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      Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win feels like a sliding doors moment that could propel club into the elite

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      IT’S PARTY TYNE in Newcastle – and you cannot help but feel more good times are on the way.Eddie Howe put all of the big boys on notice after finally getting the monkey off Toon’s back.Eddie Howe has led a remarkable turnaround and ended the club’s long wait for silverwareCredit: GettyNewcastle can now establish themselves as part of the eliteCredit: GettyThe 56-year wait for silverware is over, his place amongst the legends is secured, but something even more special could be on the cards.This summer may in fact turn out to be the sliding doors moment that sees him go on to be THE all-time great.The turnaround under Howe since his arrival at the start of the Geordie Arabia revolution has been nothing short of remarkable.Despite being the richest club in the world, the Profit and Sustainability Rules have prevented a Saudi surge straight to the top.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow, finally for the Toon Army and Howe, it all seems to be clicking into gear.Newcastle did blow the big bucks early on stars such as Kieran Trippier, captain Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and man of the moment Dan Burn.Naturally, signing that sort of quality lifted them from the foot of the table to safety – the first part of the Middle Eastern masterplan.Champions League qualification came the following season – probably a year or two ahead of schedule – as well as a League Cup final defeat to Manchester United.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThen, after a thrilling start, it felt like it had all gone a bit flat last season following their group stage exit in the Champions League coupled with star signing Sandro Tonali’s betting ban.Newcastle missed out on European qualification and due to PSR constraints Howe went through three lean transfer windows.Ant & Dec scream with joy and Alan Shearer loses his hat as Geordies go wild after Newcastle win Carabao CupNot only did he fail to add any significant new boys to his ranks, his squad was actually weakened as Yankuba Minteh, Lloyd Kelly and Miguel Almiron were all flogged to help balance the books.That only makes Sunday’s achievement at Wembley all the more impressive and it could be all systems go after finally getting rid of the long-wait for silverware.Last month the club revealed their latest financial results and they are now in a position to spend significantly again this summer.Howe has room in his squad and will look to add a new right winger, goalkeeper, and midfielder at least to his ranks.And the Wembley success only further strengthens their desire to hang on to their top stars.Dan Burn’s towering header can be the sliding doors moment for the club’s riseCredit: RexAlexander Isak is planning talks over a new deal at St James’ ParkCredit: GettyIsak has already indicated he is planning talks over a new contract in the summer and fellow Arsenal target Guimaraes declared his intention to land more silverware with the club.But a huge factor in whether this upcoming window will be a defining moment in the club’s history is still to come.It is the Champions League where everybody wants to play – and that is no different from Toon’s top players to their Saudi chiefs.The extra cash windfall that brings only strengthens their PSR position and enables them to spend more on transfer targets, but it helps keep their big names happy too.And after waiting a lifetime to see them lift a trophy and climb the summit of the mountain, it is key they don’t now come crashing down the other side with so much still to play for this term.Newcastle sit sixth in the Premier League table, two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea and with a game in hand on them and Manchester City in fifth.One cup final is done and dusted but the Magpies still have nine remaining in the chase for Champions League qualification.And amid the apparent turmoil at Manchester United and the uncertainty at Tottenham, if Howe can get his men over the line and into the top four, the opportunity is there to cement their status among the top dogs for years to come.Now is not the time to sit back and reflect on their achievements, it’s the time to strike.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith confirmation of their stunning new stadium due to come in the upcoming weeks, the club’s top brass need to make sure Howe has a team just as spectacular as their state-of-the-art home will be.What a time to be in Toon town.Carabao Cup final ratingsNEWCASTLE ended their 70-year trophy drought in style by beating Premier League champions-elect Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.The 2-1 scoreline flattered the Reds in truth, with Eddie Howe’s Toon having produced a sensational performance to flatten runaway league leaders.Local lad Dan Burn, fresh off his first England call-up, rose highest to head his boyhood club into the lead on the stroke of half-time.Alexander Isak then deservedly doubled Newcastle’s lead shortly after the break.The Toon could have further increased their advantage, only for forgotten man Federico Chiesa to hand Liverpool a late lifeline on 94 minutes.But that goal was unable to spur a further comeback as Newcastle saw out the remaining added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Liverpool players and Gary Stonehouse rated the Newcastle players. 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      Football club forced to apologise after holding minute’s silence for former player who is not dead

