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      in Soccer

      Why football stars are scoring more penalties.. and the goalkeeper’s cheat code that could turn the tide

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      VAR was supposed to end the controversy surrounding poor refereeing decisions in football. Instead, we have seen football slowed down with a myriad of replays and debates rage on the quality of officiating in the division.
      Penalties are being converted at record levelsCredit: The Times
      So how can goalkeepers tip the balance in their favour againCredit: Alamy
      How the Premier League five-year rolling average penalty conversion rate has increased
      The introduction of VAR has also led to a notable increase in the award of penalty kicks.
      According to Opta Analyst, the second season VAR was introduced saw 125 penalties awarded, or one every three games.
      This season has seen the figure stands at its fourth-highest in history, with one spot kick awarded every 3.5 games.
      With the increase in penalties being awarded, however, we have also seen penalties converted with record quality from 12 yards – an unprecedented 90 per cent.
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      Even from last season the five-season rolling average for penalty kicks being converted has increased to a staggering 81.1 per cent, up from 74.8 per cent in the 1996/97 season.
      Goalkeepers have been further handicapped by video technology with the new rule that they cannot move off their line until the penalty is struck.
      This, combined with outfield players seemingly continuing to take leaps in terms of technical ability and ball striking has seen more penalties being scored.
      Despite this there must be something goalkeepers can do to tip the scales back into their favour when facing penalties. Well, yes, there is. The key for goalkeepers though might be to do nothing at all…
      Most read in Football
      Why do goalkeepers dive?
      In penalty shootouts at major competitions we often hear commentators say that all of the pressure is on the penalty taker with none on the goalkeeper.
      At the top level you expect players to be able to convert from the spot and as such the goalkeepers are not expected to save the shot.
      Jason Cummings channels Thierry Henry as he blunders famous spot-kick routine
      This means that goalkeepers will typically not be blamed by fans, coaches or team-mates for failing to stop the penalty but they will be highly praised should they manage to save one, or more than one.
      So, why do goalkeepers dive?
      We have seen a huge increase in outfield players adding a delay into their run before they strike the penalty.
      They will deliberately stutter or hop as they approach the ball before striking.
      Bukayo Saka stutters his run up as a tactic to throw off the goalkeeper
      This is intended to force the goalkeeper to move early and if the goalkeeper goes to one side then the player striking the penalty will go the opposite way.
      Despite not having the pressure on them, goalkeepers will still dive to their left or right as opposed to staying still in the centre of their goals. 
      Here Matheus Cunha stuttered and provoked Chelsea’s Djorde Petrovic into moving before he slotted the ball the opposite way
      If they stand still and the penalty goes to the left or the right then there will be an assumption from those watching that the goalkeeper did not do enough.
      Though the real reason behind the move is incomplete information.
      In this example Andre Onana sells himself early despite there being no run up from Pablo Sarabia
      Everton and England goalie Jordan Pickford went viral as cameras caught him looking at info on opposition penalty takers on crib sheets taped to his water bottles.
      Analysts at clubs will now spend time breaking down the penalty tendencies of players at their next opposition and goalkeepers will be given that information.
      This means that if a goalkeeper knows that their opponent goes to the goalkeepers left a high proportion of the time then diving in that direction is the smart thing to do.
      For goalkeepers to start saving more penalties we may well see them make a change to their approach to saving penalties, despite what fans might think.
      Should goalkeepers stand still?
      Although standing still in the centre of their goal may be against all of their instincts there is an argument that this would increase the chances of goalkeepers making a save from a penalty.
      In recent seasons we have seen a notable increase in the amount of players who include stutters or stops in their run as they wait for the goalkeeper to commit.
      This season has seen 15 spot kicks aimed down the middle of the goal, 14 of which have been scored.
      The conversion rate for these efforts sits at 93.3 per cent, while it the rate drops to 89.1 per cent for the corners.
      Last season the rate down the middle stood at 95 per cent while it was 69.6 per cent in the corners, with a total of 35 penalties being taken in the last two seasons.
      If goalkeepers can maintain their discipline and not move from the centre of the goal then this will start to put doubt in the head of the player who is taking the penalty.
      Here the goalkeeper commits to his right the ball before James Ward Prowse hits his penalty high to the middle
      They are essentially trying to wait until the last second before deciding whether to put the penalty to the left or to the right as opposed to making up their mind before they start their run up.
      The longer that the goalkeeper takes to move the greater the chance that the taker will start to panic and doubt themselves.
      Joao Pedro uses delays to wrong foot the goalkeeper before slotting the ball the other side of the net
      Waiting and staying in the centre of the goal would also be more effective for goalkeepers because of the technique and striking of players taking the kick.
      If the player in question catches the inside of the post, or even the side netting, with an accurate and well struck shot then there is very little chance that the goalkeeper could have made the save anyway.
      Here Ederson holds his central position for a Michael Olise penalty but loses his footing before the taker scores
      Increasingly, however, we are seeing penalties that are just played casually into the goal without getting anywhere near the corner of the goal.
      If goalkeepers were to remain in a central position then they would have more of a chance to react and save those penalties that are clipped just to either side but not right into the corner of the net.
      If the goalkeeper has the composure and conviction to stay in the centre of their goal then they will force the player taking the kick to amend their approach and perhaps overthink what they are going to do with the shot.
      Conclusion
      There is always a sense that the player taking the penalty has the advantage over the goalkeeper.
      And to be fair this should be the case as the defending team has been punished for a foul in their penalty area.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Goalkeepers, however, need to find a way to level the playing field and to put some more doubt into the minds of the players taking the penalty.
      We believe that we are going to see more goalkeepers taking the decision to stand and make themselves big in the centre of the goal in order to put doubt back into the minds of the penalty takers. More

