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      in Boxing

      Imane Khelif breaks silence after ‘naming Elon Musk & JK Rowling in cyberbullying lawsuit’ over boxing gender row

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      IMANE Khelif has broken her silence after reportedly naming Elon Musk and JK Rowling in a cyberbullying lawsuit.Khelif won Olympic gold in the women’s 66kg boxing contest on Saturday after critics said her participation risked women’s safety.Imane Khelif has spoken for the first time since reportedly naming Elon Musk and JK Rowling in a cyberbullying lawsuitCredit: ReutersKhelif was at the centre of a ‘gender row’ controversy at the Olympics after being allowed to compete in women’s boxingCredit: GettyThe boxing champion is understood to have filed a criminal complaint to French authorities which alleges “acts of aggravated cyber harassment” against the Algerian from famous figures such as Rowling and Musk.Harry Potter author Rowling slammed Khelif after her win over Italian boxer Angela Carini.Rowling accused Khelif of being a man “enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head” after Carini left the bout in tears.Meanwhile, Twitter and Tesla owner Musk shared a post about Khelif claiming “men don’t belong in women’s sports”.Read More in BoxingNow, the 25-year-old Olympic champion has spoken out after a successful Olympics campaign shrouded in controversy.Khelif told El Birad: “Immediately after there was a big uproar from big politicians around the world, athletes around the world, and even artists and stars, Elon Musk, Trump.. this thing….. that affected me.”I am not lying to you, it affected me. It affected me a lot, hurt me a lot. I can’t describe to you the amount of fear I had.”The scenario was very scary. Thank god, all the people of Algeria and the Arab world knew Imane Khelif with her femininity, her courage, her will,’ said the Algerian boxer.Most read in Boxing”Honestly, I don’t like to get into politics in sports, but they got into politics in sports. Sports and politics are two separate things. “These politicians who are oppressing me, they don’t have the right to say that I’m a transgender.”Khelif’s lawyer Nabil Boudi previously told Variety: “JK Rowling and Elon Musk are named in the lawsuit, among others.”Trump tweeted, so whether or not he is named in our lawsuit, he will inevitably be looked into as part of the prosecution.”What we’re asking is that the prosecution investigates not only these people but whoever it feels necessary.Gender row boxer Imane Khelif ‘names Elon Musk & JK Rowling in Olympics cyberbullying lawsuit’The Parisian lawyer added: “If the case goes to court, they will stand trial.”The Algerian was born female and does not identify as transgender or intersex.But just last year Khelif was thrown out of last year’s World Championships in India after failing an unspecified gender test.International Boxing Association officials said tests showed Khelif had ‘XY chromosomes’ — which indicates a person is biologically male.However, the IBA has still not revealed which tests it used or published the results.Rare ‘intersex’ medical conditions, medically known as differences in sexual development (DSDs), can also mean outwardly female individuals can have ‘male’ chromosomes, or vice versa.But Khelif faced criticism on social media from a number of public figures saying she is male and should not be taking part.READ MORE SUN STORIESPossible repercussions for cyber-bullying offences in France are prison sentences ranging from two to five years and fines ranging from £26,000 to £39,000. If prosecuted as online hate speech, perpetrators could even be fined £64,000 to £214,000. More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League poised to make revolutionary change to VAR that is set to end huge delays in game

