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    Watch bizarre moment Soccer Aid ball arrives via JET PACK as stunned fans say ‘I need that asap’

    SOCCER AID pushes the ante every year and 2024 was no different – with the match ball arriving in a TOTALLY novel way.Moments before kick off a loud roar echoed around Stamford Bridge with bright lights heading out of one of the tunnels.The Soccer Aid match ball arrived via JET PACKCredit: RexFans were LOVING the bizarre prelude to the charity clashCredit: ReutersThen suddenly a man was flying a JET PACK round the Stamford Bridge pitch as Soccer Aid fans inside the ground cheered and hollered.It wasn’t exactly clear what the pilot was doing when he first appeared, until it was revealed he was holding a ball round his waist.He then steered expertly round the turf and into the centre circle, dropping the match ball on the spot.Fans were left amazed and confused in equal measure at the stunt and left some remembering when a ball at Euro 2020 was inexplicably delivered by a remote-controlled car.One said: “I need a jet pack in my life.”Another added: “In one breath soccer aid asking everyone to donate as much as they can.”In the next breath a man with a jet pack is flying round Stamford Bridge with the match ball.Most read in Football”Make it make sense haha.”It is hoped millions will be raised for charity from the football extravaganzaCredit: RexAt Euro 2020 the match ball arrived on a remote control car as part of a sponsorship dealCredit: ReutersAnother fan said: “I need that jet pack suit he’s flying about in asap. I’d be using it at work when I’m about to leave.”Another positive comment read: “I’ve seen it all now A guy flying a jet pack bringing the ball out for a football match.”But some fans were not so positive: We are raising money for charity yeah? How the f*** much money does a jet pack cost??”England ended a five-year losing streak to beat the World XI and take home the Soccer Aid trophy.Steven Bartlett scored twice, the Dragon making an instant impact for the Three Lions – former England internationals Joe Cole, Jermain Defoe, Theo Walcott and Ellen White also scored for the home side.In reply, Eden Hazard scored a brilliant free-kick on his return to Stamford Bridge, while Alessandro Del Piero and Billy Wingrove also scored for the World XI.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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    Chelsea fans furious at Stamford Bridge pitch and ‘expect to see sandcastles built’ during Soccer Aid

    CHELSEA fans lambasted the state of the Stamford Bridge pitch being used for Soccer Aid.Fans noticed the bumpy turf while Alex Scott and TV presenter Dermot O’Leary were talking ahead of Soccer Aid’s 7:30 kick-off.Chelsea fans have hit out about the state of the Stamford Bridge pitchAfter Alex Scott and Dermot O’Leary presented in front of the brown turfA host of English celebrities and former footballers hope to avoid a sixth consecutive defeat to the World XI.And it was delight at the final whistle as the side managed by Frank Lampard and Robbie Williams triumphed 6-3.However, England’s hopes weren’t made any easier by the state of the pitch.Fans voiced their disgust after seeing Chelsea’s disfigured Stamford Bridge pitch.read more football newsThe turf seems to be dehydrated, with brown and yellow patches appearing to cover at least half of the grass.One fuming fan wrote: “That Stamford bridge pitch looks horrendous, expecting to see a sandcastles being built somewhere.”Another added: “Chelsea must be planting spuds on that pitch so they’ve something to lift in May”A third chimed in: “Look at the state of that Stamford Bridge pitch!Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile a fourth declared: “I’ve seen better local parks than that Stamford Bridge pitch. Embarrassing.Another said: “State of the pitch at Stamford Bridge, surely they could have played somewhere better.”Soccer Aid in chaos as star suffers injury hours before celebrity football matchStamford Bridge last hosted the annual charity footie match in 2019.But normally Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium is the preferred destination of organisers.The Theatre of Dreams has played host to Soccer Aid for eight out of the 13 different editions.Soccer Aid line-up 2024FANS can’t wait for Soccer Aid to kick off on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
    Eden Hazard standing on the poor pitchCredit: Rex More

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    Alex Scott shows off stunning new look in glamorous white dress for Soccer Aid on ITV

    ALEX SCOTT set white-hot standards at Soccer Aid – with a dazzling new look.The presenter wore a long sleeveless white dress as she whipped up the atmosphere for the England XI’s 6-3 win over the Rest of the World. Alex Scott strode out to another great reception from fansCredit: GettyAlex’s hair made a big impression on viewersDermot O’Leary co-presented at Soccer AidCredit: RexThe ex-Arsenal defender was a winner even before the action startedAlex went behind the scenes at Stamford BridgeBut it was the latest style for her flowing locks that most caught the eye at Stamford Bridge.The ex-Lionesses defender topped off a shimmering appearance with her curly hair tied behind but still reaching her waist.Large silver-coloured ear-rings topped off Alex’s look.”So beautiful,” said one fan, with “lovely” and “gorgeous” other verdicts.READ MORE TOP STORIESLast year 39-year-old Alex opted for a red latex YSL dress valued at around £1,500.And her latest outfit was just as popular with viewers, albeit for different reasons.In fact, the two dresses were just as contrasting as the weather.Alex stayed cool in 2023 amid temperatures pushing 30 degrees.Most read in FootballShe took centre stage both pitch-side and away from spectatorsAlex popped into the dressing room where Petr Cech and Tony Bellew prepared to share goalkeeping dutiesPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.

