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      ‘Weirdest club in the league’ – Arsenal launch DATING SHOW to match up single fans at Gunners games

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      LOVE is in the air at the Emirates after Arsenal announced they are launching a BLIND DATE SHOW.The Gunners revealed the extraordinary move to find matches for their single fans on Emirates matchdays.Arsenal have launched a blind date show for supportersCredit: ReutersDubbed “The Big Match”, the statement on the stunning production was discreetly published on the club’s website on Friday.The article currently does not appear when searching for it on the site’s search engine and is not visible on the “News” section page, nor was it published on the club’s Twitter or Instagram pages.However, pages on Arsenal.com about the production do appear on Google, with one page linking to the sign-up sheet for the show and another linking to the terms and conditions.It reads: “Matchdays at Emirates Stadium are a time to connect with the beautiful game – and each other. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s for this reason that we’re launching a new dating show that celebrates how a shared love of football can prove a catalyst for an even deeper romance. “We are calling on our single supporters in the UK to apply to be part of the production, which will involve attending a blind date with a fellow Gooner centred around an Arsenal game.”If you’d like to be a participant and are up for the opportunity of meeting your perfect match, please complete the form below. Fans hoping to land a date through the show need to be UK residents over the age of 18 and must apply by 11.59pm on April 11, while of course, the main criteria for eligibility is that they are single.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt is not clear when the date and show would take place.Fans may have spotted April Fools is just around the corner, although Arsenal appear to have fired the cannon a little early if this is what it turns out to be.’Captain on and off the pitch’ – Fans love Arsenal star Martin Odegaard’s classy gesture on international dutyReacting on social media, one fan said: “This club CANNOT be serious.”A second said: “Weirdest club in the league.”A third joked: “They need something to make up for the lack of trophies.”Another said: “[Mikel] Arteta wants everyone married.”Questions on the formSelect questions on the form:NameDate of birthContact informationSexual identity and sexual orientationHeightEthnicityDo you smoke/vape/drink?What is it that made you fall in love with The Arsenal?What you’re looking for in a partner?PhotographSocial media handlesA fifth added: “‘How did you both meet?’ ‘We met on the Gooner dating program, son’.”A sixth said: “They’ll do everything except win a trophy.”A seventh admitted: “Might have to sign up you know.”An eighth said: “Arteta wants all his players AND fans to be married. Fair enough.”The move comes after Championship side Millwall became the first club in the UK to start its own mobile network, though fans also wondered whether that could turn out to be an elaborate prank.While single Gooners sign up for the unique blind date show, Arsenal men are back in action on Tuesday as they host Fulham after the international break.They then travel to Everton before the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.Bukayo Saka’s return to training will doubtless be a huge boost for the team as the season enters the run-in.Meanwhile, Arsenal women showed the boys how to beat Madrid after coming from 2-0 down on aggregate to beat the Spanish side 3-0 at the Emirates in the Uefa Women’s Champions League on Wednesday.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe win, held up by a brace by Alessia Russo, booked them a spot in the semi-final where they will face Lyon.They travel to South London to play Crystal Palace on Sunday.Arsenal ratings vs ChelseaARSENAL collected three points at the Emirates with a comfortable display as they fight to keep their fading title hopes alive. More

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      Frank Bruno wins top award at British Boxing Awards – but is too unwell to collect it after serious illness

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      FORMER world heavyweight champ Frank Bruno last night won a top gong at the British Boxing Awards — but was too unwell to collect it.The 63-year-old national treasure — recovering from a severe viral infection — got the Lifetime Achievement Award at the London bash.Former world heavyweight champ Frank Bruno won a top gong at the British Boxing Awards — but was too unwell to collect it.Credit: PAFrank wrote a speech to be read out on his behalf by friend Ricky Hatton.It said: “I am sorry I cannot be with you tonight. “Trust me – I would far rather be with you than in hospital having daily tests.“Thank you to the organisers of this event and all the people that voted for me to get this prestigious award.READ MORE ON FRANK BRUNO“To get a lifetime achievement award while only in your 60s is a ­little worrying though — especially with my youthful looks!”Bruno was rushed to hospital in Qatar on March 3 after falling ill on a long-haul flight.He has since returned to the UK, where he has continued his recovery.The star was awarded an MBE for services in boxing in 1990.Most read in BoxingFour Kings takes a look back at the iconic week in British boxing from 1991 More

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      Brazil SACK manager Dorival Junior after just over a year following 4-1 humiliation at hands of rivals Argentina

