Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 100 Shares102 Views

      in Soccer

      What does Viktor Gyokeres’ mask goal celebration mean?

      by

      VIKTOR GYOKERES is one of the hottest strikers in the world at the moment.The Sporting striker has been banging them in for fun since he swapped Coventry for Lisbon in 2023.Viktor Gyokeres has been touted for a return to EnglandCredit: GettyGyokeres’ eye-catching performances in the Portuguese top flight and the Champions League have caught the attention of many top sides around Europe.Most notably, Premier League giants Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have been credited with an interest in the Swede.The Red Devils will be seen as the clear favourite to land Gyokeres, with Sporting boss Ruben Amorim taking the reins at Old Trafford from November 11.Recent reports state that Sporting are willing to accept a cut fee of £63million for the Swede, which is £20m less than his release clause.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould the inform striker make a stunning return to England, fans will need to get to know his iconic goal celebration.What does Viktor Gyokeres’ mask goal celebration mean?When Gyokeres celebrates a goal, he locks his fingers together on both hands and covers his mouth and nose to create a mask.The reason behind the striker’s unique celebration was completely unknown until he shared a highlights reel of his goals from the 2023/24 season on Instagram, which included the caption: “Nobody cared until I put on the mask.”The line is a slight misquote from the iconic Batman film The Darts Knight Rises when the villain Bane says: “It doesn’t matter who we are, what matters is our plan. No one cared who I was till I put on the mask.”Most read in FootballGyokeres is still yet to confirm that Bane is the sole inspiration behind his signature celebration, but the caption certainly hints that it could be a nod to the supervillain.Gyokeres has hinted that Batman villain Bane is the reason behind his iconic celebrationCredit: AP:Associated PressThe forward’s former Coventry team-mate Josh Eccles suggested it was a reference to film character Hannibal Lecter.However, Gyokeres revealed that the theory was incorrect.He told a Swedish newspaper: “There were lots of guesses… There was Hannibal Lecter and Batman and everything possible, but nobody got it right.“No-one came close. Yes, it’s a secret. I can clarify that, but not today.” More

    • 275 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta is booked after trying to pick up the ball while it’s still IN PLAY in bizarre scenes during Arsenal loss

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA had a night to forget as Arsenal lost at the San Siro – and even picked up a bizarre booking of his own. The Gunners boss watched his side labour to a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Inter Milan on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta found himself in trouble with the referee at Arsenal vs Inter MilanCredit: GettyThe Gunners boss appeared to interfere with play just after the hour markCredit: TNT SPORTSHe was shown an immediate yellow card after trying to grab the ballCredit: BBCArteta cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as Arsenal wasted a host of chances. The 42-year-old watched his side go down to an Inter penalty after Mikel Merino controversially handled in the box.But it was Arteta’s use of his own hands that got him into hot water just after the hour mark.Matteo Darmian was scrapping for the ball by the dugouts with Arsenal’s Ben White. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe ball looked to be going out for a throw, with Arteta rushing out of his technical area to reach down and grab it.But the spin of the ball appeared to keep it in play, with a fuming Darmian claiming he was impeded. Arteta was immediately booked by Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs, as deafening whistles rained down from the Inter supporters.It was not immediately clear if the Arsenal boss was cautioned for handball, or leaving his technical area to interfere with play. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUefa clarified the situation following the final whistle, confirming Arteta went in the book for a “lack of respect for the game” and picking up the ball. Arteta immediately held his hands up in apology after the incident, with his intervention deemed accidental. Arsenal player ratings v Inter Milan (1)If the Arsenal chief had deliberately entered play and stopped the attack, he would have been red-carded.One fan joked on X: “Using their dark arts again I see.”While another laughed: “Yellow for leaving his technical area. Yellow for entering the pitch. Yellow for handling the ball. Should have been sent off.”Following Wednesday’s game, Arteta launched into a furious rant against the officials. Arsenal player ratings v Inter MilanTOOTHLESS Arsenal were beaten by a superb Italian job in Milan as they lost 1-0 thanks to a controversial penalty.Here’s how the Gunners stars were rated by SunSport’s Tony Robertson.David Raya – 6Unfortunate with the penalty on an otherwise quiet night. Passing was below par with on three out of nine long passes finding their mark.Ben White – 7Dependable as ever at right back. Can’t be blamed for the defeat from a defensive standpoint.William Saliba – 7Marshalled defence well and produced some strong passes.  Three clearances and six duels won said everything about his performance.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Had a slightly better time in duels than Saliba but was worse on the ball.Jurrien Timber – 7 Had a good rapport with Martinelli down the left flank. Dependable but undone by the controversial penalty call.Mikel Merino – 5 Difficult to see what he brings to the midfield at the moment. Clearly Arteta likes his height and strength, but not on the same wavelength as team-mates tonight. Unlucky to give away the penalty.Thomas Partey – 6Should have been given more licence to roam forward in the second half. But didn’t look like he had the legs to do that job.Bukayo Saka – 6Captain for the night with Odegaard only fit for the bench. Saka was always a threat, but all too often or not chose the wrong option to go inside or out.Gabriel Martinelli – 7Flashes of brilliance and a thorn throughout the clash. Created four chances but team-mates were unable to help him out.Kai Havertz – 6  Couple of flashes of brilliance, including a beautiful curled effort at goal that forced Sommer to punch clear, but needed to be a stronger force up top. Went off with a bloody head in injury time.Leandro Trossard – 6 Buzzed around and had threatening moments. But just didn’t get the ball enough in dangerous positions.The Arsenal boss claimed the decision to give a penalty against Merino was “harsh.”And he believed the Gunners should have had a spot kick of their own after Inter’s keeper Yann Sommer took out the Spaniard. Arteta said: “We were very harshly done.”I don’t understand [Inter’s penalty]. It is a deflection. There is no danger, no reaction because it is very close to his body.“There is nothing he can do. I don’t know how you can get away from it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We were told at the start of the season that was not going to be a penalty but it was a different story.“But if that is a penalty then when Merino is punched in the head it is one thousand percent a penalty. It is very difficult to accept that.” More

