Sport Live Blogs

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Eddie Hall vs Thor LIVE RESULT: Three KNOCKDOWNS recorded in heaviest fight in history – latest reaction

      by

      Hafthor ‘Thor’ Bjornsson has beaten Eddie Hall in their huge boxing match!Thor dropped Hall TWICE in the six-round thriller, after recovering from an early knockout himself.
      The feuding pair weighed in a combined 47 STONES – making this the biggest boxing fight in history!
      We’ll be bringing you ALL of the reaction live and direct from Dubai here.

      TV/ live stream: Watch on SEGI.TV now for FREE
      Start time: Fight underway NOW

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Thor speaks
      Hostess Danni Levy interviewed Thor after his big win.
      And there’s barely a scratch on the big man.
      They will be dancing on the streets of Reykjavik tonight.

      Thor is the Titan champ
      Thor with his freshly won belt in the ring.
      Means a lot to the big man does this victory.
      Credit: segi.tv
      Thor beats Hall
      Scenes from the Dubai Duty Free Stadium.
      Big ending from Thor as he grew with even round.
      And he wants to go again!
      Credit: SEGI.TV
      Thor thanks Eddie Hall for the punch
      Thor said: “I’d also like to thank Eddie Hall and his team for putting up a hell of a show, he gave me a hell of a battle.
      “I’ve never been dropped in training, so hats off to him. He really can punch. He wasn’t lying! But today, I feel technique won.” 
      More from Thor
      Thor said after the big win that is long running feud with Eddie Hall is not finally settled…
      Thor said: “On my behalf. Understandably he seemed a bit angry still. He lost the fight so it’s understandable as well.  
      “But I’m happy,  if he wants the rematch I’ll take a rematch no problem. Would you guys like to see a rematch.? 
      Eddie Hall yet to speak
      We’re yet to hear from a devastated Eddie Hall.
      But you’ve got to think the judges were right there.
      Just couldn’t put Thor away after that first round flurry.
      Thor on boxing career
      Thor says he still wants to keep boxing.
      The Mountain said: “I’m loving the training, I’m loving the sport.”
      Thor speaks on rematch
      Thor said: “If he wants the rematch, no problem.”
      Thor says the pair’s feud is not fully over…
      Thor holds the Titan belt
      Thor all smiles as he celebnrates his triumph.
      Thor said: “It feels amazing.
      “This is for my whole team.”
      Thor wins
      By a unanimous decision! Thor wins 57-54 on ALL judges scorecards.
      Thor has done it!
      Hall looks crestfallen but that was a deserved victory there.
      Hall vs Thor
      Which way will it go?
      Thor certainly boxing the better of the two, but will the judges admire Hall’s come forward style.
      No love has been lost in that ring.
      We wait for the judges scorecards imminently.
      Hall vs Thor – ROUND 6
      Thor continuing to throw the jab.
      But Hall goes for the big hayemaker again but it cuffs Thor.
      We go to the judges scorecards…
      Hall vs Thor – ROUND 6
      Hall DROPPED again with a solid right from Thor!
      Huge start to this round.
      Hall gets up quickly, but is it too quickly?
      Hall vs Thor – ROUND 6
      Here we go for the sixth and final round.
      Everything to go for…

      Hall vs Thor – ROUND 5
      Hall going for the big knockout still as we head into the final round.
      It stands at one knockdown a piece so far…
      ALL to play for in the final round.
      Hall vs Thor – ROUND 5
      Championship rounds here baby!
      Hall needs a big push but he’s going for the big swings.
      Thor working behind the jab with growing confidence.
      Hall vs Thor – ROUND 4
      Thor connects with a devastating right hand again but Hall drops back into the ropes.
      Has been a good round for the Icelandic ace here.
      Two rounds left and he’s moving very well indeed.
      Hall vs Thor – ROUND 4
      Thor tries to same combo again but this time Hall evades it.
      Thor coming on far stronger now.
      His boxing exhibitions are paying off here…
      Hall vs Thor – ROUND 3
      Hall DROPPED heavily by Thor!
      In the final 10 seconds of the third round, Thor connects with another cracking 1-2…and this time Hall goes down big time.
      The round ends as Hall beats the referees count.
      Hall vs Thor – ROUND 3
      Thor looking again to work behind the jab.
      He catches Hall early on in the round but Hall takes it well.
      And Thor catches Hall with a plush 1-2!
      Hall vs Thor – ROUND 2
      And Thor is down AGAIN!
      But this has been ruled as a push.
      And to add an even more intriguing aspect to this fight, Hall has been cut on his right eye now too from a Thor jab.
      Unreal here as we head into the third round.
      Hall vs Thor – ROUND 2
      Hall looking for the big hayemaker again but misses.
      But the Brit does then catch Thor with a jab.
      BIG round so far for Eddie.
      Hall vs Thor – ROUND 2
      Thor KNOCKED down by a solid Hall right as the second round started.
      Thor has fallen into the ropes and its counted as a knockdown!
      Its bubbling nicely here.
      Hall vs Thor – ROUND 1
      Eddie Hall started the aggressor but Thor’s jab has been a weapon in that round.
      Hall is now cut as we enter the second round.
      Hall vs Thor – ROUND 1
      In the second minute of the round, Hall lands a heavier blow!
      But Thor has continued to land the jab.
      Hall is CUT and blood is streaming down his face.
      Load more entries… More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 Bahrain Grand Prix LIVE: Hamilton MISSES out on pole, Verstappen 2nd, Leclerc tops qualifying – latest

      by

      AFTER possibly the greatest season in Formula One history, the drivers are BACK on the track for 2022 at the Bahrain Grand Prix.And Lewis Hamilton has missed out on pole for the opening race after finishign fifth in qualifying.
      Rival Max Verstappen came in second, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc starting from the top of the grid.

      TV channel: Sky Sports F1
      Live stream: Now TV
      Sunday, March 20: Bahrain Grand Prix (3pm)

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      Stay up to date with all the latest from the latest from the Bahrain Grand Prix in our live blog…
      Sainz aiming for the top
      Carlos Sainz will be hoping his starting position on the grid puts him in good stead for a podium finish tomorrow…

      Verstappen feeling upbeat about opener
      Max Verstappen is hoping to get off to a flying start in Bahrain.
      He said: “Q2 seemed good, Q3 was a bit more of a struggle but it’s alright, we’ve got a good racing car which at the end of the day is the most important thing.
      “It’s a good start to the new era. There are a few things to look into and we will try to do better next time.
      “You want to be good in qualifying but make sure the car is working in the race and it’s a bit different to some other tracks.
      “It was a really nice battle with Charles and Carlos so they did a really good job in the winter.”
      Race to the very finish
      It was a game of fine margins in Saturday’s qualifying.
      Just look at that time difference!

      Leclerc admits pole feels ‘good’
      Charles Leclerc is pinching himself after bagging pole at the Bahrain GP.
      He said: “It feels good. The last two years have been difficult for the team. We were quite hopeful this was an opportunity to be back in the front.
      “We have worked extremely well as a team to find ours in the position to fight for better places. Very happy with today. It was a very tricky qualifying session I wasn’t quite happy with my driving but managed to do that lap in Q3.
      “From the driving point, it is completely different to last year, I’ve tried many different driving styles. There’s much more to come from us.
      “It feels quite good, we were pretty sure Red Bull were going to be quicker than us. Now we need to finish the weekend on a high, it’s not going to be easy.
      “We need to focus on that and hopefully have a good race tomorrow. The race is long and anything can happen so we need to stay on it.”
      Hamilton’s positive message for teammate
      Lewis Hamilton has given George Russell words of encouragement after qualifying…

      Magnussen impresses after replacing Mazepin
      Kevin Magnussen will start the Bahrain GP in seventh place as Haas enjoyed a timely boost after ditching Russian, Nikita Mazepin.
      He said: “I’m super happy. It’s been a massive rollercoaster from getting the call from Guenther and getting surprised by that.
      “And then trying to make it happen. There was some obstacles that I had to sort out and that already a bit nervous.
      “Then getting here and driving the car for the first time and having a sore neck.
      “You hope the car is good, you never really know with Formula One testing and now here having an issue in qualifying and not thinking we could get out in Q3, what a rollercoaster.”
      Catch up on qualifying session
      Missed what happened in qualifying for the Bahrain GP?
      You can see the best bits here!

