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    Premier League star’s sister-in-law jailed for 3 YEARS for sharing X-rated videos of footballer in shock blackmail plot

    HWANG UI-JO’S sister-in-law has been jailed over a plot to blackmail the Nottingham Forest star.The striker, who is on loan at Alanyaspor, is alleged to have filmed a sex tape with his ex-girlfriend without her consent.Hwang Ui-jo was the victim of a blackmail plotCredit: AFPHwang denies the claim, which came to light after his sister-in-law reportedly shared the videos on social media.She was charged and has now been sentenced to three years in prison for posting private explicit videos of Hwang and attempting to blackmail him, report the South China Morning Post.The Seoul Central District Court stated the defendant posted the video “knowing it would be disseminated indiscriminately”.A statement read: “The content has been widely distributed in and out of South Korea… the nature of her crime is very serious.”The woman is also accused of attempting to blackmail Hwang by sending messages saying “it will be fun” if the videos are leaked.She acknowledged her wrongdoing and Hwang also plead for leniency, which reportedly prevented the court from handing out the four-year sentence prosecutors were demanding.The defendant said in her final testimony: “I have caused great harm to the victims and I sincerely regret what I have done.”The allegations made against Hwang resulted in his suspension from the South Korea national team.Most read in FootballA statement read: “We have decided not to select Hwang Ui-jo for the national team until a clear conclusion is reached on the facts.”South Korea manager Jurgen Klinsmann added: “I fully understand the current situation and will respect the decision of the Korea Football Association.”Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top five More

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    Kevin De Bruyne OUT of Belgium squad in huge concern for Man City ahead of crunch title clash with Arsenal

    KEVIN DE BRUYNE has been ruled out of Belgium’s fixtures against Ireland and England with a groin injury.And that means he will miss Manchester City’s FA Cup quarter final against Newcastle at the Etihad on Saturday, while also being a doubt for this month’s title clash against Arsenal.Kevin De Bruyne is an injury doubt for Man City’s title clash against ArsenalCredit: RexThe Belgian had major hamstring surgery earlier in the season which sidelined him for more than four months.He returned in early January and having their talisman back lifted Pep Guardiola’s team during a crucial run of fixtures.KDB was picked to start in the title crunch at Liverpool on Sunday – but was unhappy when he was subbed late on.Now Red Devils coach Dominico Tedesco revealed he learned of the setback when City returned to training on Wednesday after a couple of days off.He said: “I spoke with him and the doctor and we decided to take zero risks. We want to give him time to recover.”He’s been playing with a minor groin issue in the last games.“This is not the time to take risks with our players, three months before the Euros.“We have to take the player into account but also his team.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACING“It’s a groin injury but we don’t know if it is related to the hamstring problem. But it’s a big blow for us.“It’s been a year now that he didn’t play for Belgium and we need him. He wants to come but it was not possible.Guardiola explains why he subbed off De Bruyne“But we need him for the Euros so we took the wise decision to leave him at City.”De Bruyne – who turns 33 in the summer – has started only eight matches for his club this season, with six more appearances off the bench.Phll Foden was flourishing in the central role normally occupied by KDB in his absence – and could now be moved back into the middle against the Toon. More

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    Arsenal legend returns to Emirates for first time in five years to watch David Raya’s Champions League heroics

