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    Inside Shakira’s mad war with Pique’s parents – ‘building wall’ to keep out mother-in-law to dig over ‘terrible’ hairdo

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    THEY once heaped praise on each other with Shakira affectionately referring to Montserrat Bernabéu as “my little mother-in-law.”But now the fur is flying, following the She-Wolf singer’s split from Gerard Pique, after 12 years together.
    Shakira with Gerard, his brother Marc (left) and parents Joan Pique and Montserrat Bernabeu, in 2013Credit: Alamy
    The witch doll appeared on the singer’s balcony, overlooking her in-laws homeCredit: Splash
    Shakira, who lives next door to her ex’s parents in a gated community in Barcelona, took a swipe at Montserrat, 60, in the diss track she released last week – then played the song at full volume so her in-laws could hear.
    She added insult to injury by placing a mannequin of a witch on a balcony overlooking their house.
    Now it’s reported the Hips Don’t Lie star is building a wall between the two properties, which are joined in some areas, after a cement mixer was seen in the grounds.    
    The 45-year-old Colombian is said to be furious with Gerard’s parents after they welcomed his new lover, 23-year-old Clara Chia Marti, with open arms.
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    The split last summer has led to a bitter war of words between Shakira and Gerard – who share sons Milan, nine, and Sasha, seven. 
    Now the brutal tit for tat has spilled over to the rest of the family, with dad Joan Pique also getting involved.
    Gerard Pique and Shakira were a couple for 12 yearsCredit: Getty
    The split happened after Gerard met Clara Chia Marti, then 22Credit: BackGrid
    Mansions with connecting grounds
    It’s a toxic turn of events for the family, who claimed to be close during the couple’s 12-year-romance – which began on the set of the video for Shakira’s 2010 World Cup anthem, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).”  
    In 2015, after the birth of second son Sasha, the couple splashed out £4.9million on a mansion in Ciutat Diagonal, one of the most exclusive gated communities in Spain, just half an hour from the centre of Barcelona. 
    Most read in Football
    The stunning mansion, with sea views, is spread over 1,500 square feet, and boasts seven bedrooms, two kitchens, a swimming pool with a waterfall, a gym, games room and private cinema.
    Wanting to be close to their grandchildren, Montserrat, an eminent neurologist, and her lawyer husband moved into the property next door.
    At the time, relations were good and Shakira spent a lot of time with Montserrat, attending various events together and posting family snaps on social media.
    The £4.9m house is next door to Pique’s parentsCredit: Solarpix
    The palatial mansion boasts a gym, cinema room and games roomCredit: Instagram/shakira
    Close relationship
    As well as helping care for the two boys, Pique’s parents looked after the house when they were away, and were sleeping upstairs in 2018 when it was burgled, with raiders stealing expensive watches and jewellery worth thousands of pounds.
    In an interview with Vogue, Montserrat described Shakira as “a spectacular person, a simple woman with great values who also happens to be the second most important woman in showbusiness. I find her a fascinating person.”
    The pair still seemed to be close shortly before the shock split, in June 2021, when the singer gently mocked her partner’s mum for advising her to get her famous locks cut into a sleek bob, debuted at a ceremony in her honour thrown by the  French Ministry of Culture in 2012. 
    In a Vogue video, which has gone viral since the row flared up, she says: “Oh wow, how terrible, that’s a really bad haircut. 
    “I took advice from my mother-in-law. She said ‘Hey, why don’t you cut your hair? It’s really damaged.’ And me: ‘Ah, uh-huh,’”
    “Worst mistake of my life. Mother-in-law, I’m not taking cosmetic advice from you again.” 
    Shakira with Milan and Montserrat at a La Liga gameCredit: Getty
    She blamed her mother-in-law for the ‘terrible’ bobCredit: Getty
