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    Marcus Rashford’s delighted brother Dane joins noisy Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub before huge Champions League tie

    MARCUS RASHFORD’S brother Dane was welcomed into the Aston Villa family in a Bruges pub.Footage shared by ITV showed fans serenading about the on-loan Manchester United forward with brother Dane in joining them in Belgium.Dane Rashford, smiling in the middle, was greeted by Aston Villa fans at a pub in BrugesDane, the older brother of Marcus Rashford, was greeted by former Villa star Ian TaylorFans were singing Rashford’s name in the pubRashford was named in Aston Villa’s starting XI for the Champions League clashCredit: AFPDane, the older brother of Rashford, was all smiles as he joined Rashford’s new fans ahead of Villa’s Champions League tie against Club Brugges in the Champions League last 16.Former Aston Villa star Ian Taylor, 56, was there to greet Dane.The ex-midfielder, who played for Villa for nine years between 1994 and 2003, was also seen standing on a table leading the chants.Rashford was named in the starting XI for the clash by Unai Emery.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 27-year-old is yet to open his goalscoring account for Villa, but has already racked up three assists in wearing the club’s claret and blue.He climbed off the bench against Chelsea in the Premier League to set up Marco Asensio twice to seal a 2-1 comeback win.Last weekend he then provided another assist for Asensio’s opener against Cardiff as Villa secured a 2-0 win to move into the FA Cup quarter-finals – where they drew Championship side Preston.Rashford’s more creative side really came to the fore in his last game, creating six chances for team-mates, equalling his highest tally in 426 matches for his boyhood club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAfter falling out of favour at Man Utd under Ruben Amorim, Rashford was sent on loan to Villa.The deal features a £40million option for the Villa Park outfit to make the deal permanent at the end of the season, while Villa are currently paying 75 per cent of his wages.Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transferAs well as Dane, Rashford also has a brother named Dwaine Maynard, two sisters, and one half-sister.Dane is a director of DN May Sports Management – a sports management agency ”with the goal of elevating athletes to achieve their full potential and thrive in their sports and in their wider life” – alongside Dwaine. More

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    ‘Come back any time’ – Humble Jack Grealish praised after paying for 200 PINTS and chatting with locals at social club

    JACK GREALISH has won over fans at a Newcastle pub – after putting £500 behind the bar. The Manchester City star stunned punters after walking into North Biddick Social Club in Washington on Sunday.Jack Grealish stunned punters in a North East pub on SundayCredit: AlamyThe England star turned up at a social club in Washington, Tyne and WearCredit: X @footballbreakzThe 29-year-old chatted with locals and put £500 behind the barCredit: X @footballbreakzGrealish, 29, wasted no time in making friends at the pub, where pints go for just £2.90.He put enough money behind the bar for regulars to sup up to 200 PINTS.Grealish posed for photos and chatted with locals on a visit to Richard Logan, 37, brother of fellow Three Lions star Jordan Pickford.One local punter told The Daily Mail: “Jack was a total gentleman.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”£500 is enough to keep the whole bar in pints for a good few hours. “What a star he was, he can come back any time.”Word quickly spread Grealish was in the social club, with fans flocking in and the venue quickly filling up. One laughed on Facebook: “Never seen word spread around so much.”Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother told the Mail: “He was with a couple of friends who live nearby.”I think they just fancied a quiet pint in a place where Jack wasn’t going to get any hassle. Jack Grealish’s reaction to Cole Palmer becoming a manager says it all as he and Maguire apologise to Chelsea star”Word spread very quickly though and people started to arrive from all over to see him, it’s such an unexpected place to see a big football star. “He was a really, really nice guy. “Nothing was too much trouble for him, he sat and chatted with the locals and was happy to pose for pictures. “But when he paid for everyone’s drinks that was just amazing, he didn’t need to do it but he did and it showed a lot of class and generosity. “He’ll definitely be welcome back if he ever wants to come down again.”Grealish has endured a tough two years at City, losing his England place and lacking game time.He has featured 25 times for Pep Guardiola’s side across all competitions, scoring just twice.SunSport revealed last month both Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund were tracking Grealish. Guardiola has questioned the £100m man’s fitness and mentality this season.The Spaniard said: “Do I want the Jack that won the Treble? Yeah, I want it, but I try to be honest with myself for that.”They have to fight. You can say it’s unfair.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Ok, if you think that, then it’s fine, but you have to prove [to me], ‘ok, I’m going to fight with Savinho, to deserve to play in that position.'”Every single day, every single week and every single month.” More