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      Dani Alves’ fall from grace, from Brazil legend and serial winner with Barcelona to four-year jail sentence for rape

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      AS his sentence was read, Dani Alves bowed his head in shame in a Barcelona court.Following a three-day trial this month, the Brazil legend has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman.
      Brazil football legend Dani Alves bows his head in shame after he being sentencedCredit: AP
      Alves faces prosecutors following accusations of sexual assualtCredit: Rex
      A serial winner, Alves’ storied career has been taintedCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      He faces four years, six months behind bars, although he plans to appeal the decision.
      The ex-Barcelona star, a serial winner on the football pitch with 44 medals to his name, saw his life unravel after he was arrested by Catalan police in January 2023, and has been behind bars ever since.
      Two months after his arrest, his model wife Joana Sanz left him – admitting he had left her suicidal and that she wanted to “close this chapter of her life”.
      Alves’ fall from grace comes after one of the most storied career’s teh game has ever seen.
      Read more Dani Alves news
      Trophy haul
      Only Lionel Messi has as many medals to his name as Alves, who is now 40 years old.
      He was signed from Sevilla by Pep Guardiola in 2008 – costing a record £30million, and would play in a Barcelona side that would dominate the Spanish and European football landscape.
      In his debut season, he suffered heartbreak when he was suspended from the Champions League final against Manchester United.
      His absence didn’t matter, as the Catalans recorded a 2-0 win and completed a treble.
      Most read in Football
      Alves would go on to win two more Champions League titles (in 2011 and 2015), before leaving the club in 2016.
      Dani Alves’ model ex Joana Sanz arrives at court to reveal what ‘drunk’ ex-Barcelona star told her moments after ‘rape’
      During his eight-year stay in Catalonia, he added six LaLiga titles, four Copa del Reys, as well as the three Super Cups and three Club World Cups to his bulging trophy cabinet.
      Success continued to follow him after he departed Barcelona.
      In his one and only season at Juventus, he won the Serie A title and Coppa Italia.
      Then, in a two-year spell at PSG, he would win the French championship back-to-back.
      Even in his veteran years at Sao Paulo, he was part of a side that won the Brazilian league in 2021.
      The accolades also came with his country, Brazil. However, despite playing in three World Cups he was unable to add a winners’ medal to his CV in that tournament.
      Still, famous Copa America wins in 2007 and 2019 made him a hero in his homeland.
      Photographers capture Alves lifting the Champions League trophyCredit: AFP – Getty
      Success followed Alves wherever he went, winning at PSG with pal NeymarCredit: AP:Associated Press
      In his homeland of Brazil Alves was championed for lifting the Copa America twiceCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Finally getting married
      Away from the beautiful game, Alves was smitten by a beautiful woman.
      In 2015, the galloping right-back fell for the charms of Tenerife-born beauty, Joanna Sanz.
      The Spanish model, who made her name from the age of 17 on the catwalk for Jimmy Choo and Yves Saint Laurent and starred in ads for L’Oriel, was introduced to Alves by a mutual friend.
      He wined and dined her, they went on a glam holidays, and he lavished her with expensive gifts, as the Spanish media heralded them as one of football’s superstar couples.
      But, despite his attempts to get his beloved to walk down the aisle, she was initially resistant.
      Joanna turned down two proposals, before finally accepting his third offer.
      She told Spanish gossip magazine La Vanguardia: “Dani asked me in the hotel room alone. We do not like [putting on a show].
      “It was splendid… he already asked me three times.”
      The pair flew to Ibiza in 2017, and were married in a private ceremony on the island of Formantera.
      In 2015, Alves became smitten by the charms of Joana SanzCredit: Instagram @joanasanz
      Spanish model Sanz has appeared on the catwalk for some of fashion’s most famous brandsCredit: AFP – Getty
      Alves and Sanz soon became one of football’s most glam couplesCredit: Getty
      read more sport features
      They both wore white, with Alves opting for trainers as footwear.
      It was his second marriage, after divorcing first love Dinora Santana who he shares kids Victoria and Daniel with.
      The beginning of the end
      At the turn of last year, Alves was arrested on suspicion of rape.
      The victim alleged the incident occurred at a nightclub in Barcelona in December 2022.
      According to El Periódico de Catalunya, she was led to the hotspot’s VIP area by a waiter after Alves asked to meet her.
      She claimed he told her to touch his penis twice, before ordering her to follow him into the nightclub’s bathroom.
      There, after she asked to leave, she said he slapped her, insulted her, and tried to force her to perform a sex act on him, before pushing her into a toilet where he raped her.
      According to El Periódico, semen that was collected from the victim, as well as from the nightclub’s bathroom floor was analysed and matched Alves’ DNA.
      Hospital records of treatment to a knee injury sustained by the woman were consistent with her account of events.
      Alves was questioned at a police station in Les Corts, BarcelonaCredit: Google Maps
      A woman alleged Alves tried to force her to perform a sex act on him in a Barcelona nightclub, before raping herCredit: AP
      Investigators found seven fingerprints around the bathroom that matched the complainant’s account of events, with the complainant giving her account without knowing that investigators had such evidence.
      Alves’ defence
      In his defence, Alves has given several accounts of what happened that evening.
      He told media outlet Antena 3 he didn’t know the woman and she made up the allegation for fame.
      In a second story, he said he went into the bathroom not knowing she was in it.
      When CCTV contradicted that tale, he said he went into the bathroom first, defecated in the toilet with the woman beside him, but nothing sexual happened.
      In another version of events, Alves said the woman performed oral sex on him in the bathroom.
      At an April 2023 hearing he finally claimed he had consensual sex with the victim, when he was quizzed why his semen was found on the bathroom floor.
      He confessed his previous lies were down to vain attempts in saving his crumbling marriage to Sanz, who by now had ditched him.
      Alves blamed alcohol consumption for severely hampering his judgement.
      Joana Sanz leaves court after providing her testimony in Alves’ trialCredit: Splash
      Alves claimed sex with the victim was consensualCredit: Rex
      Trial
      The trial began earlier this month, and was the first to be held under Spain’s 2022 consensual sex law which expanded the legal definition of sexual assault in Spain.
      On the first day, the Provincial Court of Barcelona rejected his bid to have the trial suspended.
      The woman in question gave her testimony from behind a screen in a closed-door session, with her voice distorted to protect her identity.
      On the second day, the bombshell moment came when ex-wife Sanz took to the stand for ten minutes.
      She revealed how he “stank of alcohol and collapsed in bed” after arriving home from the night he was alleged to have raped the 23-year-old woman.
      Catalan News described Sanz as appearing “very cold towards her husband”, and she said they hadn’t officially divorced yet.
      Friends of Alves who testified claimed they drank alcohol “from lunch until dawn” on that fateful evening.
      After eyewitnesses and police gave their accounts, it was Alves’ turn to defend himself.
      Again, he denied any wrongdoing and insisted sexual relations between himself and the woman were consensual.
      Sanz ditched Alves after he was arrestedCredit: Getty
      Alves has been sentenced to four and a half years behind barsCredit: AFP
      The prosecution demanded he received a nine-year sentence and the victim’s legal team asked for 12.
      But a judge ruled he would serve four and a half years in prison, after finding the fallen ace guilty of rape.
      What’s next?
      Because he completed a year of his sentence on remand, Alves could soon be released on licence.
      He has been ordered to pay £7,700 for physical damage to the victim and offered to pay compensation of £130,000 (€150,000).
      But, he will be on legal supervision for five years, while a restraining order of nine years and six months will prevent him from contacting the victim.
      The financial ramifications of this ordeal have left Alves, who was believed to have made a £50million fortune from his football career, allegedly bankrupt.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Most of his money is believed to be tied up in several business investments.
      A sensational reveal during the trial by his lawyers claimed that his bank balance was £17,000 overdrawn.
      Alves has two children from a relationship with Dinora Santana, including son Daniel, leftCredit: AFP or licensors
      Now allegedly bankrupt, Alves faces the task of rebuilding his lifeCredit: Getty More

