Social Media

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans hail Rebecca Welch as Premier League’s first-ever female referee gets off to bright start during Fulham vs Burnley

      by

      FANS have hailed Rebecca Welch as she becomes the Premier League’s first-ever referee.Welch, 40, took charge of the match that saw Fulham host Burnley at Craven Cottage.
      Rebecca Welch became the first-ever female Premier League refereeCredit: EPA
      She was in charge of Fulham vs BurnleyCredit: EPA
      She booked Calvin BasseyCredit: AFP
      The fixture means a lot to the two involved clubs as the Clarets are battling against relegation while the Cottagers are trying to cement themselves in the top half.
      As she came out to warm up before the match and do their pre-match checks.
      It was clear that fans were warming to the referee as they applauded her from the stands.
      The official has had an untraditional rise to the Premier League.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      She worked as an administrator for the NHS before taking charge of her first-ever League Two fixture between Harrogate Town and Port Vale in 2019.
      Fans were quick to praise Welch for not dominating the match too much as she let the clash flow as they flocked to social media.
      One posted: “Rebecca Welch letting a lot go in the early stages, which suits me just fine.”
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      A second commented: “What a brilliant moment of history.”
      Most read in Football
      A third wrote: “Woman power.”
      A fourth said: “Smattering of applause with whistles of support as Rebecca Welch comes out to warm up with her assistants.”
      She laid down the marker for the players as she showed Calvin Bassey the yellow card for catching Josh Brownhill with a stray arm
      Welch had originally not wanted to be a referee but picked up the occupation after taking a course to learn more about the rules and laws of football.
      She also admitted that players would “chew her ear off” when she first started officiating.
      She is not the only person to make history before the end of the year.
      On boxing day, Sam Allison will assume control over Sheffield United and Luton Town and become the first black official since Uriah Rennie 15 years ago.
      PGMOL head of referees Howard Webb told Sky Sports: “They are both part of the PGMOL development group which fast-tracks talented officials through the pathway.
      “We have already seen three officials from the group take charge of their first Premier League games and now we have number four and five and it shows the value of that work.
      Read more on The Sun
      “We have not seen a female take charge of a Premier League game before so it’s significant, and Sam being the first black official with a whistle in the Premier League since Uriah Rennie.
      “It demonstrates people can make it through the pathway from groups that are not traditionally well represented.” More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I worked in McDonald’s after leaving uni – now I make six-figure salary after turning football side hustle into my job

      by

      OLLIE JENKS has come up trumps after turning his love of football nostalgia into a lucrative career selling player cards.Rather than get his stickers in a twist during the Covid lockdown, he used the extra time online to collect them and become a TikTok phenomenon.
      Cards for players like Beckham and Messi fetch huge sumsCredit: TikTok @paolo.panini
      Ollie Jenks’ finds from around the world go back six decadesCredit: TikTok @paolo.panini
      The former University of Surrey media student, 32, has unearthed a David Beckham Rookie card from 1996 worth £7,000 and also sold a Grade 10 signed Lionel Messi card for £3k.
      Ollie, from Devon, worked in McDonalds when he had little idea what career to pursue.
      But then his addiction to footie facts and figures took him back to the future – via vintage cards and stickers.
      Ollie fronts told card-breaking channel Paolo Panini, whose posts include a four-hour live stream on Friday that averages 35,000 viewers.
      READ MORE TOP FOOTBALL
      He told SPORTbible: “We grew quite rapidly over the first six months… in the first year, our sales were around the £300,000 mark.”
      And he revealed how his obsession set in at school where he beat all the teachers in the Fantasy Football Leagues – eventually emerging as a vocation where he searches for tiny pictures from the past.
      Ollie said: “My earliest memory is going to a swap shop at Exeter’s Westpoint Arena for the 1998 Premier League sticker album
      “It was a bit of a weird experience as it was in a giant cowshed. The idea of the event was to swap your duplicates for ones you need, but it stank of cow c**p, to be honest.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “I also fell in love with the story arcs of a player’s ups and downs throughout their career, especially in the ’90s or ’00s, when it felt like anything could happen.”
      He finally settled in Dublin, working with foreign students – only for Covid to force him into new ideas.
      He said: “I wanted to combine my love of storytelling and what I knew about ’00s football, so Team Of Our Lives was born – a niche 2000s-based football podcast.”
      In particular, Ollie switched from making short football documentaries on YouTube to an even more popular form of social media in 2020.
      He said: “I uploaded a few of those vintage pack-opening videos from the podcast to TikTok and it blew up.
      “Seeing so many people interested in football nostalgia was huge, and with some modern rare cards going for big money I attempted to make a living out of it.”
      Ollie now calls himself a Football Treasure Hunter and explained: “Some of the greatest players such as Pele have football cards that could be worth as much as $1.3million (about £1m).
      “So there is real value to be had in finding rare packs that have been sealed for 50 years and potentially finding some footballing history – that’s why I love it so much.”

