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    ‘Just magic’ – One of F1’s most recognisable voices reveals Leclerc and Hamilton moments that will live with him forever

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    CHARLES LECLERC and Lewis Hamilton won arguably the two most iconic Formula One races of the 2024 season.Leclerc made history as he won his home race at the Monaco Grand Prix with “tears” in his eyes, while Hamilton defied the odds to take the chequered flag at the British Grand Prix in his final home race with Mercedes.Charles Leclerc won an emotional 2024 Monaco Grand PrixCredit: RexLewis Hamilton then made history at the British Grand Prix later onCredit: ReutersBoth races were made iconic by the man behind the microphone for F1TV and Channel 4, Alex JacquesCredit: X @C4F1Both races have already gone down in the annals of F1 history for their huge significance in the modern era of the sport.But for many fans, that experience was elevated to even greater heights by the man behind the microphone, Alex Jacques.Jacques is the lead commentator of F1TV and Channel 4, and the voice of the EA Sports F1 25 video game, while he has also featured in the Netflix series Drive To Survive.His voice has become synonymous with formula racing, given he also spent a decade as the commentator of F2 before leaving the role to spend more time with family at the start of this year.READ MORE IN F1Following his work at both Monaco and Silverstone last year, fans showed their love by featuring him in numerous social media clips, often edited with emotive background music, of the races.And Jacques has not been blind to the outpouring of love fans have given him for his work.Speaking exclusively to SunSport at a launch event of the EA Sports F1 25 video game, Jacques explained his thought process in the moment and gave his thoughts on the fan reaction to it.He said: “You’re trying to tell their stories and both of those examples that you used, so for Charles Leclerc, my overarching, and it links back to the previous question, so it’s amazing to see all of those edits. Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”As a commentator, you want to do justice to the moment. If you’re watching the Monaco GP and you’re watching Charles Leclerc, you might be an F1 fan and you might not know that backstory.”That’s my job as the commentator, to tell you that this guy from Monaco, oh, it’s just a rich kid winning the Monaco GP. Nothing of the sort. This guy’s been through heartbreak on multiple occasions and it’s his life’s purpose to win that race. Lewis Hamilton sent ‘flying’ after hitting huge bump as Ferrari endure Monaco Grand Prix nightmare”On that last lap, I tried to distil quite a complex story into quite a short amount of time. He’s such a well-supported driver that that lap has, as you say, been subject to so many edits on social media.”He continued: “With Lewis Hamilton, this is a driver that we got used to winning week in, week out. Suddenly, goes through a winning drought. “That was one of the best Grand Prix of all time in the entire history of the 75 years. To see him come out on top when it could have been five drivers. “So rarely do you get a Grand Prix where five drivers could win it. For him to come out on top, top three was three British drivers at the British GP. He ends his winless drought.”If you can’t do justice to those moments, that’s when you have to step forward as a commentator and hopefully provide the words that match the pictures. Both of those occasions were just magic Formula One moments.”Jacques’ infectious love for motorsport means it was “tough” for him to step away from working on F2.What was is like working on the EA Sports F1 25 game?Alex Jacques:”It’s a really long time recording the commentary for the game but it’s a wonderful experience because these are the games that I played growing up, right? So maybe it wasn’t the case with commentators from a previous generation but for me I used to love the F1 game coming out and then to be part of it and to get to record the lines. “So I’m very happy to spend a week of my life in a very dark room effectively reading and in fifth place and in sixth place and so on and so forth. “You also get to do loads of creative stuff as well and they’ll bring in other people for you to commentate with so it’s a long process but when you hear your own commentary in the game it’s well worth it.Anything in particular for fans to look out for?”Yeah, there’s new tracks all the time, there’s new storylines all the time. One of the cool things that we got to do this year is they were introducing the cars and the characters from the F1 movie. so that’s a part of the game as well and it was great to be able to, it’s very weird when you’re finding yourself talking about Brad Pitt’s character in the game. but yeah and a lot of fun. “There’s always something new, they’re always coming up with new things for the game as well. The accuracy of the tracks this year is ridiculously good and you’re like, hold on, I’ve been there, there is a hot dog stand at that point, how have they got that in the game? So yeah, loads of fun stuff like that to enjoy.”However, “he has no complaints” about stepping back to spend more time with his family after becoming a father for the first time just before this season’s Imola Grand Prix, although he jokes it has led to his favourite drink being a “strong black coffee, given how sleep deprived I am”.He said: “It’s been a strange one because I got the job in F2 first and then got opportunities in F1. F2 has always felt a little bit like the home team, if you like. “F1 is the big international call-up, if you want to put it in a football metaphor. It was tough saying goodbye because very rarely you have to leave that paddock behind. “The nice thing about whether you’re telling the story of George Russell or Lando Norris or Charles Leclerc, these are all drivers that I’ve known from when they were very young because of commentating on F3 and F2 and watching their journey all the way through. But eventually it’s time. “Eventually, you just cannot commentate on everything as much as I would love to. It was sad to say goodbye, but I have the best job in the world, so I have no complaints. “I think to get 10 years commentating on any championship in any sport is a privilege and I thoroughly enjoyed it…Thoughts on 2026 possibly being last year at Imola? Alex Jacques:”I’m not entirely sure what the situation is for Imola, but I will say that it is a historic place to go racing. “It’s very, very fortunate. Anytime you’re covering motor racing in Italy, you’re having a great week of your life. Right?”That’s the nature of it. It’s obviously the circuit closest to Ferrari’s factory, and also you’ve got the Racing Bulls factory close around there. “But it’s the nature of gravel traps, narrow circuit, tight walls, thrilling undulations. Those are the things that drivers, not just at Imola, but those are the things across the calendar that the drivers respond to.”It’s important