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      A FOOTBALL club suffered an embarrassing mix-up as they held a minute’s silence for a former player who wasn’t actually dead.Arda Kardzhali and Levski Sofia paid their respects to footballer Petko Ganchev before their Bulgarian First League clash.Arda Kardzhali and Levski Sofia held a minute’s silence for a player who wasn’t deadCredit: XBoth teams could be seen in their centre circle with heads bowed to remember the former Arda star, who it turned out was still alive.And at half time, Arda sent an email to the television station broadcasting the match to state to confirm that Ganchev was still alive.A club statement then read: “Dear journalists and fans of the Arda team.”The management of PFC Arda would like to express its deepest apologies to the team’s former footballer, Petko Ganchev, and his loved ones, after the club received incorrect information regarding his death.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”We wish Petko Ganchev many years of health and to enjoy Arda’s successes.”The two sides would go on to play out a 1-1 draw, which kept the hosts’ chances of qualifying for the Championship group and achieving a European place alive.Visitors Levski remained in second place but their title hopes look all but over as they trail leaders Ludogorets by 12 points.However, the draw was no disaster for them in the circumstances.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAfter taking the lead, Levski conceded a penalty which was missed.And they had to play out the last 20 minutes of the game with ten men after Jawad El Jemili was sent off.Lionel Messi has sent fans into a frenzy by launching a treasure hunt as superstar footballer launches new drinkThe hosts would score an equaliser but were unable to net a winning goal that would have seen them leapfrog Botev Plovdiv into fourth place and the final Championship group spot. More

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      Two Premier League managers lined up to replace Ange Postecoglou as pressure grows on Tottenham boss

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      TWO Premier League managers are being lined up as possible replacements for Ange Postecoglou, according to reports.Pressure continues to grow on the Tottenham boss during a season of struggles.Ange Postecoglou is feeling the heat at TottenhamCredit: AlamyHe survived a nightmare run of form throughout December and January then saw Spurs get knocked out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup within three days in early February.But the North Londoners have not won any of their last three Premier League games – against Manchester City, Bournemouth and then Fulham on Sunday.And although they scraped past AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League round of 16, the disappointing defeat at Craven Cottage piled more misery on Postecoglou.His side are way down in 14th in the Premier League table, ahead of Everton and West Ham on goal difference. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd should the club decide to sack the irritated Aussie, they have reportedly drafted up two options as successors. The Telegraph state Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva are the leading candidates for the Tottenham hierarchy. Silva was in the home dugout as Fulham secured the 2-0 win on Sunday and his side sit eighth. One point and two places back are Bournemouth, with Iraola doing a fantastic job on the south coast. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs well as their impressive Premier League campaigns, both Fulham and Bournemouth are in the FA Cup quarter-finals with dreams of Wembley glory in May. The Cherries will fight hard to keep hold of Iraola, who is expected to be in high demand in the summer with reports Real Madrid are keen. Ange Postecoglou snaps at journalist over question ahead of Tottenham vs AZ AlkmaarAnd they may even try and extend his contract which currently runs to 2026 – but the Spaniard is said to be interested in the possibility of managing Tottenham. As for Silva, his future at Fulham is already in doubt with suggestions the two parties could be open to going in separate directions at the end of the season. Silva’s contract also runs until 2026 but there are rumours of a £6million release clause. Postecoglou’s frustrations boiled over as he clashed with a fan in another heated exchange following the Fulham loss. Tottenham’s remaining hope of ending their long trophy drought this season is the Europa League.But while Postecoglou’s future is not totally dependent on winning the European competition, a disappointing exit to Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals would not help his cause. Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is reportedly on Spurs’ radarCredit: GettyMarco Silva could be a target for the North LondonersCredit: Reuters More

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      in Boxing

      Three-weight boxing champion, 64, rushed to hospital after suffering stroke as promoter gives update

