Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Supercomputer predicts FA Cup fifth-round draw with Man Utd facing brutal away clash and bitter rivalry renewed

      by

      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the FA Cup fifth-round draw, with Manchester United facing a feisty away tie.The Red Devils booked their place in the last-16 with a controversial 2-1 win over Leicester City on Friday.Man Utd face a difficult fifth-round fixture in the FA CupCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils face a trip to The Den to face Millwall, according to SunSport’s simulatorCredit: ReutersHarry Maguire’s last-gasp winner appeared to be offside – but the use of VAR was not permitted during the match due to FA Cup rules.As a result, the goal stood, leaving Ruud van Nistelrooy and Co furious.VAR will be introduced from the fifth round regardless of venue, meaning some Championship and EFL clubs might have to install it just for one match if they are drawn to play at home.That could be the case for Millwall – as a simulation of the draw has picked the Lions to host Premier League giants Man Utd.Read More in FootballSunSport’s FA Cup draw simulator has predicted each fifth-round fixture, with only three potential all-Prem ties.According to the simulator, United face their first trip to Millwall in 35 years in what would be a blockbuster clash.The London side beat Championship leaders Leeds United 2-0 at Elland Road on Saturday to progress.Across the capital, Fulham have been tipped to host Burnley in another Premier League vs Championship match-up.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMan City could host Cardiff CityCredit: GettyUnited’s rivals, Manchester City, are predicted to draw Cardiff City at home following their narrow win over Leyton Orient.In what could potentially be the most exciting match of the round, Aston Villa have been tipped to face Carabao Cup finalists Newcastle at Villa Park.BBC makes half-time innovation in FA Cup clash between Leyton Orient and Man CityAnd Prem sides Ipswich and Wolves have been drawn against each other, with Portman Road to host.The winner of Doncaster vs Crystal Palace – set for Monday evening – has been predicted to face Brighton away in the next round.And the winner of Exeter vs Nottingham Forest on Tuesday will host Bournemouth, according to the simulation.The FA Cup fifth round draw is set to take place on Monday night.Broadcast on The One Show on BBC One, it will be hosted by Kelly Somers, with Alex Scott and Theo Walcott drawing the balls.The simulated draw has tipped Aston Villa to host NewcastleCredit: GettyFA Cup draw simulatedPreston North End vs Plymouth ArgyleMillwall vs Man UtdExeter/Nottingham Forest vs BournemouthBrighton vs Doncaster/Crystal PalaceFulham vs BurnleyIpswich vs WolvesMan City vs Cardiff CityAston Villa vs Newcastle More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Olympics to be hit by legal action over Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting after Donald Trump’s ban on trans women in sport

      by

      THE International Olympic Committee is facing a lawsuit for allowing boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting to compete at the 2024 Olympics.The pair were at the centre of a heated gender row that dominated the Paris Games.Imane Khelif’s participation at the 2024 Olympics caused controversy as she allegedly failed a gender eligibility test 18 months earlierCredit: APTaiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting was also said to have failed the same testCredit: AFPImane Khelif won Under-66kg goldCredit: REUTERSLin Yu-Ting won gold in the 57kg finalCredit: AFPBoth competed at the Games 18 months after being disqualified from the Women’s World Championships for allegedly failing a gender eligibility test.Tests administered by the International Boxing Association are said to have determined that Khelif and Yu-Ting have male XY chromosomes.The IOC, however, permitted the pair to compete – much to the frustration of the IBA.And in light of Donald Trump’s executive order preventing transgender women from competing in female sports in the USA, the Russian-backed organisation has decided to take legal action against the IOC.READ MORE MORE BOXING NEWSA snippet of a statement read: “In light of the gender eligibility issues surrounding boxers in 2022 and 2023, the IBA proactively conducted all necessary testing and subsequently banned individuals deemed ineligible from participating in women’s competitions.”Despite notifying the IOC about the disqualification of Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, the IOC disregarded this critical information, allowing both athletes to compete in the Qualifiers and ultimately at the 2024 Olympics, where they secured gold medals, denying opportunities to deserving female athletes.”As a result, IBA is filing an official complaint with the Attorney General of Switzerland, Mr Stefan Blatter, regarding the IOC’s actions that facilitated the participation of these ineligible athletes in the 2024 Olympic boxing tournament in Paris.”According to the Swiss law, any action or inaction that poses a safety risk to competition participants warrants investigation and may serve as grounds for criminal prosecution.Most read in BoxingImane Khelif’s 46-second victory over Angela Carini turned into a global talking pointCredit: REX”In addition, similar complaints are to be filed with the Attorneys General of France and the USA.”IBA chief Umar Kremlev said: “President Trump’s order to ban transgender athletes from women’s sport validates IBA’s efforts to protect the integrity of female sports.Gender row boxer Imane Khelif ‘names Elon Musk & JK Rowling in Olympics cyberbullying lawsuit'”Our actions aim to ensure gender equality in boxing.”We urge other International Federations to follow IBA’s example, as we are uniquely positioned to address this issue and advocate for our athletes’ rights.”He added: “IBA will provide free-of-charge comprehensive legal support to our boxers in these lawsuits.”As this is a clear violation of human rights, an outrage towards the female boxers, and simply a crime that should be punished accordingly.”In my personal opinion, Thomas Bach should take the full responsibility for this, as he was in charge when it happened.”And he needs to compensate the damages caused, if the court or any other instance rules this.”Khelif, who won Under-66kg gold, received a barrage of hate after forcing Italy’s Angela Carini to quit a mere 46 seconds into their opening bout.Multiple erroneous reports, most from social media, claimed she was a biological man.Imane Khelif has launched legal action against Elon Musk and JK Rowling for alleged “aggravated cyber-harassment”Credit: ALAMYKhelif has taken legal action against several prominent figures for alleged “aggravated cyber-harassment”, including Elon Musk and JK Rowling.Reflecting on her ordeal, she told El Birard: “Immediately after there was a big uproar from big politicians around the world, athletes around the world.”And even artists and stars, Elon Musk, Trump.. this thing….. that affected me.”I am not lying to you, it affected me. It affected me a lot, hurt me a lot. I can’t describe to you the amount of fear I had.”The scenario was very scary. Thank god, all the people of Algeria and the Arab world knew Imane Khelif with her femininity, her courage, her will.”Honestly, I don’t like to get into politics in sports, but they got into politics in sports.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Sports and politics are two separate things. “These politicians who are oppressing me, they don’t have the right to say that I’m a transgender.” More