to have that balance between the old school tracks that we love and to have the amazing locations that we go to around the world. “And we’ll see. But I certainly adore going to that racetrack every time we do.””Eventually, my wife was like, it would be nice if we could hang out at some point rather than you travel the world all the time. “I got that F2 job when I was 25, so eventually you have to make more time for the people that support you when you’re away for ages and have to do the day-to-day moments. “So, yeah, very, very fortunate to be the dad of a lovely baby girl and I have a very supportive wife and it’s nice to have a bit more of a balance even though there’s still a fair bit of travel involved.”Despite his new responsibilities away from the track, Jacques does still make time to keep an eye on F1’s feeder series and earmarked Irish racer Alex Dunne as one star to keep an eye on, even before he scored a maiden pole position at Monaco last weekend.Jacques said: “I’ve been impressed with Alex Dunne, Irish driver, making that step up. There are some drivers that I think you take them from a F3 car, you put them with a little bit more power, a little bit more grip, and they seem to come alive.”He seems to fall in that category. So, he’s an exciting prospect. but there are loads of really, really talented drivers. You’ve got to be consistent. Thoughts on Ipswich Town’s season?Alex Jacques:”Was there a season this year? I don’t know. You skipped over.”Well, it’s worth saying that we are having this chat underneath Tottenham’s stadium. And the one thing I would say about Ipswich’s season is that, okay, it didn’t go to plan. “And I think there was an expectation around the club that we would be more competitive than we turned out to be. But we got some away days at grounds that we hadn’t visited before.”We got away days at, you know, and the combination of being able, I watched Ipswich win their first Premier League game in 22 years with my dad upstairs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That’s a memory I’ll treasure for the rest of my life. “What Kieran McKenna gave Ipswich Town fans was not only amazing football in League One, in the Championship, but also when we got to the Premier League, away days and experiences that other clubs take for granted. And Ipswich hadn’t had for two decades.”Hadn’t had a trip to Old Trafford. That was amazing. Taking the lead there. You’ve got to see it as glass half full.”Okay. Lost a lot of points from winning positions this year. But hold on, last year we gained 30 points from losing positions. So you’ve got to take the rough with the smooth.”Did we get promoted a little bit too early? Clearly on the evidence, yeah, we probably did. But have we bought? well?”I think so. I think we’ve got a great squad for the Championship next year. Take nothing for granted with like, oh, bounce back immediately. You have to win so many games.”We’ve seen this with Burnley. Seen this with Leeds. You’ve got to win an awful lot of games. I think the club is a little bit exhausted.”It will catch its breath over the summer. I think when you go from League One, when Kieran McKenna took over at Ipswich Town, Ipswich Town were below Accrington Stanley in the table. “I don’t think anyone could be moaning about the fact that it didn’t go to plan in the Premier League. I’ll take whatever timeline this is and he can stay for as long as he likes.”We need to build a statue of him for what he did. Not all seasons are going to go to plan, but I still enjoyed all the away days in the Premier League I was able to get to. “And I’ve got full confidence that if he’s still behind the wheel next year and he hasn’t been poached by a Premier League club, we’ll bounce straight back. “”But ultimately, I think all the drivers that eventually make it to F1, there are defining days in F3, in F2, where you watch what they do.”Thinking about Kimi Antonelli, the new Mercedes driver, at Silverstone last year, one second a lap faster than everyone else in the field. And that includes three F1 drivers who also graduated with him.”That is the type of performance that if you put in in F2, you can make a name for yourself. And everyone’s watching, everyone’s watching in the F1 paddock. “So, great start for Alex Dunne, lots of talented names in that championship this year, but you need to see a standout performance, whether it be an overtaking performance through the field. Get yourself on the radar. A standout head-bind drive is the best way to do it.”However, Jacques’ position on the “ludicrous” three-way 2025 F1 title race is far less clear as the 36-year-old can’t pick between McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris or reigning world champion Max Verstappen, but is certain it is “the best type of season” with the field being so close.He added: “I really loved it because you’ve got three drivers at totally different stages of their careers. You’ve also got Lando Norris, [who] came in as the pre-season favourite.”Can he deal with the expectation on his shoulders? And Oscar Piastri, exceeding expectations for where he is. You’ve got the McLaren drivers trying to win their first championships.”You’ve got Max trying to make history and emulate the great Michael Schumacher. And he’d only be two behind the all-time record if he gets five with a lot of his career still to go. It’s a wonderful dynamic. The qualifying sessions have been so tight.Read More on The Sun”We’ve not had a gap between first and second. that’s been over a tenth. That is ludicrous. We used to have gaps between first and second of a second back in the early 90s. F1 is ultra-competitive, we’re having a great season.”EA SPORTS has launched their new F1 25 game, with the iconic Edition out now and the Standard Edition launching May 30th. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC.Quickfire questions: Alex JacquesBuild your dream driver:Racecraft: Fernando AlonsoQualifying Pace: Charles LeclercTalent: Max VerstappenAwareness: Lewis Hamilton all dayDefence: Fernando AlonsoTyre management: Ooh, tyre management. Probably be one of the McLaren boys at the moment because they seem to have that on lock, don’t they? Yeah, we’ll give Lando tyre management.Quickfire round: Favourite drink: Favourite drink? Wow, I didn’t expect that. Probably a strong black coffee, given how sleep deprived I am on the boat.Favourite food or snack during comms: You’ve got to have a bag of Haribo to get you through, especially if you’re doing an overnight one.Guilty pleasure: Guilty pleasure. Yeah, watching Ipswich Town win this year because it’s not been a regular occurrence.Favourite racetrack: Monza. Favourite car: Favourite car? Of all cars. F1 or… F1 or what? The 1998 McLaren. That’s the first season I watch, so that’s always my favourite F1 car. Favourite driver of all time: Favourite driver of all time? Similar answer. Mikka Hakkinen, champion the first year that he won and my childhood hero. And yeah, still get starstruck by him in the paddock. He’s a lovely chap. More