    This year it was cloudier and far cooler as Alex appeared alongside co-presenter Dermot O’Leary Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024 have agreed to donate some of their match fees for Soccer Aid.The pros and celebrities arrive for Soccer Aid 2024 Soccer Aid line-up 2024FANS can’t wait for Soccer Aid to kick off on Sunday, June 9, 2024.

    Three Lions’ skipper Harry Kane posted: “Good luck everyone!”As always, Soccer Aid sees an England XI take on a Rest of the World team, who this year are managed by Mauricio Pochettino just weeks after Chelsea sacked him.The “home” side are being bossed by Frank Lampard, Harry Redknapp, Vicky McClure and Robbie Williams.Lampard said: “Playing in front of a sold-out crowd at Stamford Bridge is special – for any player, on any occasion. I’m excited to be doing that again – this time with Soccer Aid for Unicef.”Managing the Soccer Aid England team with Harry will be a proud moment and great fun – but the main focus is rightly on the millions of pounds we can all raise together.”A glimpse into the life of Alex Scott…Scott wore this outfit at the 2023 Soccer AidCredit: RexShe is a presenter on Football Focus and The One ShowAlex made 148 appearances for Arsenal Women – but since quitting playing has appeared in magazines including AttitudeCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowThe former right-back won 140 England Women’s capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowScott began dating singer Jess Glynne in 2023Credit: RexThe 39-year-old was spotted sharing a kiss with Jess as the couple went public with their romanceCredit: PAScott loves to dress up and went to town on Halloween with this incredible outfitCredit: GettyShe also dressed up as a scary clown on October 31Credit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PA More

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    England stars give up match fees in classy gesture before jetting off to Euro 2024

    ENGLAND players have agreed to donate their match fees to Soccer Aid in a classy gesture ahead of Euro 2024Gareth Southgate and his squad will fly out to Germany on Monday ahead of their first group stage match against Serbia.England captain Harry Kane was among that pledged to donateCredit: GettyAhead of he tournament, England players have collectively agreed to donate their match fees to Soccer Aid in a classy gesture.It comes just hours before the annual charity match, which sees former players and celebrities join forces, at Stamford Bridge.The news was confirmed by the PFA, who posted on X: “The England men’s squad are pleased to announce they will be making a donation from their match fees towards Soccer Aid for Unicef. Good luck to everyone taking part!”England captain Harry Kane responded to the post with: “Good luck everyone!”read more on soccer aidThis is not the first time England stars have pledged money to Soccer Aid.Players made a private donation just under six-figures to Soccer Aid in 2022 when the game was held at the London Stadium.Three Lions captain Harry Kane and fellow senior member of the squad Harry Maguire have led the initiative from inside the England camp.Soccer Aid will see an England team made up of ex-professional footballers and celebrities take on a Rest of World team.Most read in SportEngland’s opponents are captained by former Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJill Scott will wear the armband for England, with Frank Lampard and Harry Redknapp acting as joint managers.The likes of Stuart Broad, Danny Dyer, Eddie Hearn, Tom Grennan and Paddy McGuinness are among the celebrity names who will represent England at Soccer Aid this year. Soccer Aid in chaos as star suffers injury hours before celebrity football matchThey will be joined by a host of former professionals including Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Gary Cahill and Jermain Defoe.Meanwhile, other big names such as Tommy Fury, Martin Compston, Jason Manford and Roman Kemp are in the Rest of World squad.They are joined by a star-studded group of former players which includes Eden Hazard, Roberto Carlos, and John Obi Mikel.Meanwhile, England lost to World XI for the fifth consecutive time last year after an inspired performance from former Love Island star Kem Cetinay. More

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    Why is Roberto Carlos not playing at Soccer Aid 2024?