    Shock split
    Given their previously close relationship, Shakira may have expected her in-laws to condemn their son’s romance with Clara – which reportedly began months before the 2022 split.
    Rumours the former Barcelona star was having an affair emerged in June and days later, the couple shocked fans when they released a joint statement announcing their separation, adding: “For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you for your understanding.”
    Spanish outlet El Periodico reported that they had been living separately for a few weeks, after Shakira kicked him out of the family home.
    Three months later, she was furious when he went public with new girlfriend Clara, then 22, and she was hurt and infuriated to discover Gerard’s parents actively supported his “romance” from the beginning.
    The couple made frequent visits to his parents’ home, in full view of the scorned singer, and invited the PR student to use their swimming pool.
    Earlier this month, Shakira was said to be “devastated” after footage of a zoom interview from August 2021, seemed to show Clara in the background of the family home – ten months before the couple announced their separation – while Shakira was reportedly abroad with the boys.
    She also revealed she turned sleuth on her cheating ex after discovering a jar of strawberry jam – which he hated – had been opened, suggesting he had been entertaining a ‘guest’ while she was away. 
    Images of Clara at the couple’s house before the split emerged recentlyCredit: YouTube/Ibai
    The singer was close to MontserratCredit: Instagram
    Diss track
    The star’s bitter new diss track – BZRP Music Sessions #53 – takes a swipe at both Gerard and Clara, referring to the women’s respective ages with the lyric: “I’m worth two 22s. You traded a Ferrari for a Twingo, you traded a Rolex for a Casio.”
    But she also gets in a dig at Montserrat, spitting: “You left me the mother-in-law as a neighbour.”
    As the feud escalated, Shakira played the tracks at full volume, on repeat, so her in-laws could hear. 
    In a bizarre move, she also placed a life-size mannequin, dressed as a witch on  a broomstick, on the balcony of her house, overlooking her in-laws’ home.
    Journalist Marc Leirado said the mannequin, with long grey hair and a witch’s hat, had spooked Montserrat.
    “Weeks ago, I got some information that Pique’s mother was worried about an alleged ritual that was done to her with a black witch,” he wrote.
    The star recorded a diss track with pal BizarrapCredit: DALE PLAY RECORDS
    The witch overlooking the Piques’ homeCredit: Splash
    He says Pique’s mum had asked a member of Shakira’s staff to remove it and it was temporarily taken down before being replaced.
    It seems she is now attempting to distance herself from the Pique family further, by building a wall around the mansion, which is soon to go up for sale as part of the split settlement.
    While Montserrat remains tight-lipped about the barbs from Shakira, she removed a ‘like’ she had given to the post of Shakira’s new song.
    Joan Pique responded with a humorous swipe of his own – changing his WhatsApp profile to a picture of Kevin Costner from Dancing With Wolves, an obvious reference to the She-Wolf tag.
    Gerard has also hit back with his own mocking stunts – turning up to work at his seven-a-side league office in a Twingo and gloating that he has secured sponsorship from Casio, in a direct reference to Shakira’s lyrics.
    In a video posted online, he told fans: “The King’s League struck a deal with Casio” as his former team-mate and ex-Man City star Sergio Aguero is seen chanting “Casio” on the video wall behind him. 
    Pique then points to a new timepiece and says “this watch will last a lifetime” before handing everybody on the set a watch.
    Read More on The Sun
    With the house about to be put up for sale, Shakira is planning a move to Miami with the boys but her 91-year-old dad, who has lived with her since being hospitalised after a fall last year, is not currently well enough.
    So it seems for now, the singer is stuck with the neighbours – no matter how much she hates them. 
    Gerard Pique taunts his ex with a Casio More