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      BRAZIL have sacked manager Dorival Junior after the nation’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to Argentina.The decision was announced by the country’s football federation (CBF) on Friday.Brazil have sacked manager Dorival JuniorCredit: ReutersIt comes after the Samba nation were beaten 4-1 by Argentina in Buenos AiresCredit: AFPEmiliano Martinez did kick-ups in his penalty box to rub salt in the woundsCredit: GettyDorival had been in charge of the Samba nation for a year and was appointed to bring stability, but the former Sao Paolo manager was accused of lacking identity with the national team.A statement from the Brazilian Football Federation said: “The Brazilian Football Confederation announces that coach Dorival Júnior will no longer be in charge of the Brazilian National Team. “The board thanks the professional and wishes him success in his continued career. “From now on, the CBF will work to find a replacement.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 62-year-old departs with a record of seven wins, seven draws and two defeats, overseeing the nation’s quarter-final exit to the hands of Uruguay at the Copa America last year.But the final straw came in the embarrassing defeat to arch-rivals Argentina in Buenos Aires, who inflicted the thrashing even without talisman Lionel Messi and left them ten points behind their bitter rivals.Indeed, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was seen performing kick-ups in his own box during the game to rub salt in the wounds.Brazil were consistently linked with hiring Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti for the role before Dorival’s appointment.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, Chelsea flop Filipe Luis has now been linked to the job after his impressive managerial spell with Flamengo.Luis, capped 44 times by his country, has already picked up three trophies as boss.Argentina humiliate Brazil 4-1 with Emi Martinez even doing keepy ups in his own box in fiery World Cup qualifier And Luis is already on an incredible 24-game winning streak after losing just once in the dugout.However, his brilliant form has now caught the attention of the Brazilian FA.Chelsea flop Filipe Luis has been linked with the roleCredit: Alamy More

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      Man City launched probe into Erling Haaland after he ‘left club’s mascot with whiplash’ after hit to back of head

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      ERLING Haaland left a Manchester City mascot with suspected whiplash and concussion after a playful knock to the back of her head.The woman, working as alien “Moonbeam”, was hit by the 6ft 4in striker before a game with Southampton.Erling Haaland left a Manchester City mascot with suspected whiplash and concussion after a playful knock to the back of her headCredit: GettyA temp staffer working as alien Moonbeam went to hospital after being playfully struckCredit: GettyShe went to hospital after being playfully struck while working as furry alien Moonbeam, initially believing she was hit by a stray football.A club probe later cleared the Norwegian striker before City decided not to renew the furious uni graduate’s contract.The woman, who does not want to be named, also lodged an assault complaint with police.Last night she accused the “arrogant” Premier League giants of a     “cover-up” to protect Haaland.READ MORE ON ERLING HAALANDShe started as a City temp last June and occasionally worked as Moonbeam on matchdays, earning around £100 a time.Before the Southampton clash on October 26, she felt two blows to the back of her head as she posed for a photo.She said it left her in shock and as she walked off the pitch she asked a colleague: “What the hell was that that hit me?”She recalled: “He said, ‘It was Erling. He hit you from behind’.Most read in Football“I was pretty upset and I was crying and my head was thudding and I think I was in shock.“I later realised he’d come behind me and hit me on the head and then leaned on my head.”Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starShe told City’s safeguarding boss who allegedly laughed it off, saying: “At least you can say Erling Haaland hit you.”Following the incident the woman was offered the chance to go home but continued to work the shift. She said she later vomited and suffered neck and head pain before being assessed the next day by City’s first-team doctor who suggested she go to hospital.The Salford Royal’s A&E notes confirmed her symptoms though a CT scan revealed no damage.City’s health and safety head Paul Kenyon launched a probe and told the woman they wanted to look at CCTV. I’m sure Erling would have apologised to me if they had given him the chance.But they just wanted to sweep it under the carpet.She said: “I asked if anyone had spoken to Erling and he said, ‘No, they don’t want to distract him’.”She added: “I was offended because I was the one hurt but I was being asked all the questions.”The probe concluded that the striker, 24, did not cause her injuries. A report stated: “Erling Haaland always does a gentle touch on the back or head of Moonbeam as recognition.”It says footage showed him only “grazing” the mascot.The complainant accused Manchester City of sweeping the issue under the carpetCredit: mancityThe woman returned to her role in the ticket office but was told she would have to reapply to get her contract renewed.Following a half-day interview, she was informed last December she had not been successful.She said: “I have never had any complaints from any of the managers about my work before.“They said they didn’t feel like I’d performed in the interviews to the 100 per cent I usually do.”Greater Manchester Police also told her Haaland had not acted with malice. Last night she hit out at City, saying: “I’m sure Erling would have apologised to me if they had given him the chance.“But they just wanted to sweep it under the carpet.”A  City spokesperson said “Manchester City refute the complaint that was made in this regard. READ MORE SUN STORIES“The Club fully investigated and found that none of the evidence, including video footage backed up the claim that an injury was sustained in the manner alleged. “We’re also aware a complaint was made to Greater Manchester Police and no further action was taken by them either.”City issued a statement denying the claims, while confirming police took no further actionCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family make huge sum selling his memorabilia to help settle £8m debt