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs are set to reveal a state-of-the-art VAR update to speed up decisions.The top flight will introduce a new version of the system using semi-automatic offside technology.VAR has had plenty of issues in the Premier LeagueCredit: AlamyFans have been subjected to long waitsCredit: GettyBosses claim the system – which uses artificial Intelligence – will lead to the best officiating in the world.Technology company Genius Sports which will install 28 special cameras at every Premier League ground. Fans were left fuming at lengthy VAR checks last season.It took nearly six minutes to disallow a West Ham goal against Aston Villa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith the average referral taking 64 seconds, games were regularly taking over 100 minutes to complete.Blunders were also an issue last campaign with a Brentford offside missed in the buildup to a goal at Arsenal, and manually drawn lines placed on the wrong Crystal Palace defender leading to a Brighton being disallowed on the SAME DAY.Not to mention the incredible blunder that saw Luis Diaz’s onside goal infamously ruled out against Spurs.Uefa deployed a version of SAOT in the Champions League and it was also in use at the Qatar World Cup.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother huge change to VAR has been announced in the build-up to the season.Fans will now be able to access updates from Stockley Park throughout each match, explaining the decisions made by VAR officials.Man United defender Harry Maguire wants VAR SCRAPPED…except in ONE way and gives Fury vs Usyk predictionThe updates will be provided on Premier League Match Centre, a brand-new X account.An official statement from the Premier League read: “The Premier League has launched a new X account @PLMatchCentre ahead of the start of the 2024/25 season.”For the first time, the social media account will provide near-live explainers and updates on operational and officiating matters for every Premier League match.”The account will post factual explanations of on-pitch refereeing decisions and the involvement of the video assistant referee (VAR) including the role of technology in the decision-making process.”In the absence of live VAR audio being broadcast, as it is not permitted in football, the Premier League Match Centre will be able to relay on social media near-live information from the VAR Hub during a game.”Premier League Match Centre – based at Stockley Park – is the operational hub of the League that helps with the smooth running of matchday operations of the competition.”It is linked into all 20 Premier League stadiums, the VAR Hub and broadcast partners around the world.”Wolves’ VAR complaintsWolves have listed nine negative repercussions from the introduction of VAR in their complaint.Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football specialFrustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communicationA more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem and chants against VAROverreach of VAR’s original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game’s fluidity and integrityDiminished accountability of on-field officials, due to the safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitchContinued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standardsDisruption of the Premier League’s fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively longConstant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the leagueErosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruption More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd fans gush ‘Adidas are absolutely killing it’ as ‘genius’ video showing off 2024-25 third kit is released

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have fallen in love with the Red Devils’ third kit ahead of the new Premier League season.The strip was launched with a captivating video on social media, featuring the likes of Hollywood’s actor Barry Keoghan – who is a lifelong United fan – and a breadth of talent, young and old.Man Utd and Adidas have launched their third kit for the 24/25 seasonSaltburn actor Barry Keoghan featured in the new Adidas adCredit: X @ManUtdAnd Hojlund, Garnacho and Mainoo created their iconic celebration from last seasonCredit: X @ManUtdWell known United fan on social media Angry Ginge was also brought inCredit: X @ManUtdAdidas have brought back their classic trefoil logo to mark the brand’s 75-year anniversary in 2025.Other changes see a Red Devil emblem coming in to replace the club’s traditional badge.And Adidas Originals released a unique advert – led by BAFTA winning star Keoghan – at United’s old training ground, The Cliff, to launch the kit.The sportwear brand invited a raft of stars from both the present day and decades gone by to grace the sentimental production.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSuch is the wealth of talent in the film, you’d be forgiven for blinking and missing two Treble winners, and even the club’s longest-serving skipper.The first face seen, after Keoghan’s, is long-serving left-back Luke Shaw, who was tasked with getting some pitchside coffees.Eagle-eyed fans then spotted United’s much-loved trio of Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo perched on a wall – recreating their viral celebration against West Ham last season.Denis Irwin, Bryan Robson, Jaap Stam, and two-time FA Cup winner Frank Stapleton, who is the Saltburn actor’s second-cousin, also featured. Most read in FootballThe idea stems from the celebration after Garnacho scored against West HamFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmad Diallo can be seen shaking his head after one of the players receives a yellow card for taking his shirt off after scoring a goal.This was a clear nod to last season’s last-gasp FA Cup victory over Liverpool, where Amad – who scored in the final seconds of extra-time – was sent off for taking his shirt off in celebration.Man Utd complete stunning £60million Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui transfers as duo arrive from Bayern MunichFans were quick to fall in love with both the kit and the advert, with one person taking to X to write: “Adidas are absolutely killing it!!”A second said: “This is probably my favourite piece of content United have ever produced 🖤.”A third read: “This is such an incredible piece of production. It’s a perfect vibe for this new kit.”A fourth wrote: “Who’s the genius behind this. WOW!”Meanwhile, the officially verified Adidas UK account wrote: “The original Manchester.”While another replied: “This is unbelievably class. I have Goosebumps.”New signing Noussair Mazraoui wearing the new third kitCredit: Instagram @manchesterunitedFormer Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand helped out with the launch of their new third kitThe new look is a hit with supporters More

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      in Soccer

      Fans say ‘let the chaos begin’ as Premier League confirms huge change to VAR in 2024-25 season