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      Meet the Conference League final WAGs as Chelsea take on Real Betis…from Spain’s Posh & Becks to beauty with unusual job

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      THOUSANDS of football fans have descended on Wraclow, Poland for tonight’s hotly anticipated Europa Conference League final.Chelsea will take on Spanish side Real Betis – and the players will, of course, be cheered on from the stands by their devoted WAGs.Connie Grace will be there to cheer on Cole Palmer in the finalCredit: Instagram/conniegrace_She and the football ace have been Instagram official since last yearCredit: Instagram/conniegrace_Cole met Connie Grace at school but the pair didn’t start dating until recentlyCredit: SplashIt may be the third tier of continental football in Europe, behind the second tier Europa League and the first tier Champions League, but that doesn’t mean the glamour is any less dazzling – with the teams’ wives and girlfriends including a movie star.And the women certainly boast brains as well as beauty, with a law graduate, tax expert and entrepreneur amid their ranks.Here we take a look at the WAGs who are building up a fan base of their own.CHELSEACole Palmer and Connie GraceLike Cole, 22-year-old Connie hails from Manchester, where she runs a nail salon.READ MORE SPORT FEATURESShe has built up an impressive social media following thanks to posts showcasing her stunning figure on sun-kissed trips to Jamaica, Ibiza and Dubai.The cute couple have known each other since they were 17, but romance appears to have blossomed last summer when they were spotted together on a luxury boat in Ibiza after flying to the island on a private jet.They finally went Insta-official in November at the GQ Men of the Year awards where she dazzled with the Blues midfielder in a daring cut-out dress.In the documentary England’s Lions: A New Generation, blonde Connie opened up about their relationship, saying: “We met when we were 17. I think he knew me through mutual friends so I think he probably had his eye on me.Most read in Europa LeagueShe added: “Oh, he’s warm and cuddly. Well, with me, hopefully with no one else.”She later explained that fame hasn’t changed her partner, adding: “Cole now is still the same Cole that I met when I was 17. Obviously, he’s changed, he’s grown up, and his life now is completely different, but he’s still the same boy, he’s still laid-back Cole.”Marc Cucurella and Claudia RodriguezHarry Maguire’s wife Fern leads Man Utd Wags flocking to Bilbao for Europa League final with TottenhamClaudia often take the kids to see their dad play in matches around the worldCredit: Instagram/_claurodriCucurella met Claudia in 2018 and the couple have married and welcomed three childrenCredit: Instagram/_claurodriCucurella and Claudia’s love story began in 2018 in Barcelona when the left-back played for the Catalans.The defender and model Claudia now share three children – Mateo, Rio and Bella – and she has recently opened up to fans about Mateo’s autism diagnosis.Stunning Claudia, 25, allowed cameras into their family home as part of the TV show Married to the Game, and said: “We saw something different about Mateo when he was small, about 13 months old, but it was a long process to get the diagnosis. When he was smaller it was easier but now he’s growing up, it’s more difficult.“When we moved to Chelsea, we started him at school and he was very upset, and we didn’t know the solution. You have to find it yourself, and you feel very bad because you are not prepared for it.”Despite the family’s struggles, Claudia maintains a positive outlook and regularly posts glam pictures and snapshots of their daily lives on Instagram where she has amassed more than 130,000 followers.Filip Jorgensen and Noemie RomeeNoemie worked for the Ministry of Finance in HollandCredit: Instagram / @filipjorgensen1She moved to London with her goalkeeper Beau in 2024Credit: Instagram / @filipjorgensen1Stunning Noemie joined goalkeeper Filip in London when he signed for the Blues last year.Before that the stunning brunette worked in the tax department of the Ministry of Finance in Holland, and it is not known if she has kept on that role.But the hard-working young couple certainly know how to play hard too, regularly sharing posts on social media of their travels, trips to theme parks and their pet Pomeranian dog.Noemie is also Filip’s biggest fan, posting videos of herself wearing a Chelsea shirt with his name emblazoned across the back. In one of her posts she gushed: “You have my heart Filip Jorgensen”.Reece James and Mia McClenaghanStunning Mia has a law degree from Royal HollowayCredit: Instagram/miamcclenaghanThe couple went public with their relationship in 2020Credit: Instagram/miamcclenaghanStunning blonde Mia is not just a pretty face – she studied law at Royal Holloway, University of London, and graduated in 2021.She then went on to advise prisoners at HMP Coldingley about family matters.Away from her legal career Mia has been dating Chelsea captain Reece for years, and they made their relationship public in November 2020 when James, 25, posted a picture with Mia on her birthday, calling her his “best friend”. Since then they’ve shared glimpses of their life together, including celebrating milestones and luxury holidays.But Essex-born Mia recently decided to step away from the spotlight, making her social media profiles private.REAL BETISIsco Alcaron and Sara SalamoSara has over a million Instagram followers and appeared on hit TV showsCredit: Instagram/sarasalamoThe couple opted to have a secret wedding ceremony after years togetherCredit: Instagram/sarasalamoThe Real Betis star and his wife have been dubbed the Spanish ‘Posh and Becks’. Sara, 33, is a leading Spanish actress with more than 35 film and TV credits to her name.Her popularity from hit shows El Favor, Stories to Stay Awake, The Year of Fury and Drug Squad: Costa del Sol has won her almost a million Instagram followers.The couple have been together since 2017, but finally tied the knot last year in a secret ceremony.Posting incredible snaps from their fairytale wedding, Tenerife-born Sara wrote: “Seven years, three children, four dogs… And a few days ago we said that we love each other again in front of the altar.”Stunning Sara regularly posts pictures detailing her incredible career on social media, but also gushing comments supporting her husband in his football.Antony and Rosilene SilvaRosilene is regularly seen at football games supporting her boyfriendCredit: Instagram/rosiilenny_The couple are childhood sweethearts who met as children in BrazilCredit: Instagram/rosiilenny_Manchester United star Antony has had a career renaissance since going on loan to Real Betis last season, after being frozen out by the Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim.In the run-up to this week’s final, he broke down as he detailed his struggles at Old Trafford where he was so unhappy he went for days without eating.But no doubt his loyal WAG Rosilene Silva was there to provide support. The couple were childhood sweethearts who met during their school days in Sao Paolo, Brazil. In 2019 Rosilene and Antony welcomed a baby boy named Lorenzo. And last year the couple added a baby girl, Lavinne, to their brood.The mum-of-two regularly shares photos enjoying days out with their young family on social media, with both parents besotted with their babies.And her posts documenting their glamorous lives have earned her an impressive 112k followers on Instagram.Pablo Fornals and Tania Lara VelascoTania and Marin have a two sons together, one born before their marriageCredit: Instagram/tannialvThe couple regularly enjoy luxury holidays abroadCredit: Instagram/tannialvMidfielder Fornals married Tania in their native Spain in 2023, just 48 hours after helping his former club West Ham lift the Europa Conference League trophy. Before the big day, Fornals took to Instagram to post a short message joking: “Best week of my life for sure. No worries my love, I’ll be there.”The couple, who already had one son, Martin, recently welcomed their second son Mateo into the world, with Tania posting a loving picture on social media captioned: “Welcome to the world little prince. You have arrived to complete us. Seeing you and your brother together is the most beautiful thing our eyes have ever seen.”The family returned to Spain when Fornals moved to Real Betis in 2024.With her model looks, Tania regularly posts about their family life along with breathtaking snaps of luxury holidays to Thailand, the Maldives and Paris.Johnny Cardoso and Lela ObinoStunning Lela is often seen on trips abroad to places like ParisCredit: Instagram/lelaobinoHer boyfriend Johnny hails from New Jersey in the United StatesCredit: Instagram/lelaobinoAmerican midfielder Johnny joined Real Betis in December 2023 and prefers to let his football do the talking, keeping his private life under wraps.But his Instagram posts reveal his long-term love is Lela Obino.Blonde Lela has almost 35k Instagram followers herself and regularly posts snapshots of the couple’s glamorous lifestyle including a city break to Paris, a ski trip to the French alps, and beach holidays in Portugal, Marbella and Greece.Read More on The SunAnd she likes to keep super-active, sharing pictures of her practising yoga, skate-boarding and water-skiing.It isn’t known what Lela does for a career, but with her stunning good looks and burgeoning social media followers, she could soon be counted amongst the ranks of WAG influencers. 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      ‘How did we scout this guy?’ – Man Utd fans stunned by ‘horrendous’ video of Hojlund training with Angryginge