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      Celebrities who almost became footballers, from Dr Who star Matt Smith to Gladiators presenter Bradley Walsh

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      THESE celebrities found fame by other means – be it in the world of TV, as singers or actors.But, had they gone down a different path or fate not led them in a different direction, they could have become footballers.
      Olly Murs is one of pop music’s leading stars – but he could have been a footballerCredit: Getty
      Murs played non-league football and also turns out Soccer AidCredit: Getty
      Some have relived their glory and showcased their skills on Soccer Aid.
      While others have retired gracefully, happy to be fans of the Beautiful Game instead.
      So, which celebs could have become football stars instead?
      Olly Murs
      Man Utd fan Olly dreamed of becoming a footballer, well before he got his big break on The X Factor.
      read more football news
      He played semi-pro for Isthmian Division One North side Witham Town between 2006 and 2008.
      However, injury cut his career short.
      He became co-owner of Essex side Coggeshall Town in 2017, until stepping down in 2022.
      Matt Smith
      The Dr Who and House of the Dragon actor had trials at both Nottingham Forest and Leicester City.
      Most read in Football
      But, spondylosis, a degenerative condition affecting spinal discs, forced him to quit the game aged just 16.
      Serge’s genius strike
      He told BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs: “All I did was play football 10 hours a day. It came easily and naturally.
      “It was very difficult for me to tell people that I had been released (from the team). The vain part of me was like, ‘I am Matt and I am the footballer.'”
      Matt Smith had trials at Nottingham Forest before becoming an actorCredit: AFP
      Bradley Walsh
      Before he kept the Gladiators in check and was a quizmaster on The Chase, TV presenter Walsh had aspirations at Brentford.
      He failed to make a first-team appearance but did play four times for Barnet in a loan spell in the 1979-80 season.
      Injuries cut short his career at the age of 21 as he failed to overcome an ankle fracture.
      Walsh previously revealed football was his life and regretted not getting his coaching badges.
      The Chase star Bradley Walsh become one of TV’s biggest hostsCredit: Rex
      But Walsh could have been turning out for Brentford if it wasn’t for injury
      read more sport features
      Sergio Pizzorno
      The Kasabian axeman is a very decent player.
      He famously showed off his volleying prowess on Soccer AM challenge.
      Then, he followed that up by lobbing David Seaman from long range at Soccer Aid.
      Leicester City fan Pizzorno also had a trial at Nottingham Forest.
      Rock star Sergio Pizzorno’s life could have turned out differently if a trial with Forest was successful
      Pizzorno has made up for lost time – appearing on Soccer AidCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Sean Connery
      The definitive 007 could have been just as famous a footballer, had he taken up an offer from the legendary Sir Matt Busby.
      The Man Utd icon offered Connery a contract with the Red Devils worth £25 a week after seeing him play a match in the 1960s.
      “I really wanted to accept because I loved football,” Connery recalled. “But I realised that a top-class footballer could be over the hill by the age of 30, and I was already 23.”
      Instead, he became a Hollywood actor, appearing in seven James Bond movies, as well as an Oscar winner for The Untouchables.
      Sean Connery was offered a contract by Sir Matt Busby at Manchester UnitedCredit: Alamy
      Colin Farrell
      Movie star Farrell also fancied himself as a footballer – appearing for national trials in Ireland.
      But, his hellraiser behaviour aged just 14 showed a distinct lack of discipline needed for that role.
      “I played until I was about 15 and I thought it was what I wanted to do. And then I realised I’d do something less meaningful, like acting,” he told US chat show David Letterman.
      “I thought I might have been (good enough), but I had a can of beer when I was 14 and that was the end of that. I didn’t want it enough.”
      Had Colin Farrell swapped beer for fitness he might have played for IrelandCredit: Getty
      Louis Tomlinson
      One Direction singer Louis lived a boyhood dream in 2014, when he turned out for his favourite club Doncaster Rovers.
      He can’t have been too nervous, having filled out stadiums with the pop group a few years prior around the globe and earned worldwide fame and success.
      But, it fulfilled his lifelong ambition when he was handed the No28 shirt.
      “This has always been a childhood dream for me,” he said.
      One Direction star Louis Tomlinson always dreamed of becoming a footballerCredit: Getty
      Boyband singer Tomlinson in action for his beloved Doncaster RoversCredit: Nigel Bennett
      Johnny Marr
      Smiths legend Marr is often seen in the stands with Noel Gallagher cheering on their beloved Manchester City.
      However, life could have been different if the rock guitarist hadn’t worn make-up during his trial with the club.
      “I didn’t take football seriously enough to push it to the next level,” Marr explained.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “I’d go for a trial and take to the pitch wearing eyeliner. Half the opposition team were looking at the mascara and thinking, ‘We’d better stay away from him’.
      “The other half just wanted to kick lumps out of me.”
      Johnny Marr chose music over football because of eyeliner and mascaraCredit: Getty More

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      Meet Lionel Messi’s richer teammate Leonardo Campana, who loves skydiving in Hawaii and buys art from a Miami artist

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      LIONEL MESSI might be the highest paid player in the MLS, but he’s not even the wealthiest man on his team.That honour is bestowed to his Inter Miami teammate, Leonardo Campana who is heir to a £1billion-plus fortune.
      Lionel Messi’s teammate Leonardo Campana is the heir to a £1bn fortune
      Campana stars for Ecuador and his dad is South American politician and business man Pablo Campana
      Leonardo Campana shares a family snap with dad Pablo and mum Isabel
      Ex-tennis star Pablo Campana poses with Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham
      The Ecuadorian, only 23, is the son of Pablo Campana – a prominent South American politician, businessman, and ex-tennis player who competed at the Olympics.
      Born into money and sporting heritage is serving Leonardo well, who lives an epic lifestyle.
      Not only can he count the world’s greatest player as a pal, he also enjoys amazing adventures, including skydiving in Hawaii.
      While the forward is also an art collector – owning work from famous Miami pop artist Leonardo Hidalgo.
      Read more football news
      He shares his wealth with stunning girlfriend, Ariana Altuve who studied Fashion Business at New York’s prestigious Parsons School of Design.
      Family affair
      Leonardo, who was with Premier League side Wolves from 2019-2020, comes from good stock.
      His dad Pablo was a sportsman, famously competing for Ecuador in the tennis doubles competition at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atalanta.
      Between 1990-1997 he played in the Davis Cup, and was once ranked 165 in the world.
      Most read in Football
      But, when Pablo found out he was expecting a child he gave up the game aged just 24.
      Fans demand Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contract ‘terminated ASAP’ after spotting what he did during loss to Vissel Kobe
      Instead of sport, he turned his hand to politics and became the Minister of Commerce in the Ecuadorean government.
      Alongside that, he founded a real estate company in his homeland called Millenium S.A. that has made him a fortune.
      Interestingly, while his dad may be a billionaire, Leonardo’s grandma Isabel Noboa is recognised as one of Ecuador’s most successful businesswomen.
      Dad Pablo has been seen at Inter Miami games, cheering his son on.
      He even posed up for snaps with Messi and Inter Miami’s co-owner David Beckham on the DRV PNK Stadium turf.

