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    ‘Top pro’ – Watch Blackburn ace appear to troll Plymouth bench after scoring vs old side before bizarre excuse for cele

    ADAM FORSHAW appeared to brutally troll Plymouth Argyle after coming back to haunt his former club.The Blackburn Rovers midfielder netted the opening goal against the Pilgrims at Ewood Park on Saturday – having only left them last month.Adam Forshaw celebrated in front of the Plymouth bench after scoringCredit: RexHe was joined by his team-matesCredit: GettyThe midfielder ran off in celebration and stood in front of the away side’s bench with his arms pointing to the sky.Plymouth manager Miron Muslic appeared unimpressed with Forshaw’s antics as he stood with his hands in his pockets.Tyrhys Dolan netted Rovers’ second goal of the game in the 78th minute to wrap up the win.Forshaw was on Plymouth’s books as recently as January 11 when his contract was terminated.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFans loved the moment as they reacted on social media.One posted: “First goal after nine years, and this is how he celebrates.”A second commented: “Hahaha top pro.”A third wrote: “Like that was never written in the stars.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA fourth said: “Absolutely nailed on.”Another added: “Should’ve put money on that.”Former Championship star now a train driver in ‘new career to last the rest of my life’ He was released by Plymouth in JanuaryCredit: GettyForshaw took to social media after the game to explain his celebration.His bizarre excuse claimed that he was running towards his family.He wrote: “No bad intentions with the celebration and sorry for how it came across.”The family were sat behind the benches.”Muslic also spoke about Forshaw’s celebration after the game.He said: “I have nothing but respect for Forshaw because he explained that behind us was his family, his sons.”I respect that and if I had scored that beautiful goal, I would go to my family celebrating.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He is a top professional and there is nothing but respect.”He told me this and for me, the story was done in a millisecond. We hugged each other and moved on.” More

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    Declan Rice’s cringeworthy Valentine’s Day pick-up lines re-emerge in incredible video years before Arsenal transfer