      Hamilton admits car is ‘nightmare’
      Lewis Hamilton has opened up on his latest car troubles.
      The Mercedes ace said: “I’m not saying I’m relieved, in general I’m really happy with the day compared to where we’ve been in the last two weeks.
      “It has been a bit of a nightmare to drive, but we kept working and I’m proud of everyone.
      “The guys ahead of us are in another league. In general I’m happy where we are, it’s not the front row but we will make improvements as well as we can.
      “These guys (Red Bull and Ferrari) will be going ahead, we are not in the fight with them, my battle is with the guys behind us. Their performance was quite a bit ahead of us.”
      Your first F1 season grid
      What a mouth-watering start to the new F1 season!

      Verstappen looks forward to new era
      Verstasppen was upbeat after his second place finish in qualifying.
      And he also praised ferrari drivers Leclerc and Sainz for helping to usher in a new era in the F1.
      He said: “Q2 seemed good, Q3 was a bit more of a struggle but it’s alright, we’ve got a good racing car which at the end of the day is the most important thing.
      “It’s a good start to the new era. There are a few things to look into and we will try to do better next time.
      “You want to be good in qualifying but make sure the car is working in the race and it’s a bit different to some other tracks.
      “It was a really nice battle with Charles and Carlos so they did a really good job in the winter.”
      Leclerc’s title winning chances
      Charles Leclerc is in line to win the world title this year if history is anyhting to go by.
      Leclerc takes pole position in Bahrain GP tomorrow after finishing first in qualifying today.
      And the pole position holder has gone on to win the world title on 12 occasions in the last FIFTEEN years, according to Gracenote live.
      How drivers line up
      Here’s how the drivers grid looks going into qualifying at the Bahrain GP

      Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
      Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
      Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
      Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
      Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
      Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo)
      Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
      Fernando Alonso (Alpine)
      George Russell (Mercedes)
      Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri)
      Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
      Mick Schumacher (Haas)
      Lando Norris (McLaren)
      Alexander Albon (Williams)
      Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo)
      Yuki Tsunoda (Alpha Tauri)
      Nico Hulkenberg (Aston Martin)
      Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren)
      Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
      Nicholas Latifi (Williams)

      Hamilton speaks on finish
      Lewis Hamilton refused to give up despite finsihing in fifth spot in qualifying.
      Hamilton was only a spectactor in the proceedings that saw Leclerc clinch a narrow victory over Verstappen and Sainz.
      But Hamilotn vowed to keep pushing despite his lowly finish going into the Bahrain GP.
      Lewis: “That’s a great effort guys, keep our heads down and continue to push.” 💪— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) March 19, 2022

      Sainz praises Leclerc
      Leclerc’s team-mate Sainz has congratulated him for his pole position finish in qualifying for the Bahrain GP.
      Sainz said to Sky Sports: “There was an extra tenth that Charles managed to extract there at the end.
      “I’m quite happy with the progress I’ve done throughout the weekend.
      “To be even fighting for the pole position today was good news for me.
      “I think Charles has been ahead the whole weekend and he deserved the pole position, and the team did such a great job.”
      Verstappen on Q3 finish
      Max Verstappen has opened up aboout his second place finish in the Q3.
      He said to Sky Sports: “I think it was a bit hit and miss. Q2 seemed quite good but Q3 it was more of a struggle to get the balance together.
      “We have a good race car, which at the end of the day is the most important.
      “Here you want to be good in qualifying of course but you also really want to make sure your car is working for the race, because the tyres are really struggling a lot more there and it’s a bit different to some other tracks.”
      Leclerc speaks
      Charles Leclerc has expressed his joy after clinching top spot for the Bahrain GP tomorrow.
      He said to Sky Sports: “It feels good. The last two years have been incredibly difficult for the team.
      “We were quite hopeful that this new opportunity for us was an opportunity to be back in the front.
      “And I think we have worked extremely well as a team to find ourself again in a position to fight for better places.”
      Q3 final standings

      Charles Leclerc
      Max Verstappen
      Carlos Sainz
      Sergio Perez
      Lewis Hamilton
      Valtteri Bottas
      Kevin Magnussen
      Fernando Alonso
      George Russell
      Pierre Gasly

      Leclerc nicks it!
      Ferrari’s Leclerc has stormed to victory in qualifying for the Bahrain GP.
      Verstappen ends it in second while Carlos Sainz is in third.
      And Lewis Hamilton ended tQ3 in fifth behind Sergio Perez in P4.
      How it’s going for Hamilton
      Hamilton’s just ahead of his Mercedes team-mate Russell.
      But the Brit’s 1.4secs behind leader Sainz.
      Boh Mercedes drivers are using soft tyres.
      Top three selected
      Verstappen’s behind Leclerc in second and Sainz in first.
      But there’s only 0.056 separating the top three at present!
      What a thrilling race.
      Veerstappen shocker
      Verstappen’s ended his first run in third!
      He’s behind both Ferrari drivers and Carlos Sainz is on provisional pole.
      But there’s still over five minutes of qualifying left.
      Q3 underway!
      It’s time for the pole shootout for the first time this season!
      Verstappen’s in pole position but Ferraris’s drivers will be a threat to the world champion.
      We’ll see if Verstappen can hold it together over the next 12 minutes.
      Full overview of Q3 standings

      Verstappen
      Sainz
      Leclerc
      Perez
      Hamilton
      Russell
      Magnussen
      Alonso
      Gasly
      Bottas

      How things shape-up in Q3
      Max Verstappen has finished in pole position going into Q3 with a time faster than Sainz by 0.030s – and a tenth from Charles Leclerc.
      Sergio Perez was two-tenths off in fourth.
      And Hamilton improved to end Q2 in fifth position, 0.3secs behind Verstappen.
      It’s all over for Norris
      Lando Norris has bowed out in Q2 and will join McLaren team-mate Daniel Ricciardo on the side-lines for Q3.
      The racers joining Norris will be;

      Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
      Mick Schumacher (Haas)
      Lando Norris (McLaren)
      Alexander Albon (Williams)
      Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo)

      Load more entries… More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      David Avanesyan vs Oskari Metz LIVE RESULTS: Stream, TV channel and updates for boxing at Wembley Arena – latest

      by

      LIVE boxing graces Wembley Arena tonight in London as David Avanesyan takes on Oskari Metz in a welterweight clash. Elsewhere on the card, Hamzah Sheeraz is up against Jez Smith while prospects Dennis McCann and Karol Ituama are also in action.