    • 263 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘No way this is real’ – Fans can’t believe what Antoine Griezmann swapped his shirt for with fan after Atletico win

      by

      FANS can’t believe what Antoine Griezmann swapped his Atletico Madrid shirt for after Atletico Madrid made the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.The Frenchman has gone viral for exchanging his match-worn shirt for a rare set of Pokemon trading cards.Footie fans can’t believe that Antoine Griezmann swapped his Atletico Madrid shirt forGriezmann was lucky to find a famous YouTube streamerGriezmann swapped his shirt with a fan for a rare set of Pokemon cardsThe 33-year-old is a huge fan of PokemonAfter helping Diego Simeone’s side to a 5-0 win over Getafe in the quarter-finals of the Spanish Cup, he made the trade with a fan in the stands.Griezmann was caught on video exchanging his shirt with popular Pokeman streamer Darizard and the YouTube guru’s son.They offered the former French international two sealed boxes of the highly sought-after Prismatic Evolutions set of cards.In return, Griezmann handed over his sweaty red and white jersey to the streamer and his delighted kid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the fan reaction surrounding the 33-year-old World Cup winner’s trade has been wild.One wrote: “No way is this real 🤣.”A second said: “As a collector Griezmann just won.”Another commented: “That’s not a fair trade! Can’t believe he’s done this”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile one more replied: “This is how hard it is to get Prismatic Evolutions!”Griezmann – who is Atletico’s record goalscorer with 196 goals – is a well-known lover of Pokemon and trading cards in general.World Cup winner and 137-cap legend Antoine Griezmann shockingly retires from international duty He previously expressed his love of the phenomenon on X in 2016, when he posted a picture of himself alongside Pikachu with the caption: “Pokemon hunting”.He told Topps in 2022: “A couple of years ago, I started with a chrome card from my first year, my rookie card.”I think Koke, our captain, has some chrome cards of his own, but I’m a real collector and I believe there is no football player that is collecting like me with rooms full of cards.”Asked about his favourite card, he said: “I have a Topps Mercury of Victor Wembanyama, maybe that one. “But I would love to have Michael Jordan one of one.”Meanwhile, the draw for the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey is on Wednesday.Atletico are joined by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Real Sociedad in the last-four.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Alex Ferguson interrupted Coronation Street to ask me to join Man Utd – but I’d already decided to join Arsenal