    DECLAN RICE may not want to look at his phone today as he could be bombarded by Valentine’s Day messages.But rather than loved-up posts, it may be friends poking fun of him in an old video.Declan Rice starred in a video saying cringeworthy pick-up linesRice looks very different to his 19-year-old selfCredit: GettyRice is in a long-term relationship with Lauren Fryer and they have a son togetherCredit: Instagram @laurenfryer_Back in 2018, Rice, recorded some cringeworthy chat up lines for a West Ham social media post.The first line from the then 19-year-old was: “Do you know what my shirt is made of? Boyfriend material.”The second was: “Do I know you? Because you look exactly like my next girlfriend.”The final cringeworthy line was: “Do you believe in love at first sight? Or should I walk by again?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRice would go on play for the Hammers for another six years, playing 245 times and becoming a regular for the England national team in the process.His final appearance for the East London club saw him win the club’s first trophy since 1965 by winning the Europa Conference League while wearing the captain’s armband.Rice then joined Arsenal in 2023 in a transfer worth up to £105m.In all that time, Rice has found his Valentine by being in a relationship with childhood sweetheart Lauren Fryer, whom he started dating in 2015.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRice quietly confirmed the birth of his first child with Lauren after showing off a tattoo on his arm which read “Jude Rice” along with the astrology symbol for Leo and the date of his son’s birth, 7 August 2022.Unfortunately, Lauren has suffered disgusting abuse from trolls on social media, which saw her wipe her Instagram account clean of all of her pictures. ‘Now everyone’s calling me it…’ – Declan Rice reveals hilarious new nicknameDani Dyer, the partner of Rice’s former team-mate Jarrod Bowen, launched a passionate defence of Lauren in an interview with Fabulous Magazine in November last year.Ex-Love Island star Dyer said: “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.”So, attacking a girl because of what she looks like, in this day and age, I don’t agree with it.”Rice has once again starred on the pitch for Arsenal this season, playing 33 times in all competitions so far this season.He is likely to be in action for the Gunners next game as they travel to Leicester in the Premier League.ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Saliba will be having nightmares about Isak as Lewis-Skelly is only Gunners star to show upARSENAL were humbled by Newcastle at St James’ Park as the Magpies beat them 2-0 to secure a spot in the League Cup final.The North Londoners knew they needed to take an early advantage if they were to overturn the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.But Jacob Murphy was on hand to put the Magpies a goal ahead after Alexander Isak’s shot rebounded off of the post and out to him.Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead to all but confirm a second League Cup final in three years for Eddie Howe.Here’s how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the Gunners.David Raya – 5Stitched Declan Rice right up for the second goal.And that absolutely killed this as a contest for his side.Jurrien Timber – 6Tried to get forward and support the attack early but soon found himself dropping deeper to avoid being caught on the counter.Tough night for the Dutchman up against Gordon in front of the red-hot home crowd.William Saliba – 4Let frustration get the better of him when he got himself booked for grabbing Anthony Gordon’s shirt.And the winger almost embarrassed him again at the start of the second period when he caught the defender sleeping, nicked the ball from him, but could only shoot wide.The usually assured star will be having nightmares of Gordon and Isak.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Another who struggled to contain Toon’s two pacey attacking threats but did fair slightly better than his usually formidable partner.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Another assured performance from the full-back in a raucous atmosphere.Could not be faulted for any of the goals and showed flashes off his potential despite the humbling.Martin Odegaard – 6Everything Arsenal did try came through the skipper.Although he loses a mark as things could have been a very different story if he had finished his first half effort had hit the inside rather than outside of the post.Thomas Partey – 6Plenty of running about but very little to show or product for his efforts.Declan Rice – 6Looked to take a knock late in the first half and continued to struggle on after the restart.Was hung out to dry by his goalie for the second goal and he did keep pushing until the very end.But it was a disappointing night for the England star and his partner Partey as they came up short against Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Struggled to get past big Dan Burn during his brief time on the pitch.And his night was brought to an abrupt end when he limped off before the break.Kai Havertz – 4Outmuscled, outbattled and outthought but Svan Botman and Fabian Schar.Produced zilch on an evening when he and his team-mates lacked creativity and ideas.Leandro Trossard – 5Many will have been fancying him to cause some problems for the 34-year-old Kieran Trippier but the veteran had him in his pocket all night.Arteta had seen enough by the hour mark and opted to let Raheem Sterling have a go instead.Subs usedEthan Nwaneri (37 mins for Martinelli) – 6Desperately tried to inject some pace and threat into the faltering Arsenal attack but the task proved too much for the young Gunn.He should have plenty more big occasions to look forward to though in his career.Mikel Merino (70 mins for Odegaard) – 5The game was already done and dusted when he entered the fray for battle.Some nice touches, but like those before him, he couldn’t produce anything for the visitors.Raheem Sterling (61 mins for Trossard) – 4Got half an hour to try and get at Trippier but, just like Trossard before him, he was not given an ounce of joy.Riccardo Calafiori (78 mins for Timber) – 4Was brought on simply to get some minutes in his legs.Jorginho (78 mins for Partey) – 4See above. Little chance to make an impact with the game well and truly over. More

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    Nuno Espirito Santo named Premier League’s most-loved boss on Valentine’s Day.. but it’s bad news for Ange Postecoglou

    NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO has been named the Premier League’s most-loved manager. The Portuguese coach has plenty to smile about with his Nottingham Forest side still sitting third in the table. Nuno Espirito Santo has been named the Premier League’s most-loved managerCredit: RexThomas Frank was not far behindCredit: GettyAnd according to date collected by Heart Bingo on Valentine’s Day, Nuno has the highest share of positive posts on social media. It makes him the most beloved Prem boss on social media, with a 25 per cent positivity score. Just behind on 21 per cent was Brentford’s Thomas Frank with the returning Graham Potter – at West Ham – not far off with 18 per cent. It is not so pleasant viewing for under-fire Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, though. READ MORE IN footballHe ranks near the bottom with just eight per cent of positive posts – with 35 per cent negative. But rock bottom sits Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna – who came to the English top-flight with a stellar reputation. The Prem new-boys have struggled and stand second to bottom. McKenna appears to have taken the brunt of that with just four per cent of positive social media posts. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIpswich were promoted after coming second in the Championship last season – and McKenna believes he still has a winning side. He said: “I’ve said before I know how good a lot of the work is here. ‘You’re in cuckoo land’ – Roy Keane lays into Ian Wright claiming James Maddison is Tottenham’s missing link”I know the team that we’ve been and the team that we want to be again, but I also know the challenge that we have of the jump that we’ve made and how quickly it’s been made. “The chance to go up against good Championship opposition and what that entails and the feel of that game then is a good little confidence booster, even for people in the building, on some of the work that’s going on, some of the improvement that’s being made, but it’s hard to show it against Liverpool, against Man City, against some of the toughest games you have. “And with their being fewer games in the Premier League, it’s hard to always get the validation of the improvements that are being made for a group like ours. The couple of games in the cup have been good for that.”Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich are facing Prem relegationCredit: Getty More