      Start time: 7pm GMT
      TV/Live stream: BT Sport 3

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      Sheeraz wins by KO R2
      Sheeraz lands a violent right hook that collapses Smith into the deck.
      The Londoner again tries to beat the count but the towel comes in and the ref waves it off.
      Sheeraz looks a dangerous man up at middleweight.
      Smith down – R1
      Sheeraz scores with a three-punch combo.
      But then a brutal left hook drops Smith to the canvas.
      The tough Harrow man beats the count but is clipped again right on the bell.
      Sheeraz has a 10-8 round to warm-up.
      Sheeraz vs Smith – R1
      Smith enters to Red Hot Chilli Peppers and he will have to be tasty tonight to deny Sheeraz a 15th straight win.
      Ilford’s Sheeraz gets a big roar as his fanbase grows.
      But Smith’s willingness to take on any challenge has earned him the ‘Can-Man’ nickname.
      Main event now with Hamzah Sheeraz
      The former super-welter prospect makes the step up to middle against Jez Smith.
      Smith is from fighting stock and has asked serious questions of European level fighters.
      Sheeraz, 22, will not walk through his latets obstacle to reach 15-0.
      Avanesyan wins TKO – R1
      Metz gets off to a violent start, showing the champ no respect and looping in hooks.
      Ava sucks most of the blows up on his high guard and lashes out on the counter.
      Metz down after a ruthless right hook starts off a combination.
      The Helsinki man gets up but he is finishes and the ref makes a great call.
      David Avanesyan vs Oskari Metz
      Armenia’s European champion ‘Ava’ now defends against his Finish challenger.
      Avanesyan wants a world title shot and has earned it with recent performances.
      Metz is 15-0 – with 5 KOs – but Ava is expected to slice through him in impressive fashion.
      Barney-Smith wins
      Final round now.
      RBS stalks his prey all over the ring and goes through his full range of shots but cannot get the stoppage.
      Martinez is a great debut test for Sugar Boy who should get a 40-36 shut-out from the scoring ref.
      And he does.
      Barney-Smith vs Martinez – R3
      Martinez is knocked into the ropes with a booming bodyshot.
      Then he revisits the ropes from a straight-left to the skull.
      But the underdog still refuses to hit the deck.
      RBS close to his first knockdown there but he is facing a touch customer on his pro bow.
      Barney-Smith vs Martinez – R2
      Sugar Boy Roy touches the canvas but the ref rules it a slip.
      The 18-year-old lands a string of flashy shots, bolos and screws, but his Spanish journeyman is not interested in an early night.
      RBS has two rounds in the bank and plenty of experience.
      Barney-Smith vs Martinez – R1
      RBS lands a couple of heavy left hands but also takes a couple of rights to officially welcome him to the pro code.
      The Brit teen’s jab is like an arrow and he likes to target the body, showing his maturity.
      Martinez does well to survive and throws back so this is far from over…
      Royston Barney-Smith vs Adan Martinez
      Southampton’s 18-year-old sensation Royston Barney-Smith makes his pro debut now.
      The right-handed southpaw is tipped for greatness after cancelling his Olympic dream to get paid on the pro game.
      Ben Davison is now in his corner too.
      Noakes wins KO – R4
      Noakes floors his man and Finiello refuses to rise.
      Three slashing hooks to the body lowered the Italian’s guard.
      So Noakes showed off his skill, power and IQ, with a ruthless uppercut that scythed up and flattened out his foe.
      Noakes vs Finiello – R3
      Noakes enjoys a bit more composure in his hunt for the Italian.
      But the southpaw remains an elusive target.
      Noakes has still not been hurt but he has also failed to land anything serious.
      Closer round shared here.
      Noakes vs Finiello – R2
      Finiello is dropped but it is rightly ruled a slip by the referee.
      Noakes is finding the southpaw tricky.
      Noakes – nicknamed Midge – keeps trying to land his hammerof-a-right hand but the Italian is evading it wisely.
      Two in the bank for Noakes.
      Noakes vs Finiello – R1
      Maidstone banger Sam Noakes looks to make it NINE KOs from NINE professional fights now.
      Vincenzo Finiello has a hard job trying to stop the violent 24-year-old.
      Noakes lands a left uppercut that appears to lift the Italian off his feet but he is not hurt.
      Noakes banks the opener by spending every second on the march and landing a couple of digs.
      McCann wins UD
      All three ringside judges call it: 79-73 to the Maidstone prospect.
      The Brit has just come back from injury so deserves a tune-up win like that.
      And our high expectations might be weighing a bit heavy for now.
      12-0 now for Dennis ‘The Menace’.
      McCann vs Tondo – R8
      Final round now and the tough pair touch gloves as a mark of respect.
      Tondo scores with a combination but McCann is not hurt.
      McCann rifles straight shots back to swing the round back in his favour.
      And the bell goes to end the action. Expect a unanimous decision for McCann but no landslide.
      McCann vs Tondo – R7
      Tondo stumbles off balance and McCann tries to pounce as he bounces off the ropes.
      But the African is tremendously tough and keeps on throwing.
      A McCann right hook stings Tondo and he stumbles again but refuses to fold.
      Tondo looks close to collapse, mouthguard dangling from his bloodied mouth. Another thrilling rounds ends.
      McCann vs Tondo – R6
      McCanbn’s defence improves but Tondo keeps harrassing him and landing.
      McCann hurts him though ithe final few seconds and Tondo wobbles but does not fall.
      A fizzing end to the stanza as both pocket rockets fire off a Hail Mary shots looking for a last-gasp KO.
      McCann vs Tondo – R5
      Tondo shoud nick this round with the judges.
      The flyweight underdog has clippde the bantamweight world title prospect with half-a-dozen flush shots.
      McCann needs to step-it up quickly to avoid anything embarrassing like a shock draw on the cards.
      McCann vs Tondo – R4
      The two southpaw’s are still going at it, McCann looking for a highlight reel KO, while Tondon wants to catch him with anything.
      McCann not putting the combinations together to finish this early.
      Tondo has not won a round but a decision win for McCann will not strike fear into his domestic rivals.
      McCann vs Tondo – R3
      Tondo enjoys some success at the start of the third, tagging backtracking McCann a couple of times.
      But the Englishman regains his cool and his control of the bout.
      McCann ends the stanza peppering Tondo with shots but the Tanzania tough-guy will not fold.
      McCann vs Tondo – R2
      McCann throws a haymaker and loses his balances, almost falls over but Tondo fails to pounce.
      Tondo gets clipped and covers up while McCann unloads a flurry on his guard.
      Not enough jabbing or patience from the Englishman, everything a bit rushed so far. But two McCann rounds in the bank.
      McCann vs Tondo – R1
      Dennis ‘The Menace’ McCann takes on Charles Tondo in the bantamweight division now.
      McCann is one of Frank Warren’s hotest prospects with a long southpaw stance and wicked punches.
      Tondo is usually a flyweight so this contest should not ask the Englishman too many questions.
      McCann stalks his prey and aims left-handed power punches at him but Tondo survives the opener.
      Chamberlain wins – R6
      Before the sixth can even start, the bout is waved off.
      Ofori’s corner appears to have pulled their man out of the firing line.
      Chamberlain was teeing off on him and it looked like it was taking its toll on Ofori.
      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Middlesbrough vs Chelsea LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for FA Cup quarter-final tie

      by

      CHELSEA will visit Middlesbrough in the quarter-final of the FA Cup TODAY, with Boro looking to upset another Premier League outfit.Middlesbrough have beaten Premier League opposition twice already in the FA Cup, after overcoming Manchester United and Tottenham so far.
      Romelu Lukaku was the hero as Chelsea won away at Luton Town in the last round.Credit: Getty
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Chelsea have been the topic of conversation for many lately, after the sale of the club and government sanctions have left many at the club wondering what is next.
      Thomas Tuchel is pleased that the team can fly to Middlesbrough rather than take a six-hour coach trip, after a deal was reached with the UK government.
      But the West Londoners will have only a few hundred away fans rather than their full allocation of over four thousand, as they have not been able to sell tickets since sanctions were imposed.
      .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More on the FA Cup.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Chelsea bidder Nick Candy EXCLUSIVE, Tuchel distances himself from FA Cup plea
      What time does Middlesbrough vs Chelsea kick-off?

      Middlesbrough kick-off against Chelsea at 17:15pm UK time on Saturday, March 19.
      The game is at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough.
      Tickets to the game are sold out, and there are expected to be around 500 Chelsea fans.

      What channel is it on and can it be live- streamed?

      Middlesbrough vs Chelsea will be shown live on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 4:50pm.
      The game is available to live stream for FREE on the BBCiPlayer and BBC Sport website.

      Can I watch it for FREE?

      The game is FREE to watch on BBC One.
      It can be streamed for free on the BBCiPlayer app or BBC Sport website.

      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in FA Cup.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      Team news
      Thomas Tuchel gave an update on the Chelsea team news in his press conference earlier today, he confirmed that Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Andreas Christensen are all doubts for The Blues.
      For Boro, there is no fresh concerns with regards to inujry, but James Lea Siliki is a doubt following a recent illness.
      Odds

      Middlesbrough – 11/2
      Draw – 16/5
      Chelsea – 1/2

      Odds are courtesy of Betfair, and correct at the time of publication.
      Wilder: No sympathy for Chelsea
      Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder stoked the FA Cup flames ahead of today’s quarter-final with Chelsea by saying he has no sympathy for the troubled club.
      The Boro boss was discussing the current restrictions imposed on the Premier League outfit yesterday, and reckons that the outcry over the decision is unwarranted considering the real difficulties that others have faced in recent years.
      He said: “I agree with the sanctions. I think everybody understands why they were put in place. For me, the noise that’s been coming out of it is misguided.
      “The club is not in jeopardy, is it? It’s not a situation like a Macclesfield or a Bury that we’ve seen in the football pyramid. Those things shouldn’t have happened.
      “This is an iconic football club, but if we all know our football, we know what position they were in 25 years ago or so. It’s the same with Manchester City. I remember playing those clubs in the late 80s, and they’ve been transformed.
      “Somebody comes into your football club, invests hundreds of millions of pounds, and turns it into the club that Chelsea is today – serial trophy-winning teams, world-class managers and players, world-class infrastructure, a women’s team that wins everything, a youth team and academy that is the best in the country and wins the Youth Cup.
      “In the football world, I don’t think there’s an incredible amount of sympathy over what’s happening really. I don’t think Chelsea supporters would expect that either. It’ll be a short period before the takeover, and Chelsea will go again, and go from strength to strength.”