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left gobsmacked after seeing a video of Rasmus Hojlund training with Angryginge.The Denmark international recently took part in a first-touch-and-finish challenge with the YouTube sensation.Rasmus Hojlund recently took part in a first-touch-and-finish challenge with YouTuber AngrygingeCredit: YOUTUBE@PRODIRECTSOCCERThe Dane first touch, as it often did last season, let him down in the challengeCredit: YOUTUBE@PRODIRECTSOCCERAnd the former Atalanta hitman’s first touch left little to be desired, as it did several times when he led the line for the Red Devils last season. Footage of Hojlund’s link-up with Angryginge spread like wildfire on social media and drew the ire of the Old Trafford faithful. One wrote on X: “Bro still looks a** around YouTubers.”Another channelled their inner Jose Mourinho by saying: “If I speak… [I am in big trouble].” READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd another said with three laughing emojis: “Lol how did United scout this [guy] again?” One remarked: “I don’t remember his first touch being so s**t the first season.” Another chimed in: “No way is this a professional footballer.” Some United fans, however, leapt to the 22-year-old’s defence. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOne said: “I actually feel compassion for him.” Another said: “I have a feeling this guy will come good.” Napoli ‘make contact with Man Utd over Rasmus Hojlund deal that would open door to stunning swap transfer’ And another said: “Am I the only one who sees that this was obvious during a rest day?”Look how he’s trying not to run and strain.”Hojlund endured a dire season in the 2024/25 campaign, in which United finished a staggering 15TH PLACE in the Premier League table.He only managed ten goals and four assists, with only four of those strikes coming in the league. Despite his woes, Italian giants Inter Milan have been linked with a summer swoop for his services. More