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      A FORMER three-weight boxing champion was rushed to hospital after suffering a stroke.But his promoter provided a positive health update on his condition.Iran Barkley suffered a stroke and was rushed to hospitalCredit: GettyBarkley was a world champion boxer in three different weight divisionsCredit: GettyIran Barkley, 64, won 43 of his 63 professional fights between 1982 and 1999. The American held the WBC middleweight, IBF super-middleweight and WBA light-heavyweight world belts during his distinguished boxing career. However, he suffered a first-round knockout defeat to Nigel Benn in 1990 with the WBO middleweight title on the line.But now Barkley is fighting a very different battle.READ MORE IN BOXINGOn Saturday, promoter Lou DiBella tweeted the shock news of his stroke.DiBella wrote: “Prayers up for a NYC boxing legend and a really, really, good guy, Iran Barkley, who’s now hospitalized following a stroke. “Much love to the Blade.”DiBella then posted again on Sunday to give the latest.Most read in BoxingHe added: “Just spoke to Iran. “He sounded really strong and was joking around. “Said no little stroke keeping him on the canvas. “He’s grateful to everyone for the love and prayers. God is good.”Plenty of fans took to social media to send their best wishes and messages of support for the New Yorker.One said: “Thank you for the update. Thank God he is feeling better.”Another wrote: “Bumped into him at Gleason’s gym a few times. He was always a gentleman. He never refused fans any autographs or pictures. I pray for Iran Barkley.”A third added: “Best wishes and a speedy recovery to The Blade!”READ MORE SUN STORIESA fourth commented: “Great fighter, hope he has a good recovery.”A fifth replied: “Once a fighter, forever a fighter.”Fans sent their best wishes to the BladeCredit: Getty More

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      Chris Eubank Jr accepts stunning seven-figure Eddie Hearn bet ahead of Conor Benn fight

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      CHRIS EUBANK JR has accepted a £1million bet with Eddie Hearn ahead of his fight with Conor Benn.The rivals meet in the ring on April 26 – two-and-a-half years after they were first set to clash.Chris Eubank Jr has accepted a £1million bet over his fight with Conor BennCredit: GettyHearn is confident his fighter will beat EubankCredit: GettyTempers have flared in the weeks leading up to the bout and Eubank has clashed with Benn and his promoter Hearn, hitting the former with an egg while on stage.Hearn is convinced Benn will get the better of Eubank in the ring – so much so he offered Next Gen a £1m bet.Eubank, 35, has accepted the wager and warned Hearn not to try and wrangle out of the deal.He said in a video message on social media: “Eddie. Come on Eddie. £1m ey? Okay.READ MORE IN BOXING”Let’s find out if you’re a man of your word or just a lying hype job.”I formally accept your £1m bet. And the £1m will be out own personal money. Not company money or purse money, just a straight up bet between me and you.”The money will go into escrow and the winner takes all. Now I look forward to watching you trying to weasel your way out of this bet like the rodent I know you are. Good day.”Eubank could do with the extra cash after being fined £100,000 for his egg slap on Benn.Most read in BoxingEubank responded to his fine by tweeting: “Worth every penny.”He also clashed with Hearn at a pre-fight press conference, informing the promoter of his feelings towards him.He said: “Eddie, you know I don’t like you right?”So what makes you think on God’s green Earth I’m going to sit here and listen to any of the b******s you’re going to say?”Hearn immediately shot back: “Well you’re going to have to.”He added: “Is this the Chris Eubank show?Eubank replied: “This is Eubank vs Benn. You can sabotage the event and I’ll try talk to Benn directly.”And you can be quiet. I don’t want to hear what you have to say.” More

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      in Soccer

      ‘He thinks we are all idiots’ – Chelsea fans turn on Enzo Maresca after ‘delusional’ comments following Arsenal loss