      He reckons the most expensive packs currently in circulation are from the 1970 World Cup – including late legends Sir Bobby Charlton, Eusebio and Pele, plus Franz Beckenbauer.
      A complete album from that tournament in Mexico recently sold at auction for more than £2k. More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul announces boxing return just days after knocking out Andre August… but YouTube star will NOT be main event

      by

      JAKE PAUL has announced his boxing return just days after knocking out Andre August.The YouTuber-turned boxer stopped August in the opening round of their December 15 bout.
      Jake Paul will make his return on March 2Credit: Getty
      And now Paul has taken to social media to announce he will be back in the ring in just 11 weeks time in Puerto Rico on March 2.
      But the social media sensation will NOT be the night’s headliner, with women’s boxing legend Amanda Serrano instead at the top of the bill for her homecoming fight.
      Paul said: “Fighting for the first time at home in Puerto Rico alongside one of the greatest fighters ever, Amanda Serrano, promises to be the event of a lifetime.
      “I’m honoured to be the co-main event on Amanda’s homecoming card, and I could not be more excited to bring this historic event to Puerto Rico as I continue my path to becoming a world champion.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “Our latest MVP signee, Wanna Walton, is making his global debut on this card, Bomba Gonzalez and Krystal Rosado are continuing their rise to stardom, and the whole island of Puerto Rico will finally get a chance to properly celebrate the greatness of Amanda Serrano.
      “She is going to sell more tickets in one event than Katie Taylor did in two in Dublin.
      “This is going to be the biggest night of boxing the Choliseo has ever seen and the world will be watching.”
      The last time Paul did not top the bill was in November 2020 when he knocked out basketballer Nate Robinson, 39, on Mike Tyson’s undercard.
      Most read in Boxing
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Serrano, 35, looks set to defend her unified WBA, IBF and WBO belts in the 20,000-seat arena in her first bout back in Puerto Rico since 2017.
      Paul, 26, meanwhile is coming off his first victory over a recognised boxer in August, 35, who was 10-1-1 before the KO defeat.
      The American was beaten by Tommy Fury via split-decision in February but bounced back by beating ex-UFC star Nate Diaz in August.
      And Paul has since confirmed his focus will be on rising the traditional ranks as he intends to face seasoned boxers going forward.
      He said when asked on his next move: “More boxing prospects, more experience, more time in the ring under the bright lights staying active.
      “And if the money fights want to come, I’ve got smoke for them too but right now I’m focussed on being one of the best in the world and creating one of the greatest sports stories in the history of sports.
      “Being able to become a world champion from Disney channel, three years ago not even knowing how to throw a jab or what an uppercut was.”
      Jake Paul knocked out Andre August in round oneCredit: Esther Lin More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Piers Morgan leads complaints after Mary Earps is named BBC SPOTY despite ‘winning nothing’ – but fans hit back