      Leisurely stroll before banana skin tie
      Chelsea’s stars enjoyed a pre-match walk around Middlesbrough after being granted special permission to fly to the north-east.
      Sanctions slapped on the Blues mean they are limited to £20,000-per-game in travel expenses.
      Thomas Tuchel’s squad originally faced a gruelling ten-hour round trip to the Riverside, but club chiefs worked behind the scenes to have their license tweaked to allow a plane to be chartered for the clash.
      And after managing to do just that the Blues enjoyed their free time before the game with a leisurely stroll around the town.
      Credit: BACKGRID
      Boro 11/2 for third cup shock
      Middlesbrough have already dispatched Manchester United and Tottenham in this season’s FA Cup, and the bookies have priced them up at a generous 11/2 to add troubled Chelsea to that list inside 90 minutes.

      Middlesbrough win 11/2
      Draw 29/10
      Chelsea win 1/2

      The tie will be settled today, even if it takes extra-time and penalties, and these are the prices for either side to reach the semi-final.

      Middlesbrough to qualify 31/10
      Chelsea to qualify 2/9

      Odds from Betfair correct at the time of post publication.
      Good afternoon from The Riverside
      Welcome to the north-east for live Sun Sport coverage of the FA Cup quarter-final clash between Middlesbrough and Chelsea.
      Having already knocked out Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, the fans of Middlesbrough are turning up in their thousands to see if their team can shock another of the Premier League’s so-called Big Six by sending Chelsea the same way.
      And there will be no Blues supporters in attendance to cheer on the eight-time winners after sanctions blocked the West London club from selling any tickets.
      Kick-off is set for 5.15pm, and we’ll soon have confirmation of the two teams as part of our pre-match build-up.

      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea bidder Nick Candy EXCLUSIVE, Tuchel distances himself from Boro FA Cup plea, Havertz’ classy gesture – updates

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL has distanced himself from Chelsea’s appeal to the FA to play their Cup tie at Middlesbrough behind closed doors.After the Blues board were condemned, following an attempt to make the case the game should be played in front of no fans, Tuchel has backed a U-turn.
      The German said: “I think the proposal was withdrawn and it was absolutely the right thing to do, because that was from our side and hopefully it was not meant like this.”
      And under the terms and conditions of their latest restriction, it states that Chelsea are unable to sell tickets until a takeover has been complete.
      As a result, the Blues are asking for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors.
      Meanwhile, Kai Havert has revealed that he is willing to fund his own travel for the away fixture.
      Keep reading to find out more on the situation surrounding Chelsea’s ownership problems.

      All you need for Cheltenham Festival 2022

      Follow ALL of the latest updates and transfer gossip from Stamford Bridge right here…
      I’m feeling Grea-t
      Jack Grealish has opened up on his move to Man City.
      Speaking to the club’s press, Grealish said: “Yeah, It’s been good and I’ve enjoyed it.
      “It’s been a lot more difficult than I thought it would be in terms of on the pitch and off the pitch, moving to a new city and so on.
      “It’s been different, but I knew that it was going to be like that. I knew that it was going to be me stepping out of my comfort zone, but I’ve enjoyed it.
      “I think that’s what life’s all about — experiencing different things — and I’ve certainly done that.”
      Chelsea squad go on stroll
      Chelsea stars enjoyed a pre-match stroll around Middlesbrough after being granted special permission to fly to the North East.
      Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta led the players around next to a smiling N’Golo Kante.
      Mason Mount kindly stopped and posed for selfies with fans, and gave a big thumbs up to the camera.

      Ronaldinho understands PSG’s boo-boys
      Barcelona and PSG legend Ronaldinho has condemned the actions of fans who booed Messi and Neymar.
      When speaking to Fox Sports, the Brazilian said: “It’s one of those moments when the fans were sad because they have a big team with all these great players.
      “It’s difficult, in such a short amount of time, for everything to go well and for everything to be perfect.
      “But I think that all these great players who play together, will do something very good.”
      What a Mess
      Lionel Messi is set to miss out on Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash with Monaco due to illness.
      PSG have confirmed that the star will not make the trip to Monaco due to a flu-like illness which has kept him out of action for the past 48 hours.
      Messi has not had the best season since arriving in Paris, despite recording 18 goal contributions in 26 games.
      The winger has been plagued with various injury issues, and hasn’t reached the potential he consistently displayed whilst at Barcelona.
      Inter eye Cavani
      Inter Milan are said to be eyeing a transfer swoop for Man United star Edinson Cavani.
      Inter want to bolster their attack and reckon Cavani’s experience could be vital.
      According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter will swoop for Cavani this summer when his contract with United expires.
      Sir Broughton’s Chelsea plans
      Sir Martin Broughton has outlined his plans to keep the Blues at the summit of English football and to keep Thoma Tuchel in charge if he takes over.
      Broughton’s part of a consortium along with Lord Sebastian Coe who want to buy the Blues from Abramovich.
      Broughton told talkSPORT: “Do the fans want Thomas Tuchel to stay? Absolutely, they want him to stay.
      “There isn’t a Chelsea fan around that I know who would suggest any other solution. That will finish up being down to Tuchel but there’s only one position we’ll be taking.
       “Philosophically, we support the Financial Fair Play approach to football. Once those rules are determined again, we will commit to keeping within the rules. But we have the money.
      “We have the commitment and we are determined to keep the club where it is.
      “I don’t want to be, and none of the guys in the team want to be, the guy who took the club from where it is today to mediocrity. We’re not interested in doing that and making a bit of money. That’s not the name of the game. We want to stay right at the top.”
      Ronaldo to stay with United
      Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to play for Manchester United next season, according to reports.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is set to see out the final year of his contract at Old Trafford, even if the Red Devils are not in the Champions League.
      According to Spanish outlet AS, Ronaldo is confident that the right managerial replacement will be appointed when Ralf Rangnick leaves the club at the end of the season.
      Gary Neville’s Chelsea warning
      Gary Neville has argued that Chelsea need ‘smart owners’ if they want to continue winning trophies.
      Neville sent a stern warning to any prospective Chelsea owners on Friday, just as the deadline for bids had passed.
      When speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “The new ownership could set Chelsea back because Roman Abramovich and the people he’s had operating the club have been fantastic owners with respect to what they’ve done in terms of winning.
      “They’ve been a success machine for the last 10-20 years.
      “That doesn’t just come with money, we’ve seen at Manchester United and Arsenal where they’ve put billions into the team and not had the success that Chelsea have had.
      “Chelsea can feel comfortable that they’ll have rich owners, but will they have football smart owners? Because that’s what Abramovich has been.
      “For all of the talk over the last few weeks, all the sanctions, the distasteful end to his reign, he has been a pretty impressive football operator and he probably doesn’t get the credit for it because other people operate the club.
      “But he sets the tone, you can’t just take it away from the fact that he is the owner.”
      Henderson on Liverpool/Benfica clash
      Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson admits that Benfica will give the Reds a tough challenge in the Champions League quarter-finals.
      Henderson said ahead of the European clash: “We’re glad to be in the quarter-finals. It’s always going to be tough, to be honest, no matter who you get, so I don’t really look too much at that.
      “Whoever we get, we concentrate on that and we give it everything like we always do.
      “Benfica will obviously be another difficult opponent, they knocked Ajax out of the last round, who I think were unbeaten up until that point and away from home as well they won.
      “So it’ll be a tough test for us again but it always is in the Champions League, especially in the knockout rounds.”
      Roma fans love Abraham
      Roma have fallen in love with ex-Chelsea star Tammy Abraham as he edges closer to breaking a club record.
      Since arriving at the club he has registered an impressive 25 goal contributions in 39 appearances.
      His last-minute equaliser against Vitesse on Thursday has put him level with local legends Vincenzo Montella and Gabriel Batistuta for the most goals scored in a debut season.
      Abraham has received high praise from Roma fans since finding his form.
      They have even invented a brand new chant for the star – “Tre Punti Tammy” – which means “Tammy Three Points”.
      Man United chase Milenkovic
      Manchester United have got eyes on Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic this summer, reports claim.
      The Serb’s contract is up with the Serie A side in 2023, and United are said to be monitoring his situation closely.
      According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Red Devils United scouts went to watch the centre-back last weekend during Fiorentina’s clash against Bologna.
      Conte praises Kulusevski
      Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has praised Dejan Kulusevski for the impact he’s made since joining from Juventus in January.
      Conte said, reported by The Athletic: “We are talking about an important prospect. He is very young, only 21 years old and despite his young age, he has good experience with the national team.
      “To play with Juventus for one year and a half, you understand what it means to live with pressure. Probably he could ‘crack’ in the future.
      “Also because I can see the intensity, the will and the desire to play. As everyday in training session he is a type of player in his mind to become a top player in his career.
      “While I am his manager, I try to help him to improve and believe. For sure, he is an important prospect for the present and for the future.
      “He has to continue in this way he has been one month and a half. He has improved physically, tactically and his mentality.”
      De Gea ‘omitted’ from Spain team
      David De Gea appears to have been left out of Spain’s latest squad as he does not fit with his country’s style of play.
      His nation will play friendlies against Albania and Iceland at the end of this month.
      And despite De Gea being Man Utd’s standout man this season, he has been left out of Luis Enrique’s 23-man squad.
      Spain’s Euro 2020 starter, Athletic Bilbao shot stopper Unai Simon, and Premier League duo Robert Sanchez and David Raya have all been called up.
      Sweeper keeper Raya, who has never represented Spain at any level, has been rewarded for keeping five clean sheets in 15 games in his debut Premier League season with Brentford.
      And it appears his passing abilities have led to him being included over De Gea.
      Rudiger agrees to Juventus transfer
      Antonio rudgier is allegedly set to sign a four-year contract with Juventus.
      Chelsea’s German defender, 29, becomes a free agent in June when his current deal expires.
      Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were all monitoring the situation.
      However, a fresh report has claimed that Rudiger’s future is now sorted.
      La Gazzetta dello Sport states that the star has said “yes” to a move to the Bianconeri.
      He will sign a four-year deal with the Serie A giants as he prefers a move there over Madrid and Bayern.
      Rudiger will pocket around £5.4 million per season in Italy.
      Abramovich to decide Chelsea’s future
      Roman Abramovich may be sanctioned by the UK government, but he still has the final say in who he sells Chelsea to.
      Abramovich, who has been banned as a director by the Premier League, cannot make a single penny from selling the West London outfit.
      However he remains in charge of the key decision in deciding who will become Chelsea’s next owner.
      The Russian oligarch has received a £2billion-plus offer from property tycoon and lifelong Blues fan Nick Candy.
      Speaking to SunSport, Candy said: “Although it’s a sanctioned club, Roman gets the decision on where it goes.
      “People might not like that, but it’s his club still – it’s sanctioned – but it’s his club.”

