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    Gary Lineker returns to BBC for first time since post likening supporters of Israel to rats as host fronts FA Cup final

    GARY Lineker has returned to the BBC for the first time since being accused of sharing a “anti-Semitic” post.The outgoing Match of the Day host sparked fury over the Instagram upload, which has since been deleted.Lineker has returned to the BBC for the first time since his postCredit: GettyHe presented coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace from Wembley todayLineker has “apologised unreservedly” after sharing the pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats.A rat has been used as an anti-Semitic insult referring to language used by Nazi Germany to characterise Jewish people.The rat accompanied footage of a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer attacking the war in Gaza with the caption “Zionism explained in two minutes.”In a statement, Lineker said: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references.”I very much regret these references.”I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.”The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue.”Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters.Most read in Football”I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.”It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly.”Gary Lineker gets a grilling over Maradonna’s infamous hand of God goal in hilarious new The Assembly teaserLast November Lineker announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day.The former England and Barcelona striker will make his final appearance on the highlights show on May 25.But he will still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.And Lineker returned to TV screens this afternoon for the first time since the row erupted.He presented coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace from Wembley.Lineker appeared alongside Wayne Rooney.But a source said: “He is hosting the Cup final this weekend but beyond that we don’t know at this stage.”Staff are annoyed with him after this week — and he is annoyed with himself too.”This comes after the director general of the BBC said people need to follow the broadcaster’s social media rules when asked about the row involving the Lineker post.Tim Davie, after giving a wide-ranging speech, speaking of trust, disinformation and impartiality, was asked if Lineker had broken the BBC’s rules.Speaking at The Lowry arts centre in Salford, Mr Davie said: “The BBC’s reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.”And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that.”Lineker’s agent told the BBC the presenter immediately deleted the post when he learned about the image’s symbolism, which he had previously not appreciated.Meanwhile, earlier this week Lineker fired savage digs at the new BBC boss as the ex-footballer revealed why he left Match of the Day.The TV veteran slammed BBC’s new director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, claiming he “has no TV experience” in a brutal interview with The Telegraph.Lineker, 64, warned the BBC not to tamper too much with the iconic show, saying: “He has his reasons, he wants to change Match of the Day a bit.”Ultimately, I don’t think they will, because I don’t see how you move a highlights show away from being about highlights.”Lineker presented Match of the Day for a staggering 26 years.However, the 64-year-old claims that much has changed since the new BBC boss took charge last year.”I think he wants more journalists – he has come from that background,” Gary added.In March 2023 Lineker was temporarily suspended from the BBC after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.He was also among 500 other high-profile figures who signed an open letter in February urging the BBC, to re-broadcast a documentary, Gaza: How To Survive A War Zone, to BBC iPlayer.But the legendary footballer has vowed to steer clear of entering the world of politics when he does end his punditry career in 2026.He said previously: “I won’t get involved in politics, I never really have.”Apart from the Brexit vote, because I did a lot of research on that and decided, ‘This could be worse than we think’.”I never back a government. I might criticise Sir Keir Starmer on Israel. But nobody knows my politics.”Read More on The SunLineker is the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.He is being replaced as Match of the Day host by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman next season. More

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    Lando Norris to boycott social media after being subjected to fresh abuse as F1 star falls behind Oscar Piastri