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    Stamford Bridge to get its own Wetherspoons pub in timely boost for protesting Chelsea fans

    PROTESTING Chelsea fans will be able to drown their sorrows next season in a new Wetherspoons minutes from Stamford Bridge.Hundreds of Blues supporters staged a demonstration against owner Todd Boehly prior to Tuesday’s 4-0 win over Southampton. Chelsea fans will have a new boozer close to Stamford Bridge next seasonCredit: GettyA two-story Wetherspoons pub is opening just minutes from the ground in West LondonCredit: GettyBillionaire Boehly broke his silence on Thursday and defended his record since taking over in 2022. Unimpressed Chelsea fans will now be able to sup away on matchday at a new boozer just a short walk from the stadium.Situated in the former ticket office at Fulham Broadway tube station, JD Wetherspoon was granted approval in mid-2024 to open a new pub. According to the Daily Mail, the Walham Green will be open in time for the 2025/26 season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSituated five minutes walk from the ground, the new bar will likely be a big draw on matchday.It will be situated over two floors in the Grade II listed building.Spoons had originally planned to open early this year but works had been delayed.The Mail claims fans “will be able to stagger into your newest Spoons when the next season starts in August.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea’s future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain in the long term as the leadership weighs up whether to move or expand the current ground. Boehly spoke openly at the FT Business of Football Summit on Thursday among a backlash from some supporters.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca insists that Cole Palmer is a happy player Chelsea under his leadership have spent over £1billion on players – but could miss out on Champions League football for a third-straight season. Addressing the protests, Boehly said: “The fans are the lifeblood of any sports team. “You realise how important the team is to them and how important the fans are to the team. It’s hugely important. “But the fact is that people say different things, change their minds all the time.”The criticism is just par for the course. The sooner you learn you won’t keep all the people happy all the time that brings freedom.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So you don’t have to live with their words. “You can’t turn left and then right every three minutes, which is some of the advice we get, if you boil it down.” More

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    ‘We had a fight in a local pub’ – Max Verstappen and Lando Norris open up on F1 rivalry after controversial clashes

    LANDO NORRIS and Max Verstappen joked they had a “fight in a local pub” as the duo prepare for another fierce title battle.The pair locked horns from Miami in May last season, where Norris sealed a maiden win and brought the fight to Red Bull, until Las Vegas where Verstappen was crowned champion in November.Lando Norris and Max Verstappen joked they had a ‘fight in a local pub’The pair locked horns in Miami in May last seasonNorris and Verstappen were involved in a dramatic collision in AustriaRed Bull dominated the first five races which ultimately left Norris with a mountain to climb, although McLaren won their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998.When Verstappen was asked about the pair’s relationship yesterday, he joked: “Yeah, it’s a terrible relationship,“We don’t get on any more. It’s taken it’s toll. Yeah. Big drama.”McLaren driver Norris, the early bookies’ favourite for the new season, added: “We had a fight the other day in a local pub.”READ MORE F1 NEWSVerstappen then laughed and replied: “We had to get escorted [out]. I always say, you should see the other guy… but he still looks good, so, whatever.”Think we both look forward to more of last year, more battles. I don’t think it’s just going to be us.”An inevitable first collision between Norris and Verstappen arrived in Austria in June which cost them both the lead in the Red Bull Ring, having gone wheel-to-wheel on several occasions.A battle erupted in Texas when Norris was controversially penalised for a late overtake on Verstappen when they were both off track and the Dutchman came out on top again.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNorris even called Verstappen “dangerous” when the championship battle reached boiling point at the Mexico City Grand Prix.Verstappen was given two 10-second penalties for his driving against Norris for two incidents in the same lap but still managed to finish sixth.Verstappen’s excruciating reaction to Jack Whitehall gag at F1 new season launch event Norris then delivered a more serious answer, added: “I think there’s going to be others involved, which will make it more exciting for everyone.“But yeah, I know they’re going to be tough battles and I’m sure some of them are not always going to end the way I want or hopefully Max wants, but we’re racing drivers.”We get along. We’ve always said those kind of things. I know everyone tries to make their own points and say what’s correct and what’s not correct, but we respect each other a lot and we look forward to more racing on track.”Verstappen was then asked if he had any more to add, replying with a smirk: “No, that’s beautifully said.”Pre-season testing began in Bahrain this week, with the first race opener coming up in Melbourne at the Australian Grand Prix on March 14-16.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    Pub’s free pint offer for every time Nottingham Forest scores backfires…only for them to win 7-0 against Brighton