    AARON RAMSEY returned to Arsenal for the first time in FIVE years to watch the Champions League penalty shootout triumph over Porto.The Gunners booked a quarter-final spot thanks to David Raya’s dramatic double spot-kick save at the Emirates on Tuesday night.David Raya was Arsenal’s hero in penalty shootout triumph over Porto as the Gunners booked a first Champions League quarter-final spot since 2010Credit: ReutersRamsey returned to the Emirates and was pictured pitchside with Faye White @ArsenalAnd club legend Ramsey, 33, who left on a free transfer for Juventus in 2019 after 11 years at the club, reckons Mikel Arteta’s men belong back at the top table of European football again.Ramsey was given a standing ovation from Arsenal fans as he was presented to the crowd pitchside before kick-off with his eldest boy Sonny.He said: “It’s my first time.  It hasn’t worked out with the timings and things like that but it’s good to be back.”It was a bit of a strange feeling driving back in having done it for so many years. I tried to jump on the team coach! “I’m excited to be here with my little man.”You really miss these Champions League nights having experienced them and played in many. “Arsenal needs the Champions League. To be in this position and progress has shown how far the club has come on again in the last few years.”As well as breaking their Champions League last-16 hoodoo for the first time since 2010.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Now they have booked a spot in Friday’s draw alongside Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal also lie top of the Premier League with ten games to go.Arteta’s side finished second to Manchester City but the North Londoners are pushing the defending champions and Liverpool in a thrilling three-horse title race.Wales captain Ramsey, who now plays for Cardiff, added: “It’s evident with the position in the league at the moment. “It’s not easy to be competing against them with what they have done over the last few years.”To come so close last year and go toe-to-toe for such a long period. Hopefully they can go one step further and get over the line.”It’s great to see. Mikel has done a fabulous job here, him and his staff. “The players are really responding and everyone has bought into it. There’s a really good buzz around the place at the moment.”Ramsey who scored two FA Cup final winning goals twice against Hull in 2014 at Wembley and Chelsea three years later, added: “They are the highlights of my Arsenal career – and career in general really. “To live a boyhood dream once but to do it again was an amazing feeling. “I’m so grateful to have played a small part in this great club’s history.”Ramsey, who joined Arsenal from Cardiff in a £5million deal back in 2008, picked his five-a-side team made up of ex-team-mates.He said: “I would go (Laurent) Koscielny at the back. I loved him, he was a brilliant player for us. “He had every attribute and went on to do so well for France.”Santi Cazorla was a great player. I’d go Mesut Ozil because I didn’t think you really appreciate how good he was until you played with him. “His weight of pass, a proper team player and oozed class.”(Oliver) Giroud would be up top. He played some important parts in my FA Cup goals. READ MORE SUN STORIES”And I’d go for (Cesc) Fabregas. I didn’t play too often with him but what he did for the club, he was an amazing player. “The way he played and his forward thinking approach. The amount of his assists he did, at his age coming into the Arsenal team was brilliant.” More

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    ‘Actually mental’ – Peter Crouch ranks Premier League’s top five strikers but major omission sends fans into meltdown

    PETER CROUCH and Steve Sidwell ranked the Premier League’s top five strikers.But a major omission sent fans into meltdown.Peter Crouch chose the Prem’s top five strikers… but left out a major nameSteve Sidwell also helped pick the list as fans reacted to the choicesThe former top-flight stars know a thing or two about playing at the highest level.Crouch scored goals for the likes of Aston Villa, Liverpool, Portsmouth, Spurs, Stoke and Burnley in an illustrious career.While Sidwell played for Reading, Chelsea, Villa, Fulham and Stoke.Appearing on Crouch’s podcast, the duo ran through their top five current Premier League strikers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd they were unanimous on the list, with Brentford’s Ivan Toney ranked fifth.Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins came fourth, while Spurs captain Son Heung-Min was third.Second place went to Man City ace Erling Haaland.And top spot was reserved for none other than Liverpool’s Mo Salah.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACINGBut some fans were left devastated by the omission of Newcastle star Alexander Isak.The 24-year-old has scored 26 goals in 56 games following a £58million move from Real Sociedad in 2022.Peter Crouch in stitches over what Rio Ferdinand was given on return to Man Utd before being ‘pumped 5-0’Fans couldn’t believe Newcastle’s Alexander Isak wasn’t in the mixCredit: GettyHe played a huge role in last season’s Champions League qualification.And Isak continues to be influential this term despite Toon’s drop in form.Fans quickly questioned Crouch and Sidwell’s omission.One said: “No Isak is actually mental.”Another declared: “No Isak hahaha.”One noted: “Wow, no Isak? The Swedish Henry!”Another fan discovered another major error in Crouch and Sidwell’s logic, adding: “Salah and Son are wingers!” More