    LANDO NORRIS has boycotted social media after falling behind McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in the F1 title race.Despite Norris’ pre-season billing as the Championship favourite, the McLaren star has been outdone by the Aussie’s momentum in the opening six races of the season.Lando Norris has faced a torrent of abuse and is ditching social mediaCredit: AlamyAnd Norris has been subject to fresh hate and abuse since falling 16 points behind Piastri, who – despite playing second fiddle to the Brit last year – is the new bookie’s favourite.Speaking to reporters including SunSport in the McLaren motorhome at Imola, Norris opened up about his online detox ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this Sunday.The 25-year-old admitted: “I’ve not been on social media for a few weeks now. It’s not something I enjoy. I don’t need to be on it.”It’s my life and I can do what I like. I enjoy not going on my phone as much as I used to. I still text my friends.READ MORE F1 NEWS“But I see social media as a waste of my time and energy. I don’t need it or want it. I don’t find it interesting.“I’ve got more time to do things that I want to do, I play golf and train and want to be productive.”Norris didn’t clarify on his reasons why, but the Brit has been at the receiving end of unnecessary trolling from sections of fans in recent weeks.Of course, it’s still too early to write any driver off with 16 more races up for grabs, but the feeling in the Norris camp seems somewhat bleak going into the European triple header.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDespite sitting second, Norris also revealed he feels “unhappy” with how his MCL39 feels and isn’t bothered about the current standings.Asked if he was thinking about the title, Norris said: “No, is the answer.Max Verstappen and Lando Norris open up on F1 rivalry after controversial clashes“I don’t care about it and won’t think about it. It is easy for things to change.“Oscar has done a good job. But a lot of it is just focusing on myself.“He’s just another competitor. Another guy, he’s just dressed in the same colours.“It’s been clear that there have been differences from last year in how the car works, how it acts, and how I’m able to get lap time out of it and perform.“I’m obviously not happy at the moment, but we will see with the upgrades this week.”Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, 40, unfollowed everyone on Instagram, including all of his Ferrari team, in the days after his played-down radio spat with team strategists in Miami last time out.On this, Norris added: “Lewis can do what he wants, good for him.”Read More on The SunThe Brit’s first season since leaving Mercedes has been a big let down so far, as the Scuderia were meant to be challenging for the title after finishing second in the Constructors race last season.Instead, Andrea Stella’s team linger a staggering 152 points behind leaders McLaren, while Hamilton sits 90 points adrift of Piastri and behind both Silver Arrow drivers in seventh. More

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    Play-off final goalkeeper is TikTok sensation who won reality TV series and has Miss Universe star girlfriend

    ALEXIS ANDRE Jr is not your typical footballer.For the Maidstone United goalkeeper is also a social media influencer who won a hit reality television series and whose girlfriend competed in Miss Universe.Alexis Andre Jr met model girlfriend Zoe Brunet while filming a major TV showCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIHlDSDNuli/Andre aims to return to the National League with play-off-final successCredit: Instagram / @alexis.andrejrThe much-travelled Maidstone keeper will take on Boreham Wood in the National League South play-off final on SundayCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIHlDSDNuli/The France-born stopper has around five million followers on TikTok and Instagram, something he started at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic when he was at Bristol Rovers.Andre, whose Maidstone side face Boreham Wood in the National League South play-off final on Sunday, said: “I had nothing to do during the first lockdown.“I make content about anything, about my life and career and everything.“After the first lockdown, I came back to Bristol Rovers and I was bigger than the club because I had so many followers!READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Now they have their own TikTok account.“But I don’t want people to think I am just a social media content creator and not a footballer.“It has never been an issue wherever I have played because I am a professional and respectful, too.”His most recent TikTok videos include dancing with his girlfriend to the latest dance craze, a behind-the-scenes look at Maidstone’s play-off semi-final win against Eastbourne, modelling for a number of fashion houses and quizzing his team-mates on their football knowledge.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe son of a man from Guadeloupe, in the Caribbean, he was abandoned aged four by his Moroccan mother at a railway station in his native Mulhouse.And it formed his “secret” on TV show Secret Story, where contestants all have a secret they are trying to hide.Andre’s partner Zoe competed in the 2018 Miss Universe competitionCredit: Instagram / @alexis.andrejrAndre, who bagged £105,000 after winning it last year, said: “My dad raised me and I have no contact with my mother.“I didn’t miss the love of a mother because my dad, Alex, has given me everything.”He also met his girlfriend, Belgian TV presenter Zoe Brunet – who finished in the top 20 in the 2018 Miss Universe – during filming.Now he is hoping for another win, this time with Maidstone as they look to return to the National League after a two-season absence.The game will take place at the Wood’s Meadow Park ground as they finished higher in the league than the Stones.Andre, who has recorded a divisional best of 23 clean sheets, said: “We have no problem playing there because we are more confident being the away side and we have been all season.“But we know this is a one-off game and we know we have to perform.”Andre spent seven years in the Strasbourg youth set-up and played lower-league football in France and Germany before he joined the Nike Academy, at St George’s Park National Football Centre.Read More on The SunFrom there, he went on trial at Bristol Rovers and signed for the Gas, but only made one senior appearance.Andre, who is also signed to leading model agency SELECT, was signed by Maidstone manager George Elokobi last summer and rates the ex-Wolves defender as the best coach he has worked with.Andre has become a fans’ favourite in his first season with the StonesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIHlDSDNuli/ More