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    Amazing moment Sky Sports News staff gather to applaud speechless presenter during final broadcast after 43-year stint

    A LEGENDARY presenter was applauded by the Sky Sports News staff during his final broadcast.Nick Powell is leaving our screens 43 years of service and was on air for the last time.Nick Powell was given a round of applause in the Sky Sports News studioCredit: Sky SportsHe is leaving the broadcaster after 29 yearsCredit: Sky SportsPowell, 66, was honoured with a montage of himself working throughout the years.As the video ended, he was welcomed in the studio by the staff and given a rousing round of applause.Powell was visibly stunned and left without words until presenter Mike Wedderburn spoke to him.Wedderburn said: “Nick, we love you. Obviously, we are going to miss you.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhen Powell could muster some words, he was composed to make a joke.He said: “I was just going to say if we took as much care as we did with that with the rest of the output, it would be fantastic.”Someone has gone through a lot of trouble and thank you very much.”The clip was shared on social media and many of Powell’s fans took the chance to wish him well in the comments.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne posted: “What a legend Nick Powell is.”His voice and presence have been such a huge part of Sky’s coverage for as long as I can remember, truly the end of an era. Wishing him all the best in retirement.”Former Premier League star signed contract then ripped it up just 20 minutes later in classy gesture A second wrote: “Good luck Nick.”A third commented: “Happy Retirement, Nick! Good luck and you’ll be missed.”A fourth said: “Legendary.”Another added: “Wish you the very best in your future endeavours, Nick.”Powell also revealed one of his sporting heroes in his final Sky broadcast after 29 years with the channel.He said: “There have been lots over the years, but since I saw Kevin Keegan there (in video).”Am I allowed to mention a former Liverpool hero, I was probably 11 when he signed for Bill Shankley.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe popular broadcaster has covered some of the greatest sporting events, such as England’s Ashes triumph in 2005, London 2012 and Andy Murray’s Wimbledon win in 2013.The journalist issued a long farewell message on Sky Sports’ website where he also looked back at unforgettable interviews with the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Muhammad Ali and Princess Anne.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    ‘Shambolic accusation’ – Jesse Lingard hits back at trolls who claim three players have ‘destroyed Man Utd’s culture’