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      Gary Neville trolled with masks and X-rated chant by Nottingham Forest fans after Sky Sports pundit banned from stadium

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      GARY NEVILLE was mocked by Nottingham Forest fans with masks and an X-rated chant following his City Ground ban.Forest refused to let the Sky Sport pundit cover Sunday’s Premier League finale against Chelsea.One Nottingham Forest fan posed this cheeky questionCredit: GettySupporters taunted Gary Neville over his stadium banCredit: Shutterstock EditorialNeville was banned after blasting a ‘scandalous’ incidentCredit: GettyThe club were unhappy at fierce criticism from the Manchester United legend in social media posts.Neville called the way Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis appeared to confront manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch “scandalous”.The ex-England defender even urged Nuno to QUIT over the incident.However, Marinakis later insisted he had only being showing concern over his medical team’s handling of what turned out to be a serious injury for Taiwo Awoniyi.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLForest responded to Neville’s outburst by denying him accreditation this weekend.The club also asked Sky to change their commentary team – a move the broadcaster described as “unwelcome”.Nev’s colleague Roy Keane reacted by labelling his old outfit Forest “small-minded”.But it seems fans agree with their club – or at least they just couldn’t resist trolling Neville.Most read in FootballFans spoofed Sky Sports star NevilleCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSome wore masks of his face, while one supporter held up a poster with the famous “Where’s Wally?” image changed to “Where’s Gary?”Other masked fans spoofed Nev’s Sky role by holding up headphones.Taiwo Awoniyi seen for first time since horror injury as he receives hero’s welcome at Nottingham Forest vs ChelseaEx-Arsenal striker Alan Smith replaced Neville in Sky’s commentary team.But just ahead of kick-off, home supporters upped their venom by chanting “Gary Neville is a w*****”.The 50-year-old had earlier gone on social media to share his shock over his ban.Neville said: “I’ve dished out my fair share of criticism and praise in the last 14 years of doing this job and never come close to this unprecedented action. “Personally, I think it’s disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decision.”Whilst they have every right to choose who they let into their own stadium, it’s symptomatic of things that have happened over the last 12 months with the club.”Nev added that he wished Forest “all their best” for their bid to secure Champions League football.Read More on The SunBut instead Levi Colwill’s 50th-minute winner booked Chelsea’s place in Europe’s top club tournament.Forest had to settle for seventh place and a spot in the Conference League – still way above the pre-season expectations of almost every pundit.Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis sparked Neville’s social media outburst when he spoke to manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitchCredit: AFP More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold hits back at Liverpool boo boys with emotional social media post as he prepares for final game

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      LIVERPOOL star Trent Alexander-Arnold has issued a parting message to fans ahead of his final match with the club.Alexander-Arnold, 26, is set to roll credits on his glittering 20-year spell with the Reds, which started at the tender age of seven, and is expected to join Real Madrid.Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has issued a parting message to fansThat led to some fans turning on the local hero as he was booed when he was subbed on against Arsenal two weeks ago despite his incredible contribution these last nine years.Nevertheless, the full-back is gearing up for today’s final Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace at Anfield, which will see his team lifting the trophy in front of fans for the first time in 35 years.The England international took to Twitter and posted a picture of a special pair of football boots in what seemed like a response to the jeers he’s received at the Kop.One has 2005 labelled on the tongue – the year he joined the club’s academy – while the other states 2025 – the date of his imminent departure.Read More on FootballAlexander-Arnold added the following caption: “20 years. Gave it everything.”A number of Liverpool icons were left baffled with the treatment TAA received from a section of the fans during the 2-2 draw with runners-up Arsenal.Former manager Jurgen Klopp was so “disappointed” he revealed he turned the TV off.Premier League leading goalscorer Mohamed Salah and star team-mate Dominik Szoboszlai also disapproved. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAlexander-Arnold was an unused substitute during Monday’s 3-2 loss at Brighton.And manager Arne Slot has reportedly yet to make a decision over whether to give the defender one last hurrah at the Kop.Trent Alexander-Arnold BOOED by Liverpool fans after boyhood fan confirmed he’s leaving in weeksTrent helped Liverpool win two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and the 2019 Champions League. More

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      James Maddison nearly FALLS OFF Tottenham open-top bus as ‘CEO of the afterparty’ pays classy tribute to Son Heung-min