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      EX-England football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family have made £140,000 selling off his memorabilia to help settle his debts.He died owing more than £8million, including £7million in UK tax.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family have made £140,000 selling off his memorabilia to help settle his debtsCredit: AFPSven with the late Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2002Credit: ReutersA lunch invitation from the late Queen went for £300Among the items up for sale was Sven’s Armani suit from the 2006 World Cup – it went for £3kCredit: bna.nuweauctionsInside the suit was Sven’s hand-written team notesThe Swede’s loved ones were forced to sell hundreds of mementoes — such as his Armani suit from a 2006 World Cup match with his hand-written team notes still in the pocket.The 349 items which went under the hammer also included his BBC Coach of the Year trophy in 2001 and Premier League Manager of the Month award from his time at Manchester City.A lunch invitation from the late Queen and an Ivory Coast top signed by his ­former forward Didier Drogba were flogged too.Sven died of pancreatic cancer last year aged 76, leaving his partner Yaniseth Alcides and two adult children to deal with his debts.read more on svenHe owed the huge sum despite earning tens of millions in a 42-year managerial career at 12 clubs and four national teams, including England from 2001-2006.The Swedish auction house said: “There was huge interest mostly from England, Italy and Portugal.“It was a reflection of the love and affection that people had for Sven in countries all over the world.“We are very pleased with how both auctions have gone and there may be a third one of items of his furniture.”Most read in FootballBut the cash raised is still a drop in the ocean and Sven’s ­family are also selling his seven-bed lakeside mansion in his homeland for £1.8million.Sven’s Premier League Manager of the Month award fetched £1,700Sven earned the award during his time at Manchester CityCredit: Matthew AshtonSven’s BBC Coach of the Year trophy was auctionedThe trophy, which he won in 2001, went for £500An Ivory Coast top signed by Didier Drogba was sold for £700Sven managed the Ivory Coast in 2010Credit: Getty More

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      ‘This is embarrassing to watch’ – Fans can’t believe the crowd for Jake and Logan Paul event in New York’s Times Square

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      JAKE and Logan Paul’s recent promotional event in New York was surprisingly poorly attended. And followers of the social media sensations were left blown away by the sparse crowd. Jake and Logan Paul held a promotional event for their ‘Paul American’ docuseries at Times Square PlazaCredit: XBut the social media sensation’s fans didn’t turn out in forceCredit: XThe YouTubers held a promotional event in Times Square Plaza this week to promote their Max Documentary, ‘Paul American’. Organisers were expecting the plaza event to be well attended. But their expectations didn’t live up to reality as only a handful of the brothers’ supporters turned up. Footage of the pair trying to hype up the small crowd in attendance went viral and received a slew of comments. READ MORE BOXING NEWSOne wrote on X: “This is embarrassing to watch.” Another said: “Jake & Logan Paul’s Times Square event flops. “Zero crowd, total embarrassment!” And another said: “F*****g trash.” Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJake and Logan Paul’s docuseries airs on MAXCredit: MEGA AGENCYOne sarcastically remarked: “So many people… so many.” The Paul brothers likely won’t care about their detractors’ comments on the Times Square crowd size.Jake Paul claims he has agreement to fight Anthony Joshua and reveals date but brother Logan fears he’s on drugs That’s because they’ve hit yet another major milestone in landing a show on one of the biggest platforms in the world.In an exclusive interview with SunSport, Logan said of ‘Paul American’: “This show has caused a few divides in the family, which sucks for us, but it’s great media. “We’ve shown our whole lives on camera, on YouTube and the internet primarily, and we felt like Max was an outlet where we could go even further. “I don’t know why we felt like that, but maybe because it’s Max and it’s like an incredibly prestigious platform. “So we really put it all out there for everyone to judge and and and hate on us. It’s pretty sick!” More

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      Man Utd legend’s son joins club in the seventh tier for the rest of the season as he leaves Premier League side