      by

      ARSENAL icon Alan Smith has revealed that he was personally asked by Sir Alex Ferguson to join Manchester United before moving to north London.Smith, 62, joined the Gunners from Leicester City in 1987 and went on to score 113 goals in 340 appearances.Alan Smith has revealed Sir Ale Ferguson attempted to persuade him to join Man Utd before he signed for ArsenalCredit: GettyThe legendary United manager called him while he was watching Coronation Street with his mumCredit: GettySmith scored 113 goals for ArsenalCredit: GettyHe famously scored in the historic First Division title-deciding match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Anfield in 1989 which saw George Graham’s side end their 18-year wait to be crowned champions.However, things could have been very different had the striker accepted an offer from Man Utd.Speaking to ex-team-mate David Seaman on the Seaman Says podcast with Betway, Smith revealed that he received a phone call from Ferguson regarding a move to Old Trafford.He said: “I spoke to Alex Ferguson. I was getting a bit of interest.Read More in Football”One January evening, I was living with my mum and dad still and we were watching Coronation Street, I’ll always remember it.”The phone goes in the hall and my mum picks it up and she says, ‘Alan, it’s Alex Ferguson on the phone for you.’ I thought she misheard the name.”Alex had only been at United for about a year and they were struggling. So it’s not like it was ‘the Sir Alex’ calling but he was obviously a big name, he’s the Man United manager.”I went into the hall and spoke to him. He said he wanted me to wait until the summer when I would have been a free agent.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I said, ‘Mr Ferguson, I’m sorry but I’ve made up my mind, I want to join Arsenal.'”Arsenal wanted to sign me on deadline day, I had already spoke to them in a roundabout way. ‘Love this for him’ – Arsenal fans go wild as Aaron Ramsey, 34, goads Stoke supporters 15 years after injury horror”It was a short conversation, I put the phone down and thought, ‘have I done the right thing there, saying no to the Manchester United manager?'”But they went four of five years really without winning anything and Alex was close to getting the sack.”After an eight-year spell with Arsenal, Smith decided to hang up his boots in 1995.He is now a co-commentator and pundit for Sky Sports. More

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Boxing

      Dillian Whyte vs Joe Joyce ANNOUNCED in bonanza heavyweight card featuring British stars

      by

      DILLIAN WHYTE will face Joe Joyce as part of a heavyweight card. The pair will fight on April 5 at Manchester’s new £365million Co-op Live arena to kick off Frank Warren’s new DAZN schedule. Dillian Whyte will face Joe Joyce as part of a heavyweight cardCredit: PAJoyce returns in a make-or-break clashCredit: GettyAlso on the bill is Lawrence Okolie vs Richard Riakporhe and David Adeleye facing Jeamie TKV to make up the heavyweight card. Whyte beat Christian Hammer and Ebenezer Tetteh last year in his two comeback bouts.It came after he was pulled out of rematching Anthony Joshua – who he lost to in 2015 – following an “an adverse finding” in his drug test.He beat Hammer in Ireland and Tetteh in Gibraltar after resuming his careeer on the road. READ MORE IN BOXINGA report from Sky Sports said documentation from a forensic expert concluded that a nutritional supplement taken by Whyte did not disclose all of its ingredients and included a prohibited substance.Joyce meanwhile was twice stopped by Zhilei Zhang, 41, in 2023 before knocking out Kash Ali, 33, in his return last March.But he was beaten by Derek Chisora, 41, in July to leave his career hanging in the balance.Joyce insisted he would fight on and does so in a make-or-break clash against Whyte. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe chief support will see Riakporhe move up to heavyweight to fight rival Okolie. Okolie, 32, held the WBO cruiserweight title before moving up knocking out Hussein Muhamed in his heavyweight debut in December.Deontay Wilder and huge world title bout among SIX options for Anthony Joshua’s next fight if Tyson Fury stays retired Riakporhe, 35, heads to heavyweight off the back of defeat to Chris Billam-Smith, 34, for the WBO belt in June.The Londoner and Okolie have history, once clashing at the Creed III premiere in February 2023.And Adeleye, 28, is coming off a huge first-round KO over Solomon Dacres, 31, in December. It came after he suffered the first defeat in his career in October 2023, losing by stoppage to Fabio Wardley, 30, in Saudi Arabia. Hall of Fame promoter Warren left TNT Sports to join streaming service DAZN alongside Eddie Hearn. Anthony Cacace, 36, will face former super-featherweight world champion Leigh Wood, also 36, on May 10 in Nottingham. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Warren also announced the signing of ex-undisputed super-lightweight king Josh Taylor, 34. The Scottish star moves up to welterweight to fight Ekow Essuman, 35, also some time in May in Glasgow. Leigh Wood moves to Frank Warren to fight Anthony CacaceCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunCacace fights Wood on May 10Credit: ReutersJosh Taylor moves up to welterweight and signs with WarrenCredit: Getty More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      FA Cup 5th round draw ball numbers: Who is in the hat for huge draw?