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      CHELSEA fans were furious with manager Enzo Maresca’s post-match comments after their loss to rivals Arsenal.The Blues lost 1-0 to the Gunners at the Emirates on Sunday following Mikel Merino’s winner in the 20th minute.Chelsea fans were furious with manager Enzo Maresca after their loss to rivals ArsenalCredit: X @ChelseaFCMaresca claimed Chelsea ‘controlled the game’ and ‘competed very well’Credit: GettyThe West Londoners’ faithful were furious with the performance against Mikel Arteta’s side.And their frustrations got worse after hearing Maresca, 45, telling Sky Sports his side “controlled the game” and “competed very well” against the North Londoners.Fuming Chelsea fans took to social media and lashed out at the Italian tactician, with some calling him “delusional”, amid a turbulent run in the Premier League.One fan tweeted: “This guy is delusional. The difference was Arsenal tried to win the game. And we had no intention of doing that.”Read More on ChelseaAnother commented: “We controlled the game”??!! Honestly it’s worrying how deluded he is. Controlling the bits of the pitch with sideways passing doesn’t mean you control the game. “We didn’t look threatening at all. Arsenal forced us wide & shut the central areas out comfortably.”A third wrote: “It’s not the fact that he is watching a different game, it’s the fact that he thinks we are all idiots and that we can not see how dire we are. Insulting.”This fan added: “We certainly didn’t control the game.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesdayplus player ratings and exclusives from Stamford BridgeAnd that one asked: “Does Maresca watch a different game to the rest of us?”Chelsea fans were also left upset with Maresca following a heated exchange with Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber during the closing stages of the game.Enzo Maresca defends lacklustre Chelsea after Conference League progress Timber was caught on camera leaning in and telling the ex-Leicester boss on the sidelines to: “Try harder, try harder.”Maresca responded with his mouth covered, before the full-back cheekily held out his own hand.The Chelsea boss shook it and fans were not impressed with his light-hearted reaction.Chelsea ratings vs ArsenalCHELSEA missed the chance to pull clear in the race for Champions League football as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal.Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the game as the Blues produced a limp performance at the Emirates.They were without several key men including Cole Palmer.And they struggled to create chances against Arsenal with a threadbare subs bench to boot.But who was Chelsea’s best player in North London?And which players will want to forget about their performance as soon as possible?See SunSport’s Andy Dillon’s verdict on the Chelsea players here More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Alan Shearer’s wild Carabao Cup final day as he ends night boozing with Newcastle heroes and fans

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      ALAN SHEARER’S long, long wait to see Newcastle win a trophy is over.And he made absolutely sure to celebrate the day in full.Alan Shearer revelled in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup winCredit: InstagramHe posed for photos at Wembley Boxpark with the likes of JoelintonCredit: InstagramShearer headed to Wembley with his kids Will and ChloeCredit: Instagram @alanshearerShearer’s beloved Magpies beat Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final thanks to goals from local hero Dan Burn and star striker Alexander Isak.And one of the club’s all-time greats was in the stands to soak up the occasion – before joining the players at the afterparty. Shearer, 54, got himself into a VIP box at Wembley where he was joined by kids Chloe and Will as well as a host of former Newcastle stars and celebrities. The likes of Yohan Cabaye, Warren Barton, Jonas Gutierrez, Ryan Taylor, Steven Taylor and Steve Harper were in the same VIP box – as were South Shields’ Little Mix Jade Thirlwall plus James Bay.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd two competition winners managed to get seats at Shearer’s table – auction prizes from his foundation’s recent gala evening at the Hilton in Newcastle. The Toon icon opted for a smart casual look with a grey jumper over a white shirt, dark trousers and a flat cap – but made sure to show his colours with a black-and-white scarf. But there was nothing casual about his celebrations when Burn opened the scoring just before half-time as he leapt around in the posh seats. And Shearer could not contain his excitement when Isak made it 2-0 then again when the full-time whistle blew after a nervy injury time in which Federico Chiesa pulled one back for the Reds.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Premier League’s record goalscorer was regularly shown on TV throughout the game – as were duo Ant and Dec.But Shearer also kept pals Gary Lineker and Micah Richards updated throughout the day with some short videos shown on their Rest Is Football podcast.Alan Shearer is wild with celebration as Newcastle win the Carabao Cup The first saw the upbeat Geordie before he headed to Wembley before breaking into a cackling laugh in his first update from the stadium when he spotted two magpies in the floral table display.Shearer beamed: “Two f***ing magpies. It’s going to be our day.”Do you know what two magpies mean? One for sorrow, two for joy.”His half-time video heaped praise on big Burn following his goal and then he sent another one at the end, singing along to a Sam Fender song.Seemingly holding back tears, an emotional Shearer told the camera: “F***ing hell, 70 years, man.”We’ve done it. See you whenever lads, I’m not sure when I’ll see you somewhere.”Then after watching Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier lift the Carabao Cup trophy, Shearer and his family headed to Boxpark just a stone’s throw from the national stadium to continue the jubilations. Shearer updated The Rest Is Football lads with his excitable video messagesCredit: YouTube @TheRestIsFootballShearer sang along to Sam Fender during the trophy celebrationsCredit: YouTube @TheRestIsFootballThe emotion was clear to see for ShearerCredit: YouTube @TheRestIsFootballShearer filmed the scenes as thousands of the Toon Army sang various songs and chants.And then Eddie Howe’s triumphant squad headed into the venue to celebrate with the supporters.But as VIPs, the Shearers got into the exclusive area and posed for photos with the stars.Shearer got snaps with goalscorer Burn, Brazilian hero Joelinton and back-up goalkeeper Mark Gillespie, who was still in his kit.And the former Premier League winner with Blackburn – who was twice a beaten FA Cup finalist with his boyhood club – finally got his hands on Newcastle silverware as he put on Gillespie’s medal. Needless to say, Shearer did not join Lineker and Richards to film their podcast on Sunday night.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he did share posts to his Instagram story as early as 8am on Monday and then again later in the morning. Make no mistake about it, Alan Shearer made the most of witnessing his Newcastle side win the first major trophy in his lifetime. Shearer was in a VIP box with plenty of former Newcastle playersCredit: Instagram @steventaylor27officialHe wielded his scarf around his head when Alexander Isak made it 2-0Credit: Sky SportsShearer put on Mark Gillespie’s medal at the afterpartyCredit: Instagram @alanshearerThe Shearers joined the Toon Army in the celebrationsCredit: Instagram More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton and new Ferrari race engineer set for crunch meeting after fiery exchange at Australian GP