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      Anthony Joshua signs up for CBeebies bedtime story rematch as he reads second book on the channel

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      BOXER Anthony Joshua is expected to be such a big hit on CBeebies Bedtime Stories he’s already signed up for a rematch.It was revealed last week the ex-world champ is to read children’s tale The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats.
      Anthony Joshua is expected to be such a big hit on CBeebies Bedtime Stories he’s already signed up to read another oneCredit: PA
      A date has not been fixed for that but I can reveal he will read another story on the kids’ channel tomorrow — Ravi’s Roar, by Tom Percival.
      A TV insider said: “The reaction to AJ featuring on CBeebies Bedtime Stories has been huge. There’s so much excitement.
      “The BBC were desperate to book him in for another sitting, which he gladly agreed to. It’s a privilege to be asked twice and he sees it as a great honour.”
      AJ follows in the footsteps of Harry Styles, Tom Hardy and Chris Hemsworth.
      READ MORE ON CBeebies
      Ravi’s Roar tells the story of an angry young boy who learns to express and understand his feelings. The Snowy Day is about a lad named Peter who puts on his snowsuit and steps out of his house into a wintry world.
      When published in 1962, he was among the first African-American characters to feature in a major children’s book.
      Kate Winslet and Richard E Grant are some of the big names to read a story on CBeebies over Christmas. But neither packs a punch as big as AJ.
      DAVID KID ’COPTER CAPERS
      ONLY Fools And Horses legend David Jason is lining up a cartoon return with his own series.
      Most read in Boxing
      The voice of Eighties favourite Danger Mouse, who is also a qualified helicopter pilot, has come up with a character called Olly the Heli, which is “in development”.
      David Jason is lining up a cartoon return with his own seriesCredit: Getty
      David revealed in his new book, The Twelve Dels of Christmas, his creation is a young helicopter with a friendly face who “misbehaves a bit”, and “something perhaps on the Thomas the Tank Engine lines” .
      David came up with the idea on a visit to an airfield last year, when he was flown in a Gazelle helicopter by astronaut Tim Peake.
      He added: “‘Do you want to land it?’ Tim generously asked as we returned to the airfield. I wasn’t going to push my luck. ‘I think I’ll leave that to you, Tim,’ I said.
      “So, that was how the idea of Olly the Heli got going – a little production journey still in development at the time of writing. We’ll see where it ends up.”
      Prue’s truth
      PRUE LEITH wants “someone I’ve heard of” to replace host Matt Lucas on Bake Off.
      On Virgin Radio, the Channel 4 show’s judge said she didn’t have a clue who co-host Noel Fielding was when he joined the series.
      Prue added: “I’ve never understood Matt and Noel’s jokes.”

      WONDER MOVIE IS TOP PICK
      IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE has been voted the greatest Christmas film of all time by Radio Times.
      The 1946 festive classic starring James Stewart topped a readers’ poll.
      More than one in five voters – 1,650 in total – named the movie their favourite.
      Somewhat criminally, Will Ferrell’s Elf only made No4, with The Muppet Christmas Carol and Home Alone taking the No2 and No3 spots and Love Actually making up the remainder of the top five.
      The black and white movie also topped last year’s poll. But Die Hard, which was No4, slipped out of the top five in 2022 and down to No6.
      Bruce Willis would pull his hair out, if he had any.
      GARY: I’M ON BABY MISSION
      GARY LUCY’s romance with Celebs Go Dating co-star Laura Anderson could be getting even more serious.
      The pair, who met on the E4 dating show, have already discussed having children together.
      Gary Lucy’s romance with Celebs Go Dating co-star Laura Anderson could be getting even more seriousCredit: Instagram
      And dad-of-four Gary says his virility is so strong, Laura could already be expecting.
      He said: “We’re smitten. We’ve talked kids. I mean, I’m quite potent, so she might already be pregnant! I have four kids already but I want more. I’ve always wanted kids. I love kids.”
      The former Hollyoaks actor says a huge incentive for having more children is being able to name one Gary – as the name is dying out.
      He added: “I do want a boy, because I want to have another little Gary – carry it on, as I hear the name’s dying out and I think that’d be a real shame.”
      Spare a thought for us Rodericks.
      LAURA A SUCKER FOR PIGS
      LAURA BINGHAM has left fans of her TV adventurer hubby Ed Stafford gobsmacked – after claiming she breastfed a pig.
      The fellow explorer and mum-of-three took care of a piglet when it was rejected by its mum at their farm.
      The piglet has now been welcomed into the family home. Writing on Instagram she said: “So I can now tick breast feed a piglet off my bucket list!
      “Did you know that indigenous communities do it?! So it’s normal OK?! I force fed some formula down her with a syringe and then when she started waking up a bit more, she didn’t want a bottle so I thought, what the heck?!”
      We’ve all been there, Laura.