    • 250 Shares84 Views

      in Soccer

      Roy Keane casts doubt over Sky Sports future as Man Utd legend reveals plans to leave UK for ‘beautiful’ country

      by

      ROY KEANE has thrown his future as a pundit into question after revealing he wants to move abroad.And the Manchester United legend even specified which country he plans to emigrate to.Roy Keane has confirmed his plans to move abroad in the coming yearsCredit: Sky SportsIrish icon Keane, 53, has been a pundit since 2011 and been a fan-favourite on Sky Sports for a number of years.But viewers may not have too much longer to enjoy him as he prepares to leave the UK.Speaking while in Turin on The Overlap On Tour, he said: “In the next couple of years, I reckon I will be moving abroad… putting it out there.”When Jamie Carragher then asked where he would move to, Keane added: “Do you know what, Switzerland, maybe? Switzerland is beautiful.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe comments come after he claimed at the beginning of this season he will get out of punditry within the next decade.Keane cited being assaulted by an Arsenal fan in September last year as one incident which contributed to his desire to want to leave the role.Talking on Stick to Football, brought to you by SkyBet, he said: “I love football, but the hassle of matches, getting to games, and the hassle of fans.”I was in court a few months ago with somebody head-butting me – do you think I enjoy that side of it? Absolutely not.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The games are fine. Getting to the games, parking up, people shouting your name – good stuff, bad stuff – it’s a nuisance.”When Carragher pressed him on whether he will be a pundit in 10 years, Keane added: “Absolutely f***ing not.”Roy Keane ranks sporting icons on TikTok including Diego Maradona, Serena Williams, and Michael JordanAs well as his regular work for Sky Sports, Keane also appears on ITV for international games, major tournaments and FA Cup ties. More

    • 213 Shares119 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury’s coach and legendary boxing mentor who helped turn him into world champion dies aged 85

      by

      THE BOXING coach who helped turn Tyson Fury into “The Facebreaker” has died.Dave Stacey, who has died aged 85, was the first coach to teach young Fury boxing at Torbay Amateur Boxing Club, in Devon.The coach helped train Tyson Fury when he was youngerCredit: GettyThe veteran was credited with helping the future champion pick-up the fundamentals during long stints when he stayed with family in the South West.It helped cement the talent that saw him nicknamed “The Facebreaker” after he shattered an opponent’s jaw and eye socket as an amateur.Mike Reardon, the club’s chairman, said Mr Stacey had been the heavyweight’s first coach.He said: “Tyson would have taken part in group sessions for beginners where they learn the basics like stance and how to punch.Read more sport“We have a lot of boys and girls coming and going at the gym and it’s impossible to remember them all, but I think Dave always remembered Tyson because of his size. He was tall for a lad his age.”Fury has said that after his parents separated he spent a lot of time with an auntie and uncle in Torquay.He said in an early interview: “They helped me learn how to read and write. I went swimming and surfing. The first gym I went to was in Torquay.“My dad would hold up his hands and say “one two,” but that was all. He never said he wanted me to box or took me to the gym. Most read in Boxing”He didn’t even know when I first started going to the gym.”The gym where Fury trained was at a former church and Stacey was the head coach there.Fury went on to join Jimmy Egans’s Amateur Boxing Club in Manchester and had his first amateur bout for them when he was 16 years old, in March, 2005.There was a riot after his second amateur bout in Hinckley, Leicestershire, two months later.Dave’s daughter Nicole led tributes, saying: “First and foremost, he was a real family man and was always very proud to tell other people that he felt like the luckiest man in the world to be a husband and father and we really felt that love.”He was a very loyal person and would do absolutely anything for us. People would always describe him as a real character and he was unashamedly himself.“He had the ability to talk to anyone and put them at ease.”If there was a setback of any kind he wouldn’t dwell on it, he would tell people how he felt, pick himself up and take the challenge on. I suppose that’s the boxing mentality and focus.”READ MORE SUN STORIESPaying tribute, a Facebook post from Torbay Boxing Club added: “Torbay ABC are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Dave Stacey, a highly regarded coach for the club.”RIP Dave you were a true legend.”Dave Stacey pictured alongside Tyson FuryFury trained at Torbay Boxing Club after spending a lot of time with an auntie and uncle in Torquay.Credit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares93 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona star Pau Cubarsi shows off horror facial injuries after sickening kick to face left him needing 10 stitches