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      JAMES MADDISON nearly FELL OFF the Tottenham bus during the club’s wild Europa League parade.North London was taken over by 200,000 jubilant fans on Friday night as Spurs celebrated finally ending their 17-year trophy drought.James Maddison appeared to nearly fall off the Tottenham busHe had to steady himself after the fallCredit: YouTubeHe also made a touching tribute to Son Heung-minCredit: ReutersThousands of Spurs fans turned out to see the paradeCredit: GettyMaddison, 28, was one of the keenest to celebrate despite being ruled out for the final in Bilbao.And he could have suffered an even worse injury, as he almost took a horror fall while being interviewed by club media.He had declared himself the “CEO of the afterparty” while on top of the team bus parading around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.But the midfielder came close to making an early exit as he lost his balance before having to grab onto his interviewer.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFans spotted the moment and reacted on social media.One posted: “James Maddison stumbling on top of and on the edge of a tour bus is ANOTHER type of anxiety.”A second wrote: “That was close to another injury to Maddison.”After composing himself, he made a classy tribute to club captain Son Heung-min.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe England international said: “He’s one of the best humans I’ve met and I’m so happy he had that moment in Bilbao. You will not meet a nicer man.“How he treats everyone, my family, my children. He’s just a magnificent man.Inside Tottenham’s wild Europa League open-top bus parade as 200,000 fans greet heroesSon sounded croaky when he took the microphoneCredit: AlamySupportershailed the players as they went past on the busCredit: AlamyThe parade ended at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: AlamyThe team lifted the trophy on a stage outside the groundCredit: Reuters“We had a moment on the pitch at the end.”We don’t always say exactly how we feel, especially men, but that was my opportunity to tell him I adore him. He’s a top man.”Meanwhile, a croaky-sounding Son, who won his first trophy in his tenth year at club, said: “The last two days have gone so fast.“I felt like I just slept five hours, but it’s already Friday. It was incredible.“I waited, I dreamed of this moment. It finally happened.“I said many times that I wanted to make it here. But today is the day that is special. I’m very lucky, I was captain, it’s even better. I’m all over the moon, so so happy.”This was a party — one described as “insane” by sleep-deprived goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario — that was 34 years in the making.The North Londoners’ previous trophy may have come in 2008 with the League Cup.But their last parade actually took place in 1991 after Gary Lineker, Gary Mabbutt and Gazza clinched the FA Cup.Richarlison leant out to share a moment with a fan who had climbed a traffic lightCredit: GettyBoss Ange Postecoglou just took it all in after a tough seasonCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSpurs were expecting 150,000 supporters to turn up yesterday but in the end it may well have been another 50,000 on top of that.As midfielder and reveller-in-chief Yves Bissouma put it: “Look how north London is fully white.”Streets starting from Edmonton a couple of miles north of the ground down to the stadium itself were packed hours before the open-top bus parade began at 5.30pm.People were climbing up on to roofs — including the one above the Harry Kane mural — and on top of bus shelters to catch a glimpse of their heroes.Two female fans had come all the way over from South Korea to be part of the celebrations, having watched on television back home their icon Son lifting the trophy in Bilbao.One said of skipper Son: “He’s a national hero. He’s the first (South Korean) captain of the Premier League. We’re so proud of him.”The music was pumping, from football classics like Sweet Caroline to the new fans’ favourite ‘We won it in Bilbao’ to the tune of Shakira’s 2010 World Cup song Waka Waka (This time for Africa).The players, clad in shirts with champions and 25 inscribed on the back and sporting, rather bizarrely, ski goggles, then turned up and the bus got going, flanked by a sea of blue-and-white waving flags and flare smoke.Richarlison was bouncing up and down at the front, Bissouma had his shirt off, Cristian Romero, the Europa League player of the season, was on the beer.A croaky-sounding Son, who won his first trophy in his tenth year at the club, said: “The last two days have gone so fast. I felt like I just slept five hours but it’s already Friday. It was incredible.“I waited, I dreamed of this moment. It finally happened.Read More on The Sun“I said many times I wanted to make it here. But today is the day that is special.“I’m very lucky, I was captain, it’s even better. I’m all over the moon, so so happy.”Tottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfield.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players… More

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      in Soccer

      Moment baffled Man Utd fan gets trapped in toilet in Bilbao and is left soaked by self-cleaning system

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      MAN, loo, disunited – a Red Devils fan saw a Bilbao toilet turn into an escape room before he was drenched by its self-cleaning device.The soggy supporter suffered a double whammy as he matched United’s Europa League final loss to Spurs with his own undignified de-throning.Loo dun it – as the fan blamed the toilet for his drenchingCredit: TikTok/@ewan.ejPerhaps he could post his cubicle review on booking.commodeCredit: TikTok/@ewan.ejThe man went viral for his unexpected mishap as he posted a clip of his own cubicle quandary.It all stemmed from Bilbao City Council installing a host of automatic public restrooms.Once a toilet user leaves a stall, the system is activated.Pressurized water and disinfectants gush in to clean the interior.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOr that’s the theory.On this occasion the travelling fan had his own ideas – or lack of them.He can be seen in his own video looking bemused as he’s soaked while still inside the cubicle.At one stage he couldn’t hold it in any more as he yelled out: “What the f***? What is going on?Most read in Football”Oh my God, what the f***? All I wanted was a p***.”BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe did attempt to avoid more showery carnage to his clothes – by trying to evade the water jets.But he ended up hopping onto a step with sodden pants as he confirmed: “My legs just got p****d off wet!”Son Heung-min hit in head by TROPHY as Tottenham celebrate Europa League victory over Man UtdUnited’s 1-0 defeat by fellow Prem flops Spurs might have distracted him from his personal misfortune when he finally made it out of Spain.But unlike the Red Devils he did win something in midweek – online fame.He even made it the smallest room with a review – as he posted his verdict: “Weirdest toilet ever.”Admittedly the fan didn’t give the toilet any stars – but he did add two emojis, albeit of the crying with laughter variety.TikTok users sympathised, with one saying: “HAHAHAHAHA the car wash… You have to leave before… although I’m also scared being from Bilbao.”Another told him what he must surely now know: “You’re supposed to get out mate, those bathrooms are programmed to get cleaned after usage.”Read More on The SunIt all took place in a cubicle – so it didn’t count as a Europa Leek Urinal.In contrast, it was in a cauldron, the San Mames, and in the Europa League final, where United went down the pan – blowing their last chance to offset a dreadful Prem season.He found the experience wet but not wonderfulCredit: TikTok/@ewan.ej More

