Sport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League star barely recognisable as he shows off horror injuries suffered in World Cup qualifying

      by

      FORMER Manchester City star Edin Dzeko looked almost unrecognisable in a photo he shared online following facial injuries during the international break.Dzeko, 39, took part in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Romania on Friday, but left the stadium bruised and battered.Edin Dzeko looked unrecognisable after suffering facial injuries while on international dutyCredit: edindzeko/instagramThe Bosnia and Herzegovina star was kicked in the face during a match against RomaniaCredit: edindzeko/instagramDzeko was already wearing a wrist support from a recent injuryCredit: EPAHe shared a close up of stitches above his eye from an injury sustained with his clubCredit: edindzeko/instagramDzeko was left bleeding from his eye in a recent Fenerbahce matchCredit: edindzeko/instagramThe veteran striker shared the message that he is, “ALL IN or nothing”, on Instagram after being clattered in the face by a Romanian defender during the clash.Dzeko suffered horror injuries to his face, including two black eyes and busted nose and was forced off the pitch as a result.The Fenerbahce forward looked as though he had been through the wars as he added his international injuries to a stitched up eye and bandaged hand from his club duties in recent weeks.In fact, the Inter Milan and Roma man even shared a picture of blood pouring from his eye earlier in the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis worse for wear look left his teammates over the years teasing him in the comments section of his post.Mario Balotelli wrote: “You look nice in this”.While Radja Nainggolan added: “You look great”.Anderson Talisca chimed in with some words of support, writing: “Cheers brother! You will come back stronger”.Most read in FootballDzeko won two Premier League titles with Manchester CityCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Fenerbahce goalkeeper Ifran Can Egribayat simply wrote: “Legend”.Dzeko, who won two Premier League titles with Man City, is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s captain and all-time record appearance holder.Sol Campbell reveals he’d have never have made controversial transfer to Arsenal if it wasn’t for Lord Sugar He also holds the title of record goalscorer for the nation, scoring 67 goals in his 140 caps.Unfortunately he will be unable to extend either of those records on Monday when Bosnia and Herzegovina face Cyprus, after his fresh injury has ruled him out of contention.According to Fenerbahce, Dzeko is returning to Turkey for further tests and will miss out on the game.Bosnia and Herzegovina boss Sergej Barbarez suggested that Dzeko could have broken his nose.He said: “I think Edin Dzeko’s nose is broken. He wasn’t in the dressing room. I don’t have full information yet”. More

    • 275 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Scotland 0 Greece 3 (Agg 1-3) – Steve Clarke & stars BOOED by Tartan Army as Scots relegated after Nations League defeat

