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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

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    Former Premier League star sees plans to open new pub right outside stadium REJECTED for bizarre reason

    FORMER Premier League midfielder Scott Arfield has seen his plans to build a pub in Glasgow rejected by the local council.The 35-year-old wanted to convert a former bookies into a pub next to Ibrox Stadium, the home of his beloved Rangers.Scott Arfield’s plans to build a pub next to Ibrox have been rejectedCredit: Willie VassThe old bookies, situated next to the stadium, is the proposed site and has been abandoned for two yearsCredit: Andrew BarrBut his proposal was turned down due to the potential impact on neighbours and bin storage concerns.An appeal was subsequently launched on behalf of the ex-Rangers ace – who now plays for Bolton – which claimed the venue would serve as a “mini fan zone” on match days.Councillors were split on whether to grant permission but the proposal was rejected after planning review committee chairman, Cllr Ken Andrew, SNP, made the decisive vote.Glasgow Live claim Cllr Andrew wanted more clarity over a number of issues including noise impact and waste storage.Read More in FootballA noise impact assessment was provided but officials said environmental health staff found it to be “quite inadequate”.The appeal suggested Arfield’s plan would “upgrade and repair” the property – which has been empty for over two years.It was also argued that the opening hours could be limited to Ibrox matchdays and ticketed events to ensure minimal impact on local residents.And it said the opening of the pub would create jobs in the area and waste would be handled within the property by a private removal firm.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe bar was considered to be a “major boost” for the local economy by Cllr Imran Alam, Labour.He said: “The building has been lying empty for a couple of years now.Rangers legend Scott Arfield reveals what happened during ‘goosebumps’ moment he bumped into WWE superstar in a lift”We know what happens when buildings stay vacant for a long time, they become rundown and impossible to renovate and improve.”Cllr Thomas Kerr, Conservative, appeared to agree and said: “I think the economic benefits outweigh any of the possible concerns that have been raised by officers.”Two neighbours objected to the initial application due to concerns.One claimed “anti-social behaviour” already takes place in the area on matchdays due to alcohol consumption.Arfield spent five years with Rangers between 2018 and 2023.During that time he scored 43 goals in 233 appearances.Before joining the Scottish giants, the midfielder played for Burnley and Falkirk.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter leaving Ibrox he spent a year in the MLS with Charlotte FC.He now plays for Bolton in League One. More

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    Emma Hayes bizarrely holds USA press conference in iconic North London pub

    EMMA HAYES kicked off her UK homecoming in style – by holding a press conference at an iconic London pub.The former Chelsea boss will take charge of her first match back in England this weekend, six months after leaving the Blues to become head coach of the USA women’s national team.USA coach Emma Hayes behind the barCredit: PAEmma Hayes enjoys a pint of beerCredit: ReutersEmma Hayes held a press conference at the World’s End in CamdenCredit: https://x.com/SandraBrobbey78A ‘Welcome home Emma’ sign was shown above the doorsCredit: https://x.com/SandraBrobbey78The pub was transformed into a makeshift press conference roomCredit: PAHayes discussed her love for CamdenCredit: PAShe is preparing to face England in a highly-anticipated friendly at Wembley Stadium.To mark her return to London, Hayes called a pre-match press conference at one of her favourite pubs – the World’s End in Camden.The WSL icon posed outside the venue for pictures ahead of the conference.She then sat down in front of a huge crowd of journalists to preview Saturday’s match.Read More in FootballPhotographers and videographers were positioned on a raised stage area while reporters sat in the centre of the makeshift conference room.”I think Camden is the greatest place on earth not only for the multicultural diverse place it is, but also for the opportunities it gave me,” she said.Hayes ended her 12-year spell with Chelsea in May to become USWNT head coach.Within three months, she led the team to a gold medal at the Olympics in Paris.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, the Lionesses are continuing their preparations for Euro 2025.Sarina Wiegman has given first-time call-ups to Laura Blindkilde Brown and Ruby Mace for the upcoming friendlies against the USA and Switzerland.English manager Emma Hayes makes Team USA captain cry after leading them to Olympic gold as star says ‘what the hell’Meanwhile, Manchester United full-back Gabby George has been named in the squad for the first time in two years.Lauren Hemp, Ella Toone and Lauren James are all unavailable due to injury. More

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    Shock moment Scottish football ultras clash on busy Glasgow street as fans chased by rival hooligans into pub doorway

    THIS is the shock moment Scottish football hooligans clashed on a busy Glasgow street on a Saturday afternoon. Footage shared on social media shows fans of Hamilton Accies and Partick Thistle scrapping ahead of today’s Championship meeting between the two teams at Firhill. Fans attempt to pile into the pubOne set of ultras was spotted chasing the otherA group of Thistle fans barricaded themselves in the doorway of the pubOn the pitch, it was the home side who came out on top, by five goals to one. But there were ugly scenes beforehand as anything up to 100 fans clashed on Maryhill Road. Footage shows Thistle fans apparently being chased by their Accies counterparts, with some running away and others attempting to barricade themselves in the doorway of the Munn’s Vaults pub.The fans in the doorway are wearing black, red and yellow balaclavas in the colours of Partick Thistle – who attempt to bring down the shutters for their own protection and finally succeed in doing so.There’s been claims online since about fans carrying knives and various other weapons.Scottish Sun has reached out to Police Scotland for comment.Only in September, an Airdrie fan who did a Nazi salute during a Partick Thistle game was banned from football matches for four years.Lewis Baillie, 22, made the offensive gesture at Firhill Stadium in Glasgow’s Maryhill on January 22 2022.Most read in FootballBaillie, of Airdrie, Lanarkshire – then aged 19 – had earlier been spotted punching an unknown man to the ground after the match.The Jags hosted Airdrie that day in a Scottish Cup match in which the home side went on to win 1-0 despite going down to 10 men.Wild moment coach sent off for confronting player on pitch as SPFL play-off clash ends in rammy and pitch invasionBaillie pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to conducting himself in a disorderly manner and commit breach of the peace.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More