      by

      BARCELONA star Pau Cubarsi needed ten stitches in his face after sustaining a horror injury. The worrying scenes occurred during the Catalan giants’ 5-2 Champions League win over Red Star Belgrade last night.Pau Cubarsi suffered horror facial injuries after being studded in the faceCredit: FC BARCELONAHe required ten stitches in his faceCredit: FC BARCELONABut Cubarsi has revealed he is OKCredit: fc BARCELONABlood poured down the side of his face as he was subbed offCredit: ReutersCubarsi tried to head away from a corner and was caught by the studs of Uros Spajic.The 17-year-old wonderkid went down holding his face as blood began to pour from his wounds.Medics rushed over to him and several towels that were used to patch up the cuts were left covered in blood.Cubarsi was taken off in the 67th minute and he required ten stitches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBarca boss Hansi Flick confirmed after the game that the centre-back was “fine”.And the player later showed off his injuries on social media alongside the caption “I’m OK.”Team-mate Alejandro Balde videoed himself grimacing after seeing the state of his horror wounds.Cubarsi, who made his debut for the club aged 16, is the latest in a long line of young La Masia graduates playing a key role at Barca this season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBalde, 21, Hector Fort, 18, Gavi, 20, Marc Casado, 21, Fermin Lopez, 21 and Lamine Yamal, 17, have all featured regularly for the first-team under Flick.Barca are currently top of LaLiga and have a nine point advantage over their El Clasico rivals Real Madrid. Wojciech Szczęsny spotted ‘smoking cigarette’ in Real Madrid changing rooms after Barcelona’s El Clasico winThe wonderkid was covered in blood as he left the fieldCredit: AFPAlejandro Balde grimaced after seeing the injuries More

    • 263 Shares136 Views

      in Boxing

      I sparred Jake Paul for Mike Tyson fight… he paid so well I earned enough money to buy my first house

      by

      BOXER DeAndre Savage left Jake Paul’s fight camp with enough money to buy himself his first home.Savage was among a group of heavyweights selected by Paul’s coaching team in preparation for his November 15 bout against Mike Tyson.DeAndre Savage sparring Jake PaulSavage bought a house with the money made from sparringThe 34-year-old spent weeks sharing the ring with Paul in the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s Puerto Rico training base.But when he returned home he put the money made from camps with Paul, Jarrell Miller and Andy Ruiz Jr into buying a property.Savage purchased a bungalow that sits on 1.5 acres of land – coincidentally from Paul’s head trainer Theo “Third” Chambers. He told SunSport: “From sparring and being in the camp, I made good money.READ MORE IN BOXING”I made good money with Jake and I’ve been in camp with Big Baby Miller this year and I’ve been with camp with Andy Ruiz, so I just put it all together.”I just finished up camp with Jake Paul, so I just took the money that I made and I bought a house. The house is actually Third’s house.”I just figured while I got the money, I’m gonna do something with it instead of blow the money because most fighters they don’t invest in themselves and they just spend the money and blow the money.”So instead of doing that, I’m gonna invest my money into a house and I’ll be able to look at my house and be like, you know, that’s where my money went.”Most read in BoxingJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSavage was a late bloomer in the sport, only picking up the gloves aged 25 after leaving behind a career in American football. He had 28 amateur bouts before turning professional in 2021 – since amassing a 6-0 record winning all by knockout.DeAndre Savage2And after meeting with Paul’s coach Chambers in Detroit, he was recruited as a sparring partner. Paul, 27, has ten wins and only a single loss to Tommy Fury, 25, on his boxing record as Savage opened up on being inside his camp. He said: “From the outside looking in and listening to everyone else, the world is not taking Jake serious.”But Jake does work hard and he’s still a little green, so I understand the route that he’s taking.”Fighting the UFC fighters and stuff like that and people that don’t really know how to box because he’s still green.I just finished up camp with Jake Paul, so I just took the money that I made and I bought a house.DeAndre Savage “But, Jake sells out the arena, sells the tickets, he’s doing big things that some people wish that they can do and they can’t do it.”But yeah, Jake worked real hard, work real hard. He got some great moves in the ring.”Paul takes on Tyson, 58, in Texas in a clash that has been criticised due to the 30-year age gap.And even Savage is backing the ageing icon to defeat Paul. He said: “Mike Tyson is up in age. I would like to see Mike come and win again because that’s a top two, top three heavyweight ever.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I would like to see Mike Tyson win but if he don’t knock him out early, Mike’s not gonna win the fight.”If he don’t knock him out in the first two rounds, Mike ain’t gonna win the fight.”Mike Tyson facing off with Jake PaulCredit: Rex More