      Four finger Dan Burns
      Dan Burn has been one of the key men behind Newcastle United’s revival in recent weeks.
      The defender moved to the then relegation-threatened Toon from Brighton in January for £13million.
      And the 6ft 7in star has been in fine form – although some of his new fan base were shocked to see he is missing a finger!
      The former Fulham ace lost his ring finger following an accident when he was a teenager.
      The incident occurred when he was just 13, according to The Free Library.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL
      Good Morning, Chelsea fans
      It’s game day!
      Chelsea will visit Middlesbrough in the quarter-final of the FA Cup tomorrow, with Boro looking to upset another Premier League outfit.
      Middlesbrough have beaten Premier League opposition twice already in the FA Cup, after overcoming Manchester United and Tottenham so far.
      Thomas Tuchel is pleased that the team can fly to Middlesbrough rather than take a six-hour coach trip, after this was in jeopardy after the sanctions which mean limited fans will be in attendance.
      The Blues will be hoping that it is business as usual in the Quarter-Finals, but will face a tough test against a Boro’ side that have proved they can do it against the big boys.
      Kick-off is at 17:15pm.
      Candy speaks on dad’s love for Chelsea
      Candy told SunSport: “I’ve been going since my dad first took me.
      “He said I was four although I can remember going to games when I was seven or eight – and that it was quite scary then with fans standing up around me. 
      “I watched it through the years from Ruud Gullit and Luca Vialli and others. 
      “John Terry and Frank Lampard are friends of mine. I have photos of me and my dad down at the training ground with John and Frank.
      “Dad died in 2013 and we had his memorial service at Brompton Oratory with the actual party afterwards in the South Stand at Stamford Bridge. 
      “I asked Roman for permission for us to use the pitch and he let us have a marching band singing Chelsea songs and then we scattered half my dad’s ashes on the Stamford Bridge pitch. 
      “My dad was a massive fan and of course a massive part of my life if before and now and hopefully he is looking down on me. ”
      Candy’s dad’s ashes were scattered on Stamford Bridge pitch
      Nick Candy has revealed his dad’s ashes were scattered on the Stamford Bridge pitch.
      The Brit businessman and property developer has an emotional attachment to the club, and the memories to back it up.
      He has the vision, too. 
      And if Candy and his consortium do win the fight to win Roman Abramovich’s shares, they have vowed to ensure the WHOLE club is brought into the new world of football.
      But it is that private bond with the club he was first taken to watch by his father at the age of four that makes this bid one with something deeper at its heart than just the desire to own a Premier League giant.
      What Candy said
      For doubtful supporters questioning whether Candy would be willing to replicate the Abramovich approach which has brought 19 major trophies in 19 years, he told SunSport: “On the pitch and in the transfer market, it’s simple  – follow the model. 
      “It’s not failed us and it’s done really well.
      “The last 20 years have been brilliant on the pitch. We’ve played glorious football, won everything, and Roman has done an incredible job with his team. 
      Credit: Getty
      “If I got hold of the club I wouldn’t change Bruce Buck and Marina Granovskaia.
      “And if they want it to stay I would love them to stay. Why change something that is brilliant?
      “But I don’t think we should end up like Manchester United where we have one rich family that owns Chelsea and there should be a new benchmark of owning football clubs.
      “Why does there have to be one rich family that the fans end up hating because they don’t invest?
      “It should be a global consortium of the best-in-class in every part of the world.
      “We have European and American fans so why doesn’t the consortium come from each continent? And that’s what I’ve tried to do with my bid.”
      Candy to keep spending
      Nick Candy has pledged to keep spending if he wins the race to buy Chelsea.
      The London property developer made his Blue Football Consortium’s £2bn-plus offer for Roman Abramovich’s club before Friday night’s deadline.
      Candy promised his “global consortium”, backed by cash from the USA, Europe and South Korean, was serious about delivering a “new model” of ownership.
      He also vowed to put his fellow Blues fans “heart and centre” of the club, with a role in the board and decision-making process.
      So far the only revealed backer of Candy’s bid is Korean financial company Hana, although he promised the identity of the other money man, including one “very wealthy” Brit and investors in US NBA and NFL franchises, would be revealed next week.
      Middlesbrough vs Chelsea info
      Chelsea kick-off against Middlesbrough at 17:15pm UK time on Saturday, March 19.
      The game is at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough.
      Tickets to the game are sold out, and there are expected to be around 500 Chelsea fans.
      Middlesbrough vs Chelsea will be shown live on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 4:50pm.
      The game is available to live stream for FREE on the BBCiPlayer and BBC Sport website.
      FA Cup quarter-final preview
      Chelsea will visit Middlesbrough in the quarter-final of the FA Cup tomorrow, with Boro looking to upset another Premier League outfit.
      Middlesbrough have beaten Premier League opposition twice already in the FA Cup, after overcoming Manchester United and Tottenham so far.
      Chelsea have been the topic of conversation for many lately, after the sale of the club and government sanctions have left many at the club wondering what is next.
      Thomas Tuchel is pleased that the team can fly to Middlesbrough rather than take a six-hour coach trip, after this was in jeopardy after the sanctions which mean limited fans will be in attendance.
      The Blues will be hoping that it is business as usual in the Quarter-Finals, but will face a tough test against a Boro’ side that have proved they can do it against the big boys.
      Alternative potential line up for FA Cup
      You may have read our predicted line up below, with Thomas Tuchel expected to line-up strong as Chelsea look to win some silverware.
      But alternatively, the German boss could use this game as a chance to tinker.
      Lukaku could start up top and Hakim Ziyech may start on the right-hand side.
      And Ruben Loftus-Cheek may also be handed minutes to impress.