      by

      SCOTLAND supporters can’t get a bevvy at the fitba.But tonight Hampden was filled with boos.Giannis Konstantelias celebrates scoring the first goalCredit: PAGreece wonderkid Konstantinos Karetsas made it two before half-timeCredit: ReutersGreece players celebrate Christos Tzolis goal to make it 3-0Credit: PAThe Tartan Army let their feelings known after this sobering Nations League relegation play-off defeat to Greece.Steve Clarke said just weeks ago he was 75 percent certain he’d be leaving as Scotland boss when his contract ran out.If there’s more of this when the World Cup qualifiers kick off, there will be zero debate about it.If his team were awesome in Athens they were God-awful in Glasgow to turn out one of their worst performances during his six years in the job.Clarke stood out on the touchline after it was all over and looked forlorn by the defeat and the reaction to it.But he’s had enough praise during his tenure in the job.The abuse he got from the fed-up is just something he’s going to have to accept.The punters were expecting so, so much better going into this decider with a 1-0 lead and yet the team did what they did in the last two major tournaments.Most read in FootballThey failed to turn up.And like in Germany in the summer, Clarke has to take his share of responsibility for yet another dire display in a game that mattered.Emotional moment Scotland fans pay tribute to Denis Law against Greece as Sir Alex Ferguson joins in with classy gestureThis wasn’t the Germans, Spain or Croatia – this was Greece who tore our team apart.Put it this way, before kick-off there was a magnificent tifo for the late, great Denis Law who passed away in January.But if heaven has a TV screen then the Law Man would have been forgiven for reaching for the remote.Let’s get it right, Greece were well worth their win.Their white-haired veteran boss, Ivan Jovanovic, played an absolute blinder.In Athens last Thursday night, he had his side firing cross after cross into the Scotland penalty box.And Scotland lapped it up.Centre-backs Grant Hanley and John Souttar positioned themselves brilliantly that night and got their heads on everything that came their way.This time, Greece played. Boy, did they play.Their 17 year-old wonder-kid Konstantinos Karetsas looked the part when he stepped on the bench in the first-leg.It was no surprise that he started this decider and was fed the ball at every opportunity.How Scotlad stars rated against GreeceCRAIG GORDON – quiet start to 81st cap but exposed by defence at all three of Greece’s goals. Little he could do as the scorers were given time and space to net. Got away with poor kick late on 6TONY RALSTON – terrific in first leg despite lack of action for Celtic. Was sold short by Christie at second Greek goal and didn’t let his country down in an unflashy showing 6GRANT HANLEY – seventh 90 minutes of the season and sixth for Scotland. Dropped deep to play Greece onside before recovering. Bailed out by Souttar’s goalline clearance after weak challenge on Pavlidis allowed him in 5JOHN SOUTTAR – Rangers man has been such a steadying influence at the back. He and Hanley found themselves sitting deep at Greece opener. Brilliant goalline clearance saved his defensive partner 6ANDY ROBERTSON – skipper was up against wonderkid Konstantinos Karetsas on 82nd appearance. First goal came down his side then dragged inside to leave him free to score second. Subbed 4BILLY GILMOUR – usual energetic display from the wee man as one of the two sitters alongside McLean. Started by snapping into tackles and bursting forwards with purpose. Boos rung out when subbed before hour 5KENNY McLEAN – passing was crisp to begin with. First-time ball teed up McTominay for early effort that was saved. Less successful when tried the more ambitious balls and drifted out of things. Subbed 5RYAN CHRISTIE – replaced Ferguson after ban for first leg but game to forget. Sloppy in possession then ball watching in buildup to second. Slack pass seconds after restart teed up Greek third. Lucky to last 73 minutes 3SCOTT McTOMINAY – writers’ international player of the year started well and saw early effort saved then another deflected into side netting. Great close control and strength but almost anonymous after the break 5JOHN McGINN – quiet 75th cap for the Aston Villa skipper and struggled to influence things until latched onto McTominay pass on half hour and saw shot saved. Great late pass for Tierney chance 5CHE ADAMS – Early penalty claim waved away after taking tumble. Great hold up play to start with, epitomised in one moment which saw him win a foul. Became isolated as Greece’s dominance grew. Subbed 4SUBSKieran Tierney (3) left wing role and late chance saved, George Hirst (3) booked on Hampden bow then nodded chance over, Lewis Ferguson (4) so unlucky to be dropped. Cautioned for catching Karetsas with arm, James Wilson (2) 18-year-old Hearts kid was given his debut, Tommy Conway (2) did little.The Greek’s front-foot, high press was also brave and bold.Karetsas was on the right and always ready to pounce and it was the same with Giannis Konstantelias on the left.Those were the two who scored the two first-half goals to put the visitors on their way towards victory.The first, after 20 minutes, was a decent finish from Konstantelias after he slammed a cut-back past Craig Gordon.The second, four minutes before the break, was just sensational from little teenager Karetsas.His one-touch, left foot curling shot didn’t give the Scotland No1 a hope.Clarke’s side did have moments at 0-0.Scott McTominay was Scotland’s biggest threat with John McGinn bringing the best stop from goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis.Che Adams also had a half-hearted shout for a penalty but the Italian ref was never going to give it/But there was something sadly missing from the performance from the men in dark blue.The effort was there, sure.Gilmour saw plenty of the ball too and tried to dictate play from the anchorman role.But it was only decent to a certain point.Clarke only made one change to his line-up that started in Athens with Ryan Christie coming in for Lewis Ferguson.But the Bournemouth midfielder didn’t bring his outstanding club form to Hampden.He was ball-watching at the Greece second goal and the man who played a terrible square pass that led to the third.Coming just 17 seconds part the beginning of the second half, it was a disastrous restart for Scotland.Konstantelias did brilliantly to make the most of it by slipping in the cleverest of little reverse passes to striker Christos Tzolis.He then controlled his finish past Gordon.But it was dire stuff from a Scotland point of view.Sir Alex Ferguson leads emotional tribute to Denis Law in Scotland’s first home clash since Man Utd legend died at 84Why Clarke hadn’t made any personnel changes at the break was a complete mystery bordering on a dereliction of duty.His team was crying out to be altered but, for whatever reason, he opted to sent the same men back out.It was only after 54 minutes that he made a triple change.But even Clarke’s thinking there was muddled too.Taking off Kenny McLean and Adams made sense but Gilmour didn’t deserve the hook.It was a decision booed by the Tartan Army with the Napoli playmaker clearly unhappy himself as he shook his head as he trudged off the park and sat on the bench.It was no reflection on the three who came on – George Hirst, Kieran Tierney and Ferguson – who all added freshness.But Gilmour and the supporters had every right to be annoyed.As the clock ticked on, it was clear as day Scotland weren’t going to get the goals needed to turn it around.Clarke made two more changes after 72 minutes with Christie and skipper Andy Robertson replaced by Tommy Conway and young James Wilson for his debut.The fans were happier with those decisions but nothing really changed.Greece held their shape magnificently and did the hard graft needed to protect their lead.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd after a late, late Tierney chance the final whistle brought more jeers from the fed-up fans left inside the stadium with thousands already in the pub.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I wish my father was here’ – Emotional moment Robbie Savage chokes up after winning promotion with Macclesfield

