reardon (4)1976 – Ray Reardon (5)1977 – John Spencer (2)1978 – Ray Reardon (6)1979 – Terry Griffiths 1980 – Cliff Thorburn1981 – Steve Davis1982 – Alex Higgins (2)1983 – Steve Davis (2)1984 – Steve Davis (3)1985 – Dennis Taylor1986 – Joe Johnson1987 – Steve Davis (4)1988 – Steve Davis (5)1989 – Steve Davis (6)1990 – Stephen Hendry1991 – John Parrott1992 – Stephen Hendry (2)1993 – Stephen Hendry (3)1994 – Stephen Hendry (4)1995 – Stephen Hendry (5)1996 – Stephen Hendry (6)1997 – Ken Doherty1998 – John Higgins1999 – Stephen Hendry (7)2000 – Mark Williams2001 – Ronnie O’Sullivan2002 – Peter Ebdon2003 – Mark Williams (2)2004 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (2)2005 – Shaun Murphy2006 – Graeme Dott 2007 – John Higgins (2)2008 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (3)2009 – John Higgins (3)2010 – Neil Robertson 2011 – John Higgins (4)2012 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (4)2013 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (5)2014 – Mark Selby2015 – Stuart Bingham2016 – Mark Selby (2)2017 – Mark Selby (3)2018 – Mark Williams (3)2019 – Judd Trump2020 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (6)2021 – Mark Selby (4)2022 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (7)2023 – Luca Brecel2024 – Kyren WilsonMost World Titles (modern era)7 – Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan6 – Ray Reardon, Steve Davis4 – John Higgins, Mark Selby3 – John Spencer, Mark Williams2 – Alex Higgins More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Changed my life’ – British boxer, 34, able to pay off mortgage after major contract blunder sees him bank huge sum

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      LIAM CAMERON landed life-changing money and can pay off his mortgage following a boxing contract cock-up.The 34-year-old lost four prime years of his career when he was banned for a cocaine-related charge in 2019.Liam Cameron has won a huge amount of money after a contract cock-upCameron fell out of the ring after a tussle with Ben WhittakerCredit: GettyWhittaker later left the venue in a wheelchairCredit: CHRIS DEANWhittaker will rematch Cameron in Birmingham on Easter SundayAfter overcoming mental health and addiction problems during his harsh exile, Cameron stunned 2020 Olympic silver Ben Whittaker in October.Red-hot Whittaker, 27, was supposed to steamroll the underdog but the pair fell over the top rope together and the favourite pulled out with an ankle injury, resulting in a draw.When the rematch contract- for the original 10-round Saudi Arabia clash – arrived, stating the rerun would be 12 rounds, Cameron quickly and shrewdly signed it, knowing Whittaker would not fancy it.The bungle means Cameron landed an extra windfall of around £100,000 and can now make up for the years he lost.READ MORE IN BOXINGAhead of Sunday’s Birmingham return leg, Cameron revealed: “It has changed my life because after this I can buy my house outright.“Mad isn’t it!“I cannot go into the exact figure but the additional fee is more than I got paid for the whole purse of the first fight.“I don’t know what else I might buy, I don’t even go shopping, that doesn’t interest me, I just like a good tracksuit.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAt the end of six evenly matched rounds, when Whittaker was beginning to tire and look vulnerable, the pair clinched on the ropes and flipped over.Flashy Whittaker’s critics claimed he felt the pressure and pulled his opponent over, in an effort to escape the first loss of his promising professional career.Frazer Clarke faced his girlfriend’s wrath after car park row with David Adeleye and calls out rival to grudge fight The moment went viral and even the biggest wrestling company on the planet has tapped into the controversy.Cameron explained: “When I see any YouTube videos featuring me and Ben now, they all carry an advert for WWE on them, honestly!”Whittaker is a seriously proven amateur who went to the toughest parts of the world, to win dozens of events, against dangerous opponents.So being labelled ‘Quittaker’ in the wake of the bizarre bout ending must have stung – but the tough nut is refusing to show it.He hit back: “Critics don’t matter to me because you get them in every walk of life.“They are only talking about me because I am THAT guy.“If I go out and stop him the first round then people will still have things to say.Read More on The Sun“I shimmied it off, I might get ‘Quittaker’ tattooed on me afterwards – or have it written on my shorts.“But I will show the real Ben Whittaker on Sunday.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Max Verstappen could take YEAR-LONG break to look after new baby with glam Wag Kelly Piquet, claims F1 superstar