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    Chelsea to pay another huge compensation fee in coaching change despite Mauricio Pochettino speaking out against plans

    CHELSEA have agreed a £1million deal to bring in a new set-piece coach from Brentford, according to reports.That is despite the fact that manager Mauricio Pochettino dismissed their importance recently.Brentford coach Bernardo Cueva (R) is set to join Chelsea in the summerCredit: AFPThe Athletic have stated that Bernardo Cueva will arrive at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season from Bees – with the Blues forced to pay in the region of £1m for his signature.The Mexican, 36, joined Brentford from Chivas in September 2020 originally in the role of tactical statistician.Cueva has since played an integral role in the club’s progress under Thomas Frank from Championship into the Premier League.And Brentford have also become somewhat renowned for their effective set-pieces over recent years.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTodd Boehly and Chelsea chiefs have been looking to add more personnel to their coaching staff to help their young squad.Cueva emerged as the “prime candidate” to fulfil the role after his impact at Brentford.Anthony Barry previously held the position at Chelsea but he left 11 months ago to reunite with Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.Cueva will head a department that is set to be strengthened even further by sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Frank will lose his trusted lieutenant in the summer after a deal was struck between the two West London clubs.And this report adds that Pochettino is fully-behind the move, even though he played down the significance of set-piece coaches last month.We were tipped for stardom as Chelsea and Man Utd wonderkids… now we have set up own property companyThe Argentine tactician insisted that his team did not need that kind of help by declaring that “football belongs to the players, not to the specialists”.He said: “We work a lot on set-pieces. We have specialists. We are a coaching staff in charge of everything. We have a group of analysts for set-pieces.“After that, it is about the quality of the player. It is about the takers. We don’t have a specialist.“Maybe Chilly [Ben Chilwell] is good in the delivery, but we don’t have a specialist after that.“When you have good takers, and of course, Wolves have good takers, and like Manchester City have or other clubs.“It is not down to the work. We work similarly. But the problem is to have good takers.”Mauricio Pochettino had previously played down the importance of the specialistsCredit: Alamy More

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    Man Utd legend Dwight Yorke offers himself for vacant EFL manager’s job and says ‘I’ve handed my CV in’