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    Cole Palmer eats jam sandwich and Brit music legend makes cameo in brilliant Chelsea kit video that was leaked

    CHELSEA’s kit launch video for the 2025/26 campaign had it all.The Blues have revealed their new home kit for next season with a brilliant video on social media.Cole Palmer featured in Chelsea’s new kit launchCredit: https://x.com/ChelseaFCHe ate his favourite jam sandwichCredit: https://x.com/ChelseaFCThe new kit is inspired by LondonCredit: https://x.com/ChelseaFCLauren and Reece James feature in the promo videoCredit: https://x.com/ChelseaFCThe club’s new kit keeps the traditional blue shirt and shorts with white socks.The shirt and shorts have neat detailing on the body with a white collar.But it was the video that took centre stage as it featured star player Cole Palmer eating his favourite jam sandwich.The midfielder was filmed entering a cafe and ordering the dish before tucking in while wearing the new shirt.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLChelsea 2025/26 Home Kit: Available Now!*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue.The promo also featured Madness singer and Chelsea fan Graham ‘Suggs’ McPherson.The British singer-songwriter stars as a taxi driver who gives a lift to the club’s women’s captain and Lionesses’ star Millie Bright.During his scene in the cab, he turns the radio over to play Madness’ iconic song Our House which serves as the music for the remainder of the video.Chelsea stars Reece and Lauren James also appear with the men’s captain having his haircut at a barbershop.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLauren jokes that the trim is better than when their “dad did it”.Fans have loved the brilliant video as they flooded social media.Arsenal reveal new home kit for 2025/26 season with major change to badge and eye-watering price More

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    Arsenal star Jakub Kiwior turns director as he films twerk queen Wag doing raunchy dance routine in water

    JAKUB KIWIOR has tried his hand at directing after filming his partner doing a raunchy dance routine in water.The Arsenal star is dating Claudia Kowalczyk, who made her name as a twerking champion.Claudia Kowalczyk showed off her stunning dance movesCredit: https://x.com/ArsenalN7/status/1922887165404643375She performed the routine whilst drenched in waterCredit: https://x.com/ArsenalN7/status/1922887165404643375She was filmed by partner and Arsenal star Jakub KiwiorCredit: https://x.com/ArsenalN7/status/1922887165404643375He was very focused on his taskCredit: https://x.com/ArsenalN7/status/1922887165404643375Kiwior, 25, was spotted by fans filming his impressive dancing partner in a new video.The defender can be seen holding a camera and concentrating on capturing the moment.Claudia, 30, meanwhile takes centre stage as she performs a stunning dance in water while wearing a tight-fitted leotard.Fans were stunned on social media as they reacted to the moment.READ MORE ON ARSENALOne posted: “Is that Jakub Kiwior behind the camera?”A second wrote: “My guy is so serious.”A third commented: “Winning on and off the pitch.”A fourth said: “Guy can do anything, what a legend.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnother added: “They said teamwork makes the dream work, and this is the most glamorous example I’ve ever seen.”Claudia, who goes under the moniker ‘Claudia Redheaded’ has a fanbase of 80k followers on Instagram.Jakub Kiwior’s stunning twerk queen Wag shakes bum in the sea in Greece as he prepares to star for Poland at Euro 2024It is not the first time she her performed in waterCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babeClaudia is a twerking queenCredit: https://www.instagram.com/claudia.redheaded_babe/Her and Kiwior have been together before he joined ArsenalCredit: Instagram @claudia.redheaded_babeShe has a big fan base on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babeShe has often caught the attention of her followers as she previously stunned in a black leather cat mask.The beauty has also caught the eye in a hot tub while on holiday with Kiwior.And after wiggling her bum on the beach as she soaked up the sun in Dubai.The defender endured a slow start to life at Arsenal following his £21million switch from Italian outfit Spezia.He had been tipped with an exit from the Emirates Stadium with AC Milan interested.However, he has established himself as a key member of the squad following the injury to Gabriel Magalhães earlier this year.She has 80,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @claudia.redheaded_babeShe regularly posts twerking tutorials on social mediaCredit: Instagram @claudia.redheaded_babeThe couple appear very loved up with eacthotherCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babe More