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN could take a year out from Formula 1 to look after his new baby, which is due on May 6.The reigning world champion announced last December that he would be becoming a father with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet, who is the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet.Kelly Piquet is expecting a baby with Max Verstappen next monthCredit: GettyVerstappen is in practice for Sunday’s Saudi GPCredit: APThe Dutch driver is not set to miss a race given the due date of the baby is after the Miami Grand Prix, giving him a brief window before racing in Imola which will take place from May 16 to 18.Verstappen’s future for next year, though, has been a constant point of speculation and Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko stoked flames last weekend by saying the concern about the Dutchman leaving was “great”.Meanwhile an unnamed F1 driver said he believes that Verstappen’s most likely route will be taking a year off.Next year feels like a lottery with which drivers and teams will be on top anyway, with drastic changes made for the 2026 regulations.READ MORE IN SPORTMercedes and Aston Martin have been touted as a possible destination for Verstappen.But Williams team boss James Vowles does not reckon the Dutchman would be a good fit for his former team Mercedes.Vowles joined Williams from Mercedes in 2023 after spending more than two decades as an engineer at the team.He also said Toto Wolff would be better off keeping his current driver line-up of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.Most read in MotorsportThe couple shared the pregnancy news on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @maxverstappen1BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKVowles said: “Can you add a tiny bit more performance? Yes, I think there is more performance to be added through Max.”I don’t think anyone in the room would deny that he is extraordinary in what he can do. [Verstappen’s performance in] Japan was, for me, jaw-dropping. Well done to him.Lando Norris punished by F1 bosses with five-second penalty after being snitched on by rival Max Verstappen”But he comes with a lot of downsides as well that you have to acknowledge.“What Mercedes does have is a great culture with two drivers that are delivering near to the peak of the car, and with one that’s on the way up.So I personally don’t think that’s the place for him.”Vowles also said a link up between Russell and Verstappen would not work.He is not here to try to be remembered forever. He wants to come in and win and go home. Max can do whatever he wants.Lando NorrisThe two were locked in a furious row at the end of last season with Russell calling Verstappen a “bully” and the Dutch driver labelling the Brit a “loser.”When Vowles was asked if a line-up involving the two would work, he said: “I don’t think so.”I think they’re two very different characters.”Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028 but there is an exit clause in his deal.He is currently third in the driver’s standings, five points behind Oscar Piastri and three below Lando Norris in first.Glam Piquet is the daughter of F1 legend Nelson PiquetCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/The pair met in 2016 – bonding over having fathers who were F1 driversCredit: RexVerstappen has already had a taste of life as a father figure given he is a step-dad to Piquet’s daughter Penelope.When Norris was asked about his pal Verstappen taking a year out, he said: “I don’t know with Max, he is different to most I would say.“Max wants to come in and win and show he is the best then go home, that’s his attitude, which I respect and like.Read More on The Sun“You never know, he has said many times he wants to go do other racing in other categories and Max wants to enjoy his life.“He is not here to try to be remembered forever and all those things, he wants to come in and win and go home. Max can do whatever he wants, I respect him.”THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

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      in Soccer

      ‘They don’t care enough’ – Matt Le Tissier tears into Southampton flops & moans watching them get outclassed is ‘chore’