      STRICTLY runner-up Helen Skelton said pros on the show didn’t want Hamza Yassin, partnered with Jowita Przystal, to take home the trophy.
      On her Radio 5 show she said they wanted her partner Gorka to triumph on his third time in the final, adding: “You could tell how gutted we were.” More

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      Anthony Joshua says he gets stopped at customs every time he enters US as he warns ‘you can’t run away from your past’

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has warned kids his former life of crime keeps coming back to haunt him every time he tries to enter the USA.AJ, 33, got into his fair share of trouble as a youngster and once found himself on remand in Reading prison for “‘fighting and other crazy stuff.”
      Anthony Joshua got into his fair share of trouble as a youngster and was even charged with intent to supply class B drugsCredit: THE SUN
      AJ escaped jail time and was able to pursue his dream of becoming world championCredit: MATCHROOM
      But he admits his former life comes back to bother him when he tries to enter the USACredit: Reuters
      His world was almost turned upside down in 2011 when he was charged with possession with intent to supply a class B drug after police found a large amount cannabis in his car.
      Joshua avoided jail time by submitting a guilty plea, although his criminal record keeps coming to the fore when he tries to enter the United States.
      And AJ hopes his story can help keep the next generation on the straight and narrow.
      He said: “A message to the youth: When I was younger…. used to get in trouble.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “I’m telling you, it catches up with you. You can’t run away from your past.
      “Every time I step into the USA, they pull me into the US Customs and Border Protection.
      “Luckily, certain things with my criminal record aren’t too severe and they don’t stop me from actually entering.
      “But every time I enter the USA, they pull me over for questioning and it’s tedious and time-consuming.”
      Most read in Boxing
      Joshua, 33, has been open about his former life in a bid to steer kids off the wrong path, including his willingness to spend 15 years behind bars when he was on remand.
      Anthony Joshua is the rebuilding phase of his career following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTY
      The former two-time heavyweight champ is currently out of the world title pictureCredit: MATCHROON BOXING
      During an appearance on Apple’s Song for Life, he said: “I feel like I was looking at 15 years.
      “I thought I’d do that easy. I would have been out maybe two years ago [2018].
      “So I was like, ‘Cool. No problem. If it is guilty, it’s guilty.'”
      Joshua knuckled down and focused on boxing after escaping prison time for drug possession, which would’ve derailed what has turned out to be a glittering career.
      Recalling the aftermath of his almost life-altering brush with the law, he said: “I done my community service, I got banned from the Olympic team though, which was a tough time.
      “I learned how to get smarter, I changed my car, too flash, and that’s why I think now as a boxer I know how to keep low key.
      “I learned the art of bouncing back, most important.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Anthony Joshua is set to return to the octagon early next yearCredit: Getty
      Joshua is set to return to the ring in early March following his defeat in his rematch with unified heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk in August.
      An opponent hasn’t been finalised, although dust-ups with Otto Wallin and Brit rival Dillian Whyte are on the cards. More

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      Watch Lionel Messi’s wife Antonella blast son Mateo, 7, for throwing chewing gum in stands at World Cup clash

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      LIONEL MESSI’S wife Antonela clearly wants their three sons in the stands to match their dad’s high standards on the pitch as he chases World Cup glory.The model reprimanded middle child Mateo, seven, after he appeared to throw chewing gum towards fans as Argentina beat Australia 2-1.
      Lionel Messi’s middle son Mateo seemed to throw gum but he was in hot water with his mum Antonela during Argentina’s last-16 win over AustraliaCredit: Twitter
      Antonela steps in to tell Mateo off but the match was a joyous happy occasion as Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to victoryCredit: Twitter
      Messi has revealed his kids are his driving force as he attempts to finally win football’s biggest tournament.
      But fellow Argentine Antonela didn’t let the occasion go to their sons’ heads as she responded quickly to Mateo’s antics.
      Messi, though, is just delighted his children – especially eldest son Thiago, 10 – are now old enough to fully appreciate his continuing achievements and dreams at the age of 35.
      After Argentina KO’d the Socceroos to set up a quarter-final with Holland on Friday, Messi said: “From the beginning to the final whistle I was thinking about my family.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      “My children especially, as they are growing older and understand more. 
      “We have had families before at World Cups – Thiago has been there but wasn’t aware what it meant. 
      “I now see how they suffer and enjoy it. It’s something spectacular. 
      “They are excited as all Argentinians – it’s amazing to share this with them.”
      Most read in Sport
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Messi’s family – his mum, wife and sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro – beamed in the stands as he netted a classy opener and then mastermined the action.
      Antonela too, though, attracted plenty of attention.
      The 34-year-old wore ripped jeans baring her midriff and a purple Argentina away shirt with her husband’s name and number on it. More