    DWIGHT YORKE has revealed that he has applied for the vacant Sunderland job.Yorke played for the Black Cats during the twilight of his career, signing for them when he was 35 in 2006.Dwight Yorke has applied for the Sunderland jobCredit: GettyThe former forward had been playing in Australia at the time and only signed after a phone call from then Sunderland manager Roy Keane.On concincing Yorke to sign for Sunderland, Keane said: “Towards the end of his career, Yorke had the reputation as a bit of a party animal but I knew Yorke loved the game.”He was over in Sydney and obviously he was their franchise player. I remember ringing him from the training ground – I’m not sure on the time difference but I rang him and it was pretty bleak.”I rang him, I said ‘Yorkey do you fancy coming to Sunderland?’ He said ‘Are you serious?’ and I said yeah.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He had a penthouse on Sydney Harbour but I said that would always be there, you can always go back to that.”I said we’ve got a big challenge here but I knew deep down he loved the game and I knew he fancied the challenge.”After swapping Sydney for Sunderland, Yorke spent three years with the Black Cats, and he told Ladbrokes Fanzone it left a special mark on him.Yorke said: “I’ve always kept my eye on Sunderland, simply because I had a successful time there. Even though I was at the end of my career, getting them promoted and playing a part in things, it was probably one of my greatest achievements, in the sense that my role as a player had changed.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “I was surprised at how big a club it was when I got there, but the fanbase is terrific. It’s a great stadium, it’s a great set-up and I can only assume things have improved further over the last few years in terms of the facilities.”He also confirmed in the interview that he has handed his CV in to the club, with the hotseat being vacant since Michael Beale was sacked.’I have a real sneaky feeling,’ says smiling Man Utd legend as he tips Klopp for stunning Liverpool return in two years”It’s a club that I’ve actually handed my CV into recently, if I’m honest, because I want the job. I know enough of Sunderland; I lived in the area for nearly three years, and so I understand the culture up there, and what the supporters want and expect from that team.”It’s very difficult to assess what’s going on behind the scenes when you’re not in it. You can only assume things, and that can sometimes be a dangerous thought process. “The important thing would be to go in there and stabilise things. Most importantly, I’m a football fan through and through, and so the football aspect is my biggest concern. “You’ve got to get the players to buy into whatever you’re doing, you don’t know what the relationship is like between board and management, and exactly what is going on.”But, watching from the outside, you can only look at what’s going on on the pitch, and they’re underachieving, in my opinion. Yorke said he enjoyed his time at Sunderland and would like to live there againCredit: AFP”They should be far closer to the play-off spots, if not threatening the automatic spots.”That should be the expectation at a club like Sunderland. You know you’ve got a terrific fanbase and a fantastic stadium and that Sunderland is – or should be – a very difficult place to go and get a result if you’re the opposition. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s a strong base to build from, and a club with a good record of winning promotion. “Sunderland are currently 12th in the Championship, 11 points off Norwich in sixth. More

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    Bournemouth 4 Luton 3: Semenyo completes epic Cherries comeback after Hatters charged into three-goal lead

    TOM LOCKYER made an emotional return in the stands as his Luton side lost a Premier League classic from 3-0 up.Antoine Semenyo struck two brilliant goals as Bournemouth’s second-half turnaround sealed their first home league win since Boxing Day.Cherries’ matchwinner Antoine Semenyo celebrates his late gloryCredit: ReutersTom Lockyer met the medical team who helped save his lifeCredit: GettyRoss Barkley and  Carlton Morris show Luton’s despairCredit: ReutersRob Edwards reflects after somehow losing 4-3Credit: ALAMY
    But at least the lowly Hatters were cheered by the sight of Lockyer watching on fit and healthy.The Luton skipper “died” for two minutes at the Vitality Stadium 89 days ago when his heart stopped beating.And on Wednesday night he was smiling then applauding his team-mates as they raced 3-0 up at the interval.Tahith Chong, Chiedozie Ogbene and Ross Barkley took full advantage of naive Bournemouth defending.Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest on this pitch in December, with his team-mates in tears as they feared the worst before the match was abandoned.And before Wednesday’s kick-off the Wales international shook the hands of the four paramedics who saved his life.Then he walked to the centre of the pitch clapping both sets of fans, giving the away supporters the thumbs up sign.The home club band struck up “The Great Escape” in the pre-match entertainment which was fittingly appropriate on the night.PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – get £40 in free bet builder betsBournemouth midfielder Philip Billing was the first player to react to Lockyer’s plight in the first game and instantly summoned for help.Billing revealed in last night’s programme: “It was just a natural reaction to try and help him, even though I don’t feel like I did anything.Micah Richards leaves Kate Abdo stunned after challenging Premier League cult hero to press-up challenge on live TV “Credit has to go to the medical people, they’re the life savers.“I didn’t know until after the game and in the tunnel that his girlfriend was pregnant at the time, and things like that come before football.“Being there for his child is more important than football, at the end of the day, so it is beautiful to see him back on his feet and being with his family.”Rob Edwards’ desperate eyes were full of tears the last time we saw the Luton gaffer in these parts-but it wasn’t long in the match when he was full of smiles.That was in the ninth minute when the unmarked Chong thundered a header high into the net from Issa Kabore’s cross.Then a wonderful move by the Hatters saw Chong find Alfie Doughty who set-up Ogbene for the second on 31 minutes.And in first half stoppage time Barkley was left alone to smash Issa Kabore’s pass into the top corner.But the great Cherries’ fight-back started on 50 minutes when Dominic Solanke turned smartly and fired home his 17th goal which was given after a VAR check.Then 12 minutes later the Cherries had a second when goal-line technology confirmed that Illia Zabarnyi’s header was over the line before Doughty cleared.And amazingly it was 3-3 two minutes later when Ghana striker Semenyo cut inside and found the corner with a low shot.But Semenyo wasn’t finished. He took a return pass from sub Enes Unal and beat goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski at his near post for the winner.Semenyo cracks home his dramatic winner for BournemouthCredit: ReutersLockyer with the team who saved his life More