      by

      ROBBIE SAVAGE choked up as he paid an emotional tribute to his father after guiding Macclesfield FC to promotion.The phoenix of club of Macclesfield Town beat Bamber Bridge 2-1 on Saturday to seal their place as Northern Premier League champions.Robbie Savage became emotional as he paid tribute to his late fatherCredit: X/ thesilkmenSavage’s Macclesfield FC are the Northern Premier League championsCredit: GettyIt means Savage’s men will be playing in the National League North next term.And his men have done it with six games still to go.Savage only took charge of Macclesfield last summer.The club itself was created just five years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut together, they have achieved something special after losing last season’s promotion play-off final.Speaking to the media, Savage became emotional as he reflected on his late father not being there to witness the feat.Colin Savage was diagnosed with dementia when he was 58 years old and sadly died aged 63 in 2012.His son became choked up as he paid tribute, while also revealing his mother was too unwell to watch Macclesfield’s celebrations in person.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut Savage was delighted to welcome his wife and children along for the festivities.And he also warned rival sides that Macclesfield are now aiming to win their final six matches while also reaching a ton of goals.Robbie Savage talks about his move into football management at Macclesfield Savage only joined Macclesfield last summerCredit: GettyHe has also fired a warning to rival teamsCredit: GettySavage said: “Winning the league with six games to go. Not only have we done it, we’ve smashed the winning barrier and I can’t thank my staff enough.“I wish my father was here to see it, it’s seeing people’s families here… my mum couldn’t be here as she was ill.“She said ‘I wish your dad was here to see you’. I’m quite emotional because the pressure has been extraordinary, to the point my sons were worried about me having a heart attack.“I’ve proved people wrong, |’m a fighter and believe in what I do, I just wish my mum and dad were here.“But the nicest thing was my two boys were here. They gave me a big kiss and hug, my wife too, that means so much.“People can say what they want about me but they cant take away that my group have won the league on the first attempt.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The group believed in me, now we focus on another three points and want 109 points and 100 goals, it doesn’t stop.“If the players don’t realise now what this club is, it’s one of the biggest clubs in non league.” More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Stuart Pearce reveals cause of terrifying health scare at 30,000ft which led to his heart being ‘restarted’

      by

      ENGLAND icon Stuart Pearce has told how medical staff restarted his heart after his 30,000ft plane emergency.The Sun revealed how the football legend’s health scare this month led to his London-bound flight being diverted to Canada.England icon Stuart Pearce has told how medical staff restarted his heart after his 30,000ft plane emergencyCredit: The SunPearce made a full recovery and was commentating for TalkSport for England’s 2-0 win over AlbaniaThe Three Lions legend was taken to hospital after the plane made an emergency landing in CanadaCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe 62-year-old, nicknamed Psycho, said yesterday: “My heart was racing a little bit.“The medical staff on the plane were magnificent and they made the decision after three hours to drop me off in St John’s in Newfoundland.“The hospital staff there basically stopped my heart and restarted it again to put it back into a normal rhythm.”He told The Sunday Times: “I had five days there and another five days in a hotel waiting for the medical care, so an extra ten day’s holiday.READ MORE ON STUART PEARCE“They think it was caused by a virus.”The Three Lions ace had been travelling back from Las Vegas on March 2 after watching his beloved rugby league team Warrington Wolves play Wigan Warriors.After finally returning to the UK, the TalkSport pundit told the station: “I went to meet my maker last week . . . but he said your time’s not up big fella and sent me away.“But in all seriousness, I’m in good form.Most read in Football“On the flight I had chest pains but I was looked after fantastically.”The former left-back has made a full recovery and was commentating for England’s 2-0 win over Albania last Friday.Football legend Stuart Pearce gives update after health scare on flight More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Is that the legendary Dwight Gayle…?’ Steve Bruce has salty response to former Newcastle star’s training allegations