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      Ronaldo relives heartbreaking moment his kids asked ‘where’s the other baby?’ after one of his twins died during birth

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      CRISTIANO Ronaldo’s confused children asked “Where’s the other baby?” when his fiancée returned home with just one twin.The footie legend wept as he told TalkTV’s Piers Morgan how the family had gathered excitedly to welcome the new arrivals after Georgina Rodriguez gave birth on April 18. 
      The Manchester United legend with wife Georgina and Cristiano Jnr, Eva, Mateo, Alana and baby Bella
      Piers with Cristiano and GeorginaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The star wept as he told TalkTV’s Piers Morgan how the family had gathered excitedly to welcome the new arrivals after Georgina Rodriguez gave birth on April 18
      Ronaldo sat down for a sensational 90-minute TV interview with PiersCredit: TalkTV
      But while the couple’s daughter Bella was born healthy, her brother Angel never made it. 
      The Man Utd star, 37, recalled: “Gio arrived home and the kids start to say where’s the other baby, where’s the other baby?”
      And he revealed how he cried with his eldest, Cristiano Jr, 12, as he broke the news in his bedroom.
      But his younger children — Eva and Mateo, five, and Alana Martina, four — took longer to process the news, he said. 
      READ MORE ON RONALDO EXCLUSIVE
      He told Piers: “The other ones in the beginning, around the table, the kids start to say “Mom where is the other baby….’ …and after one week I say let’s be up front and let’s be honest with the kids, let’s say that, Ángel, which is his name, he go to the Heaven.”
      Six months on, Ronaldo also told how Angel remains part of their daily life. 
      He said: “The kids understand, we had shouts around the table and they say “Daddy I did this for Ángel” and they point to the sky. Which I like the most because he’s part of their lives. I am not gonna lie to my kids, I say the truth, which was a difficult process.”
      As the family mourned their loss, Ronaldo said it brought him closer to his children and ex-Gucci store worker Georgina who he met at an event in Madrid in 2016. 
      Most read in The Sun
      He added: “In some way, I became more of a father, more friendly with them; they become more close to their daddy, and me with Georgina as well.” 
      Piers asked: “I was going to ask you that because these things can make or break relationships.
      “Because the grief can be so intense, it can drive couples apart or bring them closer.”
      Ronaldo responded: “In my case it was better. I became more friendly with Gio. I was of course a friend but I feel more love for her and for my kids and I start to see life with a different perspective. 
      “It was the most difficult moments, the last six months, since my dad died.” 

      Watch ‘Piers Morgan Uncensored:90 Minutes with Ronaldo ’, 8pm on Wednesday and Thursday on TalkTV. Find TalkTV on Sky 526, Virgin Media 606, Freeview 237, Freesat 217 and Sky Glass 508, live and on demand on the TalkTV app, streaming services and at Talk.TV.