      Boro to donate proceeds from Chelsea clash to Ukraine war aid
      Middlesbrough have announced they will donate a share of the proceeds from this weekend’s FA Cup tie against Chelsea to charitable causes in Ukraine.
      The Championship side are expecting a sell-out of around 34,000 fans for Saturday evening’s game.
      And Boro have generously revealed they will donate a share of their gate receipts to humanitarian aid in Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.
      Middlesbrough have already been awarded 3,200 additional tickets meant for Chelsea fans after the Blues were banned from selling them.
      Blues chiefs had pleaded with the Government to allow them to have some supporters on Teesside.
      However, the FA confirmed Chelsea had agreed to withdraw their outrageous appeal in a U-turn after Middlesbrough promised to ‘resist Chelsea’s actions in the strongest terms.’
      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 Bahrain Grand Prix LIVE: Qualifying UNDERWAY as Hamilton struggles in F1 season opener in Bahrain – latest

      by

      AFTER possibly the greatest season in Formula One history, the drivers are BACK on the track for 2022 at the Bahrain Grand Prix.World champ Max Verstappen is hoping to retain the title he won in thrilling fashion last year.
      But of course Lewis Hamilton is still hoping to win what would be a record driver’s world title.

      TV channel: Sky Sports F1
      Live stream: Now
      Saturday, March 19: Qualifying (3pm)
      Sunday, March 19: Bahrain Grand Prix (3pm)

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      Stay up to date with all the latest from the latest from the Bahrain Grand Prix in our live blog…
      Q1 standings

      Leclerc
      Sainz
      Verstappen
      Bottas
      Magnussen
      Ocon
      Gasly
      Norris
      Russell
      Hamilton
      Perez
      Alonso
      Schumacher
      Zhou
      Albon

      Reaction to Ricciardo’s failure
      McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl has reacted to Daniel Ricciardo’s failure to make it out of Q1.
      He said: “I think we just saw the result of everything that happened in the last seven-eight days.
      “I think he was on the back foot from the beginning going into this weekend after missing out on the test last week, then he lost additional time yesterday with the water leak that we had, so it was always difficult challenge for him today.
      “In addition, we just struggled really, all weekend with the pace of the car. I think that’s a result of all the fire-fighting we’ve had to do.”
      Alfa Romeo progress
      Alfa Romeo have got both drivers through with Bottas impressing in P4.
      Magnussen has finished in fifth while Schumacher clinches P13 .
      Some big upsets in Q1

      Hamilton is only fifth-quickest
      First flying runs done and I will say it again. Mercedes have work to do!
      Russell is down in 11th place. Surely they will both get into Q2 at the very least.
      Max looking unstoppable
      Yes, it is early days, but he has smashed in an early lap to go 1.1 seconds clear. Staggering.
      We are go in Bahrain
      Alex Albon is first out in his Williams. He has plenty of work to do this season.
      No going back
      Haas had no option but to drop Russian driver Nikita Mazepin after Putin invaded Russia.
      That’s according to Haas’ team principal Guenther Steiner.
      He said: “The criticism, the sanction all together, it didn’t work out any more.
      “We made it [the decision] as a team and always with the background of what is best for the team.
      “Because the biggest asset here is the team, with all the people we employ here, all the people who work here, we cannot put that at risk.”
      Ferrari chief’s delight
      Ferrari chief Mattia Binotto is happy with his team’s performance since last year.
      He said to Sky Italia: “For sure it made a step forward compared to last year. We have to wait for qualifying tomorrow when everyone will push at the limit,” he explained.
      “So today’s indications are not a final result yet. But it’s a good sign, then in qualifying we will all unleash full power and we will see where we will be.
      “The testing showed we could be fast, as well as they showed Red Bull were fast too, maybe even more than us.”
      F1’s Abu Dhabi admission
      Formula One have confirmed that the controversy which decided Max Verstappen’s remarkable title win over Lewis Hamilton was caused by ‘human error’.
      The FIA, the sport’s governing body, finally released their report into the dramatic finale in Abu Dhabi las year.
      And while they admitted errors were made, it has been determined that race director Michael Masi acted in ‘good faith’.
      They also insist that the result for the race and Verstappen’s championship triumph was ‘valid’ and will stand.
      Hamilton writes off Mercedes’ chances
      Lewis Hamilton has ruled out a win for Mercedes at the Bahrain GP.
      The Brit admitted that his Mercedes team will just be there to make up the numbers as Red bull are far superior at the moment.
      Hamilton said: “I am just realistic. We are not going to be in the race for a win here.
      “The Red Bulls are a long way ahead, it is in the region of 0.8-0.9secs ahead of us and Ferrari are something like 0.6secs ahead of us. We are fighting with whoever is behind them.”
      Top 10 finish
      Here’s how the top ten finished in the final practice round this afternoon.
      Hamilton could only muster a sixth spot finish.
      And the Brit could only helplessly watch on as Verstappen cruised to another practice round win.
      Hamilton’s team-mate Russell fared a bit better and finished the race in fourth.

      Max Verstappen – 1:32.544
      Charles Leclerc – +0.096
      Sergio Perez – +0.247
      George Russell – +0.391
      Carlos Sainz – +0.509
      Lewis Hamilton – +0.577
      Kevin Magnussen – +0.893
      Valtteri Bottas – +1.189
      Guanyu Zhou – +1.336
      Lance Stroll – +1.376

      Verstappen wins!
      Verstappen has stormed to victory once again in the FP3.
      And he was followed closely by Leclerc in an identical finish to yesterday’s second practice.
      Perez, Russell, Sainz and Hamilton compile the rest of the top six.
      Close call
      Alpine driver Fernando Alonso narrowly avoids a crash with Carlos Sainz.
      Alonso was forced to slam on the brakes to avoid Sainz who emerged into his path.
      Pitstop for Max
      Verstappen’s been forced into a pit stop due to a tyre issue.
      Verstappen’s crew are tending the front left tyre that seems to be giving him problems.
      Views from the top
      Here’s how the top five looks with just five minutes left to go.
      There’s no sign of Hamilton as Verstappen and Leclerc battle it out for pole position.

      Max Verstappen – 1:32.544
      Charles Leclerc – +0.096
      Sergio Perez – +0.247
      George Russell – +0.391
      Carlos Sainz – +0.509

      Verstappen retains top spot
      Verstappen has made sure Russell’s lead is short-lived and reclaims the top spot.
      The Dutch ace has got a time of 1:32.544.
      And now there’s only 0.096 between him and Leclerc.
      Russell takes the lead
      George Russell has turned the race on its head and has stormed into the top spot.
      The Mercedes driver gets a time of 1:32.935- tenth clear of Verstappen,.
      Ferrari’s Sainz is in third while Hamilton’s in fourth.
      Not going well for McLaren
      Mclaren are having a tough FP3 with Norris languishing in 14th on the softs.
      Ricciardo isn’t doing much better and is in 17th spot behind Norris.
      It comes after he missed three test days last week due to catching covid.
      Hamilton’s progress
      Hamilton has improved his form in the race and shot up the table.
      The Brit is now up to second place just 0.086 behind rival Verstappen.
      Tsunoda’s hydraulic issues
      Yuki Tsunoda’s session has been delayed unfortunately
      The Scuderia Alpha Tauri team spotted a hydraulic problem and are currently working to fix the issue.
      Leclerc’s spin
      Here’s a closer look at Leclerc’s earlier spin out on the track.