    SOCCER AID returns TONIGHT with the iconic charity match taking place at Stamford Bridge.England will be aiming to end their torrid run of five straight defeats as they play catch-up to World XI’s overall tally.Soccer Aid 2024 will take place tonightCredit: REXFrank Lampard, Harry Redknapp, Robbie Williams, Vicky McClure and David Seaman will be at the helm for the Three Lions, aiming for a change in fortune in this year’s edition.But they will be against some footballing greats, with the likes of Eden Hazard returning to Stamford Bridge to star for World XI this evening.Former Blues, Peter Cech, Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel will also feature alongside the ex-winger.World XI have been dealt a blow in the lead-up to the game with a Brazilian legend pulling out of tonight’s proceedings.READ MORE IN SOCCER AIDWhy is Roberto Carlos not playing at Soccer Aid 2024?World Cup-winning left-back Roberto Carlos will not be featuring for World XI at Soccer Aid 2024.On Instagram, the Brazilian confirmed: “Unfortunately, I’m unable to make tonight’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF match at Stamford Bridge. “Good luck to all the players – and remember to donate! 💙.”The reason behind the Brazilian pulling out of this year’s charity match has not been confirmed.Most read in FootballCarlos has featured for World XI in the last three editions of Soccer Aid, winning each year.Who is playing at Soccer Aid 2024?EnglandCoaches: Frank Lampard, Harry Redknapp, Vicky McClure, Robbie Williams, David Seaman.Legends: Jill Scott (Captain), Gary Cahill, Karen Carney, Joe Cole, Jermain Defoe, David James, Theo Walcott, Ellen White, Jack Wilshere, Ashley Cole.Celebrities: Steven Bartlett, Bobby Brazier, Stuart Broad, Alex Brooker, Erin Doherty, Danny Dyer, Sir Mo Farah, Tom Grennan, Eddie Hearn, Tom Hiddleston, Paddy McGuinness, Miniminter, Sam Quek, Sam Thompson.World XICoaches: Mauricio Pochettino, Robbie Keane, Jesus Perez.Legends: Eden Hazard, Roberto Carlos, Petr Cech, Patrice Evra, John Obi Mikel, Michael Essien, Alessandro Del Piero, Kheira Hamraoui, Olga Garcia, Kaylyn Kyle.Celebrities: Usain Bolt (Captain), Maisie Adam, Theo Baker, Tony Bellew, Martin Compston, Diamond, Tommy Fury, Roman Kemp, Lee Mack, Jason Manford, Emmett J Scanlan, Micheal Ward, Tion Wayne.How to watch Soccer AidSoccer Aid will once again be shown for FREE live on ITV1 (England and Wales) and STV (Scotland).It can also be streamed online with ITVX.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnicef ambassador Dermot O’Leary and England and Arsenal legend Alex Scott will present the programme, with Sam Matterface on lead commentary and comedian Iain Sterling on co-comms.There will also be a full half-time show. More

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    Soccer Aid chaos as legend pulls out of charity match just hours before kick-off at Stamford Bridge

    ROBERTO CARLOS has pulled out of Soccer Aid just hours before kick-off.The charity football match is set to start at 7.30pm tonight at Stamford Bridge.Roberto Carlos will not play in Soccer Aid tonightCredit: Rex FeaturesAn England team made up of celebrities and ex-footballers will take on a World XI.However the World XI have been rocked as Carlos has pulled out of the match.The Brazilian is arguably one of the biggest footballing names that was expected to feature.The 51-year-old confirmed that he would not be playing on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe wrote: “Unfortunately, I’m unable to make tonight’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF match at Stamford Bridge.”Good luck to all the players – and remember to donate.”Irish star World XI striker Robbie Keane replied to the post.He said: “We will miss you my friend.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland also had their own injury concern as Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson had a trip to the physio room on Saturday.The annual charity match is the biggest in the world and since 2006 has raised more than £90million in total for global children’s charity Unicef.The pros and celebrities arrive for Soccer Aid 2024 Soccer Aid statsSOCCER AID has been played since 2006.

    It was founded by Robbie Williams and his pal Jonathan Wilkes.
    It started out as a biennial event but since 2018 it has been played every year.
    The match is between England and a World XI.

    The 2023 tournament was the most successful on record, raising a record-breaking £14.6m.There will still be plenty of stars on show tonight such as Eden Hazard and Theo Walcott joining as well as retired cricketer Stuart Broad, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn and boxer Tommy Fury to name a few.Carlos was one of the world’s best left-backs during his playing days.He starred at Real Madrid as he played 527 times for the club winning 13 trophies.Soccer Aid line-up 2024FANS can’t wait for Soccer Aid to kick off on Sunday, June 9, 2024. More

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    Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah hints at shock career change he’d LOVE to undertake as he gets ready to play in Soccer Aid