      by

      PIERS Morgan led complaints on social media after Mary Earps won the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.The 30-year-old goalkeeper was a key part of the Lionesses side which reached the Women’s World Cup final in the summer.
      Piers Morgan led complaints on social media after Mary Earps won BBC SPOTYCredit: Rex Features
      Earps followed previous winners Emma Raducanu and teammate Beth MeadCredit: PA
      Credit: Twitter/@piersmorgan
      Morgan disagreed that the Lionesses star should have claimed the prizeCredit: Twitter/@piersmorgan
      The Manchester United shot stopper also won FIFA’s Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper at the tournament.
      She followed previous female SPOTY winners tennis superstar Emma Raducanu and England team-mate Beth Mead.
      But Morgan, 58, insisted that the Lionesses’ star should not have claimed the prize.
      On X, formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: “Trying to get my head around two of England’s women footballers winning BBC SPOTY in successive years… while male sporting superstars with great personalities like Rory McIlroy, Frankie Dettori & Ronnie O’Sullivan have never won it.”
      Read more Sports News
      Piers added: “No offence to Ms Earps, but shouldn’t it have been given to someone who actually won something in 2023?”
      Another user said: “Mary Earps wins SPOTY for helping England win nothing. Oh but she did save a penalty so guess that’s enough, such a political winner this year second and third weren’t much better either.”
      But others were supportive of Earps receiving the accolade.
      The Prince and Princess of Wales tweeted: “Hugely well deserved, Mary. Congratulations! W”.
      Most read in Football
      Cairon Lee said: “She thoroughly deserved to win it she played a critical role in helping England to the final and giving them a shot to win it she has done a massive amount for goalkeeping as well as woman’s sport so well deserved in my opinion.”
      Guillermo Ravelo wrote simply: “She deserves it.”
      Earps saved a penalty from Spain’s Jenni Hermoso in the final, but the Lionesses were unable to add to their 2022 European crown as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat in Sydney.
      At club level she kept 14 clean sheets as United finished second in the Women’s Super League.
      She hailed the part her teammates had played in her achieving this individual accolade.
      “I would not be here without my team-mates with the Lionesses and at Manchester United because we’ve achieved some incredible things over the last couple of years,” she said.

      “While individual accolades are great, they only come after team success. This is their trophy just as much as mine.”
      Former England cricketer Stuart Broad, who retired at the end of the fifth Ashes Test in the summer, was second in the BBC public vote and world heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson was third. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet Arnie the parrot, the West Ham-loving bird that sings X-rated song about Jarrod Bowen and Dani Dyer

      by

      A PARROT has learned the words to West Ham’s famous song about Jarrod Bowen.However, the bird stopped short of uttering an offending word as those on social media were left in hysterics.
      West Ham fans regularly sing an X-rated song in support of star man Jarrod BowenCredit: PA
      Arnie the parrot was filmed singing the Bowen songCredit: TikTok / arniethebird
      But the bird refused to say one word which appears in the songCredit: TikTok / arniethebird
      Arnie the parrot has accumulated more than 1,000 followers on TikTok thanks to the owner filming their pet singing various songs.
      They include the Domino’s advert, as well as other football tunes such as “Come on England” and “Three Lions”.
      But the one about Bowen, 26, has gone viral, with more than 300,000 viewing the clip in just over a day.
      It shows the parrot sing the line “Bowen’s on fire” to the tune of the West Ham song.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      But he then mumbles past the next line before he finishes by repeating “Nanananananana”.
      Reacting to the video, one person said: “This is not a drill – Someone has taught their parrot to sing Bowen’s on fire. Year made. ICONIC 😂⚒️😍 x.”
      While another added: “Absolute quality 😂😂⚒⚒⚒.”
      And a third replied: “LOL, I love how he stops mid-song.”
      Most read in Football
      Bowen and Dani Dyer have been dating since 2021Credit: Getty
      The couple welcomed twin daughters into the world back in MayCredit: Instagram
      To which someone else hilariously responded: “Like he was worried about being sued or something.”
      The West Ham team were filmed singing the same song in their dressing room on their way to winning the Europa Conference League last season.
      Bowen and Love Island star Dyer, 27, have been in a relationship since 2021 and welcomed twin daughters Star and Summer back in May.
      Dyer’s dad, Danny Dyer, who is a famous actor and TV personality, is a die-hard West Ham fan.
      Bowen has been in scintillating form for David Moyes’ men so far this season.
      He has scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 21 games for the East London outfit.
      His impressive performances at the start of the campaign earned him a call-up to the England squad in October.
      And he played the full 90 minutes in the Three Lions’ 1-0 win over Australia.
      Gareth Southgate selected him again for the November internationals against Malta and North Macedonia, but he withdrew before the second game after suffering an injury in training.
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “Bowen’s on FireFull lyrics to the song:
      Bowen’s on fire,
      Your defence is terrified,
      Bowen’s on fire,
      Your defence is terrified,
      Bowen’s on fire,
      Your defence is terrified,
      Bowen’s on fire, Ooh
      Nanananananana, Nanananananana, Nanananananana, Nanananananana, Nanananananana… More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside transformation of world’s most daring Wag, from fresh-faced teen to risque model who breaks Instagram