      by

      STEVE BRUCE clapped back at Dwight Gayle with a cheeky jibe following the striker’s criticism of Bruce’s lack of tactics at Newcastle.Gayle, who played under Bruce for over two years, suggested this week that his old gaffer didn’t put enough focus on the tactical side of the game while at St James’ Park.Steve Bruce has hit back at comments made by Dwight Gayle about his managementCredit: XGayle claimed that Bruce once told Newcastle players ‘I don’t do tactics’Credit: Andy BarrGayle played 45 times under Steve Bruce at NewcastleCredit: PAThe former Magpies striker, who now plies his trade with Hibernian, sensationally claimed that Bruce had told his team, “I don’t do tactics”, during a 5-0 defeat to Man City in 2020.He told the Open Goal podcast: “I remember like some of the boys got chucked into the Man City shift, basically.”We had like a three-game week, and I think the gaffer sort of chucked a few of the boys under the bus in terms of who had to play against Man City away.”And me and Matty Ritchie were asking for tactical improvements for weeks or months or whatever.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”And then we come in at half-time, and I think we were 2-0 or 3-0 down, and he’s like, ‘Boys, you keep asking for tactics – I don’t do tactics! Just put your boots on and work hard’.”And now Bruce has hit back at the criticism, taking a swipe at Gayle’s finishing in another clash with Man City during the FA Cup quarter-final in the same season.Bruce told BBC Radio Lancashire: “Is that the legendary Dwight Gayle, who missed the chance in the quarter-final against Manchester City? Is that the same Dwight Gayle? Interesting.”I’ve been around the block a long, long time. I’ve only managed 1,050 games but according to Dwight, I don’t know what I’m doing.Most read in FootballSteve Bruce brought up a huge chance Dwight Gayle missed against Man City in 2020Credit: BBCGayle launched an effort over the bar from inside the six-yard boxCredit: BBCCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’ll let other people make their minds up who are a bit more established than Dwight ever was.”Bruce had had an impressive career as a top manager, taking charge of over 475 Premier League games with five different top flight teams.’I don’t do tactics’ – Former Newcastle star claims he had conversation with Steve Bruce that left him ‘in shock’The retired Manchester United star took over at League One outfit Blackpool back in September.The Tangerines are currently 10th in division this season, having won 13, drawn 13 and lost six league games this term.Gayle had also lifted the lid on what it was like during training under Bruce, claiming that he “didn’t really do much” before Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian takeover.He explained: “He didn’t really do much on the training pitch. But then, obviously, when the Saudi owners came in, he stuck his boots on and the whistle and was like, ‘If I’m going, then I’m going to run you into the ground’, or something like that.”So, we’re doing some running drills and he’s just running us and he’s blowing his whistle and it’s just, like, making it into a little bit of a joke and stuff. He’s like, ‘They’re over there watching you’.”Adding: “[Training] was okay. I felt that he didn’t perhaps spend enough time on working on a lot of things with us.”I think he was trying to go game by game rather than perhaps develop us as a team. I just felt like we could have improved with a lot of things.”Bruce is now boss at Blackpool in League OneCredit: GettyDwight Gayle is playing for Scottish side HibernianCredit: Alamy More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sean Dyche reveals he’s getting a ‘glow up’ with nose job and new teeth as he opens up on health condition