      Head for heights
      Standing at 6ft 2in, Campana is known for his aerial ability.
      However, his head for heights stretches to as far as jumping out of a plane with a parachute.
      Back in November, the fearless footballer went on a luxury holiday to Hawaii.
      Usually a clause in many top player’s contracts insists they don’t do anything risky while away.
      Campana showed off his daredevil side skydiving
      While on holiday, Campana packs a £60k Jeep Wrangler
      In the Galapagos Islands Campana and his Wag Ariana hired a boat
      Campana shared snaps of the local wildlife
      read more sport features
      But daredevil Campana clearly felt the adrenaline rush of skydiving was too much to turn down.
      And he shared his stunt with a mid-air picture to his 603,000 followers on Instagram.
      He simply captioned the snap with a rock and roll hand gesture emoji.
      On the same trip, Campana was seen rummaging in the boot of his £60,000 Jeep Wrangler.
      Joining him on his travels was his gorgeous missus, Ariana.
      They also enjoyed a magical trip to the Galapagos Islands, where they hired a boat and saw the local wildlife.
      American beauty
      Not much is known about Ariana, the blonde stunner in a relationship with Campana.
      She keeps her personal life to herself, while her Instagram is private.
      It appears she has been in a romance with Ecuador international for a year.
      Campana appears smitten by love Ariana
      Ariana keeps her personal life private on social media
      Fashionable Ariana studied Fashion Business in New York
      But already, they are inseparable.
      She shared in his hi-jinx in Hawaii and is happy playing the supportive Wag by cheering him on during Inter Miami games.
      According to reports, she studied Administration and Marketing and completed a four-year degree at Bryant University in the United States.
      The Balenciaga-wearing Ariana also finished a Fashion Business course at Parsons School of Design, in New York.
      Expensive hobbies
      Buying art is often an exercise for the rich and the elite.
      Campana’s artistic taste is a bit more modern, and he has a penchant for pop art.
      Back in December, he splashed the cash on a print of a painting by famed Miami artist Leonardo Hidalgo.
      The artwork, a rather fitting piece featuring Campana celebrating a goal with Messi, would have cost thousands.
      In the past, Hidalgo has been commissioned by Hillary Clinton, Marc Anthony, Enrique Iglesias and more.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Famed artist Leonardo Hidalgo presents Campana with his artwork
      Modern artist Hidalgo has also painted a tribute to David Beckham which features on Instagram
      A thankful Campana thanked Hidalgo on Instagram.
      “Thank you @artistleonardohidalgo for capturing this moment that will be marked for the rest of my life,” he wrote. More

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      Inside abandoned English stadium covered in barbed wire with eerie new stand that has never hosted a match