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    Tom Lockyer reunites with heroic ambulance medics who saved his life after suffering cardiac arrest on pitch

    TOM LOCKYER has been reunited with the medics who helped save his life on his return to the Vitality Stadium.Luton took on Bournemouth on Wednesday night in a replay of the fixture that was abandoned after the 29-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch.Tom Lockyer met the medics that saved his life on his return to Bournemouth’s stadiumCredit: Prime MediaLockyer suffered a cardiac arrest in the fixture earlier this seasonCredit: PAThe Luton star did a lap of honour before kick-offCredit: PAHatters supporters held up a mural of LockyerCredit: ReutersLockyer featured on the front of the programmeCredit: RexCherries’ matchwinner Antoine Semenyo celebrates his late gloryCredit: ReutersThe Hatters skipper was technically dead for two minutes before medics resuscitated him back in December.Lockyer showed his appreciation to those first on the scene as he greeted the ambulance staff who rushed over to him with a defibrillator ahead of the 4-3 thriller on the South Coast.The defender was all smiles as he chatted and posed for photos with the medics.He was presented pitchside and did a lap of honour ahead of kick-off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLockyer juggled the ball as fans held aloft a mural of him.The game itself also gave fans plenty of entertainment. Luton blew a 3-0 half-time lead to lose 4-3, with Antoine Semenyo scoring the late winner for the hosts.Hatters manager Rob Edwards said before the replayed fixture: “It will be emotional going back and reliving that experience but we know we have to do it.“Locks will meet the people who helped saved his life and see their supporters, who were unbelievable.Most read in Football“It will be really nice for him to meet those heroes and he’ll get a brilliant reception.“The main thing now is that Locks is okay and the silver lining is that some good will have come from it, with more awareness on CPR.”Wales star Lockyer spent five days in hospital and now has an implantable cardioverter defibrillator in his chest.Tom Lockyer shows defibrillator fitted into his chest after Luton captain suffered cardiac arrest in Bournemouth clashHe may never play professional football again.In a programme interview, Lockyer said: “I can’t wait to see them in person and thank them myself.“They almost go under the radar at every game. You don’t really see them until something serious happens.“That’s when you see what incredible human beings they are. They deliver such swift and fast life-saving care to people who need it, so I can’t honestly thank them enough.”A Bournemouth supporters’ trust raised £2,000 to put on coaches for Luton fans. There was also a minute’s applause in tribute to the incredible work of the medics.Edwards added: “They are the true heroes. It is only football and there are more important things.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCherries boss Andoni Iraola said he was looking forward to greeting Lockyer too.He said: “I am happy to know that he is doing well. It will be amazing to see him.”Tom Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch on December 16Credit: RexMedics were able to save his lifeCredit: GettyHe was rushed to hospital and has now been fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillatorCredit: RexThe match was abandoned at 1-1 and was replayed on Wednesday nightCredit: ReutersManager Rob Edwards has called the medical staff ‘heroes’Credit: GettyLockyer’s football career is in doubtCredit: Twitter @SkySportsPL More