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    Madelene Wright sends fans wild in lacy robe as they call glamorous football star ‘prettiest girl’

    MADELENE WRIGHT showed fans a nightie to remember as she swapped the beach for the bedroom.The footballer sent her social media following soaring with the temperature when she posed in a bikini on a sunny holiday last month.Madelene Wright wore a silky numberCredit: Credit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_She is happy to pose around her homeCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_Madelene’s classy taste in vases caught the eye hereCredit: instagram @madelene_wrightNow the OnlyFans star been called “the prettiest girl” and a “dream woman” after sharing a snap from a more cosy venue.Revealing a thigh in a lacy nightgown, Madelene captioned the selfie “home” and added a white heart emoji.In the background was a bed in a similar off-white colour to her robe.And as Madelene gazed coolly for her picture, one fan responded on Instagram: “She’s a baddie.”READ MORE ON MADELENE WRIGHTAnother wrote: “Ah Man Maddie you’re just incredible.”A third posted: “Wow, just wow, you’re so beautiful.”Madelene has revived her playing career over the past year.The former Millwall player was axed by Charlton in 2020 after posting controversial videos on Snapchat.Most read in FootballShe was seen apparently inhaling a balloon and also drinking champagne at the wheel of a Range Rover.At the same time she started raking it in by becoming a big hit on adult content website OnlyFans.Glam footballer Madelene Wright shows off her new glasses with smouldering video before sharing cheeky bum pic A footballing comeback with Leyton Orient was short-lived before she returned once again – with Chesham United Ladies last year.However, that on-pitch activity has far from curtailed her online offerings.The 26-year-old is now up to 323,000 followers on Instagram – not to mention her huge following on other forms of social media.She sported long straight blonde hair in her new bedroom snap – which soon racked up thousands of hits.As for her next daring photo adventure, perhaps she has decided to sleep on it.A glimpse into the life of the influencer…Wright lives a glamourous lifestyleShe often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: InstagramMadelene has over 300k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightShe recently celebrated her 25th birthdayCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightThe football also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightShe claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightThe footballer has recently signed for Leyton OrientCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wrightShe has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadeleneShe often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: InstagramMadelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright More

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    Ferrari star forced to pull out of media duties through illness as F1 team confirm he ‘will not be coming to the track’

    CHARLES LECLERC has pulled out of media duties due to illness ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.The race on the famous Imola circuit in Italy is scheduled for Sunday and will be the home debut for Lewis Hamilton since switching to Ferrari.Charles Leclerc has pulled out of media duties ahead of the Emilia Romagna GPCredit: AFPHis team-mate Lewis Hamilton will have to represent FerrariCredit: GettyBut the Englishman will not be joined by his team-mate for media duties.Ferrari confirmed that the Monegasque driver will not be heading to the track due to sickness.The F1 team insisted that he would be expected in the car for practice ahead of qualifying on Saturday.A statement read: “Charles is feeling unwell and will not be coming to the track today.READ MORE ON F1″He will rest and focus on recovering and we expect him to be in the car tomorrow.”Leclerc is currently 5th in the Driver’s Standings with 58 points but he is yet to win a race this season.He finished on the podium in 3rd in the Saudi Arabian GP back in April.Hamilton, however, is currently 7th in the driver’s standings with only 41 points and is yet to finish in the top three.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis performance has left Ferrari well off the pace in the constructor’s standings with only 94 points.They trail Red Bull Racing, Mercedes and leaders McLaren.Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in styleMeanwhile, the Emilia-Romagna GP is at risk of being axed from the F1 calendar.F1 president Stefano Domenicali has admitted that it is difficult for two races to be based in Italy.He told RAI radio: “Italy has always been and will be an important part of Formula 1.”It will be increasingly difficult to have two races in the same country because interest in F1 is growing and it’s a situation we will have to deal with in the coming months.”It’s hard for this situation with Imola and Monza to continue together on the calendar for long.” More