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      GHOST goals. Haunted houses. Ghost ships. How about a ghost stadium?Well, that is exactly what the Millmoor Ground, or Millmoor, the “spiritual home” of Championship side Rotherham, is nowadays.
      Rotherham’s old ground has been left standingCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      The Millmoor ground is still plastered with the advertising of C.F. BoothCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      The stadium has stood dormant since 2008Credit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      It was Rotherham United’s home from 1925Credit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      The stadium, located near the middle of town, was Rotherham’s home for 83 years.
      It dates all the way back to the 1890s when it was used by the Rotherham Church Institute in the Sheffield Association League, before passing to Rotherham County and then Rotherham United.
      It has overseen seven promotions, eight relegations and played host to their ever League Cup final in 1961 when Rotherham beat Aston Villa 2-0 in the first leg before the Villans won 3-0 in the second leg.
      But it has now become decrepit and being left desolate since 2008 after Rotherham were forced to move to their current 12,000 capacity AESSEAL New York Stadium following a row over rent.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Millmoor – located just a few hundred yards away from the club’s new home – held some 8,300 fans but held a record attendance of 25,170 when local rivals Sheffield United came to visit back in 1952.
      It understandably holds plenty of sentimental value to the Millers faithful given it had been their ground since Rotherham’s inception in 1925.
      However, the ground is now an empty shell which promised so much.
      Covered in barbed wire and overgrown plants and surrounded by fences, you might be mistaken for thinking the Millmoor would fit into a science fiction film set in a dystopian future.
      Most read in Football
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      But no, it is far from fiction. It is real life.
      Rotherham left Millmoor while in the middle of constructing a new main stand.
      We live INSIDE Luton Town’s famous entrance – footballs smash our windows but there are some surprising perks
      You can still see the half-built stand, but it will never be finished.
      Would-be trespassers into the ground are warned of the dangers with a few huge “keep out” signs.
      There are also posters of CF Booth all over after former Rotherham owner Ken Booth – who owned the scrap metal yard next to the ground – took over and saved the club from administration in 1987.
      Reflecting on the ground, the club’s current owner and chairman Tony Stewart told The Athletic last year: “Millmoor is decaying. It’s falling apart.”
      As for why Millmoor has stood dormant for the best part of two decades, Stewart is perplexed, adding: “It’s a mystery to Rotherham. It’s a mystery to the man on the street.”
      Booth had done his best to keep the club afloat following the collapse of ITV’s Digital TV deal which ravaged the lower leagues.
      Millmoor has become decrepit since being abandonedCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      Having been left largely intact, much of what would have been seen on matchdays remainsCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      Rotherham had to leave the ground in 2008 over a rent rowCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      Millmoor held more than 8,000 fansCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      A fan consortium took over the club for £1 after a favourable deal was struck with the Booth family – which involved the club’s only tangible assets Millmoor and the club’s training ground — being left in the family’s possession.
      Another group then came in before Stewart took over.
      The common story is that the club left Millmoor because the Booth’s were charging high rent.
      But Stewart remembers it slightly differently, explaining how the Booths wanted them to keep the stadium the exact same during a five-year lease while Rotherham wanted to look into a new stadium.
      Stewart said: “There were 18 items [demanded by the Booths] I didn’t agree with.
      “It would’ve meant that if there was a scratch to a cabinet, I would’ve had to replace all that. I just felt it wasn’t right.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Rotherham’s final game at Millmoor was a 1-0 win over Barnet, but with negotiations ongoing over the ground’s future there was no big farewell for it.
      The club’s new ground is far more suited to a team in England’s second tier with its modern facilities, but Millmoor still stands as a tapestry to Rotherham’s history.
      Millmoor hosted the first-ever League Cup final in 1961Credit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      Rotherham owner Tony Stewart said it was a mystery why nothing had been done to the groundCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      The record attendance at Millmoor came in 1952 for a match seen by 25,170 against local rivals Sheffield UnitedCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      It remains the ‘spiritual home’ of RotherhamCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun More