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      in Boxing

      Georgia O’Connor’s heartbreaking final post just days before boxer’s death aged 25

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      GEORGIA O’CONNOR posted a heartbreaking final Instagram message just over a week before her tragic passing. The inspirational boxer  – who won Commonwealth Youth gold in 2017 – first revealed her cancer news in January.Georgia O’Connor with her husband before her sad passingCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She got married before her deathCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1She was also previously diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) – a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.O’Connor had the boxing community in her corner all the way until she sadly passed away aged 25 from a rare and aggressive cancer.In her final Instagram post – ten days before her death – the brave boxer revealed she had married her boyfriend Adriano.She posted a picture of her ring and wrote: “The day I married the love of my life.”READ MORE IN BOXINGInspirational O’Connor was filled with well-wishes in the comments as the boxing community rallied behind the Durham hero.In February, O’Connor paid a beautiful tribute to her “superhero” Adriano.She posted: “If you have a man who loves you more than anything, who would burn the whole world down before he’d let it take you, hold on to him, because that kind of love is rare.”From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn’t hesitate. He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle alongside me.Most read in Boxing”Not just by my side, but leading the charge, doing everything in his power to save me…”Researching day and night, chasing down every option, making sure I have every single chance to beat this.Eddie Hearn teases Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in 2025?! + Allen KOs Fisher | Split Decision | Sun Sport”I have never known love like this. A love that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t break, doesn’t even hesitate.”A love that says ‘we do this together, no matter what.’ No matter how dark the nights get, no matter how hard the days are, I have him, and he has me.”Adriano, you are my superhero. My warrior, my protector, my soulmate.”I have no words strong enough to explain what you mean to me; how much I love you, how much I thank you, how much I need you.”You are my safe place. My home. I could search the world a thousand times over and never find another man like you.”Everything we’ve been through, we go through together. Every fight, every battle, every victory.”We take it all, hand in hand. And we will win. My real-life prince. My reason. My forever.”Tributes poured in for the heroic fighter – who went 3-0 as a professional after debuting in 2021 – following her sad passing. Her promoters Boxxer posted: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”A true warrior inside and outside the ring, the boxing community has lost a talented, courageous and determined young woman far too soon.”Georgia was loved, respected and admired by her friends here at BOXXER. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.”Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions wrote: “Everyone at Queensberry Promotions are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”All of our thoughts are with her friends and family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Georgia.”England Boxing added: “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Georgia O’Connor.”A gifted boxer and beloved member of the amateur boxing community, she won medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Youth Worlds & European Championships.”Our thoughts are with her loved ones.”Read More on The SunO’Connor was not only a talented boxer but also a three-time national taekwondo champion and undefeated kickboxer.Away from sports, she played guitar and enjoyed singing and became an inspiration to many after documenting her horror cancer fight.O’Connor had a 3-0 pro recordCredit: PAShe first revealed her cancer news in JanuaryCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1Promoter Ben Shalom with O’ConnorCredit: Instagram / georgiaoconnor_1 More

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      Declan Rice & Lauren Fryer’s pals reveal toll of online abuse on relationship & truth about THOSE X-Factor star rumours