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      LEWIS HAMILTON and his new race engineer will be having a bonding session ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend.For 12-years all Hamilton knew at the end of his team radio at Mercedes was Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington and his famous ‘Hammer time’ call.Lewis Hamilton cut a frustrated figure after a disappointing debut race with FerrariCredit: GettyRiccardo Adami is the 40-year-old’s new race engineerCredit: GettyThe pair began working together in 2013 when Hamilton joined the team and forged one of the greatest racer-engineer partnerships in history, winning six world titles together over 12, mostly glittering, seasons.The two developed an unbreakable bond over the years with Hamilton referring to Bono as a “brother”.But that pair were ripped apart when Bono was promoted to head of race engineering at Mercedes, meaning the pair’s partnership concluded when Hamilton joined Ferrari this season.Seven-time world champion Hamilton, 40, said before his debut in Melbourne on Sunday that he will “know early on” whether or not his relationship with his new race engineer Riccardo Adami at Ferrari will work.Read More in F1Well, if the fiery exchange between the two after a Ferrari strategy blunder in the opener in Melbourne is anything to go by then it’s not looking good.Hamilton played things down after Sunday’s race and said: “We’re learning about each other, and after this we’ll download and go through all the comments, things I said and vice-versa.“Generally, I’m not one that likes a lot of information in the race, unless I need it, I’ll ask for it. He did his best today, and we’ll move forwards for sure.“I’ve learned a huge amount this weekend, there’s a lot to take away from it. And I’ve got some changes I’ve got to make for next week.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Sunday was a crash course in driving a Ferrari in the rain.”Hamilton led the Australian Grand Prix briefly but the Italian team produced a strategy blunder leaving him finishing the race in P10 as they left it too late to pit him as the rain came down.’I’m about to cry’ – Fans praise Lewis Hamilton’s dad for classy gesture as he consoles F1 rookie after debut crashHamilton blasted, “S***!” before apologising after not realising the radio was still on after Ferrari’s mistake.Hamilton had qualified eighth and was sassy throughout with Adami who tried to give the Brit information about DRS, but he replied: “Leave it guys, leave it.”Adami, 51, has been working with Ferrari since 2015, having previously worked with Toro Rosso.He worked as Sebastian Vettel’s race engineer and worked with Carlos Sainz in 2021 before he was replaced by Hamilton.When Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur was asked if there were communication issues between Hamilton and Adami, he replied: “It was the first race, the first time that we have to communicate between the pitwall and the car.“We can do a better job and know each other more, for sure it was not a clean one at all, the strategy was difficult and we need to find a better way to communicate between the car and the pitwall but we will learn from race one and it is not an issue.McLaren looked like the fastest car on the grid, with Lando Norris securing the win and Oscar Piastri second for most of the race before finishing in P9 after spinning off track.Max Verstappen came in second ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell and Red Bull boss Christian Horner has urged people not to get too carried away due to how unique the Melbourne track is.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “China is the first representative race circuit of quite a few venues. It will be fascinating to see how Ferrari performs there.“McLaren will be quick there I have no doubts about that.” More