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      Meet the League One football star who gives fans incredible behind-the-scenes insights such as being mic’d during games

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      LEAGUE One footballer Ryan Tafazolli has amassed a staggering following of over 200,000 fans on social media.The Wycombe Wanderers star, 32, appears on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
      Ryan Tafazolli is a hit on social media
      Handsome Wycombe Wanderers star Tafazolli chronicles his life as a pro footballer
      Incredibly, Tafazolli gets mic’d up for games and winds up his opponents
      Whether it’s showing off his lifestyle, epic holidays and fashion sense in glam snaps.
      Or, sharing his opinions on his and team-mate’s latest FIFA ratings – his channels give you a glimpse into the life of a professional.
      And he even gets mic’d up during games to give fans a taste of the on-pitch action.
      Tafazolli’s behind-the-scenes content gives football fans something to savour.
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      Glam lifestyle
      Tafazolli has been posting clips on TikTok since 2022, sharing his lifestyle on Instagram since 2014, and filmed himself on YouTube since 2008.
      But, it’s been a steady rise in his popularity that seen his follower count grow.
      On Instagram, where he has 63,000 followers, he shares the epic lifestyle of a footballer.
      The handsome defender shows off his fashion choices, from smart linen ensembles complete with a fedora hat to holidays in Abu Dhabi.
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      Alongside that is snapshots of his football career thus far.
      Fuming Wycombe striker Akinfenwa confronts MK Dons fans over abusive chant before supporter is ‘kicked out’
      From playing Man City in a FA Cup tie to celebrating a goal, his journey is chronicled in a series of snapshots.
      However, it’s on TikTok where Ryan comes into his own.
      Going viral
      Astonishingly, he has gained an impressive 128,000 followers on his channel.
      Better still, his videos have generated a staggering 4.2 million likes.
      Very impressive numbers for a footballer has never played in the top flight.
      The reason why Ryan appeals is simple. He gives football fans access into matchdays, training, recovery, lifestyle and on-pitch POV’s.
      Often, he gets mic’d up during a game, which shows the grittier side of League One.
      Playing mind games with his opponents, as well as coarse language and wind-ups are par for the course.
      One clip captioned, ‘How to get into an opponent’s head in game’ shows Ryan winding up a penalty taker in a game before he’s about to strike the ball.
      On TikTok, Tafazolli offers hints and tips to footballers
      Tafazolli shows off exercises to prevent hamstring injuries
      Tafazolli’s mic’d up clips show the gritty side of League One
      While sportsmanship may have seemed to have gone out the window, the hilarious nature of the giant centre back, who stands at 6ft5in, shouting at the forward he’s going to miss makes compelling viewing.
      And 2.3 million TikTok users have watched the video.
      But where Ryan’s TikTok becomes a useful tool is the quick montages and fitness tips he provides.
      In one, he shows off the three best exercises to prevent you from suffering recurring hamstring injuries.
      In another, he highlights a cheat to improve your speed.
      Although that could be taken with a pinch of salt, if EA Sports are to be believed.
      Slammed for pace
      Over on his YouTube channel, Ryan posed a video of Wycombe’s stars receiving their FIFA ratings.
      Tafazolli shares his disappointment with his FIFA ratings
      His social media followers get a glimpse into Tafazolli’s daily routines
      Tafazolli also shares opinion pieces on the game on YouTube
      In the football world, this is something you imagine that that goes on all over the country – with players disputing their stats in the game.
      Influencer Ryan was equally bemused by his 39 rating for pace.
      “I am now the slowest in the squad, so I am unhappy” he is seen saying in a brilliant edited video inside the dressing room with his teammates.
      As for his shooting stat of 28, he joked: “They’ve not seen me finish, clearly.”
      Edited pieces include a ‘Day in the life of a footballer’, ‘Training with Lewandowski’s trainer,’ and matchday vlogs are intriguing.
      While elsewhere, his achievements in the game are celebrated, like the ‘Road to Promotion’ to facing up against tough opponents.
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      There’s even a clip with Pep Guardiola, sadly his mic wasn’t working, but Ryan explained that the Spanish tactician explained to him the sacrifices needed to be made to get to the top.
      If you haven’t made it as a professional footballer, this is the closest you will get to understanding what it is like to live like one.
      Pep Guardiola is asked what it takes to make it to the top level by Tafazolli
      Matchday vlogs are filmed for Tafazolli’s YouTube channel
      Tafazolli gives football fans a glimpse into life as a pro More

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      in Soccer

      Meet the stunning Wags of Amazon Prime series Married To The Game, from an NFL cheerleader to a singer on The Voice

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      THE Wags of football’s famous stars have their own show.Amazon Prime’s cameras have followed the partners of Ilkay Gundogan, Jorginho, James Tartowski, Riyad Mahrez and Matt Turner for a documentary about their epic lifestyles.
      Gorgeous Sara Gundogan is one of the stars of Amazon Prime show Married To The GameCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira
      Sara is a model and TV host from ItalyCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira
      Barcelona’s Ilkay Gundogan married Sara in a private ceremony in 2022Credit: Reuters
      The six-part series streams from February 23, where viewers will get a glimpse into their hectic lives.
      We will see how they juggle their commitments, families and home lives while supporting their partner’s high-profile careers.
      But who are the glam stunners who Amazon Prime have chosen for the cast of Married To The Game?
      Sara Gundogan
      Gorgeous Italian model Sara, 29, met ex-Man City star Ilkay Gundogan in 2021.
      Read more Wag stories
      A year later, he popped the question before they married each other in a private ceremony in 2022.
      Sara was born in France but moved to Italy when she was young, where she worked as a TV presenter.
      She once sparked fury when she called the Manchester restaurant scene “horrible”.
      But she has since changed her tune, revealing she now misses the Rainy City after moving to Barcelona.
      Most read in Football
      Taylor Ward
      Reality TV beauty Taylor, 26, ‘secretly married’ Mahrez in 2022, according to reports.
      Arsenal star Jorginho gets engaged to stunning Wag Catherine Harding and shares intimate snaps of proposal
      She appeared in Real Housewives of Cheshire alongside her mum Dawn and former footballer dad Ashley Ward.
      Taylor was once linked to City legend Sergio Aguero, before she began dating Mahrez – who popped the question with a £400,000 ring in 2021 on a romantic holiday in Mykonos.
      They have a daughter together called Mila.
      In the trailer for the show, Taylor can be seen breaking down when Mahrez tells her they are leaving Manchester for Saudi Arabia, after he is offered a mega-money move.
      Taylor Ward is a reality TV star
      Blonde stunner Taylor appeared in Real Housewives of CheshireCredit: Instagram
      Taylor is seen breaking down in the trailer for Married To The GameCredit: Instagram @taylorwardx
      Riyad Mahrez and Taylor Ward currently live in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Splash
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      Catherine Harding
      Catherine, 33, is a singer and the fiancee of Arsenal ace Jorginho.
      She famously appeared on reality TV show The Voice, where she was mentored by Ollie Murs.
      The brunette beauty also had a romance with Jude Law, fathering a child with the Hollywood actor.
      According to reports, the focus of her storyline for the series will be on her wedding preparations.
      Will Catherine be a bridezilla?
      Catherine Harding is a singerCredit: @cat_cavelli
      Brunette beauty Catherine once appeared on The VoiceCredit: Instagram / @cat_cavelli_
      Jorginho and partner Catherine Harding
      Sam Tarkowski
      Sam got together with Everton and England defender James Tarkowski in 2015, when he was still at Brentford.
      Their romance has since blossomed, with the fitness buff ready to branch out on her own.
      She recently trained as a personal trainer, and has plans to open her own gym.
      However, as Married To The Game will show, the 32-year-old is dedicated to daughter Ivy, who she wants to show a good example to.
      Samantha Tarkowski met her partner James in 2015Credit: Instagram @samanthajtarkowski
      Sam shows off her amazing bikini body
      Gym bunny Sam has reinvented herself as a personal trainer
      Everton’s James Tarkowski with stunning SamCredit: Instagram @tarky19
      Ash Turner
      American Ash may have had the hardest time filming the documentary.
      She moved to the UK with husband Matt Turner in 2022, when he signed for Arsenal.
      However, she was also pregnant at the time with their first child.
      Then, just before their second child was born, the family had to up sticks to Nottingham after he was sold by the London club.
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      Ash is a former NFL cheerleader who represented the New England Patriots.
      She is also the founder of a charity organisation called Miss Pink, which supports breast cancer survivors, families and families.
      Ashley Turner was once a cheerleader for the New England Patriots
      Glam Ash has had a tough time settling into the life in the UK
      Ash shows off her pom pom skills
      USA keeper Matt Turner poses for a snap with Ashley More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Tyson Fury’s £58m private jet that boasts a king-size bed, private cinema and is a favourite of world leaders