    NOTTINGHAM Forest’s 7-0 thrashing over Brighton left one pub pulling pints nonstop after they promised a free drink for every goal.The Gedling Inn generously offered punters a fresh beer each time Forest bagged a goal over the weekend – only to end up giving away almost 300.Punters in a Nottinghamshire pub were gifted a free pint every time Nottingham Forest scored against BrightonCredit: Facebook/The Gedling InnThe pub ended up giving away almost 300 beersCredit: Facebook/The Gedling InnThe Gedling Inn decided to do the generous promotion just before kick off on SaturdayCredit: InstagramChris Wood scored a hat-trick in the matchCredit: RexBrighton were put to the sword in the Premier League clash with the Red’s star striker Chris Wood scoring a hat-trick as a trio of other names also got on the score sheet.Nuno Espírito Santo’s men delivered the huge win to keep Forest in the hunt for a top four spot in their remarkable season so far.Despite the massive win, one Nottinghamshire pub was left feeling like they’d scored an own goal.The Gedling Inn announced on the morning of the match that they were showing the game on TV’s in the pub.read more in footballTo attract fans into the independent, family run business they ran a promotion offering a free pint for every goal scored by Forest.The deal first appeared as a fun giveaway and a chance for lucky day drinkers to keep their wallets full with the game predicted to be a close affair.A Lewis Dunk own goal after just 10 minutes left dozens rushing to the bar to snap up a free beer.But before long Morgan Gibbs-White scored a second, with Chris Wood adding a third before half time.Most read in FootballLandlady Beccy Webster has run the pub for six years and said she was shocked after the first half whistle by the goals.She said: “I was upstairs feeding my baby when I heard the first goal go in, then the second quickly afterwards, and I had just come downstairs when the third went in – I thought ‘here we go’.”Why Nuno Espirito Santo was such a flop for Tottenham before leading Nottingham Forest on Leicester-like title chargeIn the second half even more goals went in with Chris Wood getting his second and third.Welshman Neco Williams and winger Jota Silva also managed to get on the score sheet with two late goals.The seven goal blitz meant punters were able to get a fresh pint every 13 minutes on average across the 90 minutes.Beccy said: “When the final whistle went, I just said ‘phew!'”Never in my wildest dreams did we imagine they’d score seven goals.”The pub ended up giving away almost 300 free pints during the match.Beccy remained happy she put on the offer and said it was still a “good day” as the free flowing drinks made the customers grateful and happy to spend the cash saved on more booze and some lunch.She continued: “People were singing, and people were respectful with the offer.”Lots of people were still buying drinks, people stayed for food, and lots of people have been asking if we’ll be having any more offers on.”It’s just nice to get behind the team – it’s good for the whole city, they’re putting us on the map.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Nottingham Forest win has kept them in the Champions League spots as they now sit six above Newcastle in fifth place.They head to Exeter for the fourth round of the FA Cup next Tuesday before hosting Fulham in the league on the following Saturday. Locals were left thrilled by the 7-0 scorelineCredit: Facebook/The Gedling InnThe post on social media advertising the free pint dealCredit: FacebookMorgan Gibbs-White also scored to add an extra pint to the punters growing tallyCredit: Rex More

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    Football should trial return of pints in the stands… but can minority of fans be trusted to show we’re past dark days?