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      A MAJOR change to VAR has been announced ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season.Fans will now be able to access updates from Stockley Park throughout each match, explaining the decisions made by VAR officials.A new change to VAR has been announced ahead of the new seasonCredit: EPAFans will be able to access updates from Stockley Park during gamesCredit: AFPThe updates will be provided on Premier League Match Centre, a brand-new X account.An official statement from the Premier League on Tuesday read: “The Premier League has launched a new X account @PLMatchCentre ahead of the start of the 2024/25 season.”For the first time, the social media account will provide near-live explainers and updates on operational and officiating matters for every Premier League match.”The account will post factual explanations of on-pitch refereeing decisions and the involvement of the video assistant referee (VAR) including the role of technology in the decision-making process.Read More in Football”In the absence of live VAR audio being broadcast, as it is not permitted in football, the Premier League Match Centre will be able to relay on social media near-live information from the VAR Hub during a game.”Premier League Match Centre – based at Stockley Park – is the operational hub of the League that helps with the smooth running of matchday operations of the competition.”It is linked into all 20 Premier League stadiums, the VAR Hub and broadcast partners around the world.”The new feature aims to give fans more transparency in the VAR decision making process.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere have been a number of controversial incidents linked with VAR since it was introduced to the Premier League ahead of the 2019-20 season.Last season, Nottingham Forest sparked a storm after criticising officials on social media.Man United defender Harry Maguire wants VAR SCRAPPED…except in ONE way and gives Fury vs Usyk predictionThe Reds claimed three “poor decisions” went against them during a match against Everton.Managers such as Gary O’Neil and Mikel Arteta have also been critical.Many fans are pleased with the new feature, with one person taking to social media to write: “Few years too late. But progress is progress…”Another commented: “Finally! This is a big step forward.”A third joked: “Let the chaos begin. This should be fun.”While another person was torn, writing: “This could end really well or really badly.”The new Premier League season kicks off this weekend with Manchester United vs Fulham on Friday.VAR: The great debateMartin Lipton’s pro VAR viewFAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you.Dan King’s anti VAR viewTHREE cheers and a hearty slap on the back for Wolves chairman Jeff Shi.For mentioning the unmentionable,  for speaking commonsense to deaf ears, for proposing that VAR should be scrapped.Shi is doomed to failure. His suggestion is unlikely to even go to a vote at next month’s Premier League AGM.And if it does get that far, it has a cat in hell’s chance of receiving the two-thirds majority required to carry such a radical proposal.But in one statement on Wednesday, Shi proved that he will be the brightest man in that meeting room.He claimed VAR ‘has led to numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the value of the Premier League brand’.And he is absolutely spot on.The argument against VAR is wide-ranging and yet completely basic.If you believe that football is a sport, to be enjoyed in all its spontaneous, high-tempo glory, then you are against VAR.If you believe that football is a business, that it is far more important than a mere game, that forensic evidence must be applied, that we must reach the closest point to ultimate justice at all costs — and if you also believe that match-going supporters are irrelevant — then you are in favour of VAR. More

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      in Soccer

      The best fantasy football forfeits for 2024/25: From open mic nights to the Ronaldo haircut