    JESSE LINGARD has blasted trolls on social media who sensationally claimed he was one of three Manchester United players who “destroyed the culture”.The 32-year-old came through the Red Devils academy and played a total of 232 games before leaving permanently in 2022.Jesse Lingard launched a staunch defence of himself and two other Man Utd stars on social mediaCredit: AFPIt came after he, Paul Pogba, and Marcus Rashford were accused of ‘destroying the club’s culture’Credit: GettyLingard replied to a post more than a month old to demand an explanation for a commentHe referenced his trophy cabinet during the exchangeLingard was replying despite it being past 11pm at night in Korea, where he currently playsDuring his time at Man Utd, Lingard was well known for his larger than life personality which included showing off his dance moves in the dressing room or in celebrations.However, with the club struggling to compete for the top honours, Lingard and his team-mates did draw their share of criticism.Now playing for FC Seoul in South Korea, Lingard opted to respond to a social media post from more than a month ago.On December 28, 2024, a user said: “Him, [Paul] Pogba, and [Marcus] Rashford destroyed the culture.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLingard had not posted on social media since Christmas Day, but suddenly replied to the post at 2:03pm UK time and 11:03pm in Seoul.The former Nottingham Forest ace replied to himself just moments later saying: “Waiting for explanation????????”Many fans replied in support of Lingard and co, with one fan saying: “You made us play well which some dumb b******* that ‘support’ this club don’t like because you dance and have fun.”Lingard said back: “Lool we was just enjoying our life of we played for biggest club in the world of course we made mistakes and we learn but we gonna have fun and smile and dance.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA second fan said: “You didn’t, you just weren’t good and that’s fine.”Lingard then replied: “I’ll just take the FA Cup final trophy and Carabao trophy out of the cabinet then.”Jesse Lingard brutally mocked by K-league rival as opponent copies forgotten Man Utd man’s celebration after late winnerA third fan said: “Jesse broski we love you forever… but is Korea becoming that dead you gotta beef with nobodies. Cup final winner and a cult hero keep your head up son.”Lingard said: “Haha nah Korea lit bro I love it, I don’t even bite ever I never really read comments but had to reply to that shambolic accusation.”Pogba left in the same summer as Lingard as he returned to Juventus, while Rashford only departed United on loan to Aston Villa at the end of the winter transfer window.Attacking midfielder Lingard, capped 32 times by England, joined FC Seoul just over a year ago, with his home debut drawing a record crowd.After a tough start, he has scored six goals in 26 games for the club, even whipping out his trademark dance moves after scoring.However, he bravely opened up on the family heartache which had kept him out of the team at the start of the 2023/24 season.Having suffered with knee and Achilles issues during his year at Forest, Lingard took a little while to get going in South Korea, but as his first season in the K-League nears its conclusion, he has begun to hit his stride.In a brave column in The Times, Lingard has opened up on his time out of the game.The attacking midfielder trained hard during the summer as he looked for a new club, but as his grandma fell ill, family became the priority.Lingard held a close relationship with his grandparents throughout his life, with Grandad Ken and Grandma Pamela having supported him during his childhood – particularly as his mum Kirsty battled depression. He wrote of Pamela: “Over the course of last summer, she became really poorly.”She was in and out of hospital and though I was training hard and missed being at a club, it felt like being out of contract was God’s plan: I’m not going to give you a team right now, you need to stay home and be with your family.”So that’s what I did. I spent as much time as I could with them and in November, when Nan passed away, Grandad took it really hard.”He was depressed and suffering dizzy spells and was hospitalised himself. He needed looking after too, and there was the funeral to organise and a speech to give.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I believe things happen for a reason and that, while my family was suffering, it was just written for me to take a break from playing.”Lingard’s fashion company JLingz Ltd, was placed in voluntary liquidation last month after piling up debts of nearly £300,000. More

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    World Cup winner’s Wag dubbed ‘hottest woman in the world’ and ‘from another planet’ after stunning in series of bikinis

    MATS HUMMELS’ girlfriend Nicola Cavanis took social media by storm with a series of bikini posts.Roma star Hummels, 36, and Nicola, 26, went public with their relationship in October when they appeared together at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.Nicola Cavanis took social media by storm with a series of bikini snapsCredit: Instagram / @nicolaNicola recently started dating Roma star Mats HummelsCredit: Instagram / @nicolaNicola’s snap on Instagram attracted thousands of likesCredit: Instagram / @nicolaThe model has amassed a staggering 2million followers on Instagram thanks to a series of glam pics.This time the German posted a compilation clip that showed her trying on a series of different bikinis.It appears like she was trying to send a message of freedom and self-determination citing a song by the German music duo Rosenstolz in the caption.Nicola posted on Instagram: “If I let myself be caught, then it’s only by life, as Rosenstolz would say.”Read More on FootballThe model’s snap attracted over 60,000 likes, one of which was from Hummels, and her fans stormed the comments’ section.One fan posted: “You are beyond perfect, the hottest woman in the world.”Another posted: “Incredible again, Nicola.”A third wrote: “You are from another planet.”Most read in FootballThis fan said: “You look beautiful.”And that one gushed: “Wow!”Meet Germany star Mats Hummels’ new model wag Nicola Cavanis, 25, who loves Wimbledon and is banned from getting tattoosHummels enjoyed tremendous success across two stints with Borussia Dortmund where he won two Bundesliga titles and two German Cups.The centre-back also made it to the Champions League final twice with Dortmund.The defender also won three league titles with Bayern Munich and experienced tremendous success on the international stage as he conquered the 2014 World Cup with Germany.The German joined Roma in September and has since amassed a total of one goal in 14 appearances.Scroll down for more from Nicola CavanisNicola and Hummels went public with their relationship in OctoberCredit: GettyModel Nicola is the new girlfriend of HummelsCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAThe 26-year-old works for ‘Munich Models Germany’Credit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe is 10 years younger than ex-Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund man HummelsCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLANicola has attended Wimbledon in the pastCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe has two million followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLANicola often shares stunning photos on her social mediaCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe is a lover of tennis, ice cream and beerCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLANicola is banned from getting tattoos by her modelling companyCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe also has a legion of followers on TikTokCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLA More