    AS ladies say ‘cheers’ to drinking alcohol in the stands at Women’s Championship matches, the chance of a return to a beer or two on all the men’s terraces are about as high as Accrington Stanley winning League Two.Actually, Accrington’s average attendance of 2,509 would be a very good ground at which to start serving alcohol as policing any noisy drunks would be a simple process.There isn’t a measurable risk of violent drunks at Women’s Championship matchesCredit: GettyKarren Brady is happy to let responsible drinkers drink, it’s the rest of them she worries about . . .Credit: PABut it isn’t going to happen at Wham Stadium which, incidentally, is not named after (the late and great) George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s pop pairing.Nor anywhere else, at least not in the near future.Drinking alcohol within view of the playing field was stopped in 1985 after a sequence of events involving noisy, sometimes violent, spectators.There are no moves to change the law although there are many ways of buying alcohol beyond a pitch view, and a recent study showed Chelsea fans top the beer table, drinking on average six pints a game.Read More on FootballAt that rate, they might need a half-time substitution for their liver more than their team.The police and stewards are on the look-out for drunks or people bringing alcohol into grounds although some still try. A Leeds supporter succeeded in 2012 and, should anyone need convincing that the ban should end, the facts were he assaulted Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland after running on to the pitch.It transpired that the offender drank countless cans of lager and a bottle of vodka on the journey to the ground. In Sheffield he then drank at least seven pints of cider.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesI feel woozy even writing that. He was jailed for 16 weeks and banned from football grounds for six years.There isn’t a measurable risk of violent drunks at Women’s Championship matches and it made sense supporters should be able to drink wisely during this trial.Watch Ireland captain Katie McCabe star in hilarious Adidas ad ahead of new WSL season with ArsenalIt’s a different crowd, reflected in the fact government data revealed there had been no arrests recorded at women’s football matches.The end of restrictions is positive for several reasons — extra revenue, another attraction for people to attend, and even a tot to cheer fans of the losing side.Supporters of a return to drinks during play can point to rugby and cricket for freedom from limitations.At the Ireland v Scotland match a record 137,000 pints of beer were sold at Stade de France.There was a mass brawl, but that was on the pitch between the players. Drinkers at cricket are often asleep anyway.Women tend to follow the rules rather than consider them a nuisance. We despise violence and bad behaviour, both of which are much more prevalent among men and it is unlikely many will see pie-eyed woman causing trouble at matches.Maybe solution lies in compromiseI would love to make a bonfire of all restrictions but I don’t think it would be possible or responsible.Ultimately, the question isn’t just about alcohol — it’s about trust. Have fans moved on from the dark days of the 80s? Can clubs strike the right balance between modernisation and maintaining order?In football, intensity and passion run high. Add alcohol to this and it can be a problem.The last thing clubs or fans want is a descent into chaos because of a few irresponsible drinkers.The landscape of football has been transformed in those 40 years. Stadiums are safer, crowds are more diverse, and family-friendly atmospheres have replaced toxic environments of the past.Perhaps the solution lies in compromise. Limited trials at selected matches could provide data on whether ending the ban works.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuidelines would have to be stringent and include steps such as alcohol-free zones, stricter ID checks, and time-limited drinking.I am happy to let responsible drinkers drink, it’s the rest of them I worry about . . . More

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    Wrexham stars including ex-Premier League ace party with Hollywood hunk Channing Tatum after Cambridge draw