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      DREAM TEAM is best enjoyed when played in Mini Leagues against your friends.As well as battling it out for bragging rights at the top of the table, why not spice things up with a forfeit for whomever finishes last?PLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON – £50,000 TOP PRIZE PLUS £5,000 FOR GAMEWEEK 1 WINNER!The possibilities are endlessCredit: Dream TeamThe threat of a forfeit should ensure everyone remains engaged throughout the campaign and the ultimate pay-off of watching your mate endure a somewhat humiliating experience can be a truly magical moment.Allow us to present some forfeit ideas of varying intensity.PERFORM A STAND-UP COMEDY SET AT AN OPEN MIC NIGHTThis one only works if everyone in your Mini League has at least a mild aversion to public speaking.Head down to your nearest open mic night and watch as your friend attempts to make dozens of strangers laugh (the bigger the crowd the better) over the course of five excruciating minutes.Try to stifle your laughter while they’re on stage – it’ll work better as a forfeit if their ‘jokes’ are met with total silence.SPEND 24 HOURS IN MCDONALD’SMost read in FootballEat your way to freedomCredit: GettyThis is an increasingly popular forfeit among fantasy football managers.Once the Mini League standings are confirmed, the loser has to spend 24 hours at their nearest open-all-hours McDonald’s.They can reduce their time by eating certain items – one hour for a large Big Mac meal, 15 minutes for a McFlurry, etc – but the more they eat the more full and uncomfortable they’ll become.The rest of you might want to keep the loser company in shifts or you could simply request regular photos/videos as proof the punishment is being served in full.GET YOUR HAIRCUT LIKE RONALDO IN 2002This one is a classic for a reason.The legendary Brazilian striker fired his nation to World Cup glory in 2002 but even amid such greatness, the haircut was deemed an absolute shocker by all.It’s up to you how long the loser has to keep the dodgy barnet but one big night out is surely the absolute minimum.Complete the look with an old Brazil shirt or simply let the hair (or lack thereof) do the talking – it’s up to you.A strong lookCredit: GettyGET A TATTOOFor those who prefer something a little more permanent, why not book a slot at the local tattoo parlour?The world is your oyster in terms of the actual design; you could opt for a simple ‘LOSER’ label or a more descriptive ‘DREAM TEAM MINI LEAGUE LOSER 2024/25′.Get creative!’RAW DOG’ A LONG TRAIN JOURNEYYou might decide that Mini League failure deserves to be met with a test of psychological endurance.If your group lives in the south of England, for example, make the loser get a train to Scotland and back the same day with photographic evidence as proof (beware Photoshop cheats).Ramp up the punishment by restricting what they can take on board with them: no snacks, no books, no laptops, nothing that could be construed as entertainment.Ideally, it should just be them, the train, and a heavy sense of regret.Dream Team’s Fantasy Football GamePLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON!£5,000 prize for the manager who earns the most points in Gameweek 1 – master the opening weekend for a HUGE payout!Play in Mini Leagues against your mates£50,000 jackpot for overall winner plus other weekly prizesPlay for FREE via Dream Team’s app or website today!HAND OVER CONTROL OF YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTSThe loser hands over control of their social media accounts to the rest of the group for an afternoon/day/weekend.We’re sure you can be trusted not to take it too far…APOLOGISE TO 500 PEOPLEIt’s important the loser seeks forgiveness for their poor performance.Have them apologise to 500 people with a set phrase of your choosing, something like: “I finished last in my Dream Team Mini League. I’m sorry I disappointed you. I will try better next season.”The apologies have to be personal, face-to-face interactions with strangers – they can’t just shout through a megaphone in the town centre and claim it’s done.READ MORE SUN STORIESAdd a humiliating outfit to ram the point home.A Dream Team Mini League loser? Possibly…Credit: GettyIf the thought of doing any of the above fills you with dread then it’s very simple: don’t come last in your Mini League!PICK YOUR DREAM TEAM AND SET UP A MINI LEAGUE TODAY! More

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      in Soccer

      Fans ‘crying, heartbroken and speechless’ as BBC football pundit steps down.. with SunSport columnist replacing him

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      FANS were left devastated to learn that Garth Crooks is leaving his role picking the team of the week for the BBC.Crooks, 66, became beloved for his all-out-attack choices that often left his team playing bizarre formations.Garth Crooks will no longer pick the BBC’s team of the weekCredit: PA:Empics SportHis teams often saw wingers shoe-horned in as wing-backs and forward players anchoring the midfield – much to the delight and bemusement of fans online.Reacting to his shock departure as the new season approaches, one fan said this was: “The worst news to wake up to. Crying. Heartbroken. Speechless.”Another invoked a famous Wayne Rooney tweet by saying: “Garth Crooks’ Team of the Week has passed away. RIP u will live on forever. Cant believe it. I wanna run to u. Really cant believe this.”A third fan said: “No one really cared about the actual opinions in the BBC Team of the Week, they just wanted to see what insane formation Garth Crooks had cooked up and who he had thrown left wing back despite their actual position being available.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Spurs striker had been the BBC’s go-to man for picking the team of the week for a number of years but he is now being replaced by a SunSport columnist.Former Watford and Birmingham striker Troy Deeney will be stepping in to replace Crooks.Writing for the BBC about his new role, Deeney said: “I’m delighted to tell you that I am taking over from the legend that is Garth Crooks to select BBC Sport’s Premier League Team of the Week every weekend, and it is a great honour to get to fill his shoes.”I’ve always had massive respect for Garth for his amazing career in the media after his playing days ended and, as someone who is following in his footsteps now, I’ve always looked up to him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.”I also really admire his approach because, when he has an opinion, he is not afraid to say it and he is always able to back it up – yet he never comes across as someone who is trying to be controversial just to get likes or views on social media or anywhere else.”Garth genuinely believes in what he says, and the same applies to me, or at least I’d like to think so!”Troy Deeney will replace Garth CrooksCredit: RexMartin Keown battles epic rant from Garth Crooks on BBC’s Final score More