      The Portuguese striker revealed he keeps the ashes of his son close, having created a chapel in the basement, where the remains of his dad Jose Dinis Aveiro — who died in 2005 from liver failure — are also kept. 
      Devout Catholic Cristiano said: “His ashes are with me, like my Daddy, they are here in the house. 
      “It is something that I want to hold for the rest of my life and not throw to the ocean or to the sea. I keep with me. They are next to my dad. I have a small church downstairs, a chapel, and I keep my daddy and my son there.”
      When asked by Piers if he talks to them, the emotional star said: “Yes I do…all the time and they are on my side. You know they help me to be a better man, to be a better person, to be a better father. 
      “And it’s something that I am really proud of… the message that they send me, especially my son.”
      The Portuguese ace, 37, recalled: ‘Gio arrived home and the kids start to say where’s the other baby, where’s the other baby?’Credit: Alamy
      Cristiano tells Piers the tragedy brought him closer to his children and ex-Gucci store worker Georgina who he met at an event in Madrid in 2016Credit: Alamy
      Before Georgina fell pregnant, Ronaldo was already a dad of four, with three of his children born to two surrogate mothers
      Further extracts from Piers’s world exclusive interview will be aired on TalkTV tonight.
      Ronaldo and Georgina, 28, had revealed they were expecting a twin boy and girl in October 2021. 
      Speaking for the first time publicly about April’s tragedy, Ronaldo said: “Piers, probably the worst moment that I passed through in my life, since my father die.. when you have a kid, you expect that everything will be normal, and you have that problem, it’s hard, you know, as human being, that I and Georgina we had quite difficult moments because we don’t understand why it happened to us. 
      “Was very, very difficult to understand what’s going… in that period of our life.”
      He told how despite his grief, his hectic football schedule continued, and it was only the love of his family who got him through. 
      He said of Georgina: “We had the difficult moments but we said ‘Listen, we have more kids, we have one that was born, Bella that we have to be happy too’.
      “It’s crazy. I tried to explain sometimes to my family and even my close friends. 
      “I say, I never felt to be happy and sad in the same moment. I never felt. It is hard to explain.
      “So difficult. It’s, you don’t know if you cry, you don’t know if you smile because it’s something that you don’t know how to react. 
      “You don’t know what to do to be honest. And of course I remember very well that I looked like — I don’t know the word to define what I felt in that moment. 
      Most read in Football
      “But it’s crazy feelings, it’s crazy emotional. But as I told you before, I have to hold that we had at least Bella. One died and one survived, but it was, it’s difficult to explain.”
      Before Georgina fell pregnant, Ronaldo was already a dad of four, with three of his children born to two surrogate mothers. He described Bella, now six months, as a “spectacular, beautiful girl” who the whole family is very proud of, adding: “I am so, so happy”. 
      The Manchester United striker revealed he keeps the ashes of his son close, having created a chapel in the basementCredit: Getty
      The Portuguese legend told how despite his grief, his hectic football schedule continued, and it was only the love of his family who got him throughCredit: AP
      Cristiano with Georgina in 2019Credit: Reuters More

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      FA bans parents from cheering their kids at football matches – calling for polite clapping instead

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      PARENTS are being banned from cheering their kids at FA youth soccer matches this weekend — to shield the youngsters from abuse.English football’s rulers have been accused of going woke by calling for only polite applause from the touchline at games.
      The FA hopes to reduce pressure on players and referees by introducing the first National Silent Support WeekendCredit: Getty
      It follows the unveiling of the first National Silent Support Weekend which organisers hope will reduce pressure on players and referees.
      This scheme urges spectators to let youngsters “make mistakes and make their own decisions” without being harassed and to clap good play.
      The idea was devised amid fears youth league fans, and players, were picking up bad habits from watching Premier League matches.
      Anyone in breach of the FA’s Respect Codes of Conduct “may be asked to leave the venue or asked not to attend future games”.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL NEWS
      Yet clubs say poorly behaving spectators will ignore the initiative.
      Alan Moore, director of youth club Sedgley and Gornal United FC in the West Mids, said: “I applaud any initiative to stop some of the crazy behaviour I’ve seen, but this isn’t it.
      I don’t care if it’s woke or nannying, I just know it’ll take more than this gesture to solve the problem.”
      He said the club had just filed a complaint on a pitch invader mum who swore at an under-ten over a tackle.
      Most read in The Sun
      He said: “I doubt people like that will be changing their ways because the FA says so.”
      Terry Humphreys, club secretary of Redbridge United Boys FC in Essex, said: “I’ve been involved in grassroots football for 35 years and I doubt this will change attitudes.
      I’ve seen youth games abandoned because of the terrible behaviour of supporters.
      “The aggression we see on ­touchlines is bad for the players and stops them learning the game and for young referees who get a lot of stick.
      Read More on The Sun
      I’m not sure what the Silent Support idea will achieve but it’s worth a shot.”
      FA boss Mark Bullingham said the plan would help kids focus on their game with no distractions. More