    SIR MO FARAH has revealed which Soccer Aid star he would swap lives with given the chance and a career he would love to try his hand at. The widely-adored long-distance runner is a four-time Olympic champion, and six-time world champion, not to mention being named Sports Personality of the Year in 2017 and being knighted in the same year. 
    Sir Mo Farah has said what career he would love to tryCredit: Rex
    The four-time Olympic champion is preparing to play in Soccer Aid on Sunday eveningCredit: RexSir Mo has lived a life inspiring to so many, having been trafficked from Djibouti to London under the name Mohamed Farah.In school he had dreams of being a mechanic, or a winger for his beloved Arsenal, whom he goes to watch almost every week. However, he revealed exclusively to SunSport that there is in fact a new career he would love to undertake and which Soccer Aid star he would trade lives with ahead of Sunday’s match for Unicef: “I’d love to be an actor man, Tom [Hiddlestone] probably”MORE SOCCER AID”It would be good though, wouldn’t it? I couldn’t do his lines, I’d be like (makes funny, inaudible noise to camera)”While he is yet to become a supervillain or arch nemesis of Thor like Tom Hiddlestone, who plays Loki in the Marvel films, he has had plenty of experience being in front of a camera, just being his brilliant self of course. He starred in a documentary about his fascinating upbringing and the subsequent years that led him to win four Olympic gold medals in The Real Mo Farah, available to watch on BBC iPlayer. While also speaking to us, we discussed the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, and he named the stars and events he is looking forward to seeing this summer in France.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I’m very excited to watch the Olympics, it’s a very exciting time for us, and it only comes round every four years but I think as British fans.”Keely Hodgkinson and also the 1500 metres men Jake Wightman, Josh Kerr, Jakub Ingebrigsten, I think that is the most exciting event.”Soccer Aid in chaos as star suffers injury hours before celebrity football match”As well as the 10,000 metres and the marathon itself, but as a fan for me, if I was to pick one event it would probably be the 100 metres and 1500 metres.””I think it’s exciting and any one of them can win a medal, that’s how open it is, the Olympics we always get over excited, but if the athletes can just take it one race at a time and see it as just another race I think we will see some good results.”Sir Mo was speaking to SunSport exclusively ahead of his match for Soccer Aid tomorrow at Stamford Bridge, where he will play alongside Arsenal cult hero Theo Walcott, as well as playing against the likes of Usain Bolt, Eden Hazard and Petr Cech in goal. You can keep up with all of the action in the game with SunSport’s live blog, which will give you consistent updates, and full coverage of the event LIVE from the match. PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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    Staggering sum Soccer Aid has raised for charity since Robbie Williams created it called ‘incredible’ as new record eyed

    SOCCER AID has raised a staggering amount of money for charity since it started.The football event was created by pop star Robbie Williams in 2006.Robbie Williams created Soccer Aid in 2006Credit: PA:Press AssociationEngland will take on a World XI at Stamford BridgeCredit: RexKasabian’s Sergio Pizzorno scored a wondergoal in 2012Actor Woody Harrelson scored a winning penalty in 2018Credit: AFPThe money raised from the celebrity charity match is donated to children’s charity Unicef.Soccer Aid was initially held every two years, but since 2018, it has become an annual event.There have been some of the most famous names from inside and outside of football take part.This includes the likes of retired footballers such as Paul Gascoigne, Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCelebrities that have joined in include, actors Woody Harrelson, Mike Myers and Will Ferrell, rockstar Sergio Pizzorno and comedians Jack Whitehall and John Bishop.This year is no different with Eden Hazard and Theo Walcott joining as well as retired cricketer Stuart Broad, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn and boxer Tommy Fury to name a few.The event has seen some brilliant moments happen from Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison’s winning penalty in 2018, Jose Mourinho bringing down Olly Murs despite managing the World XI in 2014 and Serge Pizzorno’s stunning goal in 2012.Walcott is making his debut for the England team this year and has hailed the “incredible” work Unicef has done for young children.Most read in FootballPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.

    He told SunSport: “The work that Unicef do around the world to give that opportunity to young children to have a start in life is incredible.”What they do behind the scenes which we don’t see, we were blessed last night to see a few videos of the work they have done and it really does touch a lot of the guys.The pros and celebrities arrive for Soccer Aid 2024 “To experience this is a dream because I always watch it, but now I want to change that pattern of England losing the last six, so it’s going to come home on both fronts this year.”Each event has seen millions be raised for the charity.In total, it has raised over £90million since 2006.Last year was the most successful edition as a record-breaking £14.6m was donated.Should that amount be beaten, then Soccer Aid would have surpassed the £100m mark of money raised.This year’s match will be played at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge for the second time.READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland have only won the match four times with the World XI winning seven.The World XI have won the match for the last five years, including the 2023 4-2 triumph.Olly Murs was memorably tackled by manager Jose Mourinho in 2014Zinedine Zidane is one of the most famous footballers to play in the matchCredit: AFPDiego Maradona played in the first-ever Soccer AidCredit: AP:Associated PressThe World XI won the match last yearCredit: GettyTheo Walcott is making his debut this yearCredit: RexSoccer Aid line-up 2024FANS can’t wait for Soccer Aid to kick off on Sunday, June 9, 2024. More