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    Women’s football star ‘violates rival’s intimacy’ with sick gesture and vile comment during on-pitch scuffle

    A SPANISH woman footballer is at the centre of a storm after touching a rival’s private parts and appearing to say ‘Have you got a ‘d**k?’ during a brief pitch bust-up.TV cameras clearly picked up the moment Barcelona defender Mapi Leon deliberately touched Espanyol footballer Daniela Caracas’ genitals as the alleged sex assault victim prepared to defend a corner during a fiercely-contested derby match yesterday.Barcelona’s Mapi Leon clashed with Daniela CaracasCredit: Liga F via X formerly TwitterShe appeared to reach and touch Caracas below the beltlineCredit: Liga F via X formerly TwitterEspanyol have slammed the Barcelona starCredit: RexSpanish media and social media amateur lip readers reported the slur 29-year-old Leon, capped more than 50 times by her national team, fired off at Colombian-born Caracas during a brief push-and-shove struggle before and after the extraordinary crotch grab seemed to be ‘Tienes picha?The offensive expression would translate into English as ‘Have you got a d**k?’Barcelona’s city rivals Espanyol today released an official statement criticising Mapi Leon’s actions and vowing to support Daniela if she decided to press charges.The Catalan club said in a statement, calling Mapi Leon by her full name Maria Pilar Leon: “We would like to express our total discontent and condemnation of the events that took place yesterday during the derby match between RCD Espanyol and Barcelona FC at the Dani Jarque stadium.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“It is an action that we consider unacceptable and that should not go unnoticed.“During the match, the FC Barcelona player María Pilar Leon, in the middle of a struggle with our player, Daniela Caracas, made a gesture that violated the player’s intimacy.“At the time Daniela was unable to react because of the impact caused by the situation.“Later on when she assimilated what happened she became aware of the seriousness of the gesture, but chose not to react angrily to avoid a disciplinary sanction and harm the team.Most read in Football“In addition to what happened on the pitch, there has been a regrettable reaction on social media, where our player has been the target of insults from hundreds of profiles.“We are concerned that, instead of focusing on the act itself, part of the media attention has been diverted to other issues unrelated to its seriousness.Football teams that controversially changed their badge“RCD Espanyol defends our player and condemns any act that threatens the integrity of the players on the pitch.“We firmly believe in respect and sportsmanship as fundamental values in football and we hope that this type of situation will be treated with the seriousness it deserves.“Furthermore, we have made the club’s legal services available to our player should she wish to take legal action.“Likewise, as RCD Espanyol has done on previous occasions, we wish to express our rejection of any form of violence, whether physical or verbal in the world of football.“Sport should be a place of respect and coexistence, and we condemn any attitude that encourages hatred or aggression on and off the pitch.”Barcelona and the player at the centre of the controversy have not yet offered any official reaction.Espanyol lost 2-0 to the league leaders, with a 73rd-minute goal from Graham Hansen and another three minutes later by Salma Paralluelo.Mapi Leon was one of the footballers who said she didn’t want to play for her country again unless there were structural changes in the Spanish FA following the scandal unleashed by the kiss Luis Rubiales gave Jenni Hermoso after the 2023 women’s World Cup and his initial refusal to resign.The former Spanish FA president is currently on trial for sexual assault and coercion over the kiss Jenni says was unwanted.Critics were accusing Mapi Leon of double standards today.One said: “This is really serious. I hope it finishes in a court of law.”Another said: “I hope they take measures like they did with Rubiales.“A sexual assault is where there’s no consent right?”READ MORE SUN STORIESVinnie Jones famously squeezed Paul Gascoigne’s lunchbox during Wimbledon’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle in February 1988.It was caught on camera and went on to become one of the most iconic photographs in the history of English football. More