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    Jordan Henderson’s Ajax choke away title after 99th-minute equaliser – having needed just six points from five games

    JORDAN HENDERSON is set to miss out on the Eredivisie title after Ajax suffered the ultimate choke.The Dutch giants saw victory against Groningen snatched away in the 99th-minute.Jordan Henderson could be about to miss out on the Eredivise titleCredit: GettyHis Ajax side were favourites to win the league with just five games to goCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAjax have now fallen behind PSV, ahead of the final game of the seasonCredit: GettyPSV are now the favourites to win the Dutch league titleCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAjax had taken the lead through Anton Gaaei but were pegged back by Thom van Bergen in the second half.Former Manchester United and Burnley striker Wout Weghorst would have thought his 68th-minute goal was going to be enough for a vital three points.But it was the ten men of the hosts that struck the heartbreaking goal through Thijmen Blokzijl in the dying seconds of added time.The result sees Ajax fall to second place and one point behind title rivals PSV.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHenderson and co were the favourites for their 37th title with just five games left of the season.Ajax needed to pick up just six points to be confirmed as league champions.However, they have stumbled to defeats against Utrecht and NEC as well as a draw with NEC and Groningen before the final game of the season.Peter Bosz’s side took full advantage of Ajax’s slips to eradicate the nine-point gap, having won their previous six matches.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis means that with one game to go, the title is PSV’s to throw away.PSV face 11th-placed Sparta Rotterdam while Ajax will take on FC Twente.Furious Jordan Henderson goes off at journalist after being grilled over ‘wanting Monaco transfer’Ajax now need PSV to slip up in their final game of the seasonCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAjax will have to win and hope PSV slip up as their goal difference is significantly worse.After Blokzijl’s last-gasp goal fans on social media were left stunned by Ajax’s drop off.One posted: “How does Ajax give away a 9-point lead in 4 games? I have no words for it.”A second wrote: “Ajax have bottled it what is happening in the Netherlands.”A third commented: “In rap battles, we call that choking.”A fourth said: “How did Ajax bottle the league title?”Another added: “As a fan, my head would be on Pluto until the last games bc HOW?”Henderson is yet to win a trophy with AjaxCredit: GettyFrancesco Farioli has issued a defiant call ahead of the final game of the seasonCredit: GettyThe probabilities have changed drasticallyCredit: OptaFootage was captured from the PSV game of the club’s supporters and coaches waiting to hear the result of the Ajax match.Many appeared stressed and expecting the Amsterdam-based club to win but were quickly overjoyed when the late goal went in.PSV were beaten by Ajax 2-0 on March 30, which left the now favourites with just a one per cent chance of winning the league.Before last night’s drama, Opta could barely split the two sides, with Ajax being given a 50.1 per cent chance of landing the title.Whereas PSV were ranked with a 49.9 per cent chance of toppling Ajax.After the games, this has shifted dramatically in PSV’s favour who now have an 81.2 per cent chance of being named champions.However, the race is not fully over as Ajax manager Francesco Farioli issued a rallying call.He said: “It’s never easy to speak after conceding a last-minute equaliser.”It’s not over yet. We’ve got one more match to play: let’s go.”We gave it our all, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. Still, football teaches us that anything can happen.”Read More on The SunHenderson, 34, joined Ajax back in January 2024 after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.He has been given the captain’s armband but is yet to lift a trophy with the club.How the tables have turnedHere is how Ajax’s horrific form has changed the table…Eredivisie table on April 27:1. Ajax – 74 pts (+40 GD)2. PSV – 67 pts (+55 GD)Eredivisie table on May 15:1. PSV – 76 pts (+62 GD)2. Ajax – 75 pts (+33 GD) More