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      MATT LE TISSIER has accused Southampton players of lacking the fight to stay in the Premier League.And the Saints legend confessed to SunSport that it has been “a chore” watching his beloved team slump to a record low this season.Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has torn into Saints’ flopsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Saints are battling to avoid the humiliation of the Prem’s worst points totalCredit: GettyThe South Coast flops became the quickest Premier League outfit to be relegated when they lost to Spurs last Sunday week with SEVEN games to go.Southampton have picked up just ten points from 32 games and need TWO more to beat Derby’s dismal lowest Prem total of 11 set in 2008-09.And Le Tissier, who spent his entire career with the Saints —  scoring 161 goals in 443 appearances — has not enjoyed what he’s seen from his own Suite at the club.The 56-year-old said: “This has been a tough season to watch.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“We’ve had relegations before but never quite on this scale.“It’s hard to watch a team which is so far away from the rest of the division. That was probably the toughest season that I have had to watch us play football — it’s been a real chore.“It’s not been enjoyable seeing our team get outclassed on a ­regular basis.“It’s not something I’m used to seeing even when we were close to getting ­relegated when I was playing.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“We were reasonably competitive and had a go.“We might have suffered a bit in a lack of quality but never in terms of having a real fight for it.I hated playing against Arsenal Invincible, he’d pinch me and stand on my toes, I only spoke to him to abuse him“But there just didn’t seem to be that amount of fight in this team and that’s symptomatic of a lot of footballers this day and age.“There doesn’t seem to be the same connection between the players and the fans on the terrace like we had.“I was in at least five relegation scraps. We never got relegated — and definitely four went to the last day of the season.”The poor form cost Ivan Juric his job as manager. But Channel Islander Le Tissier, nicknamed Le God, does not think all Saints fans will be upset seeing their team back in the second tier one year after Adam Armstrong’s goal saw them beat Leeds 1-0 in the play-off final.He said: “When we went to the play-offs last season I would say there was a 50-50 split with Saints fans who didn’t want to go up because of exactly what has happened.We are still fighting not to become the worst Premier League team ever with the number of points we’ve got.Matt Le Tissier“I was speaking to a lot of them a year ago and they were saying they didn’t mind if they lose the final.“That’s not a great position to be in as a football club where you know if you go up you are going to get battered every week.“I’m quite happy to interact with people and talk about football all day long but their frustration is palpable.“Most of that frustration is at the presence given out by the players that they don’t care enough about the football club.“Clubs do have their ups and downs throughout the seasons-but this is a pretty big downer.“And it shows just how low we’ve got to by the fact we are still fighting not to become the worst Premier League team ever with the number of points we’ve got.”The former Sky Sports Soccer ­Saturday pundit is revered by Saints supporters – having devoted all his professional days to the club.Back in the day he was renowned for scoring spectacular goals and in his prime became the midfielder to reach a century fastest in the Prem era.Le Tiss, who is never afraid to speak his mind, would like to see a young manager with local connections replace Juric, who was sacked earlier this month.But he feels Russell Martin, who was axed in December, might have kept his job had he not stuck to the passing game that had earned his side such plaudits in the Championship.Most of that frustration is at the presence given out by the players that they don’t care enough about the football club.Matt Le TissierLe Tissier added: “To be honest I would like to see a young, progressive manager, ­somebody who is not afraid to change his tactics when the need arises.“Had Russell Martin been more pragmatic in his approach he would still be in the job. They liked him down here and it wouldn’t have taken much for him to have stayed had he swallowed his pride a bit.“He was so stubborn about passing out from the back and giving goals away from defensive errors each week.“He had taken us out of the league we are heading back to with his style of football – which you can get away with in the Championship but not in the Premier League.Read More on The Sun“If the new manager had a connection with the club that would go a long way with the fans and that is ­something I would like to see.“But that, I guess, is different from the business perspective of the owners and the CEO making the decisions they think is going to be the best chance to get back up.” More