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      Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney admits life at DC United is boring and opens up on difficulty of leaving Coleen and kids

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      WAYNE ROONEY admits he’s “bored” – as the DC United boss misses the “little things” with wife Coleen and their four kids back in England.But the Manchester United legend still feels lucky and focuses on “something to look forward to” with his family every few weeks.
      Former Man Utd and England hero Wayne Rooney misses taking his kids to school in England but is happy he took the ‘big rebuilding job’ with DC UnitedCredit: Getty
      Wayne Rooney was delighted when wife Coleen and their children visitedCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      And the former England skipper is happy he took the bold decision to move to the MLS as the next step to eventually managing a “top club”.
      Rooney, 36, who resigned as Derby chief in June, told The Times: ”The biggest issue about coming here was leaving the family behind.
      “That was a big decision. You miss the small things. Picking the kids up from school and things like that. 
      “But there’s people in much worse jobs who don’t get to see their kids before they’re working away from home for months, and aren’t in as fortunate a situation as me. 
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “So, it’s life. I speak to them every day on FaceTime.”
      The 120-cap ex-striker added: “It’s important to give yourself goals and I’m going back next week for a few days during international break, and the family came over for a visit last month. 
      “It’s having those goals so you know every four or six weeks you’ve got something to look forward to, in terms of seeing them and stuff.”
      DC were bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference when Rooney took over 11 games ago, and remain there.
      Most read in Football
      But six weeks after arriving, he is as addicted to football as ever, watching a conveyor belt of games, including from the Premier League, at the home he house-shares with coach Pete Shuttleworth.
      He added: “I’m rebuilding a club, rebuilding a squad and a big attraction is working with different nationalities, not just of players but staff. 
      “My ambition one day is to manage at the top and that (a multinational environment) is what you get at top clubs. I looked and thought it’s a great chance to experience it.
      “It’s a chance to take myself out of my comfort zone and develop as a coach. 
      “Not enough managers take that risk and challenge themselves by going abroad.” More

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      Lionesses Leah Williamson & Beth Mead top list of female role models for kids – ahead of Kate Middleton & Ariana Grande

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      LIONESSES Leah Williamson and Beth Mead have topped a list of female role models for youngsters.After their ground-breaking success in the Women’s Euros, the pair took first and second place in the 20 most confidence boosting icons – ahead of Harry Potter star Emma Watson and the Duchess of Cambridge.
      Lioness captain Leah Williamson has topped the list list of female role models for kidsCredit: Getty
      Kate Middleton came in at number four in the 20 most confidence boosting iconsCredit: Getty
      Other role models include football stars Lucy Bronze and Alex Scott, and Olympian Laura Kenny.
      The poll of 1,000 parents, carers and guardians of children aged three to six also found 72 per cent feel their young children are, or were, worried about starting school, with 51 per cent of parents also sharing this anxiety.
      As a result, 74 per cent are looking for tips to help build their children’s confidence, while 65 per cent of parents are seeking role models for their kids.
      The research was commissioned to mark the launch of Ultimate Princess Celebration: Time to Shine – a new role model-led initiative created by Disney Princess and educational charity The Female Lead.
      READ MORE ON LIONESSES
      Fronted by Lioness captain, Leah Williamson, the campaign aims to inspire and grow the confidence of young children as they prepare to start school – and during the early years that follow.
      Leah, who led her team to Euros 2022 victory and made history by becoming the first English female football team to win the international title, said: “Early years at school are exciting.
      “I remember it as a time where I really started to recognise my love for football and how much I loved to play.
      “Having the confidence to pursue endeavours are at the heart of all Disney Princess stories – so what better way to inspire young girls than through practising self-belief and perseverance, they can be anything they want to be.”
      Most read in The Sun
      Disney Princess and The Female Lead have also created a series of pep talk videos and self-affirmation mantras featuring the stories of Disney’s Princess characters.
      The Princess Pep Talks cover the themes of adventure, confidence and self-potential to prepare three to six-year-old children for their early school years.
      They use stories based on qualities like Tiana’s perseverance and Rapunzel’s bravery, and are told by teen YouTubers and authors, Kirsten and Aiyven Mbawa, from Northampton.
      The sisters, who also run Happier Every Chapter, a monthly book subscription service they crowdfunded on Kickstarter to promote literacy and diversity for children, have become the first official Young Female Leaders for the charity.
      Parenting expert, Sue Atkins, who helped co-develop the programme said: “It’s clear that children are experiencing a crisis in confidence, and our ambition is to help navigate this in those at the start of the early years of education, offering the tools needed to tackle the issue from the get-go.
      “Given children are inspired by trusted role models and stories of kindness and bravery, I hope this campaign will help them as they enter what can be an overwhelming stage of life.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Sarah Fox, VP marketing and communications, Disney Consumer Products, Games & Publishing EMEA, added: “We know that starting school can be an emotional time for both parents and children.
      “We hope Ultimate Princess Celebration: Time to Shine and its incredible line-up of female role models inspire kids to find the confidence they possess as they start a new chapter of their very own story – just like Disney Princesses.”
      TOP 10 ADULT CONFIDENCE ROLE MODELS FOR KIDS
      1.            Leah Williamson
      2.            Beth Mead
      3.            Emma Watson
      4.            Kate, Duchess of Cambridge
      5.            Lucy Bronze
      6.            Emma Raducanu
      7.            Laura Kenny
      8.            Sky Brown
      9.            Alex Scott
      10.          Ariana Grande