      by

      JESSICA GOICOECHEA has come a long way to become one of the most risque models on social media.Jessica often takes the internet by storm with a series of raunchy snaps that leave very little to imagination.
      Jessica Goicoecha often breaks social media with a series of raunchy photosCredit: INSTAGRAM @goicoechea
      2016: Jessica followed modelling throughout her entire lifeCredit: Instagram
      2017: Jessica had a humble start in the business but slowly came out of her shellCredit: Getty
      2018: Jessica would go on to try different outfits as her career progressedCredit: Getty
      2019: Jessica would then appear on various different red carpetsCredit: Getty
      2020: Jessica continued to raise her popularity as years went byCredit: Getty
      2021: Jessica linked up with a series of well-known brandsCredit: Getty
      2023: Jessica is now one of the most risque models on social mediaCredit: Getty
      So much so that the 27-year-old often risks an Instagram ban by going over the limit with the poses she chooses.
      But it wasn’t always like that for the famous Wag, who is dating former Barcelona ace Marc Bartra.
      Jessica started out at as a girl next door taking amateur photographs by herself while social media was still growing in 2014.
      But the Spanish model moved to professional shots in 2016 at the age of 20.
      Read More on Football
      Jessica then started taking more daring photos two years later as she posed in lingerie and bikini.
      And as time kept going by, Bartra’s partner kept taking more risks with her work.
      That also led to a strong social media game that saw her amassing a staggering 1.8million followers on Instagram.
      And by dating a former Spain international, Jessica also found herself on red carpets on a regular basis.
      Most read in Football
      Bartra started his career at Barcelona and spent six seasons in the senior squad after 10 years in the youth ranks.
      The now Real Betis star stood out in Barca’s first team alongside legends, such as Lionel Messi and current manager Xavi.
      The 32-year-old also went on to play for Borussia Dortmund as well as Trabzonspor.
      And often Bartra finds himself upstaged by his girlfriend Jessica during their public appearances.
      Check out more glam pics from Jessica below
      Jessica shares a series of risque photos on InstagramCredit: Getty
      Jessica tries on a series of outrageous dresses for her fansCredit: Getty
      Jessica tries a number of see-through options for her followersCredit: Instagram
      Jessica has also shared a series of bikini snaps across her channelsCredit: Instagram @goicoechea
      Jessica is never afraid to push the boundaries on social mediaCredit: Instagram
      Jessica is in a relationship with Real Betis star Marc BartraCredit: Instagram @goicoechea
      Bartra used to play for Barcelona and also competed for Borussia DortmundCredit: AP
      Jessica has attracted over 1.8million followersCredit: https://www.instagram.com/goicoechea/
      Jessica publishes a series of raunchy selfiesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/goicoechea/
      Here’s Jessica with another see-through dressCredit: Instagram @goicoechea
      Jessica has risked an Instagram ban quite a few timesCredit: Instagram @goicoechea
      Jessica has also been on quite a few red carpetsCredit: Splash
      Jessica’s photos attract many likesCredit: Instagram @goicoechea More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola’s daughter Maria branded the ‘snow queen’ as she shares stunning pictures from ‘girls’ ski trip’