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      RIO FERDINAND’s son, Lorenz, has joined Havant and Waterlooville for the rest of the season.The 18-year-old has joined the seventh-tier – Southern League Premier Division South – side on work experience from Premier League outfit Brighton.Lorenz Ferdinand has signed for seventh-tier side Havant and WaterloovilleCredit: HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLEHe has headed there for work experience from BrightonCredit: instagram @lorenz.ferdinandHe is the eldest son of Rio FerdinandCredit: RexFerdinand is a goalkeeper unlike his father, who was a record-breaking defender for the likes of Leeds and Manchester United in his playing days.A club statement from the Hawks said: “Havant and Waterlooville Football Club are thrilled to announce that, goalkeeper, Lorenz Ferdinand has joined on work experience from Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion for the remainder of the Season!”Ferdinand, 18, came through the set-up at Brighton & Hove Albion where he now continues to refine his trade in their Under-21’s set-up.”Lorenz links up with Shaun North’s side for the run-in as the push towards the end of the season continues!READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We welcome Lorenz to the Hawks and look forward to seeing him in action very soon.”Six-time Premier League winner Ferdinand is the dad of five children, with his eldest Lorenz following in his father’s footsteps to try and become a footballer.In 2023 Lorenz signed a management deal with agency New Era Global Sports.Ferdinand Snr. posted on Instagram: “Our eldest is on his own journey in football.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”Another nice moment signing with @neweraglobalsports , well earned through hard work & dedication.”It’s a long road full of ups and downs, so the right & professional support is required – so step forward @neweraglobalsports. Love you Lorenz.”I told Rio Ferdinand to tell Sir Alex Ferguson to f*** off and the Man Utd legend’s reaction was pricelessLorenz has appeared once for the Seagulls in PL2 this season, playing four minutes in a 4-2 win over Southampton and conceding once during his time on the pitch. More

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      ‘He looks like a wrestler’ – Jean-Philippe Mateta to wear WATER POLO helmet in FA Cup clash after horror ear injury

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      JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA will be wearing a water polo-style protective headband on his Crystal Palace return on Saturday.And Eagles boss Oliver Glasner has insisted: “If I didn’t believe he was ready, I wouldn’t play him.”We imagine how Mateta might look in his water polo helmetJean-Philippe Mateta was pole-axed by Liam Roberts in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup clash with MillwallCredit: REUTERSThe horror tackle resulted in Mateta receiving 25 stitches to his earCredit: SKY SPORTSThe Frenchman has been wearing protective padding in trainingCredit: INSTAGRAM@CPFCHe’s set to don a water polo-style protective headband upon his return to the first teamCredit: DECATHLONFrench striker Mateta is set to start Palace’s FA Cup quarter-final clash at Fulham – his first appearance since requiring 25 stitches in his ear after being hit with a dangerous kung-fu kick by Millwall keeper Liam Roberts in the fifth round on March 1.After trialling three different versions, Mateta has been training over the international break in his FA-approved protective head guard – including in a behind-closed-doors match – which has been jovially mocked by Glasner and the Palace squad.Glasner explained: “It’s like a water polo helmet. In water polo it’s so they don’t get water into their ears, he has it just on one side. It sounds crazy, but we are used to it.“I said to him maybe you should try [water polo] because he’s tall enough. READ MORE SPORTS NEWS”It looks a bit strange but he says he feels comfortable so let’s see.“When he scores a header, then it was the right mask and the right protection. “Our doctor and the team did a great job finding the right protection. Everything is approved by the FA.“There were three different ones. He tried one like you use to ride a motorbike but he couldn’t train with this because it was too heavy.Most read in Football“I said to the doctor I remember Petr Cech wearing a helmet but the ear was free so we needed the full helmet. Then we found the right one.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOliver Glasner has no reservations about throwing Jean-Philippe Mateta back into the fireCredit: REUTERS“He tried in training which one fits him best and doesn’t influence him in the wrong way.”If I believed it was a problem, I wouldn’t play him but it looks like it isn’t a problem.Crystal Palace star Mateta stretchered off with horror injury after shock kung-fu kick from Milwall keeper who sees red“The last 10 days he’s had this protection and he did well in training so I didn’t find a reason to talk about this.”Asked whether there is a risk Mateta may not be the same player because of it, Glasner continued: “I watched him in training, he looks the same as he did before.“He needed to get back into his rhythm because he couldn’t really train for two weeks. “One week he was at home, the second he was training individually.“It’s also lucky that in this situation nothing was fractured and there was no concussion, it was just the ear although it was a terrible injury.“Some players say that the ear looks better than before!”Palace defender Chris Richards – who once played with a protective mask after breaking his nose while in Germany – added: “It can be restricting but I think he’ll be fine.“[Mateta] enjoys the attention. He’s got that bionic ear now. He looks like a wrestler.READ MORE SUN STORIES”With the headband, we were also saying he looks like the American tennis player Francis Tiafoe.”On if he has given Mateta any advice, Richards laughed: “No, no. He won’t listen to me anyway.” More