    RYAN REYNOLDS reunited with Deadpool co-star Channing Tatum… in a Wrexham pub.The Hollywood A-listers chatted with locals and later partied with Dragons aces – the only downer being a 2-2 draw with Cambridge United.Channing Tatum found a new way to send good luck to Wrexham as he joined club owner Ryan Reynolds in a Welsh pubPerhaps Tatum putting a single finger up was his accurate prediction of the Dragons only earning one pointReynolds and Tatum surprised patrons of the Fat Boar – albeit before the League One side made a pig’s ear of seeing out victory.Lowly Cambridge netted an 89th-minute penalty point-saver as Wrexham – chasing a third successive promotion – dropped to third.However, Reynolds again charmed residents of his Welsh “second home” after flying in from the US.Punters took selfies with the movies heroes as they Chann-elled their inner silver screen- before the Canadian actor took the microphone for an even more crowd-pleasing development.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe star of The Proposal and three Deadpool films said: “I’m buying a round for everyone in here! “He added jokingly: “Although they might be bussing in another 100 people as we speak – but that’s fine.”Reynolds then revealed his special showbiz plans for later that night.He said: “I’m going to get the f*** out and go to bed. Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I have four kids and this is a night off where I get to just go to bed when I want to, which I am very excited about..”If I don’t come and visit each and every one of you tonight, in your homes, I just want to say happy holidays and my best to your families.”Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LATatum – who was voted People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2012 – shared in the relaxed evening at the pub.And he posed for some wacky snaps alongside Reynolds and what could be called a Deadpool mannequin.But the big-names got even wilder for antics with Wrexham aces – including ex-Premier Leaguers James McClean and Steven Fletcher – later.Dragons’ co-owner Rob McElhenney also posted a snap of the pair at the Ryan Rodney Reynolds Memorial Park – a huge new green community space under development in the town.McElhenney wrote: “Wow bringing another man to OUR spot @vancityreynolds.”He and Reynolds are also dreaming of another new spot over a similar timescale – in the Championship next season. More

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    Oleksandr Usyk puts Tyson Fury rivalry aside and invites Gypsy King to the pub to ‘drink beer’ and cheer on Man Utd

    OLEKSANDR USYK would happily sit down for a pint with Tyson Fury if he were to spend the day with his fierce rival.The pair renew their rivalry in Saudi Arabia next Saturday just seven months after their historic dust-up for all the heavyweight marbles.Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will renew their rivalry a week on SaturdayCredit: PAThe trash talk has wll and truly been flowing ahead of their rematchCredit: GETTYBut Fury’s recent verbal jabs haven’t put Usyk off from being willing to visit the pub with the Gypsy KingCredit: SKY SPORTSThe trash talk has ramped up in recent weeks but there remains a healthy respect between the pair, so much so that Usyk is willing to put all the Gypsy King’s “rabbit” jokes aside and visit the boozer with him.During an interview with Sky Sports, Usyk said: “Listen I can go to the pub, drinking beer.”After, we go to play golf and then we go to play football. Then we go horse racing.As he fought back fits of laughter, the fan favourite added: “Yes [a few beers]. No problem.”READ MORE ON USYK VS FURY 2As well as a love for boxing, both men have a soft spot for Manchester United, who they’ll be cheering on this Sunday when Ruben Amorin’s men take Manchester City.When asked which Premier League team he’d love to play for, Usyk said: “If I had a choice, I’d play for Manchester United.After being told both he and Fury will be on the same page during the Manchester derby, Usyk replied: “Yeah, of course, The same.”When asked to predict the result, the slick southpaw said: “I think Manchester United [will win]. Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But Manchester City have good players and a good coach.”Usyk became the first undisputed king of the heavyweights in nearly 25 years with a split-decision victory in his May melee with Fury.Moment Tyson Fury tells Oleksandr Usyk ‘you look like a sexy beast’ as heavyweight boxer shows off new lookFury, 36, insists the judges robbed him of fulfilling his childhood dream and has vowed to take the legacy-defining rematch out of their hands.The former unified heavyweight champion said: “I’ve always been a bad man my whole life, and I’m still one today at nearly 40 years old, a few years off 40.”I’m going to go in there with destroy mode. Last time, I went to box him, I was being cautious.”Anybody can get caught as we have seen in a lot of these heavyweight fights.”But this time I’m not going for a points decision. I’m going to knock that motherf****r out.”Tyson Fury has vowed not to leave his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in the hands of the judgesCredit: GETTYHe added: “There’s no secret. I’m going in there to knock you out.”Because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do.”I don’t think I’m going to get a boxing decision.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’m going to have to take it out of the judges’ hands like I did in America that time [against Deontay Wilder].”And I’ve got to get him out of there. Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.” More