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      IT started out as an innocent TikTok video – posted on a fan account – showing Declan Rice canoodling with his long-term partner Lauren Fryer.But days later, unfounded accusations linking Rice to an X Factor popstar began appearing in the suggested search bar below it – vicious rumours fuelled by a greedy social media algorithm.Midfielder Declan Rice and girlfriend Lauren Fryer have been together since 2017Credit: Instagram @laurenfryer_Declan pictured on a luxury yacht with girlfriend Lauren while holidaying in Formentera in 2021Credit: BackGridLauren, the mother of Declan’s toddler son, has rarely been seen in public since being bullied off social mediaVicious, unfounded accusations linking Rice to an X Factor popstar began appearing on TikTokCredit: GettyWhile many of the bonkers headlines that appear on the app – including ‘Tom Cruise dead’ and ‘Katie Price confirms pregnancy’ – are obviously fabricated by clickbait-hungry AI machines built to increase engagement on the Chinese social media site, this one gained unwanted – and unwarranted – traction.A year has passed since Lauren was forced off social media after being fat-shamed by vile online trolls who cruelly told the Arsenal star to dump her in favour of an “upgrade”.Lauren, the mother of Declan’s toddler son, has rarely been seen in public since.Perhaps bots – knowing the furore that ensued following the horrific incident last year – are smart enough to know spinning a web of lies about her clearly besotted partner would get football fans clicking.Lauren was briefly seen in the stands at the Euros in Germany last year, when Declan ran to hug her after England’s victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals.It was a rare occurrence, as friends say Lauren will never put herself in a position where she can be hung out to dry in the court of public opinion.Meanwhile, Declan has been seen letting his hair down following the Euros at Wayne Lineker’s Ocean Beach in Ibiza – and contacts tell me he mingled with the A list at You Me Bum Bum Train in February.These two outings were enough to fuel the fires amongst the cesspit of social media bullies.“The torment Lauren endured because of those pathetic people was horrific,” one confidante tells me.“She had never lived a public life, so to be torn apart on social media felt even more unfair.Inside Declan Rice and Lauren Fryer’s romance“Lauren wasn’t the kind of WAG you saw out and about, or going to big events or fashion shows. That wasn’t her style.“She virtually lived in the shadows anyway. To then be attacked so viciously and with such fury left a lasting mark.”Lauren is expected to be among the guests at Dani Dyer and Jarrod Bowen’s huge wedding later this month – but it’s unlikely she’ll be pictured on the WAG social channels afterwards.“Lauren has managed to carefully navigate life now where she is present at events but isn’t seen,” the friend continues.“Those close to her know she doesn’t want to be shared in pictures unless they are on totally private accounts.“She has her own private account which is just for her friends and family but she’d never share things publicly again.“It’s not because she’s scared, it’s because she just wants a quiet life doing what she loves with Declan and their family.”Relationship timelineRice and Lauren have been together for eight years:2016 – Rice and childhood sweetheart Lauren get together as teenagersMay, 2017 – Rice makes his West Ham debut in a clash with BurnleyMarch, 2019 – The Hammers ace makes his England debut after switching allegiances from the Republic of IrelandAugust, 2022 – Rice confirms the birth of his son, JudeNovember, 2022 – Lauren heads to Qatar to support her man at the World CupJuly, 2023 – Rice leaves West Ham to join Arsenal, with Lauren regularly supporting him at games at the EmiratesApril, 2024 – Lauren wipes her Instagram account after vile bullying by trollsA quick glance at social media this morning shows the trolls have still not abated when it comes to stirring up egregious and unsubstantiated rumours about Lauren and her relationship with Declan – who she started dating as a teenager in 2017.On TikTok, the completely false allegations he “cheated” with a former X Factor star are rife, while the no-marks who use gossip cesspit Tattle Life continue to stir up rubbish about their nine-year relationship.“It’s pathetic,” a friend says. “But it’s all nonsense.“Don’t these people have something better to do? Get a life and stop typing out b*****ks on your iPhone.”Lauren’s private Instagram account has 295 followers, showing just how tightly she keeps her inner circle.Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson is among those who keep up to date with the account, along with Kennedy Alexa – the partner of Spurs star James Madison – and, of course, Jarrod’s fiancée Dani.By contrast, Lauren’s old public account has almost 100,000 followers, but features no photographs.Previously, Lauren liked to share posts – glamorous selfies and snaps of her and Declan with their beloved cockapoo Raffa covered her grid.Previously Lauren liked to share posts, glamorous selfies and snaps of her and Declan with their beloved cockapoo RaffaCredit: Instagram @laurenfryer_Declan would regularly comment underneath her photographs with love heart emojisCredit: Instagram @laurenfryer_Declan would regularly comment underneath her photographs with fire and love heart emojis.Underneath one picture, he wrote: “Your support has been incredible, couldn’t ask for better.”But a year ago, Lauren deleted all the photographs and memories she had shared.The decision was a reaction to the brutal and downright disgusting barrage of hate aimed at her after snaps of her and Declan on holiday four months prior.The comments on Instagram were far worse, and from behind their anonymous usernames, the lowlife keyboard warriors went on the attack.But while Lauren and Declan ignored the barrage of hate, it changed after quotes – purporting to be from Declan – started to circulate online with ferocity.The hate and the awful comments was one thing. But this whole saga meant the conversation just kept rolling on and people started picking apart Lauren and Declan’s relationship.At the time, thousands believed the quotes – allegedly given by Declan at a press conference – were real.During the work of fictional nonsense, an internet idiot claimed Declan had hit back and said: “My woman is the love of my life, and there is no upgrade that exists for me.”In truth, the press conference never happened. Declan never addressed what was being said and everything shared or written about it is completely false.It didn’t stop the quotes from being shared thousands of times online – fuelling what had already become a painful and incessant barrage of nonsense.Just three days after this rumour first started, Lauren deleted her entire account.INCESSANT BARRAGE“It all got too much,” a friend explains.“The hate and the awful comments was one thing. But this whole saga meant the conversation just kept rolling on and people started picking apart Lauren and Declan’s relationship.“Bloggers started picking up the quotes as fact which meant it was being shared even more widely, even though the wider media ignored it because it was totally untrue.“The sheer scale of it all became too ridiculous for words.”The deletion saw an outpouring of love and support for Lauren, from the tens of thousands of people who genuinely took an interest in Lauren’s life and her posts.“Lauren Fryer you are a beautiful young woman,” one wrote online. “Stay strong.”Arsenal’s Declan Rice has had a good woman behind him in Lauren throughout his careerCredit: PALauren’s private Instagram account has 295 followers, showing just how tightly she keeps her inner circleCredit: Lauren Fryer InstagramAnother added: “Appreciation post for this beautiful woman Lauren Fryer.“We’re sorry to see that in 2024 women are still subject to so many disgusting comments.”It was so hard for her [Lauren], the trolling, as she doesn’t put herself out there.Dani DyerThe damage was done however, and while Lauren is still occasionally active on the account – she only comments and posts within her private domain.Her good friend Dani, who bonded with Lauren at last year’s Euros, spoke out in her defence after the competition and told us: “It was so hard for her, the trolling, as she doesn’t put herself out there.“I think it’s harder when you are not in [the celebrity world] and you are being personally attacked. I found that hard.“She is a really good mum, who keeps to herself. No one deserves to be criticised like that.“It was so cruel.“Attacking a girl because of what she looks like, in this day and age, I don’t agree with it.“She got a lot of support from all of us, which she definitely needed.”Those close to Lauren say she has no interest in ever putting herself into the public domain again – and after all of this, who could blame her? More