      Early lap times
      here’s how things stand in the third practice race after just under half hour.
      Verstappen’s in pole position and Leclerc’s trailing behind in a reflection of yesterday’s proceedings.

      Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 1:33.035
      Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.762
      Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) +1.113
      Sergio Perez (Red Bull) +1.125
      Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) +1.221
      Kevin Magnussen (Haas) +1.228
      George Russell (Mercedes) +1.435
      Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) +1.582
      Mick Schumacher (Haas) +1.594
      Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo) +2.283
      Alexander Albon (Williams) 2.77
      Nicholas Latifi (Williams) +2.926
      All these top 12 have been on the softs

      Leclerc spins out!
      Leclerc emphatically spins out at Turn 11.
      He runs through the gravel but manages to recover the situation and continue on his way.
      It could’ve been a lot worse if the Ferrari driver didn’t stop himself from going into the wall.
      Verstappen makes early statement
      Max Verstappen has stormed past his rivals with a stunning first lap time of 1:33:05.
      That times seven tenths better than anyone else so far and 1.2 seconds better than Lewis Hamilton who’s dropped down to fifth.
      Load more entries… More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa 0 Arsenal 1 LIVE REACTION: Bukayo Saka spearheads spirited Gunners victory at Villa Park – latest updates

      by

      ARSENAL kept up their challenge to finish in the Premier League top four with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park. The Gunners now sit fourth place, four points ahead of Man Utd with a game in hand.

      RESULT: Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
      Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Young, McGinn, Douglas Luis, Ramsey, Buendia, Watkins, Coutinho
      Arsenal XI: Leno, Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tierney, Partey, Xhaka, Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe, Lacazette

      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      Gunners set sight on fourth
      After victory at Villa Park, fourth-placed Arsenal have opened up a four-point lead over Manchester United, and still have a game in hand over their rivals for Champions League football.
      Aston Villa, meanwhile, remain in the top half despite defeat.

      Saka the difference once again
      Arsenal’s young star Bukayo Saka put in another impressive performance this afternoon, and topped it with the only goal of the game – a strike that proved to be his club’s 2000th in Premier League history.
      Afterwards, the forward was asked about the club’s march towards the Champions League, but was keeping both feet firmly on the ground.
      [Champions League football] is the goal but, of course, as I keep saying, we have to stay humble, treat every game like a cup final and then we can achieve it, for sure.Bukayo SakaBT Sport

      Five up for travelling Gunners
      Arsenal’s winning run may have come to an end on their home patch, but they’ve once again done the business on the road.
      This afternoon’s victory means it is now five Premier League away wins in a row for Mikel Arteta’s team, the first time the Londoners have managed such a feat in seven years.

      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal (Mar 19)
      Watford 2-3 Arsenal (Mar 6)
      Wolves 0-1 Arsenal (Feb 10)
      Norwich 0-5 Arsenal (Dec 26)
      Leeds 1-4 Arsenal (Dec 18)

      Credit: @OptaJoe Twitter
      Match stats from Villa Park
      Arsenal restricted Aston Villa to just a single shot on target – and that came in the 96th minute of the contest.

      Full time – Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
      Immediately, the final whistle goes and the Arsenal players all rush to mob Bernd Leno!
      The stand-in stopper has ensured his side return to London with all three points with that last-gasp save, and one that could prove so crucial in the Champions League race.
      The Gunners have opened up a four-point lead on their rivals for fourth spot, and still have a game in hand over their nearest competitors.
      Villa’s only shot on target came with the last kick of the game. Steven Gerrard’s men remain ninth.

      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
      90+6. Coutinho fools everyone, and goes directly for goal with the free-kick!
      He curls his right-footed shot towards the far corner, and it’s brilliantly pushed away by Leno!
      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
      90+5. Pepe brings down Bailey unnecessarily just outside the left corner of the penalty box, and the home side have a free-kick.
      It’s a last chance for Aston Villa. It’s a great chance for Aston Villa.
      The penalty area is packed, and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is up…
      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
      90+3. All hands to the pump in the Arsenal box, and it’s a pump that’s not helped by Pepe’s wild air kick.
      Tierney is much more assured as he clears a low effort thumped into the six-yard box, and then Traore is flagged offside as he heads the returning cross wide of goal.
      The Gunners are almost there.
      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
      90. Mikel Arteta is so close to the touchline as he urges his players on that he’s almost playing as a left-back.
      The Gunners have four minutes of additional time to navigate.

      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
      88. Traore makes room for himself on the right in order to curl over a cross, but it’s assertively headed clear by Gabriel.
      The Arsenal man has not put a foot – or a head – wrong today.
      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal – Arsenal substitution
      86. The final change of the contest, and it’s indicative of the way things are going.
      Arsenal’s playmaker, Martin Odegaard, is sacrificed, and on comes centre-back Rob Holden to tighten things up at the back.
      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
      85. McGinn’s floated cross, Ings’ looper header, and onto the roof of the net.
      It’s the kind of opportunity that the striker thrives upon, but the angle was somewhat against him on this occasion.

      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
      83. Are gaps beginning to show as Villa prepare their final throw of the dice?
      Smith Rowe plays a neat pass into the feet of Nketiah on the edge of box, who is already thinking about his next move when he slips over with nobody near him.
      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal – Aston Villa substitution
      81. Villa make their final change, and it’s one that will unleash Danny Ings for the final ten minutes.
      Ollie Watkins has been feeding on scraps this afternoon yet still manage to clatter one shot against the woodwork, albeit via a deflection.
      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
      79. Another timely Arsenal interception at the back.
      Tierney is the man who throws his head at the ball to stop a left wing cross from reaching Traore at the back post.
      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal – Arsenal substitution
      77. In fact, that’s the last involvement from Alexandre Lacazette, who departs in place of Eddie Nketiah.
      Can the oncoming striker make the most of a rare cameo?
      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
      76. More moaning. This time the complaints are from the Arsenal players, particularly from Lacazette, after Cash clips the heels of Smith Rowe.
      The Gunners captain is probably still annoyed with himself for not playing Odegaard in for an easy chance moments ago.
      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
      74. A brilliant pass by Smith Rowe has Lacazette facing up to the Aston Villa defence.
      The Gunners captain has Odegaard free to his right but instead takes on the shot, one that is blocked well by the lunge of Konsa.
      Immediately, Mikel Arteta leaps in to his technical area and implores his players to get back.
      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
      71. Half-hearted penalty appeals from the home fans as Bailey takes a tumble in the box.
      Andy Madley doesn’t even give the player a second look and we continue.
      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal – Aston Villa double substitution
      70. And Villa respond in kind with two changes of their own.
      Emiliano Buendia and Jacob Ramsey have disappointed this afternoon, and so here’s a chance for Bertrand Traore and Leon Bailey.
      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal – Arsenal substitution
      69. It’s the end of Bukayo Saka’s afternoon.
      The youngster departs having scored the only goal of the game so far, and is replaced by Nicolas Pepe.
      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal – Watkins hits the post!
      68. Villa are getting closer, and are getting men int he penalty area.
      Watkins cuts inside on to his left foot, and lets fly with a shot that ricochets off Tierney’s leg and against the frame of the goal.
      Arsenal survive.
      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal – Partey yellow card
      65. Another caution, this time shown to Arsenal’s Ghanaian midfielder for leaning into Cash as the right-back bombed forward.
      Contact was minimal, but Cash was travelling at such pace, it was enough to send him sprawling to the floor.

      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
      63. Not too far away from Saka!
      Now it’s the Arsenal youngster’s turn to let fly from distance, but he too fails to hit the target with a curler.
      Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
      62. As good a goalkeeper as Leno is, Arsenal have perhaps missed Ramsdale’s distribution ability this afternoon.
      Load more entries… More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 Bahrain Grand Prix LIVE: Updates from second practice after debris on track due prompting red flag in FP1 – latest

      by

      AFTER possibly the greatest season in Formula One history, the drivers are BACK on the track for 2022 at the Bahrain Grand Prix.World champ Max Verstappen is hoping to retain the title he won in thrilling fashion last year.
      But of course Lewis Hamilton is still hoping to win what would be a record driver’s world title.