      Beth Mead, of England Women’s team, took the second spotCredit: Getty
      Kirsten and Aiyven Mbawa have been chosen as the first ever Young Female Leads as part of Disney’s new campaign, Ultimate Princess Celebration: Time to ShineCredit: Credit: Mikael Buck, free for editorial use
      They join Lioness captain Leah Williamson as the charity’s newest recruitsCredit: Credit: Mikael Buck, free for editorial use
      Harry Potter star Emma Watson stole bronzeCredit: Getty More

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      Coleen Rooney and kids enjoy beach day with Wayne before leaving him to head back home to England

      by

      COLEEN Rooney and kids have a day at the beach with Wayne before they leave him to head back home to England.The mum of four posed in her swimsuit while Kai, 12, Klay, nine, Kit, six, and Cass, four, played in the sand in the US.
      Coleen Rooney and her kids had a day at the beach before they leave Wayne to head back home to EnglandCredit: Instagram
      Wayne hugged his boys in a photo Coleen shared yesterdayCredit: https://www.instagram.com/waynerooney/
      She posted: “It was worth the traffic.”
      DC United boss Wayne, 36, hugged his boys in a photo Coleen shared yesterday.
      She wrote: “We love you @waynerooney.
      “See you soon.”
      READ MORE ON COLEEN ROONEY
      Wayne’s start to life back in DC hasn’t exactly gone to plan.
      Rooney, 36, has won just one game – with the win coming against Orlando City.
      DC United have drawn once and lost four times under England’s record goal scorer.
      But to help Rooney settle into his new role, his family flew over to the US to visit.
      Most read in Football
      The Rooneys spent time in New York and shared a family photo in front of the Statue of Liberty.
      Coleen and the kids also visited Washington, where they spent time during Rooney’s playing days.
      However, Coleen didn’t like the move and prefers the North East of England.
      In her highly-publicised trial against fellow Wag Rebekah Vardy, Coleen confessed that when she lived in Maryland in 2019, she was so miserable that she “cried every night”.
      The visit was a much needed morale boost for Rooney, who posted an adorable photo alongside his four boys as his family set off to return to England.
      Read More on The Sun
      Rooney captioned the Instagram post: “See you soon lads.”
      Everton fans will also be pleased to see second oldest, Klay, sporting the Toffees’ famous blue colours.
      Coleen said the seaside trip was ‘worth the traffic’Credit: Instagram
      Wayne was seen heading to practice with DC United on SaturdayCredit: Splash More