      by

      THE FA CUP is rolling on at pace as we head towards the fifth round draw.The shock of the round Plymouth Argyle will be ball number 10, after the Championship’s bottom side knocked out the Premier League’s top side Liverpool on Sunday night.The FA Cup fifth round draw takes place on MondayCredit: GettyPlymouth pulled off an all time cupset against LiverpoolCredit: AFPManchester United left it late to beat Leicester on Friday night, Harry Maguire scored late, and they are ball number one.Cardiff had to battle their way into the fifth round, going from leading, to losing, and then drawing at Stoke, before winning on penalties. They are ball number 16.FA Cup fifth round draw numbersManchester UnitedMillwallBrightonPreston North EndExeter or Nottingham Forest IpswichWolvesFulhamNewcastlePlymouthBournemouthAston VillaBurnleyManchester CityDoncaster or Crystal PalaceCardiff CityHow can I watch the FA Cup fifth round?The FA Cup fifth round draw will take place TONIGHT on BBC’s The One Show.The fifth round draw takes place at 7:10pm GMT.The full draw will also be available for streaming on FA social media channels X, Instagram and Facebook.The draw will be hosted by Kelly Somers, with Alex Scott and Theo Walcott drawing the balls alongside Somers.Are there any more FA Cup games in the fourth round?Yes, there are two more games to go before we know all 16 teams in the next round of the FA Cup.On Monday, February 10 – tonight – Crystal Palace will travel to Doncaster, with kick-off ay 7:45pm GMT.On Tuesday, February 11 – tomorrow – in-form Nottingham Forest travel to Exeter to take on the League One side, that game gets underway at 8pm GMT. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Players forced to flee as football match is interrupted by dust tornado… but hardy fans giggle on sidelines

      by

      A FOOTBALL match had to be halted following a dust tornado.A game was taking place at Bogado Island in Luque, Paraguay but it was brought to a sudden stop.A football match in Paraguay had to be halted due to a dust tornadoCredit: https://x.com/AnthonyPaez595Fans were left witnessing scenes out of a Hollywood movieCredit: https://x.com/AnthonyPaez595Some of the fans were heard giggling at this sightCredit: https://x.com/AnthonyPaez595A massive dust tornado swept across the pitch forcing the players to abandon the game.Fans in attendance watched in absolute shock at scenes similar to a Hollywood movie.Yet some didn’t seem too concerned, with a few giggling while witnessing the unbelievable situation.Someone recorded the entire incident and shared it on social media where it went viral. Read More on FootballTwitter users were left in awe as they stormed the comments’ section.One tweeted: “Someone is playing Age of Mythology.”Another commented: “Mini tornado about to take everyone away.”A third joked: ” I wish we had played there.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis fan said: “Ghost walking around.”And that one exclaimed: “Dust devil.”How Arsenal humbled Man City with Arteta’s genius double pressIt is unknown which teams were playing in what appears to have been an amateur football match. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd STILL outsiders to retain FA Cup despite four of ‘top six’ being knocked out, latest odds reveal

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are still outsiders to win the FA Cup – despite four of the traditional Big Six being out of the competition.The Red Devils’ kickstarted their defence of the trophy last month with a shootout victory over Arsenal at the Emirates.Manchester United are the current FA Cup holdersCredit: GETTYBut the bookies haven’t placed the Red Devils as the favourites to win the tournamentCredit: REXRuben Amorim’s troops booked passage to the fifth round last Friday with a controversial 2-1 win over Leicester City.United’s chances of winning the trophy increased on Sunday when Prem leaders Liverpool suffered a shock defeat to Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle.But they’re NOT the favourites to win the trophy.Multiple bookmakers have struggling Premier League champions Manchester City as the favourites to win the competition.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSNewcastle United are the second favourites ahead of United, who have blown hot and cold this season.High-flying Aston Villa are the bookies’ fourth favourites to win the competition.Unsurprisingly, League Two outfit Doncaster Rovers have been given the longest odds to win the tournament.Those odds, however, will likely shorten should they dump out Crystal Palace in their fourth-round clash this evening.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Rovers boss Grant McCann insists his troops won’t sacrifice their style to secure a giant-killing victory.He said: “We’ll approach the game as we always do, it’s not for us sitting behind the ball and letting Crystal Palace have 80 per cent possession.Fans spot Sir Alex Ferguson YAWNING as he watches woeful Man Utd – but get distracted by who he’s sitting next to”It’s not the way I play, not the way this team wants to play, so we’ll be aggressive as we always are.”We’ve played three games away from home to get here, all tough games in different ways, and we’ve come through them unscathed.”So we’ve deserved this opportunity to test ourselves against a very good Premier League team.”We want to put a good performance on for the fans to go, ‘They’re not a bad side, Doncaster, I want to go back and watch them again.'”We know the better we perform, the higher we are in the league, the more fans come to our game.”The fifth-round draw will take place prior Palace’s visit to the Eco-Power Stadium. More