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA’S daughter Maria earned the nickname “snow queen” after sharing pictures from her “girls’ ski trip”. Maria is the oldest of Manchester City boss Guardiola’s three children with wife Cristina Serra.
      Maria Guardiola earned the nickname ‘snow queenCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiola
      Maria showed off her ski trip in FranceCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiola
      She hit the Mont Blanc alps for the winter getawayCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiola
      She looks stunning away from the snow tooCredit: Instagram @mariaguardiola
      She has a loyal following on social media, boasting more than 850,000 Instagram followers.
      In her latest string of snaps, she showed off her French skiing trip.
      She captioned the post: “Girls ski trip.”
      And it won the praise of her followers as one replied: “Snow queen.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Another added: “Snow angel.”
      One gushed: “Unreal!!!!”
      Another hailed: “I’m obsessed.”
      Maria swapped the Middle Eastern heat for the Mont Blanc alps having just come back from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      Most read in Football
      She posed with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and gave fans a behind-the-scenes look into the F1.
      Now her dad finds himself in the region for the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
      The tournament in Jeddah is running for ten days, through to the final on December 22.
      Guardiola’s City open their campaign against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
      They will then conclude three days later in either the third place match or final.
      Pep Guardiola with daughter Maria after winning the league titleCredit: Getty
      Maria is the oldest of Manchester City boss Guardiola’s three childrenCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiola
      Maria boasts almost 860,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @maria.guardiola More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Boxing ring girl Apollonia Llewellyn dazzles on festive trip to Paris as fans hail ‘gorgeous goddess’

      by

      BOXING ring girl Apollonia Llewellyn took social media by storm once more with another series of glam pics.This time Apollonia jetted off to Paris for Christmas and struck some of her signature poses next to the Eiffel Tower.
      Apollonia Llewellyn took social media by storm once moreCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
      This time Apollonia flew to Paris to spend her ChristmasCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
      Apollonia shared a raft of pics on her Instagram pageCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
      Apollonia posed by the Eiffel Tower for her 574,000 followersCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
      Apollonia is a boxing ring girl with a strong social media gameCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
      The social media model also visited some of the most luxurious restaurants and spas the French capital has to offer.
      Apollonia posted the following caption on Instagram: “Christmas in Paris.”
      The 23-year-old’s 574,000 followers were left in awe and stormed the comments’ section.
      One fan commented: “Gorgeous goddess.”
      Read More on Boxing
      Another wrote: “Insane.”
      A third posted: “Beautiful.”
      This one said: “Stunning.”
      And that one gushed: “Wonderful.”
      Most read in Boxing
      This comes after Apollonia seriously risked an Instagram ban by going braless.
      The Leeds native sent the crowd wild with a series of shots showing her in a bright green bodysuit.
      The boxing ring girl posed in a variety of stances with the outfit that left absolutely nothing to imagination.
      Inside Apollonia’s glamorous life as social media personality, ring girl and model …
      Apollonia burst out of this tiny silver bikini as she drank her ‘morning juice’Credit: INSTAGRAM
      Conor McGregor was among 8,000 fans who enjoyed this see-through lacy outfitCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Thousands of Apollonia’s fans enjoyed the view on the ring girl’s holiday to New YorkCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Apollonia really enjoyed this bowl of pasta on her summer holiday to SantoriniCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Apollonia invited fans to ‘sit and stare’ at this picture, and thousands took her up on the invitationCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Fans were worried Apollonia’s top had shrunk in the wash as she enjoyed this hearty breakfastCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Apollonia’s followers were in awe of the stunner’s new hairdo as she wowed in a tiny yellow bikiniCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Apollonia sent a cheeky message to her fans as she posed in this glamorous see-through numberCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Apollonia told fans ‘no caption needed’ as she squeezed into this skin-tight see-through playsuitCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Apollonia revealed he ‘idea of happiness’ is being ‘wind swept on the beach’ with this busty snapCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Apollonia left very little to the imagination as she ‘brightened fans’ Mondays’ in a skimpy wet T-shirtCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Apollonia shot to recognition as a member of the Misfits Boxing fight night team
      She has garnered her a huge social media presenceCredit: INSTAGRAM @apolloniallewellyn
      Apollonia has over 570,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
      She has turned down a staggering £100,000 to pose nude beforeCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
      The model insisted she isn’t money-orientedCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn
      Apollonia shows off her jet setting lifestyle onlineCredit: Instagram @apolloniallewellyn More