      by

      SEAN DYCHE is set to get his nose and teeth done after lifting the lid on his 25-year health issue.The former Premier League boss has been out of work since he was sacked by Everton in January.Sean Dyche is set to undergo surgery on his nose to fix a breathing problemCredit: GettyDyche, 53, has landed a new job on talkSPORT while he waits for a return to the dugout.And on his new show, Dyche revealed he is looking forward to going under the knife to get his new look.He explained: “I’m having a glow-up. I’m getting my gnashers done. I’ve got teeth like Animal, you know one of them muppets. “I promised my daughter, she’s been nagging me for years. I promised myself I’ll get my teeth done. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m getting my nose done but not for cosmetic reasons – I can’t breathe through half of it. I should have had it done 25 years ago.”We played at Gillingham for Millwall and Guy Ipoua did an overhead kick, I threw my head at it being the brave lion of a defender I was.”He overhead kicked me right on the nose and it smashed my shnozz. You know how it was in those days, get on with it. “They got a bit of metal and pushed it in. I haven’t been able to breathe properly for years.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKDyche also answered what many will be thinking, saying: “It’s not the reason for the voice.”When they go up my nose with the camera, they look at the voice box. I’ve had it checked about 50 times.”Sean Dyche SACKED by Everton just hours before FA Cup game as two club icons take charge and David Moyes in line for jobOn his managerial future, Dyche said: “I’m open to ideas at this stage. I’ve been in the game a long time. I’ve been in the Premier League for ten years.”As you know, the game is so fast now. I’ve had lots of offers from media – which I’m considering.”I’m happy to be doing a bit for talkSPORT and Jonny Owen, who is a friend of mine and very knowledgeable on football and life in general. So I’m looking forward to that.”You never know what will come around. Football is a strange business. It changes very quickly and the viewpoint changes quickly as well.”Dyche also broke his silence on his Everton sacking, admitting the change came “at the right time”. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Alex Ferguson leads emotional tribute to Denis Law in Scotland’s first home clash since Man Utd legend died at 84

      by

      SIR ALEX FERGUSON led the touching tributes to Denis Law before Scotland’s clash against Greece.The Tartan Army were in action for the first time at Hampden Park since the Manchester United legend’s sad death in January.Sir Alex Ferguson held a Scotland shirt with Denis Law’s name printed on the backCredit: PAFergie was joined by members of Law’s family at Hampden ParkCredit: PAFans unveiled a stunning banner to show their respect to their record goalscorerPlayers and fans also held a minute’s applauseCredit: SNSAnd ahead of kick-off today, Scotland paid a fitting tribute to Law.A montage of his best moments was played on the big screens while fans held up cards to create a banner that read “Lawman”.Both teams showed their appreciation alongside supporters with a minute’s applause. And Sir Alex showed his respect by entering the pitch alongside Law’s family.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ex-Man Utd manager held a shirt aloft with the 1964 Ballon d’Or winner’s name and number on the back.Fans loved the emotional tribute, with one saying: “Lovely moment legend to legend.”Another added: “Great gesture.”A third wrote: “Absolutely class scenes.”Most read in FootballLaw sadly died at the aged of 84 earlier this year following a brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.The former striker is widely-regarded as one of the best to ever play for Scotland and Man Utd.Denis Law was the last of Man Utd’s ‘Holy Trinity’ and one of football’s true greatsHe is his nation’s joint-record goalscorer of all-time on 30 goals – tied with Kenny Dalglish at the top of the list.At Man Utd, he won two league titles, the FA Cup and European Cup while netting an incredible 237 goals in 404 games.The likes of Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney and all of the Red Devils squad attended his funeral.Denis Law won the Ballon d’Or and European CupCredit: Rex More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      BBC forced to apologise for technical issues for Scotland vs Greece clash as viewers are left without commentary

      by

      THE BBC was forced to apologise for technical issues after viewers watching Scotland vs Greece were left without commentary.The Nations League battle saw both sides compete to remain in Group A.The BBC apologised after fans were left without commentary for Scotland vs GreeceHosts Scotland took a 1-0 league into the crunch clash as Sir Alex Ferguson led tributes to late Manchester United legend Denis Law.But fans watching at home were immediately left scratching their heads at kick off.As the two sides started playing, it became clear that there had been no commentary in the moments preceding kick-off.The match then started, with still no sound heard from the commentary box.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the BBC appeared to be clearly aware of the issue.And an apology was swiftly flashed across the bottom of the screen.It read: “We apologise for lack of commentary.”The match then saw panellists in the studio also issue a message.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey said: “We apologise for the lack of commentary. We’re currently having technical difficulties.”Fortunately for fans, the commentary eventually resumed.BBC forced to apologise for technical issues as Scotland vs Greece clash as viewers are left without commentaryBut this time, it was several seconds out of sync with the live action.It saw fans flock to social media to complain about the situation.One said: “BBC having a mare here.”Another declared: “Outstanding coverage of the national team here.”One noted: “Dear BBC, can you please sort the sound out.”Another added: “Fix the sound, it’s like someone telling you what happens before you’ve watched something.” More