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      in Boxing

      Shocking moment boxer and his brother ‘ARRESTED’ in ring after punching team member and starting enormous brawl

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      A BOXER and his brother were “arrested” after starting a brawl in the ring. Zach Abel was competing against Mikey Bets in a fight on the Rough N’ Rowdy promotion staged by American blog website Barstool Sports. A boxer and his brother were ‘arrested’ after starting a brawl in the ringCredit: https://x.com/roughnrowdyZach Abel and his brother Spencer started the chaosCredit: https://x.com/roughnrowdyAll hell broke loose in the ringCredit: https://x.com/roughnrowdyAbel felt his low-standard exhibition loss was controversial and kickstarted a ruckus in the ring. Before long him and brother Spencer began brawling with their opposition members as all hell broke loose in the ring.The Abdel brothers were quickly tackled to the ground by officers in police uniforms and handcuffed. Although it remains unclear whether the arrests were genuine or not. READ MORE IN BOXINGStill, fans were stunned by the hectic scenes as one said: “What on earth? The most chaos I’ve ever seen.”Another added: “LOL. Why are the law enforcement acting like he assassinated someone?”But one fumed: “Fake, no one’s buying these things so trying to drum up any kind of drama.”Another raged: “Can’t believe I fell for this trash.”Most read in BoxingBarstool Sports is owned by social media personality David Portnoy, who is worth an estimated £80million. And he launched his own boxing promotion to rival crossover and celebrity-style boxing rivals. Ex-Playboy model Amber Fields poses naked in just body paint for Misfits Boxing ring walk before wild scrap with rivalBut amid a lack of pay-per-view sales, Portnoy admitted his future in the boxing business could soon be KOd. He said: “I may bring an end to Rough n’ Rowdy if I don’t like the numbers here. It’s a lot of work. “It’s pretty expensive to put together. I want at least 20,000 pay-per-view buys.” More

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      in Soccer

      Moment Dundee United star’s shot from inside six yard box goes out of ENTIRE STADIUM as fans ask ‘how’s he done that?’

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      FANS were left in total disbelief after witnessing Dundee United star Miller Thomson produce the “miss of the season” from two yards out.This shock moment saw Thomson blast his shot out of the stadium during his side’s 1-1 draw with Ross County on Saturday.The star looked certain to score from two yards outCredit: Sky SportsAmazingly he blasted the ball out of the stadiumCredit: Sky SportsThe young winger couldn’t believe he’d missed from inside the six yard boxCredit: Sky SportsThe 20-year-old winger was put through on goal by a brilliant move from Jorte van der Sande during the first 10 SECONDS of the match.With only goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw to beat, the Scottish ace had the whole goal at his mercy.However, just as Thomson looked certain to fire home, he amazingly skied the ball out of the stadium grounds despite being mere inches away from the goalline.The speedster, who penned a contract extension last month after an impressive loan spell at Montrose, instantly dropped his head at the mishap.READ MORE FOOTBALLHe was utterly shocked that he had not managed to grab his second goal of the season.And after the footage went viral on social media, fans were equally in bamboozled as they mocked the youngster.One footie fan wrote: “How’s he done that?”A second said: “This is gotta be the funniest thing have seen.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third replied: “He has taken the out of the stadium crown.”Others compared the blunder with Leeds’ shocking last minute miss during their 3-3- draw with Portsmouth in the Championship on Saturday.SunSport launches weekly Football League feature called ‘What the EFL-!’Pompey were up 3-2 before USA international Brenden Aaronson netted an equaliser in the 95th minute.But Aaronson went from hero to villain after squandering a glorious chance to win the game in the eighth minute of added time.The 23-year-old failed to hit the target with only the keeper to beat from six yards out.This staggering Aaronson miss for Leeds United today is what makes that draw feel slightly less painful given we were leading in the 94th.An absolute nightmare miss, my stomach dropped like a stone when he went through.pic.twitter.com/wUDYn79Nvq— Pompey Pedro (@PompeyPedro) August 10, 2024 More