    • 188 Shares93 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea legend sacked after thumping by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr… months after winning Asian Champions League

      by

      CHELSEA legend Hernan Crespo has been sacked by Abu Dhabi side Al Ain.The former AC Milan striker watched his side thrashed 5-1 by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the AFC Champions League on Tuesday night.Hernan Crespo has been sacked by Abu Dhabi side Al AinCredit: GettyThey conceded three goals in the opening 37 minutes – including one from Ronaldo.It extended Al Ain’s winless run to four matches during which they have conceded 14 goals.And club chiefs had seen enough as they dismissed Crespo, 49, from his position after one year in charge.Al Ain’s statement explained the decision by insisting “recent results have not met expectations”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCrespo’s dismissal comes just six months after he led Al Ain to AFC Champions League glory.They beat Japanese side Yokohama Marinos 6-3 on aggregate in the final back in May.The triumph saw them qualify for next summer’s 32-team Club World Cup in the US.But Crespo’s sacking means he will not be involved after picking up just one point from four AFC Champions League matches so far this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe ex-Argentine striker began his coaching career in Italy in 2015 with Modena.He spent two years managing in his home country from 2019 to 2021, before he moved to Sao Paulo in Brazil.Cristiano Ronaldo breaks young fan’s phone with wayward penalty and sends him collapsing to floor When his spell there came to an end, he joined Qatari club Al-Duhail and spent 18 months at the helm.He was dismissed in October last year after winning 35 of his 50 matches, before he penned a deal with Al Ain just six weeks later. More

    • 250 Shares84 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson rule changes: How many rounds are there and what size gloves will both boxers use?

      by

      JAKE PAUL and Mike Tyson are just DAYS away from a blockbuster boxing encounter in Texas – and the rule changes have been revealed!The Problem Child put Mike Terry through six brutal rounds in his last fight which ended with a stoppage win.Jake Paul (L) humiliated Mike Perry (R) in JulyCredit: GettyAnd it helped Paul rebuild his reputation in the ring as it was his third consecutive triumph since losing to Tommy Fury in February 2023.However, the social media sensation now faces a tougher test as he’ll be going up against boxing legend Mike Tyson.Tyson, 58, showed signs of brilliance in his last exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr.Furthermore, the number of rounds and glove sizes has made this huge Texas event a little more exciting.Read more on Paul vs TysonHow many rounds will there be in Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson?The huge bout between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will be a maximum of eight rounds – two minutes a round.It was initially scheduled for Saturday, July 20 but Tyson had to pause training after an ulcer flare-up earlier this year.However, Iron Mike has insisted he’s back on track to face his social media opponent.Paul has the ability to go eight rounds having gained experience over the years and this was last shown in his six-round knockout win against bareknuckle champion Mike Perry.Most read in BoxingWhat has been said?Boxing legend Mike Tyson revealed the reason for wanting shorter rounds.”I wanted shorter rounds for more action. If we have shorter rounds, we’ll fight more. More action.”I’m just looking forward to this”Forget what my wife and kids are, thinking about just this one moment, just stick with me and don’t feel sorry for me. Don’t worry about me. That’s all.”Forget what my wife and kids are, thinking about just this one moment, just stick with me and don’t feel sorry for me. Don’t worry about me. That’s all.”It has nothing to do with my kids. It’s all about me. Nothing to do [with them]. And sometimes I wonder, is that bad? Is that my ego, where it’s just to hell with everybody, “I don’t care [that] my health is risked or anything, it’s just who I am. They knew I was that way before they married me.Tyson added “They knew I was that way when I had them and then when they were kids, and I’m just going to always be there. I’m always going to test myself. I’m always gonna push the envelope. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m always very nervous and apprehensive until it gets closer to the fight.”What size gloves are both boxers using?It has been confirmed that Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will both use 14oz gloves instead of 10oz. More