      TV channel: Sky Sports F1
      Live stream: Now
      Friday, March 18: Practice 1 (12 noon), Practice 2 (3pm)
      Saturday, March 19: Practice 3 (12 noon), Qualifying (3pm)
      Sunday, March 19: Bahrain Grand Prix (3pm)

      All you need for Cheltenham Festival 2022

      Stay up to date with all the latest from the latest from the Bahrain Grand Prix in our live blog…
      Fantastic runs from Schumacher and Magnussen
      The Haas duo are running in fifth and fourth place respectively. They sacrificed all last year to get this car ready. And it looks like that decision could pay off.
      Hamilton is not looking comfortable
      The Mercedes man is still having issues with his new car and it is bouncing up and down, just as it reaches top speed.
      They are going to need to get on top of this quickly if he is to have any chance of winning on Sunday.
      Drivers’ eye
      This is an excellent view from inside the drivers’ helmets.

      FP2 is underway
      Under the spotlights in Bahrain, the second session of the day is underway.
      Can Lewis Hamilton and George Russell find some more performance from that Mercedes?
      Or will Ferrari continue to look the quickest?
      Summary from FP1 in Bahrain
      Pierre Gasly began Formula One’s new era with the fastest time for AlphaTauri.
      The Frenchman lapped the 5.4-km Sakhir desert track in 1min 34.193sec on a sunny but cool afternoon.
      Ferrari pair Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were second and third, the Italian team continuing to back up the hype that has them marked out as one of the favourites.
      George Russell led Mercedes’ charge in fourth with Lewis Hamilton seventh as the reigning champions, who struggled to dial their car into the Sakhir track during last week’s pre-season test, made a low-key start to their bid to secure a ninth-straight constructors title.
      Reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who ended last week’s test with the fastest time, was fifth for Red Bull.
      Friday afternoon’s running was not representative of the conditions drivers will face in Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race, which are scheduled to be floodlit dusk-to-night sessions.
      Teams are also still coming to terms with the most radical rules overhaul in decades, featuring cars that have been drastically redesigned in a bid to improve the racing spectacle.
      Canadian Lance Stroll was sixth for Aston Martin with Spanish double world champion Fernando Alonso eighth for Alpine.
      Session over. FP1 is done.
      Gasly tops the timesheets. Leclerc is second-quickest, Sainz is third.
      Ferrari are looking good here in Bahrain. Verstappen is fifth and Hamilton’s best lap is only good enough for seventh place.
      Gasly leads the way
      Early days but the AlphaTauri man tops the timesheets. We still have three minutes to go, but that’s a solid run for the Frenchman.
      SPIN FOR LECLERC
      It is very windy out there and it looks as though he was caught out. He’s sent into a 360 degree slide but he’s kept it out of the barriers.
      HULK IS BACK
      Nico Hulkenberg is filling in for Sebastian Vettel this week after the German tested positive for covid.
      Hulkenberg has previously filled in for Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll when they too tested positive.

      BITS DROPPING OFF EVERYWHERE
      George Russell loses part of the floor of his Mercedes. Worth remembering most of these parts are new and being put through their paces for the first time. They have all been upgraded since the test last week.
      WE ARE UNDERWAY AGAIN IN BAHRAIN
      After a 13 minute delay, we have the green light to resume.
      LONG DELAY FOR A CLEAR UP
      Ocon did lose a chunk of bodywork, but this has taken some time to clear up. The team are investigation what caused the part to simply come loose and snap off.

      RED FLAG
      Just seven minutes into the session and it has been stopped. A huge part of bodywork has ripped off one of the Alpine cars, revealing the internal parts of the car.
      FP1 IS UNDERWAY IN BAHRAIN
      The new season has started and Charles Leclerc is the first out on track. A signal of intent for Ferrari, who are hoping to win the title for the first time since 2008.
      60 minutes of practice
      The drivers have an hour to stretch their legs around the track.
      Of course all eyes will be on the new designs of the cars and the side wall of the Mercedes, which has attracted lots of glances.
      That said, Lewis Hamilton still isn’t quite happy with the pace of his car.
      Let’s see how he gets on this weekend.
      Green light is out
      Here comes Charles Leclerc followed by Nico Hulkenberg.
      Nico isn’t hanging around, he’s in for Sebastian Vettell this weekend as the German has caught Covid.
      The Formula One season has begun!
      Netflix no chill
      Sergio Perez is ready to snub the next instalment of Netflix’s hit TV series, Drive to Survive.
      Max Verstappen has already refused to do interviews with the show after accusing the heavily-edited fly-on-the-wall F1 series of being “fake”.
      And now his Red Bull team-mate is ready to take the same approach after they “tried to create too much drama” out of the climax to last season.
      He said ahead of the Bahrain GP: “I really thought that they had the best season in Formula One and I feel like they probably missed out a bit in the story and the way they presented it.
      “They tried to create too much drama, which was already had, the season had enough drama, you know?
      “They probably have gone too far in this last season. I thought it was going to be the best season [to watch], but to be totally honest I haven’t finished it.”
      Ten minutes till first practice starts
      The countdown is well and truly on now…
      Russell on being a Merc’d man
      “I can only learn from Lewis and it can only be beneficial in the long run.
      “Equally, I think now is the best time to have this opportunity to go up alongside him — because we are starting from fresh.
      “We have completely new cars. Last year was constant evolution whereas now it’s a complete fresh start and a good opportunity.
      “With my experiences last year — disappointments, crashes, missing out on points, scoring points — I now feel more complete.
      “Over the last six years, I have outperformed my team-mates.
      “But I’ve got to be realistic. Suddenly now I need to change my thought process — but I feel stronger to be able to deal with that than I would’ve been a year ago.”
      George can Russell some feathers
      George Russell says taking on Lewis Hamilton as Formula One stands on the brink of a new era is ‘win-win’, writes BEN HUNT.
      The 24-year-old from King’s Lynn has been promoted by Mercedes after a three-year spell effectively on loan at Williams.
      Russell replaced Valtteri Bottas and will drive alongside seven-time world champion Hamilton — as F1 prepares to welcome a whole new generation of cars in Sunday’s curtain-raiser in Bahrain.
      The sport has undergone the biggest rule changes in its history, creating a level playing field where Russell is hoping to thrive.
      He said: “It is incredibly exciting. I find myself in a win-win scenario.
      “You are going up against the greatest of all time, who has beaten everybody.”
      Max on his title win
      Verstappen is aware his championship title win last year wasn’t a normal one, but he hasn’t a care in the world what people think about it.
      “Clearly not. It is what it is. People have their own opinions and that’s fine,” he told the BBC.
      Credit: AP
      Hamilton calls for no bias
      Lewis Hamilton has hinted he doesn’t want to see any bias with F1 stewards this season.
      Race director Michael Masi was removed from his position after last season and will be replaced by Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich.
      “Race drivers are sometimes very, very good friends with certain individuals. Some travel with certain individuals and tend to take a more keen liking to some of them,” Hamilton said.
      “So just people who have no bias is super-essential when it comes to making decisions.”
      “Last year there were maybe one or two. It would be awesome to have a male and female as the two race directors. That’s a great way of promoting diversity.”
      Credit: EPA
      Hamilton misses FIA gala
      But he doesn’t seem to care…
      Hamilton wants the fine to go to a good cause.

      Lewis Hamilton arrives
      Rocking up like dressed to impress, and looking like some sort of jiu-jitsu master, the seven-time champ is in Bahrain and ready to go.
      Credit: AFP
      Credit: AFP
      Good morning!
      Hello and welcome to SunSport’s live coverage of today’s F1 Bahrain Grand Prix first practice!
      It’ been a long time coming, but the new season is finally here for all your motorsport fans to enjoy.
      The end to last year’s campaign ended in a whole host of controversy, as Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton by the smallest of margins in the season’s final race to claim his first championship.
      But Hamilton is looking to win his crown back, and it all begins today in the Middle East.
      Hamilton won last year’s season opener in Bahrain, but has tipped rival teams Red Bull and Ferrari to come out of the blocks faster than everyone else this season.
      Either way, it’ll be an enthralling start to the new season.
      So strap yourselves in petrol heads, first practice gets going from 12pm GMT.
      Load more entries… More