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      TYSON FURY’s life of luxury knows no bounds.We is not shy of spending his cash on his epic car collection, with a love of Rolls-Royce and Ferrari evident.
      Tyson Fury has been travelling in luxury in an Airbus ACJ319 private jetCredit: https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com
      The Airbus ACJ319 is one of the most spacious private jets aroundCredit: https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com
      There is a bedroom space for Fury to lounge inCredit: YouTube
      Fury, seen on a different jet, is a fan of flying privately
      While he lives in a stunning mansion that overlooks Morcambe Bay worth £1.7million.
      Designer threads, including £400 Versace dressing robes are also worn exclusively by the Gypsy King before his big fights.
      But, it’s his latest way of travelling that has caught the eye.
      Fury, 35, is being ferried about from the UK to Saudi Arabia and back in an amazing £58million private jet.
      Read more Tyson Fury news
      The Airbus ACJ319 costs a whopping £13,000 per-hour to charter.
      With the duration of a non-stop flight from Riyadh being just over the seven hour mark, that could cost a staggering £91,000.
      However, you can be sure he flies in comfort.
      The luxury plane boasts a king size bedroom, private cinema, and more.
      Most read in Boxing
      Tyson Fury’s Amazing Car Collection
      After all, the gypsy has to live like a king.
      Flying home in style
      On a flight back to England, Fury shared his enthusiasm about returning to Blighty.
      “Back to reality today,” he wrote on Instagram.
      ‘Back to the good old Morecambe Bay weather. Rain, wind, cold. Back to the school runs.”
      He was joined by his nutritionist, Gregg Marriott who looked equally unimpressed by the weather report.
      But they could have hardly complained about their surroundings.
      The Airbus ACJ319 is as luxurious as it gets.
      Incredibly, it can accommodate up to 19 people – plenty of Fury’s entourage.
      There are plenty of separate areas that are made with comfort in mind.
      Depending on the configuration of the aircraft, you will find a dining room, lounges, bedrooms, and even a cinema room.
      The cabin is 78 feet long, 12.2 feet wide, and 7.4 feet high, with a total cabin volume of 5,900 cubic feet.
      Passengers can dine in style with silver service dinner settingCredit: https://www.nomadjet.com
      Spacious bathroom are fitted with lavish interiors
      The ACJ319’s bedroom is perfect for VIP passengers
      Luxury has never looked better on board the ACJ319Credit: YouTube
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      The three main areas, the cockpit, VIP area, and main seating area have their own independent temperature control devices.
      As for the bedroom, it’s big enough for Tyson to stretch his 6ft9in frame – with a king size bed fitted and perfect for putting your feet up.
      President Fury
      Fury is in good company when it comes to his private jet of choice.
      For the ACJ series of Airbus planes are favoured by world leaders.
      Presidents from countries including Brazil, Germany, Italy, Turkey and Ukraine utilise them.
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      ACJ319’s can be configured differentlyCredit: https://www.nomadjet.com
      It costs £13k per hour to charter one of these private jetsCredit: YouTube
      It has a length of 78ft 9InCredit: YouTube
      There is even enough room for Fury to stretch his legsCredit: YouTube
      Paris and Tyson Fury enjoy a private flight together on a different planeCredit: Instagram
      Major airlines have also used ACJ planes, including America Airlines and United Airlines.
      Is it any